# Vision vs Amalgam by Marc Kerstein

The clearest difference is rating: Amalgam by Marc Kerstein at 4.7 against Vision's 2.3. Amalgam by Marc Kerstein also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Vision sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per month and Amalgam by Marc Kerstein sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Amalgam by Marc Kerstein holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Amalgam by Marc Kerstein has 48 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of Vision's written reviews are positive against 93% of Amalgam by Marc Kerstein's.

Vision ships an update every 2 months, Amalgam by Marc Kerstein every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Vision | Amalgam by Marc Kerstein |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vision-card-spread-analyzer/id1183529356/reviews) | **[4.7 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/amalgam-by-marc-kerstein/id1497474271/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **48** |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | **93.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 19 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Martin Eisele](https://appshunter.io/developer/1099492467) | [Marc Kerstein](https://appshunter.io/developer/821255617) |

## What reviewers say

### Vision

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vision-card-spread-analyzer/id1183529356)

This app uses your iPhone's camera to scan and identify playing cards in a face-up spread. It can display the order of detected cards and show any missing ones. Basic functionality is available for free, with a subscription unlocking all features.

**Highlights:** Capture card spreads via video stream, Detect and display card order, Show missing cards, Supports regular Poker-Playing cards, Fast detection (under 1 second), Variety of settings

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full access | $9.99 | per month |


### Amalgam by Marc Kerstein

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/amalgam-by-marc-kerstein/id1497474271)

This app offers a collection of powerful yet easy-to-use magic effects that can be performed using just your phone. It includes detailed instructions, customization options, and a community section for sharing tips.

**Highlights:** Multiple magic effects in one app, Powerful yet easy to perform effects, Requires only your phone, Includes instructions and customization, Community section for tips and routines, Offline functionality for most effects

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TimedOut | Free | one-time |
| Amped | $14.99 | one-time |
| Watch | $24.99 | one-time |
| Word Search | $24.99 | one-time |
| OneStopShop | $29.99 | one-time |
| ChoiceMail | $29.99 | one-time |
| Streets | $33.99 | one-time |
| Inertia | $37.99 | one-time |
| Season One | $69.99 | one-time |
| Season Two | $84.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Vision free?

Vision is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Amalgam by Marc Kerstein free?

Amalgam by Marc Kerstein is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Vision or Amalgam by Marc Kerstein?

Amalgam by Marc Kerstein is rated higher. Vision averages 2.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Amalgam by Marc Kerstein averages 4.7 from 48 ratings.

### Do Vision or Amalgam by Marc Kerstein have ads?

Neither Vision nor Amalgam by Marc Kerstein shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Vision or Amalgam by Marc Kerstein?

Vision ships an update every 2 months, and Amalgam by Marc Kerstein every 4 days. Most recently, Vision was updated on November 2, 2026 and Amalgam by Marc Kerstein on November 3, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*