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9 Best Document Scanners For Office And Home

By Mawar F Post a Comment
Future office work is digital, paper as a data carrier is now considered obsolete. The paperless office ensures an optimal workflow and is also eco-friendly. In the private sector too, consumers are increasingly turning to digitization. The best document scanners prove to be indispensable. Whether invoices or receipts, project documents or business cards, the desktop scanner supports you in converting many paper documents into digital form.

Document Scanners


This guide article focuses on document scanners and how they work, and also explains the differences between these types and versions of office scanners. We discuss in detail about desktop scanning equipment and the available scanning options and their relevance to you as a consumer. Our quick guide will help you find the model that best fits your needs.

The 9 best document scanners in a big comparison

1. Epson WorkForce DS-410 Document Scanner
  • Carte post media types
  • Scanner type document
  • DS-410 . Labor Series
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 15.2 x 15.4 x 29.7 centimeters
  • 600 . resolution
  • Item weight 2.5 kilograms
  • Watts 15
  • Sayfa Boyutu A4
The model scans your documents at reassuring speed and in high quality in black and white. The document scanner scores well with decent equipment and receives positive feedback from users almost without exception. Last but not least, buyers are satisfied with its simple installation and reliable functions.

The Epson WorkForce DS-410 document scanner has an automatic feeder for 50 sheets of DIN A4. However, you also have the option to manually scan small format documents such as gas station receipts and DIN A3 documents.

What is a document scanner and how does it differ from other scanners? In terms of functional principles, there is no difference between document scanners and other current scanners, it is more related to the design of electronic devices. We go into more detail on the subject in our guide below.

The usual software interfaces such as TWAIN, ISIS and WIA as well as OCR text recognition programs are included. The Document Capture Pro 2.0 software developed by Epson simplifies document management and supports, among other things, the creation of searchable PDF files. In terms of connectivity, the WorkForce DS-410 document scanner is somewhat reserved, because apart from the USB 2.0 port, there is no way to connect external devices. It's okay for current scanning devices.

Office devices scan your documents up to 26 pages or 52 images per minute at a resolution of 300 dpi. At 600 dpi, the speed is understandably slightly lower, but satisfying according to consumers. The document scanner also allows double-sided scanning in one go. The software automatically detects and corrects errors such as blank or skewed pages.

Advantages
  • Paper protection technology (scanner stops if the document does not feed properly)
  • Duplex scanning
  • Automatic document feeder for 50 sheets
  • High daily scan volume (up to 3,000 pages)
  • Supports DIN A4 and smaller formats
Deficiency
  • No WiFi, Bluetooth or LAN
  • No information about volume
  • No memory information
2. Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 Document Scanner

  • Media type photo, receipt, paper
  • Scanner type document
  • IX1500 . Series
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 16.1 x 29.2 x 15.2 centimeters
  • Item weight 3.4 kilograms
  • watts 17 watts
  • Sayfa Boyutu A4
Fujitsu's ScanSnap document scanner is very popular with consumers. Customer feedback emphasizes above-average functionality and impeccable performance. This desktop scanner digitizes in black and white and color at a decent speed of up to 30 pages per minute at a resolution of up to 600 dpi.

The ScanSnap iX1500 Black comes with the ScanSnap Home software, which allows sharing one unit with family members and business associates. Depending on your needs, scanned documents can be printed directly and saved as editable Word or Excel files. Scanning directly to the cloud, to email, and to a connected Android or iOS device is also fine with the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 scanner.

The installed software automatically corrects errors such as skewed or folded pages and ignores blank pages or holes. Two-sided scanning in just one pass can also be easily implemented. The provider indicates that neither the TWAIN nor ISIS interfaces are included. In terms of connectivity, this model offers two ways to connect your electronic devices, namely via USB and wirelessly via WLAN.

Does the lack of TWAIN and ISIS interfaces make document scanners difficult to use? On the other hand, on the contrary, because you don't need to make any settings on the PC beforehand for the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 scanner. Scanning is done at the push of a button, so control requires very little knowledge. All scanners from the ScanSnap series consistently do without the mentioned virtual interface. Compatibility issues can only arise when using the ELO Office document management system.

