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We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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 alike will last for years to come. When you need a document and photo scanner that produces accurate digital copies of your most important documents, figuring out the market for document and photo scanners can be daunting to figure out. There are a few things to consider to find the best scanner for your needs. Most people require a scanner that is easy to use, easy on their pockets, and can create a clear, high-quality digital file. Depending on the volume of documents and photos, it's also essential to consider cloud storage, size, and scanning times. If you're looking for a device that's customizable, fast, and full of features, our experts recommend the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600. If you're focused on a specific type of scanning or budget, we've researched and identified some of the best document and photo scanners from well-known, longstanding brands like Fujitsu, Epson, and Brother. Amazon 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: A Robust Desktop Scanner for Documents Fujitsu's ScanSnap iX1600 is everything you could hope for in a scanner. The all-in-one document scanner 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, along with faster scanning speeds, and improved software to accelerate your workflow. It's not just speedy either. The ScanSnap iX1600 is smart, offering up to 30 customizations and able to connect from almost anywhere. That includes the ability to connect either wirelessly or wired, with a USB Type-B connection, Wi-Fi (2.4Ghz/5Ghz) capability, plus Bluetooth connectivity. Thanks to so many connection options, it's possible to create individual users and separate profiles 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 that "the mobile apps could use some polish, but the computer app works great for setting up all your profiles." The iX1600's also can scan a receipt destined for Dropbox, convert a document into an email, and transform 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 Lifewire / Gannon Burgett Amazon 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 phenomenal 4,800dpi optical resolution. Once you've scanned your document or photo, you can send it directly to cloud storage systems such as Evernote or Google Drive or choose to send it to an email address. If you want to scan, save, and archive aging family photos or important documents without having to spend 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 sort of portable photocopier, and proving particularly 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 a large number of documents can take a while. It's also unable to scan film and it's not the fastest out there. Still, it's very convenient despite those flaws. Type: Scanner | Color/Monochrome: Color | Connection Type: USB | LCD Screen: No | Scanner/Copier/Fax: Scanner Amazon What We Like Ability to restore and enhance photos Capability to scan slides, negatives, and film What We Don't Like Awkward size and design No automatic document feeder If you need a reliable work or home office scanner, the Epson Perfection V550 offers the best of both worlds for a price. It's capable of rapidly scanning high-quality images and documents without any need to warm up, which is great if you're in a rush. Much of that is thanks to its flatbed design which means it's always ready to go but does take up a fair amount of room. It's larger and bulkier than some of the other scanners here, but that's not to say your home office won't be able to accommodate it. As a document scanner, it's great to see the V550 has Optical Character Resolution (OCR) technology so you can easily turn scanned documents into editable text. Once converted into editable digital files, users can then submit the scanned copy to a printer, email it, or save it into an image format of their choice. If you need to scan photos, the V550 can scan 35-millimeter slides, negatives, and film and produce images with 6,400dpi optical resolution. The scanner uses Digital Image Correction and Enhancement (ICE) technology that enriches photos, automatically removing dust or scratches. That's a great way to revamp dated and faded family photos with minimal effort, plus the scanner can process multiple images at once. Other features include an auto-edge detection attribute that will crop and individual save each photo, again saving you time. While you can't scan a large number of documents at once because there's no automatic document feeder, there are still some neat time-saving methods here. Type: Scanner | Color/Monochrome: Color | Connection Type: USB | LCD Screen: No | Scanner/Copier/Fax: Scanner Amazon 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: A Scanner for Home Offices and Small Businesses The Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1400 lacks the premium features of the iX1600, but it's still very useful. While there's frustratingly no wireless connectivity or a built-in touchscreen, its scanning features are near indistinguishable from the pricier alternative. Whether you're scanning a business card, receipt, invoice, contract, or beloved photo, the ScanSnap iX1400 does so speedily. Our reviewer Gannon says that 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 makes smooth scanning possible, plus the excellent Fujitsu ScanSnap Home software. 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 right 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 Lifewire / Gannon Burgett 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 scan to, 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 4800x4800dpi, which guarantees you clear and accurate digital scans. Buttons on the front of the scanner make it even easier to scan quickly, with the scanner boasting 8-second speeds. Once scanned, it can create PDFs that can be saved directly to your computer's hard drive too. 