Are you trying to find color portable scanners among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling color portable scanners on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 16 hours of research and did 38 color portable scanners tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best color portable scanners you can buy today
- Fastest and lightest mobile single sheet fed document scanner in its class(1) small, portable scanner ideal for easy, on the go scanning
- Fast scans a single page in as fast as 5.5 seconds(2) Windows and Mac compatible, the scanner also includes a TWAIN driver.
- Versatile paper handling scans documents upto 8.5 x 72 inches, as well as ID cards and receipts
- Smart tools to easily scan and organize documents Epson ScanSmart Software(3) makes it easy to scan, review and save
- USB powered connect to your computer; No batteries or external power supply required
- Includes Nuance OCR create searchable PDFs and editable Word and Excel files, Scan speed up to 5.5sec per sheet
- Scan to the cloud(4) scan files directly to online storage accounts with the included software Included Twain driver compatible with virtually any imaging software
- Compatible with Windows and Mac works with your existing system; Twain driver included
- Automatic feeding mode combine multi page scans into one file; Scanner automatically accepts each new sheet as it’s inserted
- The fastest and lightest mobile single-sheet-fed document scanner in its class1, the WorkForce ES-50 features fast speeds ― scanning a single page in as fast as 5.5 seconds2. This small, portable scanner accommodates extra-long pages, ID cards and more. Refer attached user manual below
- STAY ORGANIZED – Easily convert your paper documents into digital formats like searchable PDF files, JPEGs, and more.Power Consumption : 2.5W or less (Energy Saving Mode: 0.7W). Suggested Daily Volume : 500 scans..Does it contain liquid: no
- CONVENIENT AND PORTABLE –lightweight and small in size, you can take the scanner anywhere from home offices, classrooms, remote offices, and anywhere in between
- HANDLES VARIOUS MEDIA TYPES – Digitize receipts, business cards, plastic or embossed cards, reports, legal documents, and more
- FAST AND EFFICIENT – No technical hurdles or complicated setups here; easily scan both sides of a document at the same time, in color or black-and-white, at up to 12 pages-per-minute, and with a 20 sheet automatic feeder
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY – Works with both Windows and Mac devices, be it laptop or computer
- BUILT-IN SOFTWARE – Use your scanner with ease as the powerful scanning software is already built-in, requires no installation, and updates automatically
- PREVIEW YOUR SCANS – Adjust and organize your scanned files as you edit, straighten, and trim your files or create buttons with custom scanning settings and destinations
- HIGH-QUALITY IMAGING – Leveraging the same technology used in Canon’s camera products, you’ll save great-looking output in color, black-and-white, or grayscale
- SUSTAINABLE DESIGN – Save energy and the environment with a scanner that is ENERGY STAR Certified
- This product is not intended for scanning photographs on photo paper / photographic media
- Amazing image clarity and detail — 4800 dpi optical resolution (1), ideal for photo enlargements
- Epson ScanSmart software included (4) — easily scan photos, artwork, illustrations, books, documents and more
- One-touch scanning (2) — scan in fewer steps with easy-to-use buttons (2)
- Restore color to faded photos — with one click, Easy Photo Fix technology makes it simple
- Scan books and photo albums — high-rise, removable lid
- Generate searchable PDFs (2) — convert scanned documents to searchable PDF files
- Create editable Microsoft Office documents (2) — scan to Word, Excel and PowerPoint files with optical character recognition (OCR) (2)
- Compact and lightweight — USB powered for portability; 3.1 lb
- Convenient — scan letter-sized documents in as fast as 10 seconds (3)
- Save space — built-in kickstand for vertical placement and storage
- 【Widely Compatible】This portable scanner is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows 2000/ME/XP. It works seamlessly with popular software like Windows imaging and OCR software. Quickly scan images or pictures and store files in seconds, plug and play, no pre-installed software required.
