Lotus ScanLion's Eye vs Helvault
Which MTG card scanner is better for you? A detailed comparison of features, accuracy, pricing, and more.
Lion's Eye and Helvault are both iOS-exclusive MTG scanners that offer compelling alternatives to the cross-platform giants. Lion's Eye specializes in identifying difficult cards like Secret Lair printings using collector number detection, while Helvault provides a completely free and unlimited scanning experience with AI recognition. Both apps have small but dedicated user bases, and both benefit from focused development teams. This is a direct head-to-head for iPhone users choosing between specialization and free access.
Quick Overview
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Lion's Eye | Helvault |
|---|---|---|
| Scanning Accuracy | 5/5 Best-in-class for Secret Lair and special variant identification. Collector number detection provides accuracy on non-standard cards that other scanners simply cannot match. | 4/5 AI-powered scanning is reliable for standard cards. Handles everyday scanning well but does not have the specialized variant identification capabilities. |
| Scanning Speed | 4/5 Good speed with auto-scanning available in Plus tier. The extra processing for collector number detection is worth the trade-off in accuracy gains. | 4/5 Clean, consistent scanning speed with a minimal interface. No lag or interruptions, creating a smooth scanning experience. |
| Price Tracking | 3/5 Basic price data for scanned cards. Accurate variant identification means prices shown match the exact card, which matters for high-value special printings. | 3/5 Limited price source options with basic valuation. Sufficient for general price awareness but not for deep market analysis. |
| Collection Management | 4/5 Solid features driven by community feedback. The developer's daily Discord presence means the app evolves based on real collector needs. | 4/5 Unlimited free collection with iCloud sync and CSV export. No caps on card count and no ads create a frictionless management experience. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 Free basic scanning with Plus tier for advanced features. Fair pricing for the specialized capabilities, and the active community adds intangible value. | 5/5 Completely free with no limits, no ads, and iCloud sync. Helvault sets the bar for what a free MTG scanning app can offer. |
Our Verdict
Both are excellent iOS-only options that serve different collector profiles. Choose Lion's Eye if you collect Secret Lair, special variants, or non-standard printings where accurate identification is critical, since no other app matches its collector number detection. Choose Helvault if you want a reliable, free, unlimited scanner for standard cards without any subscription pressure. Budget-conscious collectors with standard collections should start with Helvault; variant collectors should invest in Lion's Eye Plus.
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.