15 Best Document Scanners For Home Reviews In 2022
Now, you can easily scan essential documents and photos at your home.
In This Article
With most folks working from home, the demand for office supplies has increased tenfold. And one office tool that has become indispensable for many at home is a document scanner. The best document scanners are not hard to find if you do adequate research.
The device can be used for making digital copies of your documents, business cards, and photographs with minimum hassle. This tool is super handy for people who run businesses at home–it helps keep your desks and cabinets mess-free.
But how can you know if a document scanner is efficient or the right one for you? Keep scrolling as we list the best document scanners for use at home and tell you what to consider when choosing one.
However, before diving into the list, let’s learn about the various types of document scanners.
Types Of Document Scanners
1. Flatbed scanner
If you are looking for something that can scan anything from documents to photos with ease, a flatbed scanner is your best option. With a design similar to a printer, this device features a large glass plate with a flip-up lid. All you have to do is lay your document flat on the machine, close the lid, and let the scanner do its work.
2. Sheet-fed scanner
Suitable for scanning legal-sized documents, a sheet-fed scanner scans large stacks of sheets at once without you having to manually insert and remove the paper after each scan. It scans documents at high speed and is easy to use too.
3. Portable scanner
A portable scanner is ideal for individuals who keep shuffling between their home and co-working space/office as it is lightweight and can be carried around easily. While this handheld device does get the job done, the speed may not be as fast and the quality may not be as good as a sheet-fed scanner.
4. Hybrid scanner
This is a versatile machine, which means it can print, scan, and fax your files. While it does seem like an ideal scanner, it is not as efficient and durable as the other scanners.
Top Picks
15 Best Document Scanners For Home Use
1. Best Operational:Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i Scanner
No matter what you want to scan, be it receipts, important papers, photographs, or business cards, this scanner can do it all. Compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems, this device features USB and AC power options and comes bundled with software that can scan all your documents directly to your cloud drive or desktop. You can quickly scan several pages in one go without affecting the quality, thanks to its 10-page automatic document feeder and working speed of 12 pages per minute (ppm). The best part about this scanner is its compact, collapsible design that makes it a great option for small spaces. So, what are you waiting for? Easily create, store, and view your scanned documents with the help of this device. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product.
Pros
- Double-sided scanning
- 1-button operational system
- Can create searchable PDF files
- Features various intelligent automated image processing functions
Cons
- Some may find the registration process time-consuming
2. Best For Duplex Scanning:Epson Workforce ES-865 Duplex Document Scanner
Clear your desk and cabinets of clutter by scanning everything from your paper files to your kid’s art projects and turning them into PDF formats. One of the best scanners for Windows and Mac, this machine is quite popular for its image capturing technology, which means that it can detect colors accurately. But precisely mimicking colors is not the only feature it’s known for. It comes with built-in software that can also auto-crop images and delete blank pages. With a scanning speed of up to 65 pages a minute and a 100-page automatic document feeder, it scans documents of any size within no time. This scanner also features Nuance OCR software that converts your scanned files into editable Excel and Word files and searchable PDFs. This video will help you understand the product better.
Pros
- Duplex scanning feature
- Color LCD panel
- Has a daily work cycle of 7000 sheets
- Features TWAIN driver for seamless integration with any scanning software
Cons
- Some users felt that it take a lot of time to reconnect when it loses connection
3. Best Lightweight:Brother DS-640 Mobile Document Scanner
Are you on the lookout for the best home scanner that’s also ideal for on-the-go use? Look no further than the Brother DS-640 Mobile Document Scanner. Weighing only around 1 pound and measuring merely 11.9 inches long, it is incredibly lightweight and compact. Both these features make this home document scanner easy to carry around when traveling. Its design is not the only aspect that makes it convenient to use while on-the-go. This model comes with a micro USB 3.0 cable that can be connected to your laptop for quick and hassle-free scanning. Check out the detailed review of the product in this video.
