# Magic card database (MTG) vs MTG Ref

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Magic card database (MTG) | MTG Ref |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | **[3.8 (131 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-card-database-mtg/id393764621/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **131** | — |
| Positive reviews | 84.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 11 days** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 237 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nicole Hankinson](https://appshunter.io/developer/502305137) | [宇 曹](https://appshunter.io/developer/1170885830) |

## 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 |


### MTG Ref

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtg-ref/id6448774350)

**Features:** 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 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.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*