Lotus ScanManaBox vs Delver Lens
Which MTG card scanner is better for you? A detailed comparison of features, accuracy, pricing, and more.
ManaBox and Delver Lens are two of the most widely-used MTG card scanners, with Delver Lens dominating on Android and ManaBox popular on both platforms. Their scanning approaches differ significantly: ManaBox requires a white background and offers Quick Mode, while Delver Lens works on any background with its set-locking feature for improved accuracy. Both have free tiers with different limitations that affect different types of users. This comparison helps you decide which scanner fits your workflow.
Quick Overview
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | ManaBox | Delver Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Scanning Accuracy | 3/5 Reasonable accuracy on a white background, but struggles with foils and reflective cards. Recent updates have introduced inconsistencies in recognition quality. | 4/5 Strong accuracy especially with the set-locking feature enabled. Works on dark and noisy backgrounds, though accuracy can degrade when scanning very large collections. |
| Scanning Speed | 4/5 Quick Mode provides decent scanning speed. However, the white background requirement means setup time before each session adds to total time investment. | 5/5 Consistently rated as one of the fastest MTG scanners available. Error correction from the camera screen eliminates the need to switch between scanning and editing modes. |
| Price Tracking | 4/5 Prices from four major sources including TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom, Star City Games, and Cardmarket. Multi-source pricing gives a good overview of card values. | 3/5 Basic pricing is available for scanned cards. Price tracking is functional but not a primary strength; users who want deep pricing data typically use a separate tool. |
| Collection Management | 4/5 Binder and list organization with cross-platform sync on iOS and Android. The 5-deck free limit is restrictive for multi-format players. | 3/5 Supports large collections and exports to many platforms. The 100-card export limit on free tier is frustrating, and the interface feels less polished than modern competitors. |
| Value for Money | 3/5 Free tier limits you to 5 decks, which feels restrictive. Premium subscription unlocks more, but scanning issues persist even for paying customers. | 4/5 Free tier is usable for casual scanning with the 100-card export cap. The paid version is affordable and available on Android, iOS, and web, giving it strong cross-platform value. |
Our Verdict
Delver Lens wins on scanning speed and flexibility, working on any background without the white surface requirement that ManaBox demands. ManaBox offers better price tracking with four marketplace sources and a more polished interface. Android users should strongly consider Delver Lens, while iOS users who prefer multi-source pricing might lean toward ManaBox. For raw scanning performance, Delver Lens has the edge.
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.