# MTGDB vs MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner

The clearest difference is review sentiment: MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner at 100% against MTGDB's 33%. MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.0) and ads (none vs shown). MTGDB's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. MTGDB asks for nothing beyond the download.

MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of MTGDB's written reviews are positive against 100% of MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner's.

MTGDB ships an update every 6 weeks, MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MTGDB | MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtgdb-mtg-card-database/id1515425814/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtg-codex-life-counterscanner/id6763615089/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **6** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 152 MB | 103 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Andrew Briare](https://appshunter.io/developer/1515425813) | [Marcus Richardson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895399387) |

## What reviewers say

### MTGDB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtgdb-mtg-card-database/id1515425814)

Access the complete Magic: The Gathering card database offline. Search, build decks, track your collection, and manage wishlists with powerful tools and integrated pricing. Includes game utilities like a life tracker and dice roller.

**Highlights:** Offline card database access, Advanced search filters, Collection tracking with value, Deck building and analysis, Wishlist management, Import/export decks and collections, Life tracker and dice roller

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtg-codex-life-counterscanner/id6763615089)

This app is a comprehensive tool for trading card game players, offering card scanning, deck building, collection management, and life tracking. It provides detailed game statistics, combo discovery, and competitive tuning suggestions. Find local game stores and discover new commanders with this all-in-one companion.

**Highlights:** Instant card scanning with camera, Smart deck building for all formats, Collection management and value tracking, Competitive deck tuning and optimization, Combo finder and deck grading, Life tracker for multiplayer games, Preconstructed deck browser

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MTG CODEX PRO Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| MTG CODEX PRO Annual | $54.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MTGDB free?

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

### Is MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner free?

MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, MTGDB or MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner?

MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner is rated higher. MTGDB averages 3.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do MTGDB or MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner have ads?

MTGDB shows ads; MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner does not.

### Which is updated more often, MTGDB or MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner?

MTGDB ships an update every 6 weeks, and MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner every 6 days. Most recently, MTGDB was updated on October 3, 2026 and MTG CODEX Life Counter/Scanner on October 15, 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.*