Advantages
  • 4.3 inch TFT color touch screen
  • Duplex scanning
  • Wireless Internet Access
  • Automatic document feeder for 50 sheets
  • Supports DIN A4 and smaller formats
Deficiency
  • No Bluetooth or LAN
  • No information about daily scan volume
  • No information about operating system version compatibility
  • No information about volume
  • No memory information
3. Brother ADS-2400N Document Scanner
  • Scanner type document
  • ADS-2400N . Series
  • Connectivity technology USB, Ethernet
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 25.8 x 30.6 x 25 centimeters
  • Resolution 1,200dpi × 1,200dpi
  • Item weight 4.45 kilograms
  • Watts 27
  • 30 bit color depth
  • Standard sheet capacity 50
The model scores above average speed and good connectivity. With only a few exceptions, buyer feedback about the product has been positive, with most reviews focusing not only on the reassuring scan speed but also on the uncomplicated controls.

Whether in black and white or color, 40 pages per minute is not a problem for office machines. When scanning images, the Brother ADS-2400N even doubles its speed and reads documents on both sides at once. The automatic feed is designed for 50 sheets, this value is within the standard range.

Depending on your needs, you can convert the document into a searchable PDF, PDF format or Microsoft Office document. Scan to mail or scan to print is also not a problem. To control the scanner, the manufacturer installs the TWAIN, ISIS, ICA, and SANE drivers for the Linux operating system. The default image resolution is a solid 600 dpi, but you can increase it to 1,200 dpi.

With an integrated LAN port, there's a plus in flexibility, a Hi-Speed ​​USB interface and a USB host for easier connection of compatible devices are also included. The installed software supports digitizing your documents, among others by skipping blank pages, automatic format recognition and formatting, background removal or automatic document alignment.

Can the document scanner also work without a connected PC? This question should be answered with Jains. In order to use the various functions of the scanner, a laptop or desktop PC must be connected. Thanks to a USB host, some models such as the Brother ADS-2400N allow you to send documents directly to a printer or mobile electronic device, for example, without a PC. A WLAN or LAN connection also allows wireless data transmission to smartphones and other electronic devices.

Advantages
  • Three programmable Favorite buttons (scans documents easier and faster with presets)
  • Duplex scanning
  • Fast scanning speed (up to 40 pages per minute, black and white and color)
  • Automatic document feeder for 50 sheets
  • Handles heavy paper (40 to 413 grams per square meter)
  • Supports DIN A4 and smaller formats
  • Quiet (51 decibels)
  • LAN ports
Deficiency
  • No bluetooth or wifi
  • No information about daily scan volume
4. Epson WorkForce DS-310 Document Scanner
  • USB media type
  • Scanner type document
  • DS-310 Seri Series
  • USB connectivity technology, Micro USB
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 28.8 x 8.9 x 5.1 centimeters
  • 300 . resolution
  • Item weight 1100 grams
  • Watts 8
  • Sayfa Boyutu A4
This mini-scanner is no less than a standard-sized desktop scanner and is less than 9 centimeters wide and about 5 centimeters high. Thus, buyer feedback looks positive overall. High speed, simple controls and, understandably, space-saving dimensions deserve the most praise.

The Epson WorkForce DS-310 reads your documents in black and white as well as in color. The speed is impressive 25 pages and 50 images per minute. The office machine offers several options including scan to email, scan to print, scan to cloud, and scan to network folder. Among other things, you can create searchable PDFs, JPG documents, or, for example, Microsoft Office files.

Two-sided scanning is possible without any problems, and in one go. The document scanner uses Epson's enterprise software Epson Document Capture and has the usual interfaces such as TWAIN, ISIS and WIA for easy control. The input tray holds 20 pages, which is above average for a device of this size class.

What features does Epson's "Document Capture Suite" firmware offer? The software is available in several versions, with the higher Pro version preinstalled on many document scanners. Among other things, scan profiles can be set for easier control, which scans documents directly to cloud storage, automatically recognizes document formats, and creates searchable PDF files. This software is available for Mac and Windows computers.

