Lotus ScanLotus Scan vs TCG Stacked
Which MTG card scanner is better for you? A detailed comparison of features, accuracy, pricing, and more.
Lotus Scan and TCG Stacked take fundamentally different approaches to card scanning. Lotus Scan is purpose-built for Magic: The Gathering with deep MTG-specific optimizations, while TCG Stacked covers MTG alongside Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Lorcana. TCG Stacked offers cross-platform availability on iOS and Android with 95%+ scanning accuracy, but its multi-game focus means it cannot match a dedicated MTG scanner on every detail. Lotus Scan counters with AI-powered scanning tuned specifically for MTG cards.
Quick Overview
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Lotus Scan | TCG Stacked |
|---|---|---|
| Scanning Accuracy | 5/5 Purpose-built AI for MTG card recognition handles foils, sleeves, and variants with top-tier accuracy. The singular MTG focus allows for deep optimization. | 4/5 Claims 95%+ accuracy across multiple card games, which is impressive. However, the multi-game engine means less specialization on MTG-specific challenges like variant identification. |
| Scanning Speed | 5/5 Near-instant recognition with smooth scanning workflow. Optimized specifically for the scanning patterns MTG collectors use most. | 4/5 Scanning speed is solid and consistent across supported games. The modern interface keeps the workflow moving efficiently. |
| Price Tracking | 5/5 Deep MTG price tracking with multi-source real-time data and historical charts. Built for collectors who care about tracking value trends. | 3/5 Provides pricing across multiple card games but MTG-specific depth is limited. Multi-game support spreads the pricing features thinner across each game. |
| Collection Management | 4/5 MTG-focused collection management with custom collections and a modern interface. iOS-only is the main limitation. | 4/5 Cross-platform collection management that handles multiple card games in one place. Proxy generation is a unique feature for playtest purposes. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 Generous free tier with optional premium. Good value for dedicated MTG collectors on iPhone. | 3/5 No free tier at all. The $4.99/month subscription or $69 lifetime fee is a hard pill to swallow without being able to try the app first, especially for MTG-only users. |
Our Verdict
If you only play Magic: The Gathering, Lotus Scan is the better choice with its MTG-specific AI scanning and deeper price tracking. TCG Stacked shines for multi-game collectors who want one app for MTG, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Lorcana, plus it runs on Android. The lack of a free tier on TCG Stacked is a significant drawback, while Lotus Scan offers a generous free experience. Choose Lotus Scan for focused MTG excellence, or TCG Stacked if you collect across multiple card games.
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.