The Best Scanners for 2024
The Best Scanners for 2024
Selecting the ideal scanner for your daily scanning needs can be difficult. Most flatbed and sheet-fed scanners are designed for typical office tasks or photo image capture, but they are available in various types and sizes, each optimized for different scanning purposes. Document, photo, receipt, and film scanners are just a few categories to consider, and we’re here to assist you. Our PCMag experts have spent decades reviewing scanners, and we’ve compiled the top models we've tested, categorized by different use cases. The Epson Perfection V39 II is our top overall choice for photo scanning, while the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX excels in document scanning. Browse our list, and then dive deeper into scanner specifications and guidance on choosing the right model for your needs.
WCMI offers additional products and information you may need, so be sure to check it out.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Flatbed Photo Scanner
Epson Perfection V39 II
Rating: 4.0 Excellent
High-quality photo scans
Fully automatic mode for easy scanning
Separates out individual photos
Scans to editable text in a searchable PDF
Includes a kickstand for upright positioning
Cannot scan film
Does not come with bundled applications
The Epson Perfection V39 II is an excellent choice for nonprofessional photographers who require a versatile scanner capable of scanning document pages and converting them into editable text. While this model lacks an automatic document feeder (ADF), it does save desk space with its vertical kickstand and offers impressive photo scanning and touch-up software. Additionally, it can stitch together scans of larger photos.
The V39 II delivers vibrant color and crisp details while connecting seamlessly to a small-office PC via USB. Despite its lack of wired networking or Wi-Fi, its affordable price makes it a solid choice for light-duty photo-quality scanning.
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$99.99 Amazon
$119.95 Walmart
$99.99 Best Buy
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Best Desktop Document Scanner (Homes and Small Offices)
Fujitsu ScanSnap iX
Rating: 4.5 Outstanding
Comprehensive ScanSnap software
Simple to learn and use
Accurate OCR
Versatile connectivity options, including mobile
6,000-scan daily duty cycle rating
Lacks Ethernet support
The Fujitsu ScanSnap iX is designed for small offices, offering an easy-to-use color touchscreen and a 50-page ADF, along with a daily duty cycle of 6,000 scans. Though it lacks Ethernet, it's meant for single PC connections via USB or Wi-Fi. This scanner automatically recognizes and organizes documents, receipts, and business cards, making it an essential tool for managing piles of papers efficiently.
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$399.99 Amazon
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Best Desktop Document Scanner (High-Volume, for Offices)
Brother ADS-W
Rating: 4.0 Excellent
Deep document management features
Fast scanning and reliable feeding
Accurate OCR
Can scan to USB memory devices without a computer
Versatile connectivity and strong mobile device support
Large touchscreen control panel
Lacks strong Mac support
The Brother ADS-W stands out in the competitive market, featuring a 9,000-scan daily duty cycle. While it lacks groundbreaking features, it is a reliable choice for small to medium-size offices, offering solid document scanning capabilities and competitive pricing for its category.
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$650.00 Amazon
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Best Desktop Enterprise Scanner (for Oversize Documents)
Epson DS-
Rating: 4.0 Excellent
Fast and accurate scanning and text conversion
High volume rating, including large ADF
Scans documents up to 12 by 17 inches
Versatile scanner-interface software
Moderate-size footprint
Lacks wireless or mobile connectivity
USB interface only; no networking option available
Lacks business-card scanning and archiving software
The Epson DS- is a high-volume document scanner tailored to enterprise needs, capable of handling tabloid sheets (11-by-17-inch). With an ADF that accommodates up to 120 pages, its daily duty cycle is robust at 30,000 scans. Although it carries a higher price tag, it offers unparalleled performance in its class.
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$2,499.00 Dell
$2,499.00 B&H Photo Video
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Best Flatbed/Sheetfed Combo Scanner
HP ScanJet Pro f1
Rating: 4.0 Excellent
Compact design
Fast and accurate OCR
Excellent HP Scan Pro interface
Decent document archiving
Scans to USB drives without a PC
Somewhat expensive
No Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or device support
The HP ScanJet Pro f1 merges flatbed and sheetfed functionality, distinguishing itself with the capacity to digitize fragile items and lengthy documents seamlessly. Targeting small organizations that require dependable scanning, it allows users to control scanning operations directly from PCs or to USB drives.
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$599.00 HP
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Best High-Speed Snapshot Scanner
Epson FastFoto FF-680W
Rating: 4.0 Excellent
Quickly scans stacks of photo prints
Decent as a document scanner
Scans to searchable PDF
Solid OCR performance
Somewhat pricey
Slower at photo scanning than its predecessor
The Epson FastFoto FF-680W is engineered for scanning stacks of photos briskly, perfect for scrapbookers or family archivists. It's gentle on images and includes features that allow for both-sided scanning and the ability to quickly edit and name files.
