What should you prioritize when buying a document scanner?

No one scanner is perfect (although some are close), so it's crucial to weigh what you need most. If you need to scan documents occasionally rather than daily, the scanning speed may be less important. In all cases, though, it's good to look for an accurate scanner so that the results look perfect every time. An automatic document feeder is often helpful, but it's not essential if you need to scan only a few documents at a time. A better option would be to pick a scanner with good software to help you out.

Are different connectivity types essential?

Depending on how you plan to use your document scanner, it can be useful to have different connectivity options at your disposal. A growing number of scanners offer Wi-Fi support, which is helpful if you plan on scanning to a mobile device or you don't want to be tied down by cables. However, if you have a correctly wired home office setup, it's not essential to have Wi-Fi support.

Which is the most common type of scanner?

A flatbed scanner is the most common type of scanner, as it's generally much easier to insert documents. Some require you to feed the document manually, especially portable scanners, making it tricky to do so without damaging the physical item. Look for the most convenient method for your plans. A removable lid can be helpful if you plan on scanning large documents such as books.

The 7 Best Document and Photo Scanners of 2023

The best document and photo scanners conveniently preserve business cards, receipts, important documents, and even family heirlooms such as photos, wills, or recipes. An essential piece of equipment for any business or home office, a scanner will guarantee documents, and photos will last for years.

We've researched and identified some of the best document and photo scanners from well-known, longstanding brands like Fujitsu, Epson, and Brother.

The Rundown

Best Overall:

Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600 at Amazon

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Best for Photos:

Epson Perfection V39 at Amazon

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Best Ease of Use:

Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1400 at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Canon CanoScan LiDE400 at Amazon

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Best Compact:

Brother DSmobile DS-940DW at Amazon

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Best Wireless:

Brother ADS-2700W at Amazon

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Best for Small Documents:

Ambir DP667 Card Scanner at Staples

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in this article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ

4.6

Amazon

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What We Like

Wireless and Ethernet connectivity
Customizable, individual scanning profiles
Impressive touchscreen functionality

What We Don't Like

Awkward setup process

Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600 Review

Fujitsu's ScanSnap iX1600 is everything you could hope for in a scanner. The all-in-one device offers several new and improved features, explaining why this is now Fujitsu's flagship scanner. Unlike its well-liked predecessor, the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500, the iX1600 includes a sizable 4.3-inch touchscreen display, faster scanning speeds, and improved software to accelerate your workflow.

It's not just speedy, either. The ScanSnap iX1600 offers up to 30 customizations and can connect from almost anywhere. That includes connecting wirelessly or wired, with a USB Type-B connection, Wi-Fi (2.4Ghz/5Ghz) capability, and Bluetooth connectivity. Thanks to so many connection options, creating individual users and separate profiles is possible depending on the scenario. That means, whoever is scanning, documents will reach their destination without a problem.

However, while the functionality is impressive, the setup can be awkward on mobile devices. Our reviewer says, "the mobile apps could use some polish, but the computer app works great for setting up all your profiles." The iX1600 also scans a receipt destined for Dropbox, converts a document into an email, and transforms an array of physical documents into digital files with varying destinations.

_{Type: Scanner | Color/Monochrome: Color | Connection Type: USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | LCD Screen: Yes | Scanner/Copier/Fax: Scanner, copier}

“All in all, the ScanSnap ix1600 builds upon a long-respected line of scanners, adding new and improved features over its predecessors.” — Gannon Burgett, Product Tester

Amazon

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What We Like

Ability to scan large documents
Easy to store
Cloud storage support

What We Don't Like

Unable to scan film
No auto document feeder

If you need a scanner specifically for photos, the Epson Perfection V39 lives up to its name. The flatbed scanner is affordable and precise, producing digital documents with a 4,800 dpi optical resolution.

Once you've scanned your document or photo, you can send it directly to an email address or cloud storage like Evernote or Google Drive. If you want to scan, save, and archive aging family photos or important documents without spending a fortune, the V39 is the ideal option. The scanner also has a removable lid to conveniently scan large and bulky items such as books, making it a portable photocopier ideal for students. It's storage-friendly, too, thanks to its well-designed build and an integrated kickstand that means you can store it vertically.

