Although scanners usually capture an image from a source document, they vary significantly. When you consider the quality of the images captured, portability and user-friendliness of different scanners, you will realize a huge variation even though they are based on a similar concept.
In this post, we have selected the best portable high speed document scanners available on the market. These scanners come in various models and in different sizes, shapes, accuracy and speed. Note that understanding how to use it and where it will be used is the first step to help you narrow down your search.
So without further ado, here’s our top picks.
Top 10 Best Portable Document & Photo Scanners
1. Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i Portable Document Scanner
The Fujitsu S1300i is a product coming from Fujitsu, a reputable company, and this portable scanner is a heavy duty device available in the market today and one of the best document & photo scanners of the year.
The performance of the Fujitsu ScanSnap is also excellent. Designed with a paper feeder, this scanner has other important features that make it the best in our list. When it comes to quality of the image scanned, this portable scanner produces images with a resolution of up to 600DPI. The best thing about this device is that it is a high speed scanner, capable of scanning 12 pages in one minute. The Fujitsu S1300i also supports duplex scanning.
ScanSnap S1300i features
- It is powered by a USB connection
- It is high speed scanner that captures images in color, black and white
- It is a portable scanner
- It supports duplex scanning
- Produces images with a resolution of up to 600DPI
- Scans PDF documents directly so no need to convert the files after scanning
Pros
- The Fujitsu S1300i supports duplex scanning which makes it easy for dual sides document scanning at the same time
- It’s settings is customized using software thus producing the best results
- Produces excellent OCR results.
- Provides fast scanning
- It features an automatic paper feeder
Cons
- Lacks internal and external storage space
- Customizing the software can be tough
The Verdict
If you want to have the best duplex scanning experience, then Fujitsu ScanSnap would be your best choice. As it is designed with an automatic paper feeder and the fact that it is a portable scanner makes it suitable for use in most cases.
2. Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 Color Duplex Scanner
Another device made by Fujitsu Company, making up the second in our list of the best document scanners is the Fujitsu iX500, a color duplex document scanner, compatible with Macs and PCs.
This is also the best budget scanner from Fujitsu that will scan your documents including business cards, A3 and A4 papers. It’s also, a receipt scanner. This office scanner is easy to set up and its price is reasonable. Unlike Fujitsu’s ScanSnap S1300i, the Fujitsu iX500 is the best desktop scanner.
The best thing about this document scanner is that it is designed with an application to save and categorize your scanned documents. Another great feature about this scanner is that it includes Wi-Fi connectivity.
Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 Features
- It is a document scanner, photo scanner, receipt scanner that is easy to set up
- Supports duplex scanning at a speed of up to 25 double-sided pages in one minute
- Features optical resolution of up to 600dpi
- Features an automatic paper feeder.
- It measures 1 x 11.4 x 6.6 inches
- Weight- 6 pounds
Pros
- Fujitsu iX500 is the best desktop scanner
- Fast and easy to use
- It is a reliable and dependable scanner that supports duplex scanning technology
Cons
- The Fujitsu iX500 cannot connect to multiple computers
The Verdict
Although Fujitsu iX500 is a desktop scanner, it still outsmarts some of the desktop scanners out there. This device is fast and easy to use. So, if you are looking for a scanner that will scan both sides of your document faster, then this would be your best choice.
3. Doxie Go SE Portable Scanner
Another gadget that comes with the latest document scanning utilities and one of the best document scanners that will offer you all the modern scanning features to save your time and space is the Doxie Go.
The Doxie Go SE is the smartest portable and fast wireless paper scanner for scanning documents. This intuitive portable scanner comes with a rechargeable battery and incredible software. The best thing about this scanner is that it’s lightweight thus can be carried anywhere anytime as per your need.
If you buy this scanner, you get a calibration card, cleaning kit, mini USB cable and a carrying bag. This device will scan papers and documents as well. Scanning with this portable device is also easy since you just place a paper on it and within no seconds you get your scanned document. Another nice thing about it is that it comes with a 500MB internal storage and a rechargeable battery that will let you scan about 100 documents at a go.
Doxie Go SE features
- The Doxie Go has a rechargeable battery
- Weight- 18 pounds
- Dimensions – 12.2 x 2.2 x 1.8 inches
Pros
- Can be carried anywhere anytime’
- Easy to connect and transfer data
- It’s light in weight and can be carried alongside other things
- Supports scanning of different documents
- Fast scanner
Cons
- It’s memory space is not sufficient
The Verdict
Although it features a low memory space, this document scanner is best suitable for people who like travelling a lot.