Advantages
  • Lightweight and compact (suitable for mobile use)
  • High scan resolution (1200 x 1200 dpi)
  • Duplex scanning
  • Automatic document feeder for 20 sheets
  • Supports DIN A4 and smaller formats
  • Energy saving (8 watts in operation and 0.3 watts in standby mode)
Deficiency
  • No WiFi, Bluetooth or LAN
  • No information about volume
  • No memory information
5. Brother ADS-2200 Document Scanner
  • Media type receipt, business card, paper
  • Scanner type document
  • ADS-2200 . Series
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 14.5 x 29.9 x 14.1 centimeters
  • 1200 . resolution
  • Item weight 2.5 kilograms
  • Watts 21
  • 48 bit color depth
This office equipment is rated with decent equipment and convincing especially with its high speed of operation. Consumers are mostly satisfied and praise the uncomplicated controls and versatility of the Brother document scanner.

The Brother ADS-2200 desktop scanner can digitize up to 35 pages and 70 images per minute at an image resolution of 300 dpi and is therefore a great choice for you if you often have a larger volume of documents to scan. At this operating speed, the 50-sheet document feeder seems almost too small.

The usual functions such as automatic document recognition, blank page recognition or, for example, automatic background removal are included in this document scanner. The classic TWAIN, ICA or SANE drivers for control via a PC monitor or laptop are also installed on this scanner. The Brother ADS-2200 is also up-to-date in terms of available options, as you can save your documents not only on your computer, but also directly in the cloud or forward them to a printer via USB.

Which image resolution is optimal for scanning? There is no general answer to this question because the optimal resolution depends on the document to be scanned. The default value is 300 dpi, which is "dots per inch". The more points that fall within one linear centimeter, the sharper the scanned document will appear. Many scanners read data at a higher resolution, which is 600 dpi.

A higher point density can be a good choice for photos and graphics. Most document scanners also offer the option of setting image resolutions up to 1,200 dpi, some even more. However, when assessing image resolution, one difference between "optical resolution" and "interpolation resolution" should be noted. Read more about it in our guide below.

Advantages
  • Two USB ports (one port for transferring scans directly to a USB stick)
  • Plenty of RAM (512 megabytes)
  • Duplex scanning
  • Automatic document feeder for 50 sheets
  • High daily scan volume (up to 3,000 pages)
  • Supports DIN A4 and smaller formats
  • Quiet (49 decibels)
Deficiency
  • No WiFi, Bluetooth or LAN
6. Canon imageFORMULA P-208II Mobile Document Scanner
  • Scanner type document
  • P-208II Series USB 2.0
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 31.2 x 8.9 x 4 centimeters
  • 600 . resolution
  • Item weight 590 grams
  • Watts 2.5 watts
  • Sayfa Boyutu A4
This mini scanner is the perfect solution for mobile use as well as for medium scanning needs and this is why this model is most preferred by users. Overall, consumers are very satisfied with the balanced office equipment price-performance ratio.

The Canon imageFORMULA P-208II document scanner weighs only 0.6 kilograms and is therefore one of the lightest models on the market. At the same time, office equipment is capable of convincing with decent operating speed, as the compact scanning device digitizes about 16 pages per minute in both color and black and white - this is a good fit for a scanner in this price range. The document feeder holds 10 sheets, the approximate maximum daily volume is 100 sheets.

For most document scanners, the manufacturer states "maximum scan volume per day" in the product specification. Don't let this bother you, as you can of course scan more pages if you need to. These values ​​are a guide when purchasing a scanner with respect to the daily volume of work in your office or home office.

CaptureOnTouch Lite software comes pre-installed and, according to users, is convincing with a clear icon interface. Files can be transferred directly to your smartphone, whether based on iOS or Android, via the dedicated CaptureOnTouch app. The scan-to-cloud option is also fine with this mini document scanner. Hi-Speed ​​USB 2.0 interface provides connectivity. A WLAN jack is optionally available for Canon's imageFORMULA document scanner, which provides additional networking capabilities to the device.

