# MTG Guide — user reviews > 341 indexed App Store user reviews of MTG Guide by Michael Wybrow, rated 4.70/5 from 722 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtg-guide/id378754271/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtg-guide/id378754271.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 630 · 4★ 33 · 3★ 7 · 2★ 3 · 1★ 49 ## What do users think of MTG Guide? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🚀 Excellent reference tool - 🔒 Offline access to rules and cards - 👍 Comprehensive and up-to-date database - 👍 Intuitive and easy to use interface - 👍 Helpful for judges and players - 🚀 Fast and responsive **Cons** - 🔍 Limited search/filter options - 📱 Lack of full-screen card art - 🔍 Truncated search results **Commonly reported bugs** - Slow loading of Gatherer text - Occasional crashes or freezes **Most requested features** - Advanced search and filtering options - Ability to display full-screen card art - Integration of annotated IPG and MTR - Option to sort cards by various criteria - Display of rarity symbols for cards ## Newest reviews (14 of 341) ### 1/5 — Great until subscriptions. *2026-05-26* I loved this app and it was always my go-to app for any rulings or even looking up cards on my phone whenever I played, talked about, or had ideas for decks involving MTG. I bought this app a long time ago (a few years), because I figured it would be very helpful. And it has been. But the recent change to the app has upset me very much. Especially as since I had bought the app before, one would think that I would be grandfathered in for lifetime access to database updates. No, I now have to pay a subscription to get those updates, and so the money originally paid to get the app in the past is now wasted. In addition, the idea to gatekeep the database updates behind a paywall is not good in my opinion. Especially as for those who want to just use the app for free would download it at x day, especially for reference to the rules at a future event at y day. Before the event happens, some of the rules get changed, however the person who is using it for free can't see the new, updated rules, and could end up making a mistake at the event that they thought was a valid play because they didn't want to pay a subscription to get new info that should be available to everyone regardless. Sure, there is also the source of getting the rules information from Wizards's website themselves, but people would also like the ease of use the app provides. I do understand the need to keep the lights running for the app, but this isn't it. Especially for those who had bought the app before it went free-to-use that don't get anything but their money wasted for something they thought was going to be permanent at the time of purchase that ended up changing without notice until it changed. ### 1/5 — Relevant features locked behind paywall *2026-05-17* I used to love this app but now just getting oracle text of the most recent set requires a subscription fee. I’ll just use google instead. I paid for this app years ago and apparently now I need to pay more money just to use a feature that has been there the whole time (a feature I paid for when I originally bought the app). I paid for features that I now cannot use. Horrible bait and switch. This app is *useless* now. Getting new sets has been on the app for years but now it costs money to update and get new sets in the app. Scryfall is a much better option. Predictably the dev will copy and paste their response rather than listen to what users are saying. Can’t even take the time to give a real response to criticism. Update: I want to point out the dev is *misleading* when they say “you have the oracle text currently it’s just delayed”. When I reopened this app to get the TMNT set there was no way to update the oracle text and no information on when it would possibly be available in the future. As far as I was told by the app I need to subscribe to update that. Now the dev is saying it’s available but “delayed.” How delayed will new sets be? What’s in the regular timeline for their delay? How long do people need to wait for new sets? Or if it only at your whim? What I find odd is my oracle text says it was updated only on April 23rd, 2026. My review was posted April 29th. How did I get my oracle data updated before I reviewed that I didn’t have it? Genuinely trying to gaslight your users into saying you have it currently. I wrote my review because I could not access the TMNT set a month after it released. Only after months of negative reviews were the apps updated to the most recent sets. I can’t recommend this app to anyone anymore who is to say the deal won’t be altered again and again. **Developer response:** Getting oracle text of the most recent set or new sets doesn't requires a subscription fee (you have it currently), it may just be delayed, as it was for the last set. I'm sorry you feel the app is useless. I won't put my explanation as you've obviously read it. I'm sorry you feel anrgy about this. I made the difficult decsion to do this after supporting the apps and the past paid users for many many years (I could have introduced subscriptons in 2017). It was really this or abandom the apps. ### 1/5 — Was great *2026-05-08, version 4.1* Paid for app years ago. Now the developer changes to subscription but doesn’t grandfather the customers who originally