# Amalgam by Marc Kerstein vs Maxim magic

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Amalgam by Marc Kerstein at 93% against Maxim magic's 33%. Amalgam by Marc Kerstein also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.6) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Maxim magic's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Amalgam by Marc Kerstein sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Maxim magic sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Amalgam by Marc Kerstein holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 48 and 16 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of Amalgam by Marc Kerstein's written reviews are positive against 33% of Maxim magic's.

Amalgam by Marc Kerstein ships an update every 4 days, Maxim magic every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Amalgam by Marc Kerstein | Maxim magic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/amalgam-by-marc-kerstein/id1497474271/reviews)** | [3.6 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maxim-magic/id1616537026/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **48** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | **93.3% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 6 days |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 38 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.1 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marc Kerstein](https://appshunter.io/developer/821255617) | [Murphy's Magic](https://appshunter.io/developer/1556050817) |

## What reviewers say

### Amalgam by Marc Kerstein

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/amalgam-by-marc-kerstein/id1497474271)

This app offers a collection of powerful yet easy-to-use magic effects that can be performed using just your phone. It includes detailed instructions, customization options, and a community section for sharing tips.

**Highlights:** Multiple magic effects in one app, Powerful yet easy to perform effects, Requires only your phone, Includes instructions and customization, Community section for tips and routines, Offline functionality for most effects

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TimedOut | Free | one-time |
| Amped | $14.99 | one-time |
| Watch | $24.99 | one-time |
| Word Search | $24.99 | one-time |
| OneStopShop | $29.99 | one-time |
| ChoiceMail | $29.99 | one-time |
| Streets | $33.99 | one-time |
| Inertia | $37.99 | one-time |
| Season One | $69.99 | one-time |
| Season Two | $84.99 | 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 Amalgam by Marc Kerstein free?

Amalgam by Marc Kerstein 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, Amalgam by Marc Kerstein or Maxim magic?

Amalgam by Marc Kerstein is rated higher. Amalgam by Marc Kerstein averages 4.7 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while Maxim magic averages 3.6 from 16 ratings.

### Do Amalgam by Marc Kerstein or Maxim magic have ads?

Neither Amalgam by Marc Kerstein nor Maxim magic shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Amalgam by Marc Kerstein or Maxim magic?

Amalgam by Marc Kerstein ships an update every 4 days, and Maxim magic every 6 days. Most recently, Amalgam by Marc Kerstein was updated on November 7, 2026 and Maxim magic on November 3, 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.*