Lotus ScanLotus Scan vs Lion's Eye
Which MTG card scanner is better for you? A detailed comparison of features, accuracy, pricing, and more.
Lotus Scan and Lion's Eye are both iOS-exclusive MTG card scanners, making this a direct head-to-head for iPhone users. Both apps have built reputations for handling difficult cards that other scanners struggle with. Lion's Eye is particularly renowned for its Secret Lair identification, while Lotus Scan excels with its AI-powered approach to foils and sleeved cards. Both have responsive developers, but Lion's Eye stands out for its daily Discord engagement with users.
Quick Overview
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Lotus Scan | Lion's Eye |
|---|---|---|
| Scanning Accuracy | 5/5 AI recognition handles foils, sleeves, and difficult backgrounds with excellent accuracy. Strong set and variant identification across standard and premium printings. | 5/5 Best-in-class for Secret Lair and special variant cards thanks to collector number detection. Handles non-standard card layouts exceptionally well, making it a favorite for collectors of unusual printings. |
| Scanning Speed | 5/5 On-device AI processing delivers near-instant card recognition. Scanning sessions are smooth and efficient with minimal wait between cards. | 4/5 Auto-scanning is available in the Plus subscription, which speeds things up considerably. Free tier scanning speed is good but not as fast as the competition. |
| Price Tracking | 5/5 Multi-source real-time pricing with historical charts is a core strength. Tracking collection value over time is easy and informative. | 3/5 Basic price information is provided, but price tracking is not a primary focus of the app. Collectors who want deep pricing analytics will need to supplement with other tools. |
| Collection Management | 4/5 Custom collections with a modern interface. Intuitive organization that works well for most collectors managing personal inventories. | 4/5 Solid collection management with an active developer who adds features based on user feedback. The smaller user base means a more personalized development roadmap. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 Generous free tier with reasonable premium pricing. Strong value for iPhone users who want comprehensive scanning and price tracking. | 4/5 Basic scanning is free with Plus subscription for advanced features like auto-scanning and collector number detection. The active developer community adds intangible value. |
Our Verdict
Both apps are excellent choices for iPhone users, and choosing between them depends on your collection focus. If you collect Secret Lair, special variants, or non-standard printings, Lion's Eye's collector number detection gives it a genuine edge. If you want stronger price tracking, foil scanning, and a polished all-around experience, Lotus Scan is the better pick. Many serious iOS collectors actually use both apps for their complementary strengths.
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.