Lotus ScanLotus Scan vs Helvault
Which MTG card scanner is better for you? A detailed comparison of features, accuracy, pricing, and more.
Lotus Scan and Helvault are both iOS-exclusive MTG scanners that use AI-powered recognition, making them natural competitors for iPhone users. Helvault differentiates itself by being completely free with unlimited collection size, no ads, and iCloud sync. Lotus Scan offers a more feature-rich experience with deeper price tracking and analytics. This comparison is especially relevant for iPhone users deciding between a free unlimited option and a premium-capable scanner.
Quick Overview
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Lotus Scan | Helvault |
|---|---|---|
| Scanning Accuracy | 5/5 AI recognition excels on foils, sleeved cards, and difficult backgrounds. Consistently identifies the correct set and variant without manual intervention. | 4/5 AI-powered scanning works well for standard cards. Accuracy is solid overall but does not match the top-tier performance on difficult cards like foils and special printings. |
| Scanning Speed | 5/5 Extremely fast on-device processing with smooth transitions between scans. Optimized for efficient bulk scanning sessions. | 4/5 Scanning speed is good and reliable for everyday use. The clean minimal interface keeps things moving, though it is not the fastest scanner on the market. |
| Price Tracking | 5/5 Multi-source real-time pricing with historical price charts. Comprehensive analytics for tracking collection value changes over time. | 3/5 Basic price information is available but limited source options. Adequate for quick price checks but lacks the depth needed for serious collection valuation. |
| Collection Management | 4/5 Custom collections with a polished interface. Well-designed for organizing and browsing scanned card inventories. | 4/5 Unlimited free collection with iCloud sync and CSV export. The no-ads experience and clean interface make day-to-day collection management pleasant. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 Generous free tier with premium options for power users. Excellent value overall, though the premium tier adds cost. | 5/5 Completely free with no limits, no ads, and no subscription. For budget-conscious collectors who just need solid scanning and collection tracking, it is hard to beat free. |
Our Verdict
Helvault is the winner on pure value: it is completely free with unlimited collection size, no ads, and iCloud sync. If budget is your primary concern, Helvault is an excellent choice. However, Lotus Scan pulls ahead on scanning accuracy for difficult cards and offers significantly deeper price tracking and analytics. Collectors who want the best possible scanning accuracy and price data should choose Lotus Scan; those who want a reliable free solution should go with Helvault.
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.