Comparison

MSR Reader vs AM Card Toolbox

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

Head to head
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.

About

AM Card Toolbox

Read full description

AM Card Toolbox is an NFC identification and local integration utility for compatible NFC cards.

Screenshots

MSR Reader4 screens
AM Card Toolbox2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: AM Card Toolbox at Free against MSR Reader's $3.99. AM Card Toolbox also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 7 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

AM Card Toolbox is free to download; MSR Reader costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MSR Reader ships an update every 7 months, AM Card Toolbox every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 6, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences Ā· 3 level
MSR Reader versus AM Card Toolbox: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMSR ReaderAM Card Toolbox
Price$3.99Free — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTCool LTD.FUNNYTECH LTD

In-app purchases

None

MSR Reader

No in-app purchases

None

AM Card Toolbox

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MSR Reader free?
MSR Reader costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is AM Card Toolbox free?
AM Card Toolbox is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MSR Reader or AM Card Toolbox have ads?
Neither MSR Reader nor AM Card Toolbox shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MSR Reader or AM Card Toolbox?
MSR Reader ships an update every 7 months, and AM Card Toolbox every 2 weeks. Most recently, MSR Reader was updated on October 6, 2026 and AM Card Toolbox on October 6, 2026.

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