# MTGDB vs MTG CODEX

The clearest difference is review sentiment: MTG CODEX at 100% against MTGDB's 33%. MTG CODEX 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 sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. MTGDB asks for nothing beyond the download.

MTG CODEX 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's.

MTGDB ships an update every 6 weeks, MTG CODEX every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MTGDB | MTG CODEX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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-codexdeck-builderscanner/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 | 67 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtg-codexdeck-builderscanner/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 free?

MTG CODEX is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, MTGDB or MTG CODEX?

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

### Do MTGDB or MTG CODEX have ads?

MTGDB shows ads; MTG CODEX does not.

### Which is updated more often, MTGDB or MTG CODEX?

MTGDB ships an update every 6 weeks, and MTG CODEX every 6 days. Most recently, MTGDB was updated on October 3, 2026 and MTG CODEX on September 30, 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.*