# Magic_8 vs The Orb

The clearest difference is rating: The Orb at 5.0 against Magic_8's 4.3. The Orb also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 weeks). Magic_8's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Orb sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Magic_8 asks for nothing beyond the download.

The Orb holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Magic_8 ships an update every 3 weeks, The Orb every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Magic_8 | The Orb |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-8/id1513023338/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-orb-ai-magic-ball/id6760272310/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 2 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Agile Monkeys SL](https://appshunter.io/developer/1504871638) | [Jordan Carney](https://appshunter.io/developer/549518152) |

## What reviewers say

### Magic_8

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-8/id1513023338)

Get answers to your questions from the future. Simply ask, then shake your device or tap your watch for a response. Features a minimalist design with interactive widgets and Siri support.

**Highlights:** Ask questions and receive answers, Shake to get a prediction, Apple Watch app and widgets, Interactive Home Screen widget, Siri and Shortcuts support, Minimalist black design

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Orb

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-orb-ai-magic-ball/id6760272310)

Ask questions and shake your device to receive playful, AI-generated answers. Choose from various response styles like cheeky, mystical, or silly for a fun and unpredictable experience.

**Highlights:** AI-generated answers, Shake to reveal responses, Multiple answer vibes (Cheeky, Mystical, Silly, Sweet, Dramatic), Playful and quick interactions, Supports typed or spoken questions

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Magic_8 free?

Magic_8 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is The Orb free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Magic_8 or The Orb?

The Orb is rated higher. Magic_8 averages 4.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while The Orb averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Magic_8 or The Orb have ads?

Neither Magic_8 nor The Orb shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Magic_8 or The Orb?

Magic_8 ships an update every 3 weeks, and The Orb every 2 days. Most recently, Magic_8 was updated on October 29, 2026 and The Orb on October 12, 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.*