Which interfaces are usually found on document scanners? Most models limit their connectivity to a USB port. Bluetooth or WLAN are not yet commonplace, although a WLAN port is definitely a boon for modern work.

Advantages
  • Duplex scanning
  • Automatic document feeder for 10 sheets
  • WLAN can be reinstalled
  • Supports DIN A4 and smaller formats
  • Light (0.6 kilograms)
Deficiency
  • Low daily scan volume (up to 100 pages)
  • No Bluetooth or LAN
  • No information about volume
  • No memory information
  • Low scanning speed (up to 16 pages per minute, black and white and color)
7. Bamboosang X3 Document Scanner
  • Media type photos
  • Scanner type document
  • USB connectivity technology
According to the manufacturer, the Bamboosang X3 document scanner allows flexible and easy scanning anywhere and anytime. Therefore it offers strong basic functionality. This includes, for example, an 8-megapixel camera and the ability to scan templates in A3 format - for example, catalogs, proofing documents or blueprints. Four LED lights are said to provide the brightness you need, and high-resolution scanning is said to ensure stable performance in dark environments.

Easy to carry and stand stable: The document camera can be folded, which should make it portable and very flexible to use. Its relatively heavy base with built-in added weight should also allow for stable standing.

Real-time video recording and projection is possible with the document scanner. According to Bamboosang, this is suitable for teaching, meeting or making music scores and e-books for example. According to this, continuous automatic scanning occurs in 1.5 seconds per page. The X3 should be very easy to install and use and the associated software should be easy to understand. When scanning, you don't need to keep pressing the record button on the computer, as the recorded frame rate can be adjusted on the scanner.

As the manufacturer states, the document camera offers continuous shooting, automatic image segmentation, auto-correction of damaged images and backgrounds, and scanning of barcodes and QR codes. It therefore fills in any broken edges or edges of the scanned page and scans multiple files without any problems. The X3 scanner should also automatically merge double-sided documents and remove excess parts.

Advantages
  • 8 megapixel camera (3264 x 2448 dpi)
  • Real-time projection (video recording for live document exchange, e.g. for distance learning)
  • Flexible scanning of books or other larger workspaces through the free workspace
  • Supports DIN A3 and smaller formats
  • Foldable (easy transportation)
  • Shut Up
Deficiency
  • No duplex scanning
  • Not compatible with Mac OS
  • No memory information
  • No information about daily scan volume
  • No auto indent
  • No WiFi, Bluetooth or LAN
8. BROTHER ADS-2700W Document Scanner
  • Media type paper
  • Scanner type document
  • ADS-2700W Series
  • WiFi connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 14.5 x 29.9 x 14.1 centimeters
  • 1200 . resolution
  • Item weight 2.7 kilograms
  • Watts 23
  • Sayfa Boyutu A4
This office set is not only characterized by its attractive appearance, but also convinces the majority of consumers with a high level of functionality. Last but not least, it is an uncomplicated installation and intuitive operation that many users like. In terms of operating speed, the model is also convincing, as this document scanner reads 35 pages and 70 images per minute .

The 7.1 centimeter LCD color screen on the front of the device ensures simplified operation – a special feature of this desktop scanner. Thanks to the TWAIN, ICA and SANE interfaces, direct control on your PC is also not a problem. This scanner achieves more connectivity and flexibility thanks to the integrated WLAN interface, so you can send scanned data wirelessly to a compatible smartphone or printer, for example. However, connection via LAN can also be implemented. Of course, a USB port is also available.

As you are accustomed to from modern document scanners, the Brother ADS-2700W offers you functions such as scan-to-print or scan-to-mail. You can also create searchable PDFs. Another advantage is the possibility of creating up to 20 scan profiles with frequently used settings. Several automated functions such as detection or rotation of blank pages reduce the required user intervention to a minimum.

