PublishAR vs MagicMirror AR
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PublishAR
Create augmented reality experiences by overlaying digital content onto any image. Easily add videos, sounds, or interactive buttons without coding or subscriptions. Share your AR creations via QR codes for viewers to access through the app.
- Augmented reality content creation
- Overlay digital images, video, or sound
- No coding or game engine required
- QR code sharing for AR experiences
- Customizable virtual buttons
- Add multiple AR content to projects
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Using any image, blend the boundaries of the real and the virtual with PublishAR! PublishAR is an augmented reality (AR) content creation tool that enables the overlaying of digital images, video or sound to any tangible image when viewed through an AR enabled device such as a smartphone, tablet or AR glasses.* Simply use the guided "touch point" features to set up, test and share AR content from your mobile device without having to code, use a game engine, or pay costly subscription fees. Content is shared by sending the QR code generated when publishing an AR project. Add multiple AR content experiences to an existing project so viewers only need to scan the QR once for your entire home, marketing campaign or exhibit. Content is activated by scanning the QR code with the QR code scanner within the app. They do not need to register for an account to view the AR content. You also have the option to include customizable virtual buttons to any project to redirect the viewer to an RSVP, gift registry, website URL, phone number, or email. The buttons will appear below your AR experience after activation. Sample uses include: -Adding special messaging to signage, family/personal portraits, or greeting cards. -Enhance exhibits by providing guided audio tours, provide additional details and information on displayed artifacts. -Show previews or provide coupons to posters, magazines, and print advertisements. -Attach videos or pictures of special events such as weddings, birthdays, or other special occasions to invitations relive the special events. -School yearbooks to view class or student accomplishments, plays, recitals, projects, etc. The possibilities are endless. More features to on the way! We will never share, control, sensor, or limit what people decide to create or share. Content created belongs to you and you decide what to do with it. Please refer to our privacy policy and terms of service for more information. Have fun!!! *Example: An AR project created for, and triggered by, an image on a holiday greeting card: When you share the QR code with the person you wish to view your AR project, the viewer must have a copy of the image on the holiday greeting, or a copy of the holiday greeting card itself in order to view the AR experience.
MagicMirror AR
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Magic Mirror - animate photos with augmented reality. When you point camera at the photo, it becomes alive. Magic Mirror enables you to add AR content to photo markers and showcase your work via the app. First, you must upload an image marker to the platform and then upload a video to show when the image is scanned with the Magic Mirror app. You can create your own AR project either by using the official platform's website or with the assistance of any of our partners.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MagicMirror AR at none against PublishAR's 1. MagicMirror AR also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. PublishAR sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. MagicMirror AR asks for nothing beyond the download.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | PublishAR | MagicMirror AR |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (5 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 5 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 6 weeks |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 13.4 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 114 MB | 53 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Brian Alvara | NEURONS TECH E.E. |
In-app purchases
PublishAR
- PublishAR$2.99
MagicMirror AR
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is PublishAR free?
Is MagicMirror AR free?
Do PublishAR or MagicMirror AR have ads?
Which is updated more often, PublishAR or MagicMirror AR?
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