# MTG Guide vs TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner

The clearest difference is review sentiment: MTG Guide at 80% against TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner's 0%. MTG Guide also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.0) and ads (none vs shown). TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs paid). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MTG Guide sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MTG Guide holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MTG Guide has 722 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of MTG Guide's written reviews are positive against 0% of TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner's.

MTG Guide ships an update every 2 months, TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MTG Guide | TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (722 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtg-guide/id378754271/reviews)** | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tcg-deck-builder-mtg-scanner/id6759088425/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **722** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **79.7% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 45 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Michael Wybrow](https://appshunter.io/developer/366746485) | [Ha Vu Thi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1677716054) |

## 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


### TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tcg-deck-builder-mtg-scanner/id6759088425)

Easily build and organize your card decks, scan cards for instant identification and pricing, and manage your collection. Track market trends and compare trade values to make informed decisions.

**Highlights:** Unlimited deck creation, Instant card scanning, Real-time card value tracking, Collection management, Trade value comparison, Strategy optimization

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MTG Guide free?

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

### Is TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner free?

TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, MTG Guide or TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner?

MTG Guide is rated higher. MTG Guide averages 4.7 out of 5 from 722 ratings, while TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner averages 2.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do MTG Guide or TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner have ads?

TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner shows ads; MTG Guide does not.

### Which is updated more often, MTG Guide or TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner?

MTG Guide ships an update every 2 months, and TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner weekly. Most recently, MTG Guide was updated on September 25, 2026 and TCG Deck Builder MTG Scanner on September 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.*