Advantages
  • 2.7 inch TFT color touch screen (intuitive controls)
  • Plenty of RAM (512 megabytes)
  • Duplex scanning
  • Automatic document feeder for 50 sheets
  • WLAN and LAN
  • Supports DIN A4 and smaller formats
  • Quiet (49 decibels)
Deficiency
  • No bluetooth
  • No information about daily scan volume
9. Canon imageFormula DR-F120 Document Scanner
  • Media type paper
  • Scanner type document
  • Serial document scanner
  • USB connectivity technology
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 33.5 x 46.9 x 12 centimeters
  • 600x600 . resolution
  • Item weight 10.14 pounds
  • Watts 20
  • Standard sheet capacity 50
This scanner set from Canon's imageFormula product series combines a classic document scanner with a flatbed scanner and is therefore extremely versatile. With this office device, you can read not only one sheet, but also a bound book or magazine without further ado. Most reviewers are satisfied with the Canon imageFormula DR-F120 and, last but not least, positively emphasize the multifunctionality of the model.

With an operating speed of 10 pages and 18 color images per minute at a resolution of 200 dpi, the DR-F120 document scanner is not one of the fastest devices on the market. However, these values ​​are fine for moderate needs. The feeder holds 50 sheets and is compliant with today's mid-range document scanner standards.

Canon's Capture OneTouch software comes pre-installed with a user interface based on uncomplicated icon principles for intuitive control. Depending on your needs, documents can be scanned in simplex or duplex, in color or in black and white. The default resolution is 200 dpi, but you have the option to scan your document at a high resolution of up to 2,400 dpi.

Advantages
  • Openable (allows scanning of magazines and books)
  • Duplex scanning
  • Automatic document feeder for 50 sheets
  • High daily scan volume (up to 1,000 pages)
  • Supports DIN A4 and smaller formats
Deficiency
  • No WiFi, Bluetooth or LAN
  • No information about volume
  • No memory information
What is a document scanner and what group of users is it suitable for?

Document Scanners


Every document scanner is always a scanner, that is, an electronic device for digitizing paper documents. With the help of the sensor system, the scanner reads all types of documents, including text, images or graphics, and converts the information into the desired digital data format.

Therefore, document scanners are a special type of scanning device, namely feed or desktop scanners with automatic paper feeding and in a space-saving design. Another large group of scanners are flatbed scanners. While document scanners can process loose stacks of various formats at high speed, flatbed scanners are capable of reading in bound documents.

A special case and at the same time the largest group is the scanner as an element of a multifunction device, which is usually a combination of a printer, copier, scanner, and sometimes a fax machine. Often a flatbed scanner is installed in a combination device. A fourth group that is fairly easy to set up are slide scanners, which are used exclusively for digitizing slides.

Scanners are part of the standard equipment of the modern office, and some private users also like to buy these devices. Document scanners are a great solution, especially for paperless offices, and help you keep your workplace tidy. Digital documents understandably take up less space in your study or office, and are much less likely to be lost compared to paper documents.

You will especially benefit from the classic document scanner if you only need to scan in loose sheets of DIN A4 format and below. If, among other things, books or magazines are sometimes digitized, a combination model may be a better choice. In the next section we will discuss the three types of document scanners.

What types of desktop scanners are there?

Although all scanning devices can be divided into four broad groups - document, flatbed, slide scanners, and multifunction devices - the following three types can be distinguished among desktop scanners:
  1. A classic document scanner with a high volume input tray, high operating speed and resolution, and approx. 30 x 15 x 15 centimeters in dimensions.
  2. Mini document scanner approx. 5 centimeters high and less than 10 centimeters deep with a standard width of approx. 30 centimeters. Due to its compact dimensions, this scanner is suitable for mobile use in the private or commercial sector. The performance and flexibility of the mini-scanner are below the values ​​that match classic desktop scanners. The main advantage is the compact design of office equipment.
  3. Combination scanner: This very handy type of device combines a desktop scanner with a flatbed scanner and thus proves to be very versatile. Regardless of which paper document you have to scan, a combination scanner is a great choice. From our point of view, the only drawback mentioned is the design which takes up a lot of space.
How do document scanners work?

Document Scanners


At the heart of every scanner is a light source system - today most are energy efficient LEDs, light sensitive photodiodes and analog-to-digital converters - ADUs. The light source scans the original line by line and sends a light signal to the photodiode, which converts the light into electricity. The ADU in turn converts the low-power signal into digital data and allows further processing and storage of information.

