Comparison

MSR Control vs MSR Reader

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

Head to head
About

MSR Control

This utility app allows users to manage magnetic cards using a Bluetooth-enabled MSR device. It provides functionality to read, write, and duplicate various types of magnetic stripe cards with a focus on ease of use and secure operations.

Highlights
  • Bluetooth connectivity for MSR devices
  • Read, write, and copy magnetic cards
  • User-friendly interface
  • Wide magnetic card compatibility
  • Secure transaction operations
Features
Read full description

Experience the next level of magnetic card management with Easy MSR X, specifically designed to harness the power of your MSR device via Bluetooth. Whether you're in business or managing personal data, Easy MSR X offers a seamless interface to read, write, and duplicate magnetic cards with utmost ease and security. Key Features: Bluetooth Connectivity: Pair easily with your MSR device. Multi-Function: Read, write, and copy magnetic stripe cards. User-Friendly: Simplistic design for easy operation. High Compatibility: Works with a wide range of magnetic cards. Secure Transactions: Ensures safety with encrypted operations. This app is using the standard Apple Terms of Use (EULA) https://www.apple.com/legal/ internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

MSR Reader

Features
Read full description

Read, parse, and export magnetic stripe data on iPhone and iPad. MSR Reader works with MSR90 and compatible keyboard-emulation magstripe readers. Capture up to three tracks, convert supported card data into structured fields, and export your results as CSV. KEY FEATURES • Automatic 3-track capture Read Track 1, Track 2, and Track 3 data without manual entry. • Smart field parsing Extract supported fields such as cardholder name, card number, and expiration date. • Custom parsing patterns Create reusable rules for proprietary card formats and specialized workflows. • Continuous card reading Process multiple cards in sequence for faster data-entry tasks. • CSV export Open exported files in Excel, Numbers, Google Sheets, or other spreadsheet tools. • Private by design MSR Reader does not collect app data. IDEAL FOR Authorized membership, access-control, loyalty, identification, event, inventory, and data-entry workflows. COMPATIBILITY Designed for MSR90 readers and compatible magnetic-stripe readers that operate as keyboard input devices. Hardware, connection adapters, and supported card formats may vary. MSR Reader reads and organizes card data; it does not write or encode magnetic stripe cards. Use it only with cards and data you are authorized to access.

Screenshots

MSR Control2 screens
MSR Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MSR Control at Free against MSR Reader's $3.99. MSR Control also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 7 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). MSR Reader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). 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

MSR Control is free to download; MSR Reader costs $3.99 up front. MSR Control sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. MSR Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MSR Control ships an update fortnightly, MSR Reader every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
MSR Control versus MSR Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMSR ControlMSR Reader
PriceFree — better$3.99
Rating4.2 (70 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings70 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 7 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer新雨 李TCool LTD.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

MSR Control

Subscriptions3
  • Unlimited access$1.997 Days
  • Unlimited access$4.991 Month
  • Unlimited access$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Unlimited access$14.99
None

MSR Reader

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MSR Control free?
MSR Control is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MSR Reader free?
MSR Reader costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do MSR Control or MSR Reader have ads?
Neither MSR Control nor MSR Reader shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MSR Control or MSR Reader?
MSR Control ships an update fortnightly, and MSR Reader every 7 months. Most recently, MSR Control was updated on September 24, 2026 and MSR Reader on September 22, 2026.

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