4. Brother DS-920DW Wireless Color Page Scanner
After reviewing the features of the Brother DS-920DW, we have found it to be among the list of the best document duplex scanners that offers you the portability and fast speed scanning of documents.
The Brother DS-920DW is the best wireless document scanner that can scan a variety of documents and produce instant scans. This scanner is highly portable which makes it easy to carry when moving around. This wireless document scanner also supports duplex scanning and produces results of the ultimate scale.
Features
- It features 4GB SD Memory Card
- It measures 6 x 12.1 x 1.6 inches
- It weighs 1.17 pounds
- It’s a Lightweight Wireless Enabled Mobile Duplex Scanner
- It can scan 8 pages per minute in color and black
- Can be used on Mac, Linux and Windows
Pros
- This document scanner is highly portable so you can use it anywhere anytime
- Comes with a built-in OCR
- Can also work with desktop and give good results
Cons
- It has some few limitations on the preinstalled software.
The Verdict
If you want a light duty scanner that can also be used with desktop, then this device would make the best choice for you. The Brother DS-920DW is an easy-to use device.
5. Brother DS-620 Mobile Color Page Scanner
With less than 1lb in weight and less than 12 inches long, the Brother DS-620 proves to be portable color page scanner. This scanner is light in weight and comes with a USB powered cable which does not require a wall outlet thus appearing number 5 of our list of the best document scanners to use in all the latest versions of OS.
This scanner can produce up to 8 documents in black and white and can be carried everywhere anytime. The best thing about this scanner is that it is an ultra-compact device and can scan 8 documents in a minute. If you want to scan text-based documents and receipts, then this is your best scanner for that job since it can scan them fast. Another incredible thing about this scanner is that it is compatible with Linux, Mac, and Windows. However, when scanning documents, you must not place a bunch of documents on the carrier as that could cause jamming.
Features
- It is an ultra-compact scanner
- Offers fast scanning speeds
- It is light in weight since it weighs less than 1 lb.
- It is a Windows, Mac, and Linux compatible scanner
- It measures 2.1 x 11.4 x 1.4 inches
Pros
- A high speed scanner and good for photo organizing
- Perfect for continuous feeding of pictures
- Best portable scanner
- Perfect for business use
Cons
- Doesn’t support duplex scanning technology and doesn’t include the receipt scanning software
The Verdict
Although the Brother DS-620 does not support duplex scanning technology, it still makes the best portable scanner that you can carry everywhere since it is light in weight.
6. Brother DS-720D Color Page Scanner
If all what you want is a best and easy-to-carry-around with scanner, then Brother DS-720D Mobile Duplex Color Page Scanner should not miss in your list of the best document scanners as you shop around.
The good thing about this scanner is that it can connect to the system and is compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux OS.
This scanner is an advancement of the Brother DS-620D and comes with duplex scanning technology thus making it easy to scan a document on both sides. Similar to the 620D model, the DS-720 is also powered via a USB cable. However, this makes it impossible to work with without connecting it to a computer.
Features
- Compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS and Linux
- Duplex scanning technology
- Capable of scanning up to 8ppm
- Light in weight and highly portable via the included USB cable – no battery or wall outlet required
- It weighs 1.1 pounds
- It measures 2.6 x 11.4 x 1.6 inches
Pros
- The DS-720D is a portable and lightweight scanner
- Supports duplex technology
- It’s price is relatively affordable
- Features preinstalled document management software that offers good support with the images and document scanned.
- It’s a great single paper feed scanner
Cons
- This device is incompatibility with receipt filing software so it is not a receipt scanner.
The Verdict
Even though it has its cons, this scanner is still the best when it comes to scanning dual sided document scanning. Another incredible thing that makes it the best choice is its portability. The Brother DS-720D is a lightweight scanner so you can work with it while on the go.
7. Doxie Q Wireless Document Scanner
Has it made to be on the list of the best document scanners? Yes, it has!
If you want a scanner that sacrifices portability with features for performance, then the Doxie Q would make the best option for you. Coming with a weight of 1.81 pounds, you would think that this scanner is heavy but it’s easy to move around with this scanner. Nevertheless when you compare it with other lightweight document scanners, you will find this one to be a heavy document scanner. It features a collapsed automatic document feeder. However, it is best suitable for scanning a lot of documents since you will need to put the documents in the paper feeder, power it on and it will complete the job by itself.
Features
- It weighs 1.81 pounds
- It comes with an accuracy of 300/600dpi
- It is a wireless rechargeable document scanner.
- It measures 6 x 3.2 x 1.6 inches
- Good battery life
- It features a collapsed paper feeder
- Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
- Comes with a preinstalled iOS app
Pros
- Does not require PC to scan documents
- Comes with USB cable, 8GB MiniSD card, and a cleaning kit.
