With so much work moving online, it can be easy to forget about the hassles of paperwork. However, every now and then, there’s that one document that needs you to ink in some corrections, or add a fresh signature before it can be sent off. When you need to take a file from the physical to the digital, there is no better tool than a compact and reliable scanner.
Scanners are also great for digitizing textbooks, notes, and archives, so you can have your whole library at your fingertips even when you’re on the go. We’ve put together a list of some of the best scanners out there, so you can find the right appliance for your home or office. We’ve selected these scanners for their ease of use, compact design, and reliable image quality. Keep reading to find the perfect scanner to bring your work online.
Raven Pro Document Scanner
Best Overall
A Tech-Savvy Product for Any Job
This document scanner is equipped with an LCD touchscreen display that allows the user to fully control the actions of the scanner, including naming documents, cropping images, adding pages, and more.
Pros:
- Compatible with both PC and Mac
- Scans on and offline
- Can send to Cloud, email, and fax
- Easy touchscreen navigation for all actions
Cons:
- Slow scanning at times
- Can have trouble syncing with computers
Doxie Portable Scanner
Most Versatile
Easy to Transport to Use Anywhere
This small and sleek scanner can be taken anywhere to scan documents with or without WiFi due to its convenient size. It also has a rechargeable battery.
Pros:
- Easy to send to apps/devices
- Powered by rechargeable batteries
- Scans fast and easily
- Small and transportable
Cons:
- Sensitive to paper condition
- Not as efficient with Mac
Epson WorkForce Document Scanner
Most Efficient Design
Lightweight yet Effective for Any Job
This scanner is portable with its small and lightweight design, but it is also powerful enough to easily scan any document it is fed, no matter the size or type.
Pros:
- Can scan different-sized documents
- Saves documents on software for transfer
- Compatible with Mac and PC
- Easy to transport
Cons:
- Can only scan one sheet at a time
- Software may have trouble installing
Brother DS-640 Mobile Scanner
Best Size
Includes Easy-to-Use Document Software
This small and compact scanner is easy to store or pick up and take with you to scan documents at any place and at any time. It can scan a variety of document types and sizes..
Pros:
- Small and light to transport
- Scans quickly at a low temperature
- Handles a variety of document sizes and types
- Can connect to PC with USB
Cons:
- Software only works in the US
- Has issues with MAC
Canon Document Scanner
Best Features
Quickly Scans Documents at High Quality
This document scanner is a good choice for those who prioritize the quality of the images and documents they are scanning with its high resolution and image enhancement features.
Pros:
- Has high image resolution
- Scans quickly
- Easy to navigate with its buttons
- Compatible with Mac and PC
Cons:
- Errors with certain operating systems
- May have issues scanning colour
FAQs
How do scanners work?
Scanners work by shining a light on your document that is able to register text images and color. Due to this technology, scanners are able to capture high-quality impressions of anything that you show them. This allows you to make precise copies of all of your documents that you can turn into digital files and store on your hard drive, attach to emails, or even edit digitally.
Are scanners easy to use?
Most scanners are easy to operate, and can be set up and used in a pinch. Simply connect your scanner to your computer with the USB cable or Wi-Fi connection, and you should be good to go. All you have to do is input your documents and your scanner will do the rest. Once you have transferred your documents to your computer, you can access them just like any other file.
Buying Guide
It’s easy to see the range of ways that a scanner can take your work-from-home or office set up to the next level. However, with all of the innovative options available it can be difficult to know which scanner is best suited to the tasks on your to-do list.
By keeping in mind a few variables you can pick up a scanner that checks all of your boxes and compliments the rest of your office equipment perfectly. Considering what you usually scan, how often you digitize documents, and your working environment should help you to narrow down your selection. Keep reading to find a scanner that will work for you.
There are two types of scanners that people commonly pick up to use at home or at work. We categorize most scanners into one of two groups, either sheetfed or flatbed style. Sheet-fed scanners work by passing documents through their system one page at a time. Flatbed scanners require you to enclose the documents that you need to digitize inside your machine, similar to a photocopier.
If you are planning to scan single-sheet documents such as forms or paperwork, a sheet-fed scanner will do the trick. However, if you need to digitize pages from books or magazines, you’ll need a flatbed scanner that is able to accommodate the irregular shape of your documents.
Knowing how often you’re likely to use your scanner can also help you choose the right model for you. If your work only requires you to scan the odd document every now and then, a more compact scanner that won’t take up too much real estate on your desk is a smart solution. Many sheet-fed scanners are small and compact, and are even portable, so you can stow them away when not in use and pull them out again when you need to digitize something.
However, if files for you to scan often cross your desk, a flatbed scanner that can accommodate various sizes and dimensions might be the better choice. By investing in a more heavy-duty device, you’ll never feel stuck trying to fit an unusually large spreadsheet or extra chunky textbook into your machine.
Knowing your workspace will also help you to decide on a scanner that will best integrate into your workflow. In the era of flexible working, it’s not uncommon to have to jump into action and fix an urgent office issue from home, or even a coffee shop. Many scanners on the market today can fit easily into a purse or laptop bag, so you can reach for them at a moment’s notice to reliably digitize anything from anywhere.
Many of these devices also pair easily with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi networks, so you won’t have to worry about untangling masses of cables in order to get your documents from your scanner to your devices. By making sure to think through all of these variables before adding a new scanner to your cart, you can be confident that you’ve picked the right device to take your projects to the next level.