- 【High Resolution Scanning】It has a powerful A4 color optical sensor and provides 3 resolution modes for you to choose: 300dpi/600dpi/900dpi, you can save pictures and documents in the clearest way. Whether you need crisp text or vividly colored photos, this scanner delivers outstanding results.
- 【Up to 32GB Storage】Ultra-large storage capacity, supports 32G Micro SD card, all JPEG/PDF formats are available, fully meeting your needs for business travel or daily use. Store and share your scans and information as searchable PDF files or JPEGs to a micro SD/TF card.
- 【Simple Operation, Efficient and Practical】Long press the switch to turn on the machine, select the color mode and resolution, press the "Scan" button until the green LED lights up, scan the document, just press it (it will be completed automatically after 3 minutes of no operation). At 900DPI, you can scan a page in just 10 seconds, perfect for busy professionals or students with heavy document workloads.
- 【Portable and Convenient】This handheld scanner has a compact size and lightweight design (about 0.31lb), making it very easy to carry. It's perfect for busy professionals, students, or anyone who needs to digitize documents while travelling. It is powered by two AA batteries (not included).
- FAST DOCUMENT SCANNING – Speed through stacks with the 50-sheet Auto Document Feeder, perfect for office scanning and working from home
- INTUITIVE, HIGH-SPEED SOFTWARE – Epson ScanSmart Software lets you easily preview scans, email files, upload to the cloud, and more. Plus, automatic file naming saves time
- SEAMLESS INTEGRATION – Easily incorporate your data into most document management software with the included TWAIN driver, ensuring seamless integration with office workflows.
- EASY SHARING – Scan straight to email or popular cloud storage services like Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, and OneDrive. Ideal for home or office scanning.
- SIMPLE FILE MANAGEMENT – Create searchable PDFs with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and convert scans to editable Word or Excel files effortlessly, ideal for document scanning.
- Note: No software installation is required. You need 2 AA batteries ( not included) and a memory card ( included) to use it directly. Scan mode: Press and hold "Scan" for 2 seconds to turn on the device, and then press "Scan", the green light is on. The scanner moves to scan the file until the green light turns off automatically (or press the "Scan" key and the green light goes out). The number shown on the display increases by 1 to indicate that the scan is complete.
- Portable Scanner scans images or pictures quickly: Store JPEG/PDF files within seconds, scan images or pictures quickly, plug and play, no need any software preinstalled. Compatible with Windows XP/7/Vista/Mac OS 10.4 or above version.
- Lightweight and travel-friendly: Stored in Micro SD card directly, support read data on your computer or phone with USB connected. Powered by 2pcs AA batteries, Compact Design, it is convenient to carry outside.
- 3 Image Resolution: 3 modes of resolution for your options: 300dpi/600dpi/900dpi, you can save it at the clearest way, picture and document are showed clear as it is. Freely choose your favorite resolution.File Format: JPEG/PDF format is all available, Great storage capacity as it supports 32G Micro SD card ( DON'T include SD card),total meet your need for business trip or daily use.
- Widely Used: It is applicable in bank, insurance business, real estate agency,home, office, library or outdoors. suitable for lawyer, businessmen, students, travelers and amateur archivists. Scan your important files and save them immediately, no struggling in finding a printing shop, keep it confidential.
- CLEAR, DETAILED PHOTO SCANS – Achieve amazing image clarity and detail with a 4800 dpi optical resolution, perfect for enlarging photos.
- IMAGE AND DOCUMENT SCANNER – Easily scan photos, artwork, illustrations, books, documents, and more with this compact and lightweight scanner.
- ENHANCED SCANNING – Seamlessly stitch oversized images together or cloud storage with Epson ScanSmart, maximizing efficiency.
- EFFORTLESS ONE-TOUCH SCANNING – Scan documents and images in fewer steps with easy-to-use buttons, making scanning a breeze.
- PHOTO RESTORATION MADE EASY - Restore color to faded photos with one click using Easy Photo Fix technology, ensuring your memories remain vibrant.
