Lotus ScanDragon Shield vs CardCastle
Which MTG card scanner is better for you? A detailed comparison of features, accuracy, pricing, and more.
Dragon Shield and CardCastle both offer MTG scanning on iOS and Android, but they are built for very different user needs. Dragon Shield provides AR translation for foreign-language cards and a clean scanning interface, while CardCastle focuses on multi-card scanning and large-collection management. CardCastle also adds a web app and CardBot hardware for store operations, giving it a significant feature advantage for serious collectors and shops.
Quick Overview
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Dragon Shield | CardCastle |
|---|---|---|
| Scanning Accuracy | 2/5 Persistent problems with selecting wrong versions of reprinted cards. AR translation works well for foreign cards, but base variant accuracy is a serious weakness. | 4/5 Accurate in both single and multi-card modes. Consistent performance on large collections makes it reliable for store-level operations. |
| Scanning Speed | 4/5 Fast initial recognition but manual variant corrections slow down real-world throughput. The scanning interface is responsive when accuracy is not a concern. | 5/5 Multi-card scanning provides unmatched throughput for bulk sessions. The CardBot hardware option takes scanning speed to a level camera apps cannot reach. |
| Price Tracking | 4/5 Daily prices from four marketplaces with 30-day charts. Good pricing data, though variant misidentification can lead to incorrect values displayed. | 3/5 Basic pricing information available. Functional for valuation but not a primary strength of the platform. |
| Collection Management | 3/5 The 100-card free limit is extremely restrictive and export platform support is limited. Not suitable for managing collections of any significant size. | 5/5 Handles 30k+ cards with custom tagging, web access, and hardware integration. One of the most capable collection management systems in the MTG app space. |
| Value for Money | 3/5 The tiny free tier and persistent accuracy issues reduce value. AR translation is unique but appeals to a small audience. | 4/5 Subscription required but justified by multi-card scanning, large collection support, and web access. Strong value for stores and serious collectors. |
Our Verdict
CardCastle is the significantly stronger app for anyone managing a serious collection or running a game store. Its multi-card scanning, large collection handling, and web platform leave Dragon Shield far behind in practical utility. Dragon Shield only wins if you specifically need AR translation for foreign-language cards. For collection management at any meaningful scale, CardCastle is the obvious choice.
Consider Lotus Scan
Looking for an MTG scanner that combines fast AI-powered recognition, real-time price tracking, and collection management? Lotus Scan for iPhone delivers all three without requiring a white background or subscription.