Lotus ScanManaBox Review 2026
Is ManaBox the right MTG card scanner for you? Our detailed review covers scanning accuracy, pricing, features, and more.
ManaBox is one of the most popular cross-platform MTG companion apps, available on both iOS and Android with a large and active user base. It combines card scanning with deck building, collection tracking, and a powerful card search engine. However, recent updates have introduced scanner reliability issues that have frustrated long-time users. This review examines whether ManaBox still holds up as a top-tier option in 2026.
Quick Facts
Ios, Android
Freemium (5 decks free)
5 decks
Players who need a cross-platform app and primarily scan on a clean, well-lit desk
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Available on both iOS and Android
- +Excellent card search with comprehensive filters
- +Price data from four major marketplaces
- +Solid deck building and brewing tools
- +Large, active community with regular updates
Cons
- −Scanner requires a white background for reliable results
- −Recent updates have introduced camera lag and scanning bugs
- −Free tier limited to 5 decks
- −Struggles with foil and reflective card surfaces
Detailed Ratings
Scanning Accuracy
ManaBox can achieve good scanning accuracy, but it requires a white or light-colored background for reliable results. Recent updates have introduced camera lag and removed the scan confirmation sound, making the scanning flow feel less dependable. Foil and reflective cards remain a consistent pain point.
User Interface
The interface is well-organized and reasonably intuitive, with a clean card search experience and good deck building tools. Navigating between collections, decks, and scanning is straightforward. Some users find the binder view cluttered when managing large collections, but overall it is a solid experience.
Price Tracking
ManaBox pulls prices from TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom, Star City Games, and Cardmarket, giving collectors excellent market coverage. Price data is accurate and updated regularly. For users who want to compare prices across multiple storefronts, ManaBox is one of the best options.
Collection Management
Collections can be organized into binders and lists, and the search functionality within your collection works well. The 5-deck limit on the free tier is restrictive for players who run multiple decks. Bulk editing and moving cards between collections could be smoother.
Value for Money
The free tier includes card search and basic scanning, which covers casual needs. However, the 5-deck limit pushes active players toward a subscription relatively quickly. Given the cross-platform availability and breadth of features, the premium pricing is reasonable for dedicated users.
Final Verdict
ManaBox remains a strong all-around MTG companion app, especially for players who value cross-platform access and deck building tools. Its card search and price coverage are among the best available. However, the scanning experience has regressed with recent updates, and the white background requirement limits flexibility. If scanning is your top priority, other apps do it better.
Looking for a Better Alternative?
Try Lotus Scan for iPhone — AI-powered card recognition, real-time prices, and collection management in one app.