supported him and paid for the product. That’s a rug-pull. ### 1/5 — Developer Stole Purchase *2026-05-03* This app used to be paid. The developer recently disabled major functions and tried to swap to a mandatory subscription model to re-enable things that you previously paid for. Extremely unethical, do not support this developer. Developer’s response claims that “the core app you bought still works”, but they’ve disabled image loading despite it being a previously paid-for feature. **Developer response:** I'm sorry you feel this way. I want to be upfront about why it happened: maintaining the app means ongoing costs I didn't have years ago: database updates, server hosting, and keeping up with each new iOS release. I've been supporting this app for every new magic set for 17 years. Paid-up-front sales weren't covering those costs anymore, so the choice was subscription or shutting it down. The core app you originally bought still works, and the subscription only gates the features that have ongoing costs behind them. I appreciate you having supported the app early on, and I'm sorry this change has soured the experience. ### 1/5 — Was good, not anymore. *2026-05-02* Paid up front for quality, now is subscription hidden behind a pay wall. No new sets added. Will be using other apps now. **Developer response:** New sets are added. You'll notice the latest is available to you. It may just may not be available on release day when you don't have Preimum. I want to be upfront about why it happened: maintaining the app means ongoing costs I didn't have years ago: database updates, server hosting, and keeping up with each new iOS release. I've been supporting this app for every new magic set for 17 years. Paid-up-front sales weren't covering those costs anymore, so the choice was subscription or shutting it down. The core app you originally bought still works, and the subscription only gates the features that have ongoing costs behind them. I appreciate you having supported the app, and I'm sorry this change has soured the experience. ### 1/5 — Now Paywalled. *2026-05-02, version 4.0.1* Moved to subscription, now not usable after purchasing the app. Terrible. ### 1/5 — Relevant features locked behind paywall *2026-04-29, version 4.0.1* I used to love this app but now just getting oracle text of the most recent set requires a subscription fee. I’ll just use google instead. I paid for this app years ago and apparently now I need to pay more money just to use a feature that has been there the whole time (a feature I paid for when I originally bought the app). I paid for features that I now cannot use. Horrible bait and switch. This app is *useless* now. Getting new sets has been on the app for years but now it costs money to update and get new sets in the app. Scryfall is a much better option. Predictably the dev will copy and paste their response rather than listen to what users are saying. Can’t even take the time to give a real response to criticism. ### 1/5 — No longer free *2026-04-29* Was the best. Now on subscription. I can’t justify paying for the amount of times i’d use it. **Developer response:** I'm sorry you feel this way. I want to be upfront about why it happened: maintaining the app means ongoing costs I didn't have years ago: database updates, server hosting, and keeping up with each new iOS release. I've been supporting this app for every new magic set for 17 years. Paid-up-front sales weren't covering those costs anymore, so the choice was subscription or shutting it down. The core app you originally bought still works, and the subscription only gates the features that have ongoing costs behind them. ### 1/5 — Welp *2026-04-28* Developer changed to subscription based pricing. Only noticed because I tried to look up the wording on a new mechanic. now that the new set has released the new rules won't download until you pay more for an app that was a flat fee. Developer has been responding to these reviews that it was convert to subscription or shut down the app either way it's still almost completely non-functional. It's bad business to not grandfather in people who have already paid for the app. Sure, change go subscription, I get it you have expenses to pay. Make the change for new customers don't exploit the people who have been using your app for years. **Developer response:** Unfortunately the people who have been using the app for years are costing me, so I can't grandfather them. I'm sorry if you feel it is exploitation to expect to be compensated for ongoing work and money and put into maintainig the app. I want to be upfront about why it happened: maintaining the app means ongoing costs I didn't have years ago: database updates, server hosting, and keeping up with each new iOS release. I've been supporting this app for every new magic set for 17 years. Paid-up-front sales weren't covering those costs anymore, so the choice was subscription or shutting it down. The core app you originally bought still works, and the subscription only gates the features that have ongoing costs behind them. I appreciate you having supported the app early on, and I'm sorry this change has soured the experience. ### 1/5 — Added paywall *2026-04-26, version 4.0.1* Bought the app 12 years ago, mostly used it to reference comp rules/IPG/MTR easily. Now it requires a subscription to view cards and update rulings? Deleting