Colored and switchable light sources, namely LEDs, are commonly used in color scanning these days. The sensor recognizes the color based on the wavelength and passes the information to the ADU.

Today's modern scanners are mostly software based. The basic element of scanning software is OCR text recognition software. Thanks to "Optical Character Recognition" (OCR), the document scanner recognizes where the text is in the document to be read and helps, among other things, to create searchable PDFs or Word documents, for example. However, OCR is just one of the building blocks of ordinary scanning software, which on the one hand ensures automatic image optimization and document recognition, and on the other allows flexible control over your document scanner.

In most cases, modern document scanners have two sensor strips located opposite each other, where a roller pulls the document through. In this way, documents can be read on both sides in one pass. In addition to double-sided scanning, also known as the duplex method, one-sided reading, the simplex method, can also be applied without further ado.

These rollers are powered by a small electric motor, and electricity is also required to operate the LEDs and other electronic components. In this case, each document scanner requires a power connection and is fed directly from the socket or via USB from a connected computer. Battery-powered scanners are very exotic, and almost none of the models have rechargeable batteries.

You can find out more about desktop scanning equipment from the section "Which parameters determine the rating of a document scanner?"

Almost all scanners from today's product line must be connected to an external device such as a PC, laptop, smartphone, or printer via cable or wireless . Document scanners usually do not have an integrated hard drive to store scanned data. Saving directly to a USB stick is only possible on some models. In addition, most scanners can only be controlled via a graphical interface on the computer screen.

Pros and cons of a document scanner compared to a flatbed scanner

As a reference for comparing the advantages and disadvantages of desktop scanners, an office device that is both monofunctional is used, namely a flatbed scanner.

Advantages
  • High operating speed
  • Auto indent
  • Compact dimensions
  • Various functions specially designed for reading text and graphic documents
  • Some with WiFi port for optimal connectivity
Deficiency
  • Prices in the middle three-digit range
  • No scanned bound documents
  • The flatbed scanner is a more suitable choice for scanning photos due to its higher resolution
Which parameters determine the rating of a document scanner?

Document Scanners


The purpose of this buying guide is to make your buying decision easier and to help you find the right document scanner. Therefore, the list of important features of the document scanner is not only for informational purposes, but has an advisory character. Understandably, we can only provide a few features that are relevant to consumers.

Image resolution - what can a document scanner do?

Our product recommendations refer specifically to the resolution used by each model to scan documents. However, the following points should be noted: There is a difference between the so-called "optical resolution" and "interpolated resolution". Optical resolution is the actual image resolution determined by the number of sensor elements installed.

The upper limit of what is possible with modern document scanners is usually 600 dpi. Interpolation resolution means that additional pixels are placed between the read points by the software. This fictitious point value is the average of the left and right point values. In this case, coarse grained scans can be effectively avoided, but in certain cases - for example when fine details are present, the original image may be distorted.

A value of 300 dpi is usually sufficient to read text documents in decent quality.

Scan Options - What is your desktop scanner capable of?