The downside? There's no auto-document feeder, so scanning many documents can take a while. It's also unable to scan film and is not the fastest. Still, it's very convenient despite those flaws.

_{Type: Scanner | Color/Monochrome: Color | Connection Type: USB | LCD Screen: No | Scanner/Copier/Fax: Scanner}

4.4

Amazon

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What We Like

Individual scanning profiles
Fast scanning speed
50-sheet automatic document feeder

What We Don't Like

No wireless connectivity
No built-in touchscreen

Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1400 Review

The Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1400 lacks the premium features of the iX1600, but it's still handy. While there's frustratingly no wireless connectivity or a built-in touchscreen, its scanning features are nearly indistinguishable from the pricier alternative.

Whether you're scanning a business card, receipt, invoice, contract, or beloved photo, the iX1400 does so speedily. Our reviewer Gannon says he "didn't come across a single time when the scanner felt as though it was trying to play catch up with my computer—even when working with large, high-DPI scans of photographic prints."

That's because the ScanSnap iX1400 scans at an impressive 40-page-per-minute (PPM) speed with a 50-sheet automatic document feeder, ensuring that batch scanning is effortless. The thoughtful design and excellent Fujitsu ScanSnap Home software make smooth scanning possible. The software makes it simple to create individual scanning profiles that you can toggle on as and when needed. A single button triggers scanning with customization, meaning you can guarantee your scanned document lands in the correct location.

_{Type: Scanner | Color/Monochrome: Color | Connection Type: USB | LCD Screen: No | Scanner/Copier/Fax: Scanner}

“As a whole, I found the Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1400 to be a reliable and versatile scanner that looks great in the office.” — Gannon Burgett, Product Tester

Courtesy of Amazon.com

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
Auto-scan mode
Maximum DPI for clear and accurate scans
Compact size

What We Don't Like

Setup process for Mac users

The Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 Photo and Document Scanner is a highly affordable yet effective scanner. It offers an impressive set of features for the price, including the ability to scan directly to cloud storage.

Wherever you plan to send your files, the Canon CanoScan LiDE 400's auto-scan mode will detect the size of your documents and adjust accordingly, saving you some effort. It'll also scan to a maximum of 4800x4800 dpi, guaranteeing precise and accurate digital scans. Buttons on the front of the scanner make scanning even more manageable, with the scanner boasting 8-second speeds. Once scanned, it can create PDFs that can be saved directly to your computer's hard drive. It's all wonderfully straightforward and convenient, although there are some issues with its Mac setup process. Stick with it, though, and it pays off.

Beyond the features and price tag, there's also the usual one-year warranty plus a year's worth of toll-free technical phone support, which you should not need. If you're looking for a scanner that gets the job done on a budget, the Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 Photo and Document Scanner is a great option.

_{Type: Scanner | Color/Monochrome: Color | Connection Type: USB | LCD Screen: No | Scanner/Copier/Fax: Scanner}

3.7

Amazon

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What We Like

Compact and portable design
Great speed for single and double-sided documents
Wi-Fi and USB connection options

What We Don't Like

No auto document feeder
Can't easily process larger items

Compact and ideal for any location, the Brother DSmobile DS-940DW is only about the size of a roll of Glad Wrap so you can squeeze it in anywhere. It lacks an automatic document feeder because of this and any additional trays, but that means it'll fit into a small home office setup.

While the DSmobile DS-940DW isn't aimed at large projects, it still has impressive specifications. It can scan up to 16 pages per minute of single and double-sided documents or business cards without breaking a virtual sweat. Wi-Fi and USB are enabled, too, so it's easy to hook up to all your devices, whether a desktop, laptop, or mobile.

Look for aging issues with scanning multiple documents into a single PDF, which should have been resolved with the latest software update.

_{Type: Scanner | Color/Monochrome: Color | Connection Type: USB, Wi-Fi | LCD Screen: No | Scanner/Copier/Fax: Scanner}

3.6

Amazon

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What We Like

Fast scan speed and accuracy
50-page automatic feeder
Security features to protect scanned documents

What We Don't Like

Touchscreen is only 3 inches
OCR isn't functional when scanning to mobile devices

The convenience of the Brother ADS-2700W is obvious. With extensive wireless capabilities, staying untethered with this scanner is helpful, although there is Ethernet capability. Scanning is easy and efficient. Scanning to cloud storage, USB, email, a mobile device, and quite a few other places is effortless.

