# Splode Lab Ex vs Magic FX

Splode Lab Ex and Magic FX both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 89% of Splode Lab Ex's written reviews are positive against 18% of Magic FX's. Splode Lab Ex also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). Magic FX's advantage is ratings volume (3.3K vs 447). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Splode Lab Ex sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Magic FX sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Splode Lab Ex against 4.5 for Magic FX. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Magic FX has 3.3K ratings behind it against 447, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 89% of Splode Lab Ex's written reviews are positive against 18% of Magic FX's.

Splode Lab Ex ships an update every 3 weeks, Magic FX monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Splode Lab Ex | Magic FX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (447 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/splode-lab-ex/id1275951874/reviews)** | [4.5 (3.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-fx-video-effect-master/id1512758709/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 447 | **3.3K** |
| Positive reviews | **88.9% of reviews** | 18.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 232 MB | 147 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Robert Blackadder](https://appshunter.io/developer/436092550) | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) |

## What reviewers say

### Splode Lab Ex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/splode-lab-ex/id1275951874)

Create dynamic visual effects with this real-time VFX tool. Draw with fire, tap explosions, or design stunning visual displays. Share your creations as videos or use them in other projects.

**Highlights:** Real-time visual effects creation, Draw with fire and tap explosions, Create mind-blowing visual displays, Share as video for social media, Simple title graphics editor, Export video loops for VJ software

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Texture Pack 01 | $0.99 | one-time |


### Magic FX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-fx-video-effect-master/id1512758709)

Transform ordinary videos into extraordinary content with cinematic magic. Add special effects like fireballs and lightning, or turn yourself into a cartoon character. Enhance photos with artistic filters and aging effects, then share your creations easily.

**Highlights:** Cinematic video effects, Cartoon and artistic filters, Realistic aging effects, Photo enhancement tools, Weekly new effects, High-quality video export

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited access | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| MagicFX Magic Video Editor Pro | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium features | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| MagicFX Weekly Video Effects | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium features | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| MagicFX Magic Video Editor Pro | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Magic FX Monthly Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| MagicFX Magic Video Editor Pro | $12.99 | per month |
| MagicFX Magic Video Editor Pro | $12.99 | per month |
| Premium features | $19.99 | per month |
| MagicFX Magic Video Editor Pro | $29.99 | per year |
| MagicFX Magic Video Editor Pro | $49.99 | per year |
| MagicFX Magic Video Editor Pro | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great game
- 👍 Awesome app
- 🎨 Fantastic effects
- 💡 Unique features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 🔍 Difficult to use
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 📺 Too many ads
- 🤔 Misleading marketing

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes
- Inability to unlock effects
- Subscription issues and unexpected charges
- Camera permission and compatibility problems

**Requested features**

- More free effects and filters
- Ability to use without subscription
- Improved video quality
- Better organization and navigation


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Splode Lab Ex free?

Splode Lab Ex is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Magic FX free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Splode Lab Ex or Magic FX?

Splode Lab Ex is rated higher. Splode Lab Ex averages 4.6 out of 5 from 447 ratings, while Magic FX averages 4.5 from 3.3K ratings.

### Do Splode Lab Ex or Magic FX have ads?

Magic FX shows ads; Splode Lab Ex does not.

### Which is updated more often, Splode Lab Ex or Magic FX?

Splode Lab Ex ships an update every 3 weeks, and Magic FX monthly. Most recently, Splode Lab Ex was updated on September 28, 2026 and Magic FX on October 1, 2026.

---

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