- FITS SMALL SPACES AND STAYS OUT OF THE WAY. Innovative space-saving design to free up desk space, even when it's being used
- SCAN DOCUMENTS, PHOTOS, CARDS, AND MORE. Handles a wide variety of document types, including thick items and plastic cards
- GREAT IMAGES EVERY TIME, NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. A single touch starts fast, up to 30ppm duplex scanning with automatic de-skew, color optimization, and blank page removal for outstanding results without driver setup
- SCAN WHERE YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT. Connect with USB or Wi-Fi. Send to Mac, PC, mobile devices, and cloud services. Scan to Chromebook using the mobile app. Can be used without a computer
- PHOTO AND DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION MADE EFFORTLESS. ScanSnap Home all-in-one software brings together all your favorite functions. Easily manage, edit, and use scanned data from documents, receipts, business cards, photos, and more
- Fastest scan speeds in its class (1) — up to 25 ppm/50 ipm (2); Single-Step Technology captures both sides in one pass.
- Versatile scanning — scan 2-sided documents, receipts, business cards, plastic IDs and more.
- Convenient portability — use AC power, or if there’s no outlet, USB power (4) from your computer.
- Quick batch scanning for stacks of paper — 20-page Auto Document Feeder.
- Powerful software included — easy scanning with intuitive Epson ScanSmart Software (3); preview, email, upload and more; automatic file naming and object recognition save time.
- Product 1: Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
- Product 1: Flexible battery charging — Choose from a variety of charging options, including via USB and AC adapter, or print on AC power.
- Product 1: Built-in battery — a rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers dependable performance in a small package.
- Product 1: External accessory battery available — for even greater Print volume.
- Product 2: Fastest and lightest mobile single sheet fed document scanner in its class(1) small, portable scanner ideal for easy, on the go scanning
- Product 2: Fast scans a single page in as fast as 5.5 seconds(2) Windows and Mac compatible, the scanner also includes a TWAIN driver.
- Product 2: Versatile paper handling scans documents upto 8.5 x 72 inches, as well as ID cards and receipts
- Product 2: Smart tools to easily scan and organize documents Epson ScanSmart Software(3) makes it easy to scan, review and save
- ScanSmart AI PRO Technology — Intelligently convert and extract scanned information into smart digital data – making your documents AI-ready
- Quickly Organize Receipts and Invoices — Turn stacks of receipts and invoices into automatically categorized digital data
- Export to Financial Software² — Easily integrate organized receipt and invoice details into financial applications, such as QuickBooks and TurboTax
- Smallest and Lightest in Its Class³ ― USB-powered; weighs under 10 oz
- Fast Scanning — Scan up to 10 pages per minute⁴ in Automatic Feeding Mode
- Create Searchable and Editable PDFs — Includes powerful PDF creation and editing software for Windows and Mac
- HyperClear Technology — High-resolution optics produce enhanced scans of each page – including auto cropping, background removal and more
- Scan to Cloud⁵ — Such as OneDrive, Dropbox and Google Drive from your PC, Mac, or via the Epson Smart Panel mobile app
- Versatile Scanning — For everyday receipts, invoices, documents, business and ID cards, and long pages up to 8.5" x 72"
- Save Time with Automatic File Naming — Recognizes receipts versus invoices versus standard documents and integrates into file names
- One touch scanning with Quick Menu options for PC and Mac
- Scan up to 12 double-sided pages per minute - Holds up to 10 pages in the automatic document feeder
- Compact and portable design is USB or AC powered
- Intelligent automatic image processing including auto color detection, paper size detection, de-skew and orientation, and more
- Scan documents directly to the cloud and access them from anywhere - compatible with Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote, and more
- 【Easy to Carry--Portable Scanner】Length: 9.5 in = 1.5 pens. Weight: 0.66 lbs = An apple. Carry way: Small bag. Power Source: a pair of AA batteries (NEED TO BUY EXTRA). Support scanning up to A4 size.
