Comparison

Magic card database (MTG) vs MTG Ref

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Magic card database (MTG)

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
Read full description

Magic trading card game database is the premier iOS application for everything Magic. With its advanced grid view you can browse cards quicker than any other application. Now updated for iOS 26 with the new Liquid Glass design, dark mode, and improved performance throughout. MTG allows for editing and saving multiple searches, saving you from having to re-enter them each time you launch the app. FREE FEATURES: - Advanced search & browse options. - Life counter with player customization, textured backgrounds, undo/redo history, and multiplayer support. - Searchable by name, description, expansion, rarity, colors, artist & others. - Sort by name, price, rarity, collector number, and more. - Browse keyword abilities with quick-jump section index. - Small app size & image caching for improved performance. - Offline mode by pre-caching images. - Large grid for multiple card viewing. - Details laid out in an easy access view with all printings available. - Full-screen image viewer with pinch zoom and swipe-to-dismiss. - Bulk import — paste a card list to quickly build a deck. - Deck collections with 2-column card grid, mana curve stats, average CMC, and land counts. - Accessibility support with VoiceOver labels and hints. - Light and dark mode support. PREMIUM FEATURES (Requires IAP): - Access to the latest five sets. - Price guide that is updated often with stale cache detection. - Automatic updating card database with version tracking. - Unlimited deck collections. - Monthly and yearly subscription options. All prices are courtesy of TCGplayer.com Terms of Use: https://termify.io/terms-and-conditions/1637763460 Privacy Policy: https://termify.io/privacy-policy/1637856824

About

MTG Ref

Features
Read full description

Check the MTG rules anytime, anywhere. Feature: 1. Hierarchical display. Support both Chinese and English. 2. Search and highlight keywords. This app is not produced or endorsed by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. This app conform to https://company.wizards.com/en/legal/fancontentpolicy 【Privacy Policy】 https://docs.qq.com/doc/DSVRES0d5VlBySU1y 【User Agreement】 https://docs.qq.com/doc/DSVdBb1JoSHpYSmhR 【Terms of Use】 https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Magic card database (MTG)4 screens
MTG Ref3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Magic card database (MTG) at Free against MTG Ref's $2.99. Magic card database (MTG) also leads on update cadence (every 11 days vs every 4 months). MTG Ref's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). On ads and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Magic card database (MTG) is free to download; MTG Ref costs $2.99 up front. Magic card database (MTG) sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. MTG Ref asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Magic card database (MTG) ships an update every 11 days, MTG Ref every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Magic card database (MTG) versus MTG Ref: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMagic card database (MTG)MTG Ref
PriceFree — better$2.99
Rating3.8 (131 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews84.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings131 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 11 days — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size237 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNicole Hankinson宇 曹

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Magic card database (MTG)

Subscriptions2
  • Premium3 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Premium (Yearly)7 Days trial$29.991 Year
None

MTG Ref

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Magic card database (MTG) free?
Magic card database (MTG) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MTG Ref free?
MTG Ref costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Magic card database (MTG) or MTG Ref have ads?
Neither Magic card database (MTG) nor MTG Ref shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Magic card database (MTG) or MTG Ref?
Magic card database (MTG) ships an update every 11 days, and MTG Ref every 4 months. Most recently, Magic card database (MTG) was updated on October 22, 2026 and MTG Ref on October 6, 2026.

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