Pros
- Features OCR software
- Can scan to multiple destinations
- Includes TWAIN/ Sane/ WIA drivers
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Scanning speed of up to 16 ppm in color and black/white
Cons
- Might be slightly tricky to operate initially
4. Best Travel-Friendly:Doxie Go SE – The Intuitive Portable Scanner
The space-saving and travel-friendly design of this scanner by Doxie makes it an excellent device to digitize your paper-based files whenever and wherever. To add to that, it is battery-powered and features an expandable memory, which makes this scanner much more convenient to use anywhere. This portable sheet-fed scanner offers a good scanning speed of 8 seconds per page even for full-color sheets with great scan quality and has the capacity to scan up to 400 pages per charge.
Pros
- Has scan resolution of 600 dpi
- Stores up to 4000 pages in the memory
- Equipped with ABBYY OCR technology
- Auto adjustment features include de-skewing, cropping, and adjusting contrast.
Cons
- You may be able to scan only 1 page at a time.
5. Best Adjustable:Raven Scanner OriginalTM
One of the best wireless scanners, Raven Scanner OriginalTM works with Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to scan your documents and convert them into searchable digital copies without a computer. This machine is capable of scanning 300 pages a minute and directly stores them to your emails, USB drive, or various cloud services such as Raven Cloud, Evernote, Google Drive, and Dropbox. All while its 7-inch LCD screen allows for seamless navigation. It also comes with a built-in document editor that allows you to name files, add or remove pages, and separate files, etc.
Pros
- Duplex double-sided scanning
- Compatible with Mac and Windows PC
- 50-sheet automatic document feeder
- Adjustable scanning resolution ranging from 200 to 600 dpi
Cons
- Might be slightly slow at higher dpi
6. Best Portable:CZUR ET18 Pro Professional Book Scanner
You won’t have to ruin your books anymore while scanning, thanks to the ET18 Pro book scanner that comes equipped with a unique Laser Curve Flattening technology. This means that it automatically eliminates the curvature of the pages and delivers completely flattened scanned copies. Its maximum scan size is A3, making it highly suitable for books and bound documents. Just place the book under the camera, open it, hold down the edges of the page with your fingertips, and click on the button to start scanning. All you have to do is turn the pages after every scan. You don’t have to worry about your fingers appearing in the final scan as it features finger removal software. With its super-fast scanning speed of 1.5 seconds per 2 pages, it can easily scan a 300-page book in 10 minutes.
Pros
- Compatible with Zoom
- Features an 18 MP Sony camera
- Can be used as a visual presenter
- Includes a foot pedal to prompt the machine
- Comes with OCR software and built-in editing functions
- Equipped with high-quality side lighting for scanning glossy papers
Cons
- May not be compatible with the Linux operating system
7. Best To Save Time:Canon ImageFORMULA R40 Scanner
Embrace this easy-to-use desktop document scanner for all your scanning needs, be it long documents, thick business cards, or contracts. Ideal for home-office use, this device can be connected to your computer or laptop with the included USB cable to quickly convert your paper files into searchable digital formats. It has a scanning speed of 40 pages a minute and is capable of scanning both sides of a sheet at the same time (color and black and white) while also eliminating blank pages automatically, saving a lot of your time and effort.
Pros
- 1-touch operation
- Easy-to-set up software
- Supports Windows and Mac OS
- Directly scans to the cloud
- Features 60-sheet auto feeder
Cons
- It might slow down when double-sided scanning or auto-detection settings are on.
8. Best Reliable:HP ScanJet Pro 3000 S4 Sheet-Fed Scanner
Compact, fast, and reliable — what’s not to love about this scanner that can help you get your home and office scanning work done with efficiency. You can scan documents and business cards to a dedicated file on your computer or USB drive. With a single pass, double-sided scanning feature and speed of up to 40 ppm, this scanner is capable of handling large workloads. You can connect this device to your Windows, Linux, and Mac OS-based systems via a USB connection. It features input and output trays with an extension that can be folded in, helping you make some space on your desktop.
Pros
- 1200 dpi scanning resolution
- 50-sheet capacity loading tray
- 1-touch scanning button feature
- Can scan 4000 pages per day
- Built-in OCR technology converts scans into PDF and Word files
Cons
- May not support a wireless connection
9. Best Image Quality:Plustek SmartOffice PS186 High-Speed Document Scanner
If your work requires you to handle various types of documents (A4 size), including photographs and visiting cards, this Plustek SmartOffice PS186 scanner seems to be the right fit for you. It boasts a scanning speed of 25 ppm and a scan resolution of up to 600 dpi. It can make minor edits like auto-rotation, cropping, color correction, and blank page removal. With this personal document scanner, you can scan all your documents and change them into editable, searchable files, thanks to the OCR function that it comes with. All while the Barcode File Reader function categorizes and archives the documentation in a short time. This system also ensures excellent image quality.
