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Head-to-head · Free iPad Games

Plants vs. Zombies 2 vs Magic: The Gathering Arena

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Plants vs. Zombies 2 #2 in Free iPad Games 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit site
Magic: The Gathering Arena #5 in Free iPad Games 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Magic: Arena

Plants vs. Zombies 2 leads on 1 check, Magic: The Gathering Arena on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorePlants vs. Zombies 2 · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresPlants vs. Zombies 2 · 2 of 4

Plants vs. Zombies 2 scores higher on our rubric for free ipad games: 9.3 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

Plants vs. Zombies 2 offers offline play; Magic: The Gathering Arena doesn't.

Plants vs. Zombies 2 is the better fit for tower-defense strategy with plenty to explore. Magic: The Gathering Arena is the better fit for collectible-card players seeking multiple formats.

  • Plants vs. Zombies 2 fits best

    Tower-defense strategy with plenty to explore

  • Magic: The Gathering Arena fits best

    Collectible-card players seeking multiple formats

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Plants vs. Zombies 2 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Magic: The Gathering Arena 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.0
Ranking #2 in Free iPad Games #5 in Free iPad Games
Best for Tower-defense strategy with plenty to explore Collectible-card players seeking multiple formats
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Android, iOS Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Features Plants vs. Zombies 2 2/4 · Magic: The Gathering Arena 1/4
In-app purchases Not published Not published
Multiplayer ✓ ✓
Offline play ✓ (best) —
Controller support Not published Not published
Specs
Genre Not published Not published
Minimum iPadOS Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Campaign spans 11 worlds and more than 300 levels.
  • Seed Packets upgrade plant attacks, defenses, speed, and abilities.
  • Includes Arena, endless zones, mini-games, quests, and daily events.
  • Offers Standard, Historic, Brawl, and Timeless formats.
  • Cross-platform accounts carry collection and quest progress.
  • Includes a tutorial, deck tools, events, and daily rewards.
Cons
  • Ads and in-app purchases are part of the free-to-play model.
  • Some features may require Wi-Fi despite offline play support.
  • Arena competition and other modes may not suit solo-only players.
  • Requires an internet connection to download and play on Android.
  • Optional purchases of gems and other in-game items are available.
  • Does not support offline play.
Our verdict

Plants vs. Zombies 2 is a free-to-play tower-defense game from Electronic Arts for iOS and Android. Players deploy plant units to defend against zombie waves, then collect and upgrade plants as they progress. Its campaign travels across 11…

Read the review →

Magic: The Gathering Arena brings the collectible-card game to Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Players build and edit decks, collect cards, and compete with friends or other players. A tutorial introduces gameplay, while multiple formats…

Read the review →
  1. Plants vs. Zombies 2Free iPad Games 9.3Free plan
  2. Magic: The Gathering ArenaFree iPad Games 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Plants vs. Zombies 2 — where it wins

    • Campaign spans 11 worlds and more than 300 levels.
    • Seed Packets upgrade plant attacks, defenses, speed, and abilities.
    • Includes Arena, endless zones, mini-games, quests, and daily events.

    Where it doesn't

    • Ads and in-app purchases are part of the free-to-play model.
    • Some features may require Wi-Fi despite offline play support.
    • Arena competition and other modes may not suit solo-only players.

  • Magic: The Gathering Arena — where it wins

    • Offers Standard, Historic, Brawl, and Timeless formats.
    • Cross-platform accounts carry collection and quest progress.
    • Includes a tutorial, deck tools, events, and daily rewards.

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires an internet connection to download and play on Android.
    • Optional purchases of gems and other in-game items are available.
    • Does not support offline play.
  • Plants vs. Zombies 29.3/10 · Free plan

    A free tower-defense campaign with extensive levels, upgrades, events, and competitive play.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Magic: The Gathering Arena9.0/10 · Free plan

    Build decks, collect cards, and play across several formats with friends or other players.

    Visit Magic: ArenaFull verdict →

More comparisons

All free ipad games comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update