The scanner's image optimization features can automatically delete blank pages, enhance colors, and remove unnecessary backgrounds. It'll scan with the assistance of a 50-page auto feeder. Security features include SSL and TLS, a secure file transfer protocol, and a settings lock for those worried about scanning confidential documents.

The only real downside here is the touchscreen is pretty tiny, at just under 3 inches. That makes navigating difficult for some people, plus OCR isn't functional when scanning to a mobile device. Despite that, the ADS-2700W is very practical and worth checking out.

_{Type: Scanner | Color/Monochrome: Color | Connection Type: USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | LCD Screen: Yes | Scanner/Copier/Fax: Scanner}

3.5

Amazon

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What We Like

Lightweight and portable
Designed to quickly scan cards and small documents
Can convert into PDF file

What We Don't Like

Can only scan small items
Not the fastest at scanning

If you need a scanner for small documents like business cards or pictures, the Ambir DP667 Card Scanner is perfect. It's USB-powered and easy to use from pretty much anywhere.

It can scan business cards or documents measuring up to 4x10 inches, maintaining an impressive 600 dpi resolution. Once scanned, you can easily convert the results into PDF documents. The downside here is the DP667 Card Scanner isn't the fastest scanner on the market. You'll need patience when scanning business cards, licenses, or receipts, but it's easy to use.

Whether you're keeping up with your networking at a conference or processing ID cards at a hotel desk, the DP667 Card Scanner has you covered. It's as simple as it is effective.

_{Type: Scanner | Color/Monochrome: Color | Connection Type: USB | LCD Screen: No | Scanner/Copier/Fax: Scanner}

“As someone who frequently attends conferences, the Ambir DP667 would be ideal for making sure I don’t misplace important cards, and I like that it could fit in my handbag easily.” — Katie Dundas, Product Tester

What to Look For When Buying Photo and Document Scanners

Media Type

What are you planning on scanning? Are you solely scanning business cards? A portable scanner might be your best option. Alternatively, if you're looking to scan family heirlooms, you want a model that captures photos at a high quality rather than focusing on OCR conversion. For an office environment, being able to scan text well is critical. Depending on your budget, higher-end units are great at scanning everything you throw at them. They can include adjustable sliders, separate bays, and features that simplify the results.

Scan Speed

If you're often short on time, impatient, or have many items to scan, you want a scanner that can keep up with you. Look at how many pages a scanner can handle per minute. Also, consider scanners with automatic document feeders if you plan to scan many documents simultaneously. It'll save you time and effort. However, if you're only scanning a few documents occasionally, you may be better off spending less or focusing on something with more features.

Cloud Support

Do you want to be able to access your scanned documents from anywhere? That's an option if you pick a scanner with cloud support. Many document and photo scanners offer such functionality to scan and upload files directly to the cloud. Look for one that supports Google Drive, Dropbox, or your preferred cloud service for maximum efficiency.

Portability

You won't have to worry about storage if you have a large home office or small business setup. However, if you're tight on space or want to take a document scanner with you wherever you go, look for one that's small and lightweight. A bulky solution will only slow you down and is best suited for a permanent home in your office.

FAQ

What should you prioritize when buying a document scanner?

No one scanner is perfect (although some are close), so it's crucial to weigh what you need most. If you need to scan documents occasionally rather than daily, the scanning speed may be less important. In all cases, though, it's good to look for an accurate scanner so that the results look perfect every time. An automatic document feeder is often helpful, but it's not essential if you need to scan only a few documents at a time. A better option would be to pick a scanner with good software to help you out.
Are different connectivity types essential?

Depending on how you plan to use your document scanner, it can be useful to have different connectivity options at your disposal. A growing number of scanners offer Wi-Fi support, which is helpful if you plan on scanning to a mobile device or you don't want to be tied down by cables. However, if you have a correctly wired home office setup, it's not essential to have Wi-Fi support.
Which is the most common type of scanner?

A flatbed scanner is the most common type of scanner, as it's generally much easier to insert documents. Some require you to feed the document manually, especially portable scanners, making it tricky to do so without damaging the physical item. Look for the most convenient method for your plans. A removable lid can be helpful if you plan on scanning large documents such as books.