# Complete Reference for D&D 5 vs ManaBox MTG

The clearest difference is rating: ManaBox MTG at 4.6 against Complete Reference for D&D 5's 3.7. ManaBox MTG also leads on review sentiment (78% vs 50%) and update cadence (every 5 days vs fortnightly). Complete Reference for D&D 5's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and iOS requirement (11.2 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Complete Reference for D&D 5 sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and ManaBox MTG sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ManaBox MTG holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ManaBox MTG has 1.7K ratings behind it against 273, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Complete Reference for D&D 5's written reviews are positive against 78% of ManaBox MTG's.

Complete Reference for D&D 5 ships an update fortnightly, ManaBox MTG every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Complete Reference for D&D 5 | ManaBox MTG |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (273 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/complete-reference-for-d-and-d-5/id1225927257/reviews) | **[4.6 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/manabox-mtg/id1460407674/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 273 | **1.7K** |
| Positive reviews | 50.5% of reviews | **78.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#170** |
| Size | 38 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.2** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [van Stein en Groentjes](https://appshunter.io/developer/550131050) | [SkillDevs S.C.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1460407673) |

## What reviewers say

### Complete Reference for D&D 5

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/complete-reference-for-d-and-d-5/id1225927257)

This app serves as a comprehensive guide for playing tabletop role-playing games, offering quick access to spells, items, and monsters without needing internet. It includes tools for Dungeon Masters and a character sheet manager, with the option to add custom content and print cards.

**Highlights:** Offline access to spells, items, and monsters, Searchable SRD 5 content, Online Content Creator for custom content, Printable spell, monster, and equipment cards, DM tools: map, name, loot, encounter generators, Character Sheet Manager with export and print, Initiative tracker

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Character Manager | $3.99 | one-time |
| DM Tools | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful reference for D&D players
- 🚀 Convenient and easy to use
- 💡 Useful for DMs and new players
- 🚀 Great for quick lookup of information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes when trying to access custom content
- 🐛 Deletes user-created content
- 🐛 Glitchy character sheet and DM tools
- 🐛 Missing important information (spells, classes, etc.)

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to access custom content
- Deletes user-created content
- Issues with character sheet and DM tools
- Incomplete information compared to official sources

**Requested features**

- Add more official content (spells, classes, races, etc.)
- Improve search functionality and organization
- Allow backing up and restoring user-created content
- Provide better instructions and tutorials for features


### ManaBox MTG

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/manabox-mtg/id1460407674)

**Currently charting:** #170 Top Grossing · Productivity (US App Store)

This app helps Magic: The Gathering players manage their card collections, build and test decks, and track card prices. It offers offline card searching, deck value analysis, and a trade tool. Easily organize your collection and share decks with friends.

**Highlights:** Offline card search and filters, Card scanning with camera, Up-to-date card prices, Deck building and value analysis, Collection organization, Deck simulator, Trade tool

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ManaBox PRO | $2.49 | per month |
| ManaBox PRO | $22.99 | per year |
| Dark theme | $0.99 | one-time |
| Orange theme | $0.99 | one-time |
| Dark(er) theme | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove ads | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast scanning and organization
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 💰 Reasonable subscription price
- 🔍 Comprehensive card database and search
- 📊 Detailed deck analytics and statistics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent scanning performance
- 🔍 Difficulty finding specific card versions
- 🔒 Limited access to features without subscription
- 🔗 Lack of cross-device sync and desktop support
- 🔍 Challenges with borderless/alternate card scanning

**Reported bugs**

- Camera not working on newer devices
- Scanning issues with certain card types
- Deck list not updating automatically

**Requested features**

- Ability to track sealed product inventory
- Integration with other deck building platforms
- Improved search filters (e.g. mana cost, card type)
- Automatic detection of infinite combos
- Option to view cards in a list format


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Complete Reference for D&D 5 free?

Complete Reference for D&D 5 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is ManaBox MTG free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Complete Reference for D&D 5 or ManaBox MTG?

ManaBox MTG is rated higher. Complete Reference for D&D 5 averages 3.7 out of 5 from 273 ratings, while ManaBox MTG averages 4.6 from 1.7K ratings.

### Do Complete Reference for D&D 5 or ManaBox MTG have ads?

Both Complete Reference for D&D 5 and ManaBox MTG show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Complete Reference for D&D 5 or ManaBox MTG?

Complete Reference for D&D 5 ships an update fortnightly, and ManaBox MTG every 5 days. Most recently, Complete Reference for D&D 5 was updated on October 29, 2026 and ManaBox MTG on October 29, 2026.

---

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