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.
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.
- Advanced card search and browsing
- Deck building and management
- Card price guide
- Life counter with multiplayer support
- Offline mode
- Full-screen image viewer
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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
MTG Ref
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
| Parameter | Magic card database (MTG) | MTG Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | 3.8 (131 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 84.4% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 131 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days — better | Every 4 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 237 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Nicole Hankinson | 宇 曹 |
In-app purchases
Magic card database (MTG)
- Premium3 Days trial$3.991 Month
- Premium (Yearly)7 Days trial$29.991 Year
MTG Ref
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Magic card database (MTG) free?
Is MTG Ref free?
Do Magic card database (MTG) or MTG Ref have ads?
Which is updated more often, Magic card database (MTG) or MTG Ref?
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