TCG Scanner vs the TCGplayer app: same prices, different job.
The TCGplayer app is a free marketplace app with a camera scanner for the cards in your hand. TCG Scanner uses TCGplayer market data too, but reads the live stream on your screen, so you see the price of the card someone else is holding up, before you bid.
| TCG Scanner | TCGplayer app | |
|---|---|---|
| Reads a live stream on your screen | Yes, with a floating overlay on Windows | Not offered |
| Scans physical cards with your camera | Not the focus | Yes |
| Price data | TCGplayer market price per condition | TCGplayer market price |
| Buy and sell cards | No, TCG Scanner is not a marketplace | Yes, the TCGplayer marketplace |
| Collection tracking | Yes, with purchase price and profit/loss per card | Yes, with market prices and export |
| Games | Pokémon, Magic, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Lorcana | Many games |
| Price | Founding plans from €11, all-in from €69 | Free |
Based on public product pages, checked October 2026. Features and prices of other products can change; check their site for the latest.
Sources: TCGplayer on the App Store
You want to scan, buy or sell cards you can hold
For scanning the cards on your desk, buying singles from the TCGplayer marketplace or listing your own, the free TCGplayer app is the obvious pick.
You want prices while you watch a live auction
When the card is on someone else's stream and the timer is running, TCG Scanner shows the price per condition next to the bid, then logs your win with profit and loss.
Lock in the Founding Member price
The pre-sale runs until 30 November 2026. Your subscription only starts when the app launches in January 2027.
Does TCG Scanner use TCGplayer prices?
Yes. Prices come from a licensed provider of TCGplayer market data, per card and per condition. TCG Scanner is independent and not affiliated with TCGplayer.
Do I need both?
They do different jobs. Use the TCGplayer app to scan and trade physical cards, and TCG Scanner when you buy on live streams.
Does it work on my phone?
The Windows app launches in January 2027 together with apps for iOS and Android. The live scanner works best on your PC, where it reads the stream on your screen; the mobile apps give you your collection and prices on the go.
TCG Scanner is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by TCGplayer, TCGplayer or any card publisher. Card art and prices shown on this page are illustrations.
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