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, not that you should need it. 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 Amazon 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, as well as 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. It's Wi-Fi and USB enabled too, so it's easy to hook up to all your devices, whether it's a desktop, laptop, or mobile device. Look out for aging issues with scanning multiple documents into a single PDF, but this 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 What We Like Highly portable and compact Software that supports OCR and cloud services Captures color, grayscale, and monochrome scans What We Don't Like Not all features are Mac-friendly Documents must be carefully inserted to avoid damage If you need a scanner that you can take with you as part of your on-the-go lifestyle, the Visioneer RoadWarrior 4D Duplex Mobile Color Scanner is a good choice. It's only 11.5x2.6x1.6 inches and weighs just 1.1 pounds. That makes it considerably smaller and lighter than many laptops and ideal if you need something portable. Despite the small size, the RoadWarrior 4D Duplex Mobile Color Scanner offers wireless capabilities and USB charging. It also manages to scan at a rate of 8 seconds per page and can capture color, grayscale, and monochrome scans. Via its OneTouch software, users can send scanned documents in various formats to different locations, including your hard drive, an email address, Dropbox, Salesforce Chatter, or Google Docs. There are limitations, though, especially if you're a Mac user, as the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software is compatible only with Windows and not Mac devices. Despite that, the Visioneer RoadWarrior 4D Duplex Mobile Color Scanner is a tempting proposition thanks to its affordability and compact size (you can easily toss it into a backpack or briefcase). Type: Scanner | Color/Monochrome: Color | Connection Type: USB | LCD Screen: No | Scanner/Copier/Fax: Scanner Amazon 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, it's helpful to stay untethered with this scanner, although there is Ethernet capability. Scanning is easy and efficient. It's effortless to scan to cloud storage, USB, email, a mobile device, and quite a few other places too. The scanner's image optimization features can automatically delete blank pages, enhance colors, and even remove unnecessary backgrounds as required. It'll scan quickly with the assistance of a 50-page auto feeder. Plus, there are security features that include SSL and TLS, 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 small, at just under 3 inches. That makes it difficult to navigate 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 Amazon 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 a whopping 600dpi. 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 a little patience when scanning business cards, licenses, or receipts, but it's certainly 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 Final Verdict If money is no object and you need the best scanner, the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600 (view at Amazon) has everything a person could want and need. It's easy to use, fast, and highly accurate, all backed up with great software. Alternatively, there's the Epson Perfection V39 (view at Amazon), which is a good bet for accurate scanning of photos and the option to scan oversized documents, thanks to its removable lid. Lifewire / Gannon Burgett 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 scanner that scans photos at a high quality rather than one that focuses on OCR conversion. For an office environment, being able to scan text well is key. Depending on your budget, higher-end units are great at scanning everything you throw at them and can include features such as adjustable sliders, separate bays, and features that simplify the results. If you're often short on time, impatient, or simply have a large number of 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 on scanning a lot of documents at once. It'll save you time and effort. However, if you're only scanning a few documents once in a while, you may be better off spending less or focusing on something with more features. Lifewire / Gannon Burgett 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 so you can scan and upload files directly to the cloud. Look for one that supports Google Drive, Dropbox, or your other preferred cloud service for maximum efficiency. If you have a fairly large home office or small business setup, you won't have to think too much about storage. However, if your setup is tight on space, or you want to be able to take a document scanner with you wherever you go, look out 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. Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology and gaming since 2010. She specializes in videogames, iOS and Apple technology, wearable technology, and smart home devices. She's used printers and scanners for many, many years, and regularly scans documents for work and home purposes. Gannon Burgett has been writing for Lifewire since 2018 covering a variety of consumer electronics ranging from printers and scanners to cameras and projectors. He's also been published in Gizmodo, Digital Trends, yahoo News, PetaPixel, DPReview, Imaging Resource, and more. Katie Dundas is a freelance journalist and tech writer, with over two years of experience in tech writing. As a photographer, she's very familiar with scanners and likes the Epson Perfection V550 for its ability to restore old photos.
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What to Look for When Buying Photo and Document Scanners
Media Type
Scan Speed
Cloud Support
Portability
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