on principle, I'll find another way to search what I need Edit: Dev response sounds snarky as hell. Definitely not changing my review now. Why not grandfather old users into the new model, or at least give a year of free subscription to us? Other apps do it. ### 1/5 — Subscription required *2026-04-26, version 4.0.1* While I have bought this app three years ago I will be removing it due to the need of a subscription to get the newest version of the rules. ### 1/5 — Bought this app years ago and now premium? *2026-04-26, version 4.0.1* I don’t appreciate gating updates to the comprehensive rules behind a paywall. I bought this app when it was paid and two versions ago they switched for freemium and I lost access ### 1/5 — I already paid for this app now they want more. *2026-04-26, version 4.0.1* I paid for this app years ago and have recommend it to many people, now I have to pay a subscription to access what I already paid for. ### 1/5 — You have to subscribe to update database now *2026-04-23, version 4.0.1* This app is now completely useless if you don’t subscribe. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Gekauft und nun Abo *2026-08-04* Absoluter Betrug. Als Vollversion gekauft und jetzt soll es plötzlich ein abartig teures Abo sein? Was soll der Quatsch? ### 1/5 — Greedy Scam *2026-07-30, version 4.1* Purchased App years ago and no new features have been added. All information on here is scraped off of Gatherer.c om. Nothing new is provided by the app. And now they want to charge you a subscription fee after paying in full for that app, or they won’t “update” it with new cards a rules. No work is done on their end. It’s just a copy paste of the rules. Total scam. They should shut this app down and start a new one, but they know no one will use the new one if they have to pay a second time. Scummy tech people, finding a way to charge you to use an app you bought in full years ago. ### 1/5 — Premium app no more *2026-07-17, version 4.1* Paid for this app quite a few years back with the expectation it would be supported for the price I paid. Instead the dev wants to charge for information Wizards makes available for free and other apps make available for free. Bye! ### 1/5 — Now Paywalled. *2026-07-14* Moved to subscription, now not usable after purchasing the app. Terrible. **Developer response:** I'm sorry you feel this way. I want to be upfront about why it happened: maintaining the app means ongoing costs I didn't have years ago: database updates, server hosting, and keeping up with each new iOS release. I've been supporting this app for every new magic set for 17 years. Paid-up-front sales weren't covering those costs anymore, so the choice was subscription or shutting it down. The core app you originally bought still works, and the subscription only gates the features that have ongoing costs behind them. I appreciate you having supported the app early on, and I'm sorry this change has soured the experience. ### 1/5 — Requires subscription for core features after you bought it *2026-07-01, version 4.1* The features of the app itself are totally fine, so I bought it a while ago as a convenience tool, even though all of its Information can easily be accessed, via a google search. But now it locks information about cards from new sets behind a subscription, which makes it useless for me. I am fine with offline card images being a premium Feature, as downloading images is costly for servers, but updating a copy of the scryfall database is something extremely cheap that even I can do. I recommend just using scryfall.com for the card iformation and the online available comprehensive Rules. ### 1/5 — Do not buy! SCAM!! *2026-06-27, version 4.1* App functionality was removed after full payment and now requiring a subscription. Scam!! ### 1/5 — no Card Updates *2026-06-22* Card updates require premium subscription ### 1/5 — Subscription Slop ruined app *2026-06-21, version 4.1* I bought the app, now they remove features AND UPDATES unless you sign up for a subscription. Hell no ### 1/5 — Charging old customers who paid for the app *2026-06-08, version 4.1* I paid for the full app many years ago and now I can’t view card images anymore and is asked to pay for a premium subscription. I don’t think it’s right to remove a feature for old customers who give you money. ### 1/5 — So long *2026-05-29, version 4.1* YEARS of use, now everything requires a subscription. New set updates, images, what’s next? ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Awesome MTG app! *2026-07-13, version 4.1* All in one MTG resource for card info, rules, IPG, and others! ### 5/5 — Best Magic App for Rules and Judges *2026-06-25, version 4.1* Easy access to all cards, errata, rulings, comprehensive rules, and everything. You name it, this app has it. It’s not there for collating your collection or deck building, but for those interested in the nuts and bolts and details of the game, there’s nothing like it! ### 5/5 — Good app *2026-05-28, version 4.1* The premium is super cheep and nice, but you don’t even need it, makes skimming the comp rules wayyyyy easier ### 5/5 — Best app for judging imo *2026-04-27, version 4.0.1* Been judging for 3 years and just wanted to say it wouldn’t be possible without this app. Gather rulings on cards, comp rules being searchable, the IPG for quick reference, and the MTR all in one place