Pros
- 50-sheet auto document feeder
- Works with Windows 7, 8, and 10
- Does simplex and duplex scanning
- Includes 1D and 2D barcode recognition
Cons
- Slightly bulky
10. Best Compatible:Visioneer Xerox Duplex Combo Scanner
For those of you looking for a simple flatbed style scanner but with the added benefit of an automatic document feeder, consider buying the Visioneer Xerox Duplex Combo Scanner. This scanner works for a variety of your scanning needs, be it identity cards, photos, passports, receipts, etc. Besides scanning your physical documents, it also converts them into searchable and editable digital file formats (PDFs or Word files) with the ability to also send the scanned files to your email, printer, PC, and other destinations. It scans 25 pages a minute in color, grayscale, and black/white and loads the tray with 35 sheets at a single time, ensuring quick and efficient scanning.
Pros
- Scans sheets up to 8.5 inches wide
- Compatible with PC and Mac
- Comes with an extra ADF pad
- Has 1-sided and 2-sided scanning feature
- Included Visioneer Acuity technology improves image quality
Cons
- Some may find it space-claiming
11. Best Compact:Canon imageFORMULA R10 Portable Document Scanner
A document scanner that’s convenient to use and can be carried along with you wherever you go? Yes, please! At 2.2 pounds, it is light in weight and compact, making it the perfect portable device for scanning purposes. This scanner is powered via a USB cable, which, when connected to your Windows or Mac device, will scan your files and turn them into digital documents. With the help of its built-in software, Canon CaptureOnTouch Lite, you can preview and edit the images. That said, this machine does not work as a photo scanner as it is not designed for scanning photo papers; it can only scan documents that include images.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Scans 12 ppm
- 20-sheet automatic feeder
- Duplex scanning feature in color and black/white
Cons
- It does not work as a photo scanner.
12. Best Convenient:Epson WorkForce ES-50 Portable Scanner
Portable document scanners are getting more and more popular by the day due to their budget-friendly prices and convenient-to-use features. And this scanner by Epson is all that and more! Weighing less than 1 pound, it is considered to be one of the lightest scanners available in the market. It measures at 10.7 inches long and 1.8 inches wide, so that it can easily fit in your backpack or briefcase. Windows and Mac-compatible, it can scan ID cards, receipts, and any document measuring up to 8.5 x 72 inches.
Pros
- USB-powered device
- Scans directly to the cloud or other accounts
- Features Nuance OCR and Epson ScanSmart software
- Includes TWAIN driver that enables to work with any software
- Has an Automatic Feeding Mode that merges multi-page scans into a single file
Cons
- Takes more than 5 seconds to scan a page
13. Best With Twain Driver:IRIScan Express 4 Scanner
When buying scanners for computers, you don’t necessarily have to go big. A compact and lightweight scanner can also get the job done with utmost efficiency. The IRIScan Express 4 Scanner is all that you would expect a portable scanner to be — compact, affordably-priced, and not compromising on scanning quality. Using this device, you can digitize 8 full-color or black-and-white papers in a minute and scan images at up to 1200 dpi. This is a USB-powered sheet-fed scanner that can directly convert the scanned files into editable formats, so you won’t have to manually do this step later on.
Pros
- 1-button scanning system
- Works with various cloud services
- TWAIN driver included
- Creates multi-pages files
- Automatically detects size, crops, and rotates
Cons
- The installation process may be slightly complicated.
14. Doxie Q – Rechargeable Document Scanner
The Doxie Q scanner is an automatic simplex scanner that takes up very little space on your desktop for all that it does. This rechargeable machine runs on a Lithium-ion battery and features an in-built Wi-Fi that can be turned on quickly to scan the documents. It is equipped with an auto document feeder that can be stacked with 5 full-color papers at a time as long as they are all of the same size. In case you’re scanning photos or receipts of different sizes, you should use the Direct Feed Slot in the machine. This device comes embedded with Mac, Windows, and iOS softwares.
