# MTG Guide vs Magic card database (MTG)

The clearest difference is rating: MTG Guide at 4.7 against Magic card database (MTG)'s 3.7. MTG Guide also leads on ratings volume (722 vs 122) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). Magic card database (MTG)'s advantage is update cadence (every 11 days vs every 2 months) and monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs paid). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MTG Guide sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Magic card database (MTG) sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MTG Guide holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MTG Guide has 722 ratings behind it against 122, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of MTG Guide's written reviews are positive against 84% of Magic card database (MTG)'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

MTG Guide ships an update every 2 months, Magic card database (MTG) every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MTG Guide | Magic card database (MTG) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (722 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtg-guide/id378754271/reviews)** | [3.7 (122 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-card-database-mtg/id393764621/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **722** | 122 |
| Positive reviews | 79.7% of reviews | **84.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 45 MB | 237 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Michael Wybrow](https://appshunter.io/developer/366746485) | [Nicole Hankinson](https://appshunter.io/developer/502305137) |

## What reviewers say

### MTG Guide

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtg-guide/id378754271)

Access comprehensive Magic: The Gathering rules, card text, and rulings in a searchable offline format. Stay updated with the latest expansions and tournament guidelines for all formats.

**Highlights:** Card text and FAQs/rulings, Complete Comprehensive Rules, Offline database access, Searchable card and rules database, Legality information for formats, Card price and image integration

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $6.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent reference tool
- 🔒 Offline access to rules and cards
- 👍 Comprehensive and up-to-date database
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use interface
- 👍 Helpful for judges and players

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Limited search/filter options
- 📱 Lack of full-screen card art
- 🔍 Truncated search results

**Reported bugs**

- Slow loading of Gatherer text
- Occasional crashes or freezes

**Requested features**

- Advanced search and filtering options
- Ability to display full-screen card art
- Integration of annotated IPG and MTR
- Option to sort cards by various criteria
- Display of rarity symbols for cards


### Magic card database (MTG)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-card-database-mtg/id393764621)

This app serves as a comprehensive database for a popular trading card game, offering advanced search, deck building, and price tracking. It features a user-friendly interface with customizable options and offline capabilities. Premium features unlock access to the latest sets and unlimited deck collections.

**Highlights:** Advanced card search and browsing, Deck building and management, Card price guide, Life counter with multiplayer support, Offline mode, Full-screen image viewer

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $3.99 | per month |
| Premium (Yearly) | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MTG Guide free?

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

### Is Magic card database (MTG) free?

Magic card database (MTG) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, MTG Guide or Magic card database (MTG)?

MTG Guide is rated higher. MTG Guide averages 4.7 out of 5 from 722 ratings, while Magic card database (MTG) averages 3.7 from 122 ratings.

### Do MTG Guide or Magic card database (MTG) have ads?

Neither MTG Guide nor Magic card database (MTG) shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MTG Guide or Magic card database (MTG)?

MTG Guide ships an update every 2 months, and Magic card database (MTG) every 11 days. Most recently, MTG Guide was updated on September 25, 2026 and Magic card database (MTG) on September 24, 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.*