Any document scanner is capable of more than converting data from your paper documents into digital information. Depending on the model, you have the following options, some of which are automatic and some that can be set manually via a graphical interface:
  • Error correction: The software recognizes various optical errors or defects in the original, such as creases or perforations, and eliminates them automatically. The software also automatically corrects errors such as blank pages or upside down pages in the stack. The background can also be removed in most cases.
  • Reads multi-page documents into a single file: This feature is part of the standard package. Among other things, you can set the number of pages to be scanned for a file.
  • Scan to the desired format: The Microsoft Office family of formats is the standard . But also different image formats like JPEG, TIFF or PNG do not pose a problem for most document scanners. In addition, each device scans to popular PDF formats and creates searchable PDF files.
  • Multiple scanning modes for better workflow: Manufacturers equip the document scanner with multiple modes for optimal workflow. Among other things, you have the option to send scanned data directly to the printer using the scan-to-print option. The Scan to Cloud option uploads files to a web-based location. Scan to Mail mode inserts data into your email as an attachment in the desired format. In addition, for example, contact details can be read automatically from business cards and more.
  • Compatibility with several paper sizes and high tolerance for paper quality: The standard paper format for reading with document scanners is always DIN A4. However, almost all formats below this value, such as DIN A5 or DIN A6, as well as gas station receipts and receipts can be read without problems. It doesn't matter whether the paper documents are in the input tray individually or in a stack of multiple sheets with different formats. Documents in DIN A3 format can also be digitized by some devices, but only in a manual process. When it comes to paper quality, desktop scanners are very tolerant and have no problems with recycled paper, among other things. Paper thicknesses between 80 and 250 grams per square meter can be handled by most scanners. A notice: If you want plastic cards or small laminated documents to be scanned, use the special feeder on your scanner – if available.
  • Control and compatibility: As a rule, manufacturers offer their enterprise software, which is usually pre-installed on used devices, in versions for Windows, iOS from Apple and for LINUX. Control via TWAIN or other suitable interface on your PC screen. However, some manufacturers deliberately do not install this driver and rely on maximum autonomy for document scanners. Otherwise, only a few settings can be made on the device itself. With the appropriate application, if available, you can also control the scanner with your smartphone.
  • Interface, connectivity: The classic is the USB or micro USB interface. This connector is found on every desktop scanner and is used to connect external devices and sometimes to provide power. On the other hand, not all document scanners have a LAN or WLAN interface, although the option to connect the scanner to a router allows, for example, to issue scan jobs remotely. Note: Few document scanners are network-enabled, as these office devices can only be connected to one external device at a time, with a few exceptions.
Guide – in seven steps to the product you want

Document Scanners


To make your buying decision easier, we have developed a concise buying guide. Answer the following seven questions for yourself and find out which document scanner is right for you.
  1. Which paper documents do you scan the most? The decision between a document scanner and a flatbed scanner depends on the answer to this question. If it's just loose pages, a document scanner, be it a classic scanner or a mini scanner, is the perfect solution. If you don't know exactly which document to scan beforehand, then the combination of a desktop and flatbed scanner is right for you. If you prefer bound documents to be scanned, then the flatbed scanner is the device of choice. Also consider whether you want to convert most of your text or photo documents to digital. In the latter case, a flatbed scanner would be a better idea for you.
  2. What volume of work is there in your office or personal each day? Depending on how many documents will be digitized, the speed of operation may be relevant to you. The mini scanner is ideal for smaller numbers and for mobile use.
  3. Do you want to make settings on the PC screen? This raises the question of whether you define other parameters yourself to the last detail during the scanning process or whether you prefer to rely on intelligent software. Depending on your answer to this question, you should look for the presence of TWAIN, WIA and other drivers for your scanner model or, conversely, look for office devices that work autonomously.
  4. Which scan mode is most important to you? Further in our guide, you'll find information about some of the optional features available such as scanning directly to a cloud service or, for example, printing a document as soon as it's scanned. While you can expect most auto-correction options in almost every model, scan modes are not provided. Therefore, we advise you to take a closer look at the equipment of the model you want in this case.
  5. How do you want to connect the document scanner to an external device? USB or Micro-USB interface is standard. Connections to USB hosts are often extended. At the same time, more and more desktop scanners are expected to be able to wirelessly connect a PC, printer or smartphone via a WLAN port. However, you should not underestimate this feature just yet.
  6. What type of paper is used in the document to be digitized? Any modern document scanner can handle a standard thickness of between 80 and 200 grams per square meter. Ultra-thin and ultra-thick paper can damage the device. If necessary, look for specialized scanners that can process these "exotic" items without problems.
  7. Also, check the compatibility of the software installed with your computer's operating system. Almost all document scanners are compatible with PCs running Windows, and there is usually software for iOS and Linux as well. However, this rule is not without exception, so a brief review is helpful.
Conclusion

We have introduced nine of the best document scanner products for you. Before buying a document scanner, be sure to also check the features it has to offer. With so many product variations, we hope that you can find a document scanner product that fits your needs. Hopefully our article is useful for you.

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