# Magic card database (MTG) vs Bugko

The clearest difference is rating: Bugko at 4.8 against Magic card database (MTG)'s 3.7. Bugko also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 26.0). Magic card database (MTG)'s advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (84% vs 73%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Magic card database (MTG) sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Bugko asks for nothing beyond the download.

Bugko holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 122 and 89 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 84% of Magic card database (MTG)'s written reviews are positive against 73% of Bugko's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Magic card database (MTG) ships an update every 11 days, Bugko every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Magic card database (MTG) | Bugko |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (122 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-card-database-mtg/id393764621/reviews) | **[4.8 (89 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bugko/id1325400403/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **122** | 89 |
| Positive reviews | **84.3% of reviews** | 73.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 11 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 237 MB | 498 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Nicole Hankinson](https://appshunter.io/developer/502305137) | [Keng Siang Ooi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1325400402) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Bugko

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bugko/id1325400403)

This fan-made app serves as an all-in-one companion for Magic: The Gathering players and judges. It offers news aggregation, spoiler alerts, deck building tools, and an offline card database with pricing. It also includes specialized features for judges, such as rule references and timers.

**Highlights:** News aggregation from 40+ sources, Spoiler alerts with push notifications, Offline card database with syntax search, Card pricing from TCGPlayer and Cardmarket, Life counter for 2-8 players, Deck builder with winning decklists, Tools for MTG judges (IPG, MTR, timers)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is Bugko free?

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

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

Bugko is rated higher. Magic card database (MTG) averages 3.7 out of 5 from 122 ratings, while Bugko averages 4.8 from 89 ratings.

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

Bugko shows ads; Magic card database (MTG) does not.

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

Magic card database (MTG) ships an update every 11 days, and Bugko every 2 weeks. Most recently, Magic card database (MTG) was updated on September 24, 2026 and Bugko on September 22, 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.*