# Magic card database (MTG) vs Archivist

The clearest difference is rating: Archivist at 5.0 against Magic card database (MTG)'s 3.7. Archivist also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 84%) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). Magic card database (MTG)'s advantage is ratings volume (122 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 and Archivist sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Archivist holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Magic card database (MTG) has 122 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of Magic card database (MTG)'s written reviews are positive against 100% of Archivist's.

Magic card database (MTG) ships an update every 11 days, Archivist every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Magic card database (MTG) | Archivist |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (122 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magic-card-database-mtg/id393764621/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/archivist-mtg-scanner/id6770096041/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **122** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 84.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 237 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nicole Hankinson](https://appshunter.io/developer/502305137) | [Ryan Fontenot](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896715332) |

## 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 |


### Archivist

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/archivist-mtg-scanner/id6770096041)

Digitize your Magic: The Gathering card collection quickly and easily. Scan cards to read details, organize your collection, build decks, and track prices. Connect with other collectors and manage your wishlist.

**Highlights:** Scan cards with camera, Organize by box, condition, foil, language, Build decks with mana curve, Track card prices and set alerts, Wishlist cards with TCGplayer integration, Follow other collectors

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Archivist Plus (Monthly) | $4.99 | per month |
| Archivist Plus (Yearly) | $39.99 | per year |
| Archivist Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

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

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

### Is Archivist free?

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

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

Archivist is rated higher. Magic card database (MTG) averages 3.7 out of 5 from 122 ratings, while Archivist averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

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

Neither Magic card database (MTG) nor Archivist shows ads.

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

Magic card database (MTG) ships an update every 11 days, and Archivist every 9 days. Most recently, Magic card database (MTG) was updated on October 16, 2026 and Archivist on October 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.*