Lotus ScanManaBox vs CardCastle
Which MTG card scanner is better for you? A detailed comparison of features, accuracy, pricing, and more.
ManaBox and CardCastle both offer cross-platform MTG scanning on iOS and Android, but CardCastle adds a web app and hardware scanning option to the mix. ManaBox is the more widely known app with established brand recognition, while CardCastle has built a following among store owners and serious collectors with its multi-card scanning and CardBot hardware. The apps cater to different segments of the MTG community, and your collection size may determine which is the better fit.
Quick Overview
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | ManaBox | CardCastle |
|---|---|---|
| Scanning Accuracy | 3/5 Requires a white background for reliable scanning. Works adequately for standard cards but foils and reflective surfaces continue to be problem areas. | 4/5 Accurate scanning including multi-card mode. Handles large scanning sessions well, with consistent performance even on collections exceeding 30,000 cards. |
| Scanning Speed | 4/5 Quick Mode provides reasonable speed for individual card scanning. White background setup adds time to each session. | 5/5 Multi-card scanning dramatically increases throughput for bulk sessions. The CardBot hardware option takes speed to another level for store-scale operations. |
| Price Tracking | 4/5 Four marketplace sources give a comprehensive pricing overview. Strong multi-source pricing is a genuine advantage for informed buying and selling decisions. | 3/5 Basic pricing information is available for scanned cards. Pricing is functional but secondary to the collection management and scanning workflow. |
| Collection Management | 4/5 Good organization with binder and list features across two platforms. The 5-deck free limit keeps casual users locked in. | 5/5 Excellent for large collections with custom tagging, web access, and proven performance at 30k+ cards. The most capable collection manager for stores and serious collectors. |
| Value for Money | 3/5 The 5-deck free limit is frustrating for multi-format players. Premium pricing is reasonable but not outstanding for the feature set. | 4/5 Subscription required for full features, but the multi-card scanning and large collection support provide clear value for the target audience. CardBot adds hardware value for stores. |
Our Verdict
CardCastle is the stronger choice for store owners, large-collection managers, and anyone doing regular bulk scanning sessions. Its multi-card scanning, web access, and CardBot hardware make it uniquely suited for professional use. ManaBox is better for casual collectors who want a well-known app with good multi-source pricing and a simple mobile experience. Choose based on your collection size and whether you need store-level features.
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.