# The Stranger vs Maxim magic

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The Stranger at 96% against Maxim magic's 33%. The Stranger also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.7) and ratings volume (86 vs 15). Maxim magic's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs fortnightly) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Stranger sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Maxim magic sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

The Stranger holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: The Stranger has 86 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 96% of The Stranger's written reviews are positive against 33% of Maxim magic's.

The Stranger ships an update fortnightly, Maxim magic every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 1, 2026 and June 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Stranger | Maxim magic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-stranger/id1397183489/reviews)** | [3.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maxim-magic/id1616537026/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **86** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **95.6% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 246 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jonathan Levit Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/1397183488) | [Murphy's Magic](https://appshunter.io/developer/1556050817) |

## What reviewers say

### The Stranger

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-stranger/id1397183489)

This app enables performers to create impossible moments where a random stranger reveals information chosen by the audience. It supports various revelations, including playing cards, words, numbers, and names, with international language support for a global audience.

**Highlights:** Reveal chosen playing cards, Reveal thought-of words, Reveal numbers from addresses, Reveal names of loved ones, International language support, Customizable phone screen language

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Activate Friend Auto Texting | $3.99 | per month |
| Live to Pro (1 month) | $18.99 | per month |
| Monthly Access Autocrib AI | $29.00 | per month |
| Live to Pro (1 year) | $199.99 | per year |
| Recording: Poor Cell Reception | $14.99 | one-time |
| Recording: Memdeck | $14.99 | one-time |
| Nail Writer Revelation | $49.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade To Lite | $49.99 | one-time |
| Book Test Revelation | $99.99 | one-time |
| Activate Friend Auto Texting | $99.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade To Live From Lite | $149.00 | one-time |
| Playing Card revelation | $149.99 | one-time |
| Listen Revelation | $199.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade To Live From Trial | $299.00 | one-time |
| Stranger system | $999.99 | one-time |


### Maxim magic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maxim-magic/id1616537026)

Instantly calculate and discreetly reveal any freely named card from a spectator-shuffled deck. Offers multiple reveal methods, including counting to specific dates or spelling card names, with zero memory work or math required. Perfect for magicians of all skill levels.

**Highlights:** Instant card reveal calculation, Spectator-shuffled deck support, Multiple customizable reveal methods, Zero memory work or math, Works with any card stack, Covert phone usage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Maxim App | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Stranger free?

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

### Is Maxim magic free?

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

### Which has better reviews, The Stranger or Maxim magic?

The Stranger is rated higher. The Stranger averages 4.9 out of 5 from 86 ratings, while Maxim magic averages 3.7 from 15 ratings.

### Do The Stranger or Maxim magic have ads?

Neither The Stranger nor Maxim magic shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Stranger or Maxim magic?

The Stranger ships an update fortnightly, and Maxim magic every 6 days. Most recently, The Stranger was updated on September 1, 2026 and Maxim magic on June 4, 2026.

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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.*