# Virtual Background Camera vs Magic Video Maker

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Magic Video Maker at 58% against Virtual Background Camera's 6%. Magic Video Maker also leads on rating (4.4 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (146 vs 1). Virtual Background Camera's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Virtual Background Camera sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Magic Video Maker sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Magic Video Maker holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Magic Video Maker has 146 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 6% of Virtual Background Camera's written reviews are positive against 58% of Magic Video Maker's.

Virtual Background Camera ships an update every 4 days, Magic Video Maker every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 31, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Virtual Background Camera | Magic Video Maker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-background-camera/id1488612487/reviews) | **[4.4 (146 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-video-maker-effects-cam/id1529718968/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **146** |
| Positive reviews | 5.9% of reviews | **58.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 10 MB | 142 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HOBEEC](https://appshunter.io/developer/465035845) | [Perfectrix](https://appshunter.io/developer/1088835215) |

## What reviewers say

### Virtual Background Camera

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-background-camera/id1488612487)

Transform your device into a creative studio by replacing your background with any video or photo. Easily capture and share high-quality content for social media platforms.

**Highlights:** Replace background with any video or photo, Adjust background positioning and zoom, Capture high-quality photos and videos, Use with TikTok, Instagram Reels, and more, AR and AI powered background replacement

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UPGRADE UNLIMIT | $3.99 | one-time |


### Magic Video Maker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-video-maker-effects-cam/id1529718968)

Add magical effects, 3D filters, and animated characters to your videos and photos without a green screen. Bring fantasy creatures and visual effects to life in your real-world surroundings to create unique and artistic content.

**Highlights:** Live video effects without green screen, Embed FX effects and 3D filters, Add animated characters (unicorns, bunnies), Animated emojis and face filters, Action FX like explosions and lightning, Place effects on any flat surface

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Go Premium - Magic Video Maker | $9.99 | per month |
| Love | Free | one-time |
| Heart with Love | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pegasus Unicorn | $2.99 | one-time |
| Princess Pony | $2.99 | one-time |
| Pinkie Pony | $2.99 | one-time |
| Rainbow Pony | $2.99 | one-time |
| Twilight Pony | $2.99 | one-time |
| Snowman | $2.99 | one-time |
| Dancing Snowmen | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🦄 Cute characters and effects
- ✨ Great for creative videos
- 👍 Easy to use for kids
- 🤩 Fun for pranks
- 🎬 Good for movie making

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Too much content costs money
- 💰 Unrealistic pricing model
- 🐴 Unrealistic graphics
- 👎 High cost for monthly subscription
- 🚫 Many features locked behind paywall

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot exit camera mode without quitting
- User declined recording error
- App is glitchy
- Cannot resize video
- Tapping, swiping, pinching do nothing

**Requested features**

- Make more items free
- Offer a one-time purchase option
- Provide guidance on how to use the app
- Add more free effects
- Fix recording issues


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Virtual Background Camera free?

Virtual Background Camera is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Magic Video Maker free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Virtual Background Camera or Magic Video Maker?

Magic Video Maker is rated higher. Virtual Background Camera averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Magic Video Maker averages 4.4 from 146 ratings.

### Do Virtual Background Camera or Magic Video Maker have ads?

Neither Virtual Background Camera nor Magic Video Maker shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Virtual Background Camera or Magic Video Maker?

Virtual Background Camera ships an update every 4 days, and Magic Video Maker every 3 weeks. Most recently, Virtual Background Camera was updated on August 31, 2026 and Magic Video Maker on September 22, 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.*