Pros
- 600 dpi resolution
- Features double-sided interleaved scanning
- Can be synced with a USB and SD card
- ABBYY OCR technology creates multi-page PDFs
- Supports scanning to local apps, desktop, and cloud services
Cons
- The auto-feed capacity may not be impressive.
15. Best To Read Barcode:Kodak ScanMate i940 Scanner
The Kodak ScanMate i940 Scanner ticks all the boxes for a small desktop scanner that you can also take with you on your travels with relative ease. At just 2.9 pounds and measuring 11.9 inches wide, it only weighs as much as a laptop. Scan your physical documents, create searchable PDF files, and store the scans into your preferred cloud-based application at the touch of a button. You can scan various types of documents, ranging from embossed hard cards to business cards, with its 20-sheet capacity auto feeder. And to get your scanned files, you need to use the included USB connection with your host computer.
Pros
- Compact
- 3-year AUR warranty
- Delivers high-quality scans
- Can read barcode information
- Includes AC power supply
Cons
- Scanning multiple pages at once may cause jamming
Are you still confused about choosing the right scanning machine for documents? If yes, we urge you to go through the points mentioned below to know what makes for the best scanner.
How To Choose The Right Home Document Scanner?
- Type of scanner
Before you decide to buy a document scanner, you need to learn about the various types of scanners mentioned at the beginning of the post. While sheet-fed scanners are great for scanning long, single-piece documents, flatbed scanners work well for photos or fragile items as they ensure a lower risk of damage. Choose something based on your preference and convenience.
- Media type
Most scanners support standard paper sizes, but there are few others that can support large-format media. So, take into consideration the maximum file size that you intend to work with and purchase a scanner that’s larger than that. You could also opt for a scanner of the largest size to be on the safer side.
- Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels the scanner can capture, which is measured in dpi (dots per inch). It is one of the essential features to look for in a scanner as it ensures your digital files have great clarity. The higher the dpi, the better the resolution. If the dpi is low, the scans will not be clear.
- Speed
If you’re required to scan a lot of documents at once in short periods of time, we recommend you look for a scanner with a high scan speed, which means it should be able to scan multiple documents in a minute. But if your daily scanning needs are limited, you won’t need a scanner with high speed.
- Portability
If you want just one scanner for both your home and office scanning needs, you could consider buying a portable scanner. This type of scanner is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
- Additional features
There are a few other extra features that you could look for when buying a home document scanner. If you often have to scan documents with prints on both sides, you should opt for a machine with a duplexing scanning feature. Ensure that the scanner has an automatic document feeder that you can load with a set number of papers so that you don’t have to manually feed papers in the machine. You could also check whether the device features OCR technology, which can convert all your scanned documents into searchable formats.
How Do I Scan Large Papers?
If you have a document or photo that’s too large to be scanned in a single pass or to fit your scanner’s window, you can scan the document in parts and merge them using a stitching software that automatically blends them into a single file. Make sure to slightly overlap between each section so that stitching software will know where to combine them.
Now that you have gone through our list of the best document scanners for home use and a helpful buying guide, we hope it will be easy for you to pick the right one. Investing in a good scanner is important to digitize your files the right way and arrange them neatly in your preferred location, be it your desktop or cloud. Digitizing your paperwork will also ensure that you keep your home environment neat and tidy. Plus, you won’t have to worry about losing any of your important documents.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is a skilled and versatile product writer passionate about electronic appliances. He ensures his articles are backed by thorough research and meet the people’s requirements. After extensively researching numerous user reviews, he has compiled this list of the best document scanners for home, keeping your convenience and quality requirements in mind. An informative buying guide has also been provided to help you make the right decision.
Having the necessary documents with you is not only an advantage but also a requirement. However, carrying around hard copies of documents may be challenging, impractical, and even risky. Thus, you need the best document scanners for homes that allow you to scan important and official documents and have a soft-copy file on hand. When choosing the ideal scanner for your home, consider the types available and choose one based on your needs. Also, factor in the media type, resolution, speed, and portability before making your pick.
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