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$499.99 Amazon
$499.99 Best Buy
$599.99 Epson
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Best Portable Document Scanner
Brother DSmobile DS-940DW
Rating: 4.5 Outstanding
Small and light
Fast scanning and processing
Accurate OCR
Solid software bundle
Easy to use
Autonomous scanning to microSD card
Wi-Fi and USB 3.0 connectivity
No automatic document feeder
MicroSD card not included
The Brother DSmobile DS-940DW is a lightweight, portable solution perfect for quick scans on the go, boasting features like rechargeable batteries and the ability to scan directly to a microSD card without a computer. Ideal for personal use, it is efficient for one or two-page documents.
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$194.02 Amazon
$199.98 Walmart
$199.99 Best Buy
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Best Front-Desk Document and Card Scanner
Fujitsu fi-800R
Rating: 4.0 Excellent
Fast and compact
Accurate OCR
Robust software bundle
High daily volume rating
Well-suited to front-desk applications
Expensive
Connectivity limited to USB
The Fujitsu fi-800R combines the features of desktop and portable sheet-fed document scanners in a compact design while delivering high performance. Its speed and 4,500 daily duty cycle make it suitable for front-desk applications where handling customer paperwork is essential.
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$496.58 Amazon
$639.99 Walmart
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Best Receipt Scanner
Epson RapidReceipt RR-600W
Rating: 4.5 Outstanding
Fast
Accurate OCR
Strong software bundle, including ScanSmart Accounting Edition
Huge 4.3-inch color touch screen
100-sheet ADF
Robust mobile and USB flash drive support
Low price for features offered
ScanSmart not supported on mobile devices
The Epson RapidReceipt RR-600W makes document scanning easy, allowing for up to 100 two-sided documents in a single batch. It features convenient Scanning Software to dynamically learn vendor information and expenses, ideal for any business office.
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$399.99 Amazon
$499.99 Walmart
$399.99 Best Buy
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Best Overhead Book and Magazine Scanner
CZUR ET24 Pro
Rating: 4.0 Excellent
Automatic focus and page-turn detection
Operates via desk button or foot pedal
HDMI video output capability
Business card archiving feature
Accurate OCR functionality
No wireless connectivity or handheld device support
Lacks networking options
No battery for off-plug operation
The CZUR ET24 Pro is a dedicated overhead scanner capable of high-quality captures of books and magazines, freeing your hands with a foot pedal for seamless page turning. This scanner is ideally suited for small and mid-sized offices, educational purposes, or presentations that require sophisticated scanning solutions.
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$649.00 Amazon
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Buying Guide: The Best Scanners for 2024
The initial step in purchasing a scanner revolves around understanding the types of media you will be scanning. Knowing what and how often you plan to scan will dictate the necessary features you require.
Consider whether you will primarily scan photos, unbound documents, receipts, business cards, or items like bound books, magazines, film, or delicate originals like stamps. Additionally, think about the original sizes and whether you'll need duplex scanning (scanning both sides). This information will guide you in selecting between flatbed or sheet-fed models.
Do You Need a Flatbed Scanner or an Overhead Scanner?
For delicate originals, bound materials, and 3D objects, opt for a flatbed scanner, which features a glass platen for placing items securely. For books and magazines, an overhead scanner may be the right choice, resembling old projectors that use a scanning head to capture content.
Does Your Scanner Need a Sheet Feeder?
If your primary scanning needs focus on documents, especially those longer than a couple of pages, you should invest in a document-centric scanner with a sheet feeder. This feature eliminates the tedium of lifting the lid for each page scanned.
Do You Need Duplex (Two-Sided) Scanning?
Duplex scanning allows for the simultaneous capture of both sides of a page. If two-sided documents regularly come through your office, look for a duplexing ADF or a manual-duplex scanning option.
What's the Right Resolution for Your Scanner?
For most scanners, a resolution of 200-300 pixels per inch (ppi) is satisfactory. However, if you require fine detail, such as scanning slides or negatives, you will need a scanner with at least 4,800 optical ppi.
What Software Will You Use?
Most scanners include basic software such as OCR. If you plan to scan business cards or receipts, look for models with specialized software that can convert the captured information into usable formats.
Do You Need a Special-Purpose Scanner?
Special-purpose scanners, such as those for business cards or receipts, cater to specific needs. Portable or handheld scanners are also available for convenience, particularly for frequent travelers.
Ready to Buy the Right Scanner for You?
We hope our recommendations and insights clarify your purchasing process. All-in-one printers with built-in scanners might serve your background scanning needs, but investing in a dedicated scanner is advisable for regular use. Our listed models are the top choices based on extensive testing.
For tailored advice, check out our roundups, including the best scanners for photos and overall multifunction printers.
Contact us to discuss your requirements for a hand-held scanner suitable for warehouse environments. Our experienced sales team can assist you in identifying the best options for your needs.