Lotus ScanManaBox vs Lion's Eye
Which MTG card scanner is better for you? A detailed comparison of features, accuracy, pricing, and more.
ManaBox and Lion's Eye serve very different segments of the MTG collector community. ManaBox is a cross-platform generalist app available on both iOS and Android, while Lion's Eye is an iOS-exclusive specialist that excels at identifying difficult cards like Secret Lair printings. The trade-off between platform availability and specialized scanning accuracy is the core tension in this comparison. Your collection composition will likely determine which app serves you better.
Quick Overview
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | ManaBox | Lion's Eye |
|---|---|---|
| Scanning Accuracy | 3/5 Adequate for standard cards on a white background. Struggles notably with foil and reflective cards, and has had scanning quality issues with recent updates. | 5/5 Outstanding accuracy on Secret Lair, special variants, and non-standard card layouts. Collector number detection provides a level of specificity that most scanners cannot match. |
| Scanning Speed | 4/5 Quick Mode provides decent scanning throughput. The white background requirement adds setup time before each scanning session. | 4/5 Good scanning speed with auto-scanning available in the Plus subscription. Free tier speed is solid for casual scanning sessions. |
| Price Tracking | 4/5 Prices from four major marketplace sources provide a comprehensive view of card values. A genuine strength compared to many competitors. | 3/5 Basic price information available for scanned cards. Price tracking is not the app's primary focus, and collectors wanting deep analytics will need supplementary tools. |
| Collection Management | 4/5 Cross-platform binder and list organization. The 5-deck free limit is a drag, but the system itself is well-designed and reliable. | 4/5 Solid collection management with features driven by active community feedback. The developer's daily Discord presence means feature requests get heard and implemented quickly. |
| Value for Money | 3/5 Free tier is limited to 5 decks. Premium pricing is reasonable but the scanning limitations persist even after paying. | 4/5 Free tier covers basic scanning. Plus subscription adds auto-scanning and collector number detection at a fair price, and the engaged developer adds community value. |
Our Verdict
If you collect Secret Lair, special variants, or cards with unusual layouts, Lion's Eye is simply the best tool for the job. Its collector number detection is unmatched in the category. ManaBox wins on platform availability and multi-source pricing, making it the better choice for Android users or those who prioritize price comparison. iPhone users with collections heavy on special printings should seriously consider Lion's Eye over ManaBox.
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.