# TCGplayer vs Magic

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TCGplayer at none against Magic's 24. Magic's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and review sentiment (34% vs 21%). On price, update cadence, ads and chart position there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Magic sells 17 one-off in-app purchases. TCGplayer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Magic holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Magic has 156K ratings behind it against 18K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 21% of TCGplayer's written reviews are positive against 34% of Magic's.

TCGplayer ships an update fortnightly, Magic weekly. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | TCGplayer | Magic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tcgplayer/id1247645833/reviews) | **[4.6 (156K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-the-gathering-arena/id1496227521/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18K | **156K** |
| Positive reviews | 21.0% of reviews | **34.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #20 | **#14** |
| Size | 69 MB | 265 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [TCGplayer, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1247645832) | [Wizards of the Coast](https://appshunter.io/developer/491192018) |

## What reviewers say

### TCGplayer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tcgplayer/id1247645833)

**Currently charting:** #20 Top Free · Card (US App Store)

Quickly scan and identify trading cards to track their market prices and manage your collection. Access your entire collection on the go and browse the extensive marketplace for seamless shopping.

**Highlights:** Blazingly fast card scanning, Effortless price tracking, Access collection anytime, anywhere, Seamless in-app shopping, Supports numerous TCGs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast scanning
- 👍 Convenient for cataloging cards
- 💡 Integrated with TCGplayer website

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate scanning
- 🐛 Buggy and laggy performance
- 🔒 Poor account/login management
- 👎 Limited sorting/organization options

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup
- Incorrect card information displayed
- Inability to properly scan certain card types (foils, black cards, etc.)

**Requested features**

- Ability to sync collection across devices
- More sorting/filtering options for collections
- Support for additional card games beyond MTG, Pokemon, and Yu-Gi-Oh


### Magic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-the-gathering-arena/id1496227521)

**Currently charting:** #14 Top Grossing · Card, #20 Top Grossing · Strategy, #49 Top Free · Strategy, #52 Top Free · Card, #87 Top Grossing · Games (US App Store)

Experience the original fantasy collectible card game digitally. Discover strategies, build unique decks, and battle friends worldwide. Offers a comprehensive tutorial for new players and various game modes for seasoned veterans.

**Highlights:** Digital collectible card game, Deck building and strategy, Online multiplayer battles, Tutorial for new players, Multiple game formats, Cosmetic customization

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 750 Gems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Starter Bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| Jurassic World Lands | $9.99 | one-time |
| Fallout Companion Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| 1,600 Gems | $9.99 | one-time |
| 4x Rare Wildcards | $9.99 | one-time |
| Adventurer Bundle | $14.99 | one-time |
| Pre-order: Pass Bundle | $14.99 | one-time |
| 3,400 Gems | $19.99 | one-time |
| 4x Mythic Wildcards | $19.99 | one-time |
| Spark Bundle | $24.99 | one-time |
| Massacre Girl Pack Pre-order | $49.99 | one-time |
| Pre-order: Oko Pack Bundle | $49.99 | one-time |
| Pre-order: Pack Bundle | $49.99 | one-time |
| 9,200 Gems | $49.99 | one-time |
| Pre-order: Sorin Pack Bundle | $49.99 | one-time |
| 20,000 Gems | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great way to play Magic on the go
- 🎨 Excellent visual representation of the game
- 💰 Generous free-to-play model
- 🕹️ Smooth and intuitive gameplay
- 🕰️ Convenient for players who can't meet in person

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- 🕹️ Clunky UI and navigation
- 💰 Aggressive monetization and pay-to-win concerns
- 🔀 Rigged matchmaking and unfair shuffling algorithm
- 🕰️ Slow performance on older devices

**Reported bugs**

- Cards not working as intended
- Inability to select or interact with certain game elements
- Inconsistent behavior when app crashes during matches
- Sync issues between mobile and desktop accounts

**Requested features**

- Ability to trade or recycle unwanted cards
- Improved deck building tools and organization
- Support for multiplayer formats like Commander and Two-Headed Giant
- Option to disable animations and speed up gameplay
- Better integration between mobile and desktop versions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TCGplayer free?

TCGplayer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Magic free?

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

### Which has better reviews, TCGplayer or Magic?

Magic is rated higher. TCGplayer averages 4.2 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while Magic averages 4.6 from 156K ratings.

### Do TCGplayer or Magic have ads?

Neither TCGplayer nor Magic shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TCGplayer or Magic?

TCGplayer ships an update fortnightly, and Magic weekly. Most recently, TCGplayer was updated on October 26, 2026 and Magic on October 26, 2026.

### Which is more popular, TCGplayer or Magic?

TCGplayer currently peaks at #20 in the App Store charts, and Magic at #14. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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