# MTG Scanner vs MTG Mate

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MTG Mate at none against MTG Scanner's 13. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MTG Scanner sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. MTG Mate asks for nothing beyond the download.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | MTG Scanner | MTG Mate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (3.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtg-scanner-dragon-shield/id1460657155/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3.8K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 44.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 230 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [ARCANE TINMEN APS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1540066714) | [Jacob Suchorabski](https://appshunter.io/developer/1187730508) |

## What reviewers say

### MTG Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtg-scanner-dragon-shield/id1460657155)

This app helps Magic: The Gathering players scan, value, and organize their card collections. Build decks, track card prices, and connect with friends for trading. It's designed for both collectors and competitive players to enhance their game experience.

**Highlights:** Scan Magic cards in any language, Real-time card price tracking, Organize cards into custom folders, Build and export MTG decks, Compare trade values with friends, Track top card movers, Weekly collection statistics emails

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mythic Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Rare Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Common Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Uncommon Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Mythic Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Common Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Uncommon Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast scanning
- 👍 Good for organizing collection
- 💰 Useful price tracking
- 🗂️ Customizable folders/decks

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent card recognition
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔍 Limited search/filter options
- 🔗 Lack of integration with other apps

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Incorrect card identification
- Scanning bugs with certain card types

**Requested features**

- Ability to import/export deck lists
- Display deck value in collection
- Improved scanning for special cards
- More comprehensive filtering options


### MTG Mate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mtg-mate-magic-life-tracker/id1530259213)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MTG Scanner free?

MTG Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is MTG Mate free?

MTG Mate is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do MTG Scanner or MTG Mate have ads?

Neither MTG Scanner nor MTG Mate shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MTG Scanner or MTG Mate?

MTG Scanner ships an update every 2 weeks, and MTG Mate every 2 weeks. Most recently, MTG Scanner was updated on October 25, 2026 and MTG Mate on October 25, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*