Top 10 Document Scanners Deals Right Now

The ScanSnap iX1300 is a compact and versatile document scanner designed to save desk space while offering robust scanning capabilities. Its small footprint makes it ideal for those with limited space, and despite its size, it can handle a variety of document types including photos, receipts, and plastic cards. The scanner boasts a resolution of 600 dpi, which is sufficient for most document and photo scanning needs, ensuring clear and detailed images.

It scans quickly with a speed of up to 30 pages per minute (ppm) and supports duplex scanning, allowing for efficient double-sided scanning without manual intervention. The automatic document feeder (ADF) further enhances productivity by handling multiple pages at once. Connectivity options are a significant advantage, with both USB and Wi-Fi support, making it easy to connect to various devices and cloud services. The ability to scan directly to a Chromebook using the mobile app is a notable feature for users who rely on these devices.

The included ScanSnap Home software simplifies managing and organizing scanned files, which can be a major time-saver. Despite minor drawbacks, the ScanSnap iX1300 offers a balanced mix of efficiency, connectivity, and ease of use, making it suitable for home offices, small businesses, and individuals who need a reliable and compact scanning solution.

The Epson FastFoto FF-680W scanner stands out as a versatile option, particularly for those looking to digitize a large collection of photos and documents quickly. With its impressive speed, it can scan up to one photo per second at 300 dpi, making it one of the fastest personal photo scanners available. Its ability to batch-scan up to 36 photos at once is a significant time-saver. For document scanning, it supports speeds of up to 45 pages per minute, which is commendable for a device of its kind.

A major strength is its advanced imaging technology that aids in restoring and enhancing images, making old photos look fresh again. Features like auto enhancement, red-eye reduction, and the ability to capture handwritten notes on the back of photos add to its functionality. The inclusion of OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is beneficial for users needing to convert scanned documents into editable text, broadening its appeal beyond just photo scanning.

On the downside, while the ability to handle various photo sizes is a plus, its ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) capacity may not be enough for users with extensive document needs, as it can only accommodate a limited number of sheets at once. Additionally, while the scanner offers both USB and wireless connectivity, some users may find the Wi-Fi setup a bit tricky if they're not tech-savvy. It's also worth noting that while the scanner performs well for photos, it may struggle with very delicate items unless the included carrier sheet is used. In terms of portability, the scanner weighs 8.2 pounds, which is reasonable for a home office setup, but it might not be the best choice for those seeking a lightweight, travel-friendly option. The Epson FastFoto FF-680W is ideal for family historians or anyone looking to digitize memories efficiently while also providing solid document scanning capabilities.

The Epson Workforce ES-580W is a solid choice for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient document scanner. With its impressive scan speed of up to 35 pages per minute and the ability to handle both sides of a document in one pass (thanks to Single-Step Technology), this scanner is designed for busy professionals who want to quickly digitize large volumes of paperwork. The 100-sheet Auto Document Feeder (ADF) is convenient, allowing you to load multiple pages at once, saving time and effort.

One of the standout features is its wireless connectivity, enabling effortless scanning to smartphones, tablets, computers, or even cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive without needing a computer. The 4.3-inch touchscreen enhances user experience, making it easy to navigate through settings and options.

The scanner also supports Optical Character Recognition (OCR), allowing you to create searchable PDF documents and convert scans into editable Word or Excel files, which is highly beneficial for managing documents efficiently. This scanner is ideal for small businesses or home offices, especially for users who prioritize speed, easy file management, and wireless capabilities. However, those requiring higher resolution scans or extreme portability might want to consider other options.