Cons
- Can’t scan directly to a computer
The Verdict
The Doxie Q is a slow scanning device thus requires some patience. However, if you are not in hurry, this scanner can scan accurately and without the need of a PC, but the software is slightly outdated.
8. Epson WorkForce ES-50 Portable Document Scanner
If you are looking for an amazing document scanner, then this is the fastest and lightest mobile single sheet fed document scanner that is capable of scanning documents and save them as searchable PDFs and editable Word and Excel files. The Epson WorkForce ES-50 can scan a single page document in as fast as 5.5 seconds. This documents scanner features ScanSmart Software to easily scan, review and organize your documents. The best thing about this scanner is that you can use it to save documents to cloud solutions. Moreover, it is USB powered so no batteries or external power supply is needed for its operation.
Features
- This scanner is compatible with Windows and Mac OS
- Automatic feeding mode combine multi page scans into one file
- Lightweight and fast scanning on the go
- Create searchable PDFs and editable Word and Excel files.
- USB Powered
Pros
- Compact portable scanner and very easy to use
- It is a great portable scanner
- It’s an easy to install and set up scanner
Cons
- Great for receipts, but not for photos
- Scan resolution limited to 300 dpi
The Verdict
If you are looking for a scanner that is capable to save your scans directly to the cloud, then the Canon LiDE220 would make the best choice for that. With this scanner, you can search and edit scanned text, create PDFs documents.
9. Doxie Flip Cordless Flatbed Notebook Scanner
The Doxie Flip is the latest flagship of the Doxie models and one of the best document scanners out there, with a portable design and excellent scanning features. This document scanner is highly portable; in fact, you can mistake it for a book when you see someone carrying it. The Doxie Cordless Flatbed can fit in a bag so you can carry it anywhere. The good thing about this scanner is that it is compatible with Windows XP, Mac version 10.7 and other OS versions.
Features
- It is light in weight
- The Doxie Flip is an ultra-mobile flatbed scanner perfectly designed for scanning photos, memories, albums and pocket notebooks.
- Scans documents accurately at 300dpi and 600dpi respectively
- It measures 10.2 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
- It weighs 2.2 pounds
Pros
- It is powered by a battery
- It’s highly portable
- When you buy this scanner you also get AA batteries and a 4GB SD card
- It supports cloud storage but can also save scans into an SD card.
Cons
- It does not allow scanning of large materials
- Not a good scanner for posters and large paper sizes
The Verdict
The Doxie Flip-Cordless Flatbed is a document scanner that is reliable, portable and comes with a flip top to allow users to scan documents in a variety of ways. This best document scanner supports cloud storage but you can save your scanned documents to an SD card.
10. Epson Workforce DS-30 Portable Document Scanner
Appearing in the list of the best document & photo scanners for home and office use is the Epson Workforce DS-30.
The Epson DS-30 is the best portable document and photo scanner for office and home use. When compared with some of the mentioned models above, the DS-30 stands out to be the best in performance and an easy-to-use scanner.
This document scanner supports cloud solutions thus making it easy to save your scans directly to the cloud. Designed with an optical sensor of 600dpi color, this scanner is capable of scanning documents with dimensions of 8.5 by 14 inches long. The good thing about this scanner is that it is powered by a USB cable. Also, it supports Windows and MC OS.
Features
- Simplex A4 color scanner
- USB powered
- Scanning Speed: 4.6 ppm
- Optical Sensor: 600 dpi color
- 9 x 2 x 1.4 inches
- Item weight 11.2 ounces
- Shipping weight 1.25 pounds
Pros
- This model is slightly cheaper
- It is powered by USB cable
- It is a portable document scanner
- It supports cloud storage
- It is a compact portable scanner and very easy to use
Cons
- It is the best portable document and image scanner but features slightly antiquated software
The Verdict
Epson DS-30 is somewhat an all-inclusive package scanner that features good scanning utilities. Even though it does not support duplex scanning and comes with a manual paper feed functionality it still makes the best portable document scanner out there.
If you are looking for a relatively cheaper device, this would make a good choice. Working with this scanner is also hassle-free.
Document scanners are very helpful when it comes to handling office and home document scanning tasks. They help in converting business documents into digital information so that you can easily save your information and also share it with other people.
Whether you are looking for a document scanner, photo scanner, paper scanner, high speed scanner, home scanner, receipt scanner, office scanner, you should ensure to choose one that serves the purpose you bought it for. You should be able to get greater quality scanned documents and in a fast way.
We hope our list will help you buy the best document scanner for your needs.