Comparison

WanabeRef vs Whystl

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Football rules reference
  • Latest news via RSS feeds
  • Stadium location lookup
  • Issue virtual cards
  • Photo overlay feature
  • Social commenting
  • Retro themed game
Features
Read full description

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.

About

Whystl

Features
Read full description

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

WanabeRef4 screens
Whystl4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Whystl sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $5.49 per month. WanabeRef asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WanabeRef ships an update every 9 months, Whystl every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 5 level
WanabeRef versus Whystl: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWanabeRefWhystl
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews—
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS9.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size69 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStephen COXIain Downer

In-app purchases

None

WanabeRef

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Whystl

Subscriptions1
  • Whystl Premium Monthly1 Month trial$5.491 Month

Questions

Is WanabeRef free?
WanabeRef is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Whystl free?
Whystl is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do WanabeRef or Whystl have ads?
Neither WanabeRef nor Whystl shows ads.
Which is updated more often, WanabeRef or Whystl?
WanabeRef ships an update every 9 months, and Whystl every 5 days. Most recently, WanabeRef was updated on October 24, 2026 and Whystl on October 24, 2026.

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