really helps solve a myriad of problems. It even has a draft timer for sealed RCQs. Wonderful app and is kept up beautifully. ### 5/5 — Really good app created by a good dude *2026-04-27* I already paid for this. Taking away features that were already paid for and then not even letting you update the database without subscribing isn’t right. Basically anyone who doesn’t pay is stuck with tmnt and older, but now without pictures of cards. Very disappointed in them but that’s capitalism for ya Edit: Mr Wybrow, I wasn’t expecting a response to my review for the mtg guide app. I’m a little ashamed in how I handled that in general. The past year has not been good for me and then having one of my favorite apps tell me that I had to pay more, it set me off. I saw how everybody else was responding and I fell in line like a sheep. You were upfront and honest with me and to be fair, I only have an inkling (no pun intended) of what goes on with programming, let alone all those databases and I’m assuming matrices and all that jazz. i had to sell a lot of my cards just to be able to get the latest tmnt set. It was pretty impressive since I don’t sell cards often. (got two boxes and a bundle for $60. I’ll change my review in the near future if not today. Already subscribed. $7 is a steal for everything you’ve done and I apologize for my actions. Keep on keeping on. Michael M **Developer response:** Wow! Thank you for your heartfelt and mature response. Greatly appreciated. ### 5/5 — Finally! Something useful *2026-04-25* I've been looking for years on the App Store for an app that kept an updated database of the comp rules and this one does it perfectly with a really great design and feel. I play mtg with my friends at least once a week and there is almost always a rule disagreement or someone is unsure exactly how a card would work in situation X vs situation Y. With easy access to any cards Gatherer page , I find the info I need. The only thing I would like to see added to this app is a random card button for killing time going to the cards list. Highly recommend this app! ### 5/5 — MTG JUDGE Feature Request *2026-04-14* I love the app and appreciate it works on iPad! I spoke with other judges and have a UI request: 1) Please swap the default search bar under the Cards tab from Expansions to Cards. It’s very easy to select a new expansion after an update but I’m almost always using this tab to search for individual cards. That extra click below the search bar is unintuitive when switching between tabs for Comp Rules and Cards. 2) I like the orange highlight on the side for sections of rules and policy documents, however, some sections are long and I’d also appreciate a highlight for the search term within each section as well - or at least a settings toggle if that was excluded as a feature for aesthetic reasons. 3) Option to edit the script for called drafts. It’s good but there are preferences individual judges have or additional information they may want to say and all of that is easier to remember if it’s on the screen to read from - like an announcements slide as the first one and then the opening packs portion. I’m also a fan of a 10 second reminder for the earlier picks (as an option to toggle on or off). **Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback. 1) Work is underway to replace the two searches with a unified search. 2) I will look at this. 3) Can you email me with some specific examples of example customisations you'd want? ### 5/5 — Shady *2026-04-11* Paid $10 for full access to this app a few months ago, then the developer switched to a subscription model. Now I have to pay $10 again? Thanks for punishing your supporters... what a joke. **Developer response:** If you paid $10 a few months ago, then the app won't require a subscripiton until 18 months from your purchase date. I want to be upfront about why it happened: maintaining the app means ongoing costs I didn't have years ago: database updates, server hosting, and keeping up with each new iOS release. I've been supporting this app for every new magic set for 17 years. Paid-up-front sales weren't covering those costs anymore, so the choice was subscription or shutting it down. The core app you originally bought still works, and the subscription only gates the features that have ongoing costs behind them. ### 5/5 — Excellent card info resource *2026-04-05* This MTG Guide app is superb when I need to find rulings about a card! And it’s also excellent when I want to learn more about an expansion! And recently, it was easily super informative when I wanted to learn exactly how a certain card’s text would work in MTG rules! You can simply search and find all MTG rules specific to whatever you’re wanting to know! Plus, all cards I’ve searched for appear in a list under the card search box, so you can easily visit prior cards you’ve already searched for! The searching in MTG Guide isn’t as expansive as Wizards of the Coast’s Companion app. So, I find specific cards with that app, and then search for those cards using MTG Guide. It’s a really successful combination! ### 5/5 — One stop shop *2026-03-31, version 3.15.23* The only resource I’ve needed for quite some time. Between the comp rules, card lookup, and a very easy to use interface, this has all the info I need in one place, which is great --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*