WanabeRef vs Whystl
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
WanabeRef
This app serves as a comprehensive reference for football fans, offering rules, news updates, stadium locations, and social features. It also includes a retro-themed game for entertainment.
- Football rules reference
- Latest news via RSS feeds
- Stadium location lookup
- Issue virtual cards
- Photo overlay feature
- Social commenting
- Retro themed game
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WanabeRef is a fun app and Reference for football fans, which can be used to reference the rules of football, check the latest news via RSS feeds, check the location of a Stadium, issue a card to your friends, take a photo with a selected overlay image or just post a social comment. Now WanabeRef also includes a retro themed game for you to enjoy at half time.
Whystl
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Whystl is the rugby referee's match companion for Apple Watch and iPhone. Run the game from your wrist, then keep a complete record of every match you officiate. ON THE WHISTLE • Match clock built for rugby — periods, half-time, and added time handled properly • Sin-bin timers that count down each carded player and buzz on expiry • Track scores, cards and substitutions as they happen • Law shot clock for conversions and penalties • Clear haptics for kick-off, time on/off and period end — so you can keep your eyes on the play • Records the match as a workout in Apple Health SET UP IN SECONDS • Save teams and kits and reuse them • Kick-off, ends and toss captured on a clean rugby pitch diagram • Suggests nearby teams and clubs so you're not scrolling • Set up on your phone and send it straight to your watch — or configure on the watch itself YOUR REFEREEING, TRACKED • Every match syncs between your iPhone and Apple Watch • Build up your match history, stats and achievements over the season • See your progress as a referee across the clubs and unions you officiate A COMMUNITY DIRECTORY • Add clubs, grounds and kits once and they're there next time • Help build an accurate shared directory for other referees PRIVATE BY DESIGN • Sign in with Apple — nothing else to remember • Your health and workout data stays on your device in Apple Health • No ads, no tracking, no data selling • Delete your account and data any time from the app Whystl is made by a referee, for referees. Have an idea or hit a problem? Send feedback right from the app. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: WanabeRef at none against Whystl's 1. WanabeRef also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 26.0). Whystl's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 9 months). On price, 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
Both are free to download. Whystl sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $5.49 per month. WanabeRef asks for nothing beyond the download.
WanabeRef ships an update every 9 months, Whystl every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | WanabeRef | Whystl |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | — |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 69 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Stephen COX | Iain Downer |
In-app purchases
WanabeRef
No in-app purchases
Whystl
- Whystl Premium Monthly1 Month trial$5.491 Month