- 【Easy to Scan--Handheld Scan】Portable Scanner scans your photos, documents, and book pages in 3-5 seconds on 900 dpi resolution independently. Easy to use once you take a tiny bit of time to get the hang of this portable scanner. Compared to the feeding scanner, the wand scanner will not fold or damage old photos during scanning.
- 【Easy to use--No Driver】Portable Scanner does not require downloading a driver. Easily connect the portable scanner to a computer through a USB cable to transfer your scanned photos or documents anywhere and anytime.
- 【Easy to Digitalize--Clear Image】The highest 900dpi scan resolution can convert pictures, documents, book pages, or other targets into digital files in high clarity.
- 【Easy to Store--16G SD Card】Wand scanner with 16G SD card will store thousands of scan files. With OCR software (you can find some software from Google Play Store), easy to transfer PDF scan files into Word/Excel format and edit them.
- 【How to scan the paper properly? 】1. Scan on flat paper or books. It cannot be identified in concave and convex places, such as the gaps between the pages of a book. 2. Move to the next new scanning area within 3 seconds. The scanner will automatically finish jobs if you don't move to the new area. 3. The document scanner works properly if the "scan" button lights up; otherwise, the "error" button will light up.
- Note: No software installation is required. You need 2 AA batteries ( not included) and a memory card ( included) to use it directly. Scan mode: Press and hold "Scan" for 2 seconds to turn on the device, and then press "Scan", the green light is on. The scanner moves to scan the file until the green light turns off automatically (or press the "Scan" key and the green light goes out). The number shown on the display increases by 1 to indicate that the scan is complete.
- Portable Scanner scans images or pictures quickly: Store JPEG/PDF files within seconds, scan images or pictures quickly, plug and play, no need any software preinstalled. Compatible with Windows XP/7/Vista/Mac OS 10.4 or above version.
- Lightweight and travel-friendly: Stored in Micro SD card directly, support read data on your computer or phone with USB connected. Powered by 2pcs AA batteries, Compact Design, it is convenient to carry outside.
- 3 Image Resolution: 3 modes of resolution for your options: 300dpi/600dpi/900dpi, you can save it at the clearest way, picture and document are showed clear as it is. Freely choose your favorite resolution.File Format: JPEG/PDF format is all available, Great storage capacity as it supports 32G Micro SD card（Included 16GB Card）,total meet your need for business trip or daily use.
- Widely Used: It is applicable in bank, insurance business, real estate agency,home, office, library or outdoors. suitable for lawyer, businessmen, students, travelers and amateur archivists. Scan your important files and save them immediately, no struggling in finding a printing shop, keep it confidential.
- ScanSmart AI PRO Technology — Intelligently convert and extract scanned information into smart digital data – making your documents AI-ready
- Export to Financial Software² — Turn stacks of receipts and invoices into categorized digital data that easily integrates into financial applications, such as QuickBooks and TurboTax
- Lightest in Its Class³ ― USB or battery-powered; weighs under 11 oz
- Fast Scanning — Scan up to 15 pages per minute⁴ in Automatic Feeding Mode
- Wireless Scanning — Wirelessly scan directly to the cloud, smartphones, tablets, Windows PC or Mac⁵
- Create Searchable and Editable PDFs — Includes powerful PDF creation and editing software for Windows and Mac
- Scan to Cloud⁵ — Such as OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive from your PC, Mac, or via the Epson Smart Panel mobile app
- HyperClear Technology — High-resolution optics produce enhanced scans of each page – including auto cropping, background removal and more
- Versatile Scanning — For everyday receipts, invoices, documents, business and ID cards, and long pages up to 8.5" x 72"
- Save Time with Automatic File Naming — Recognizes receipts versus invoices versus standard documents and integrates into file names
- STAY ORGANIZED ON THE GO WITH TRULY WIRELESS SCANNING. Cut the cords – completely! Long-life battery can scan up to 260 documents on a single charge. Wi-Fi can connect directly to your device or use your wireless network.
- KEEP PHOTOS, RECEIPTS, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS AUTOMATICALLY ORGANIZED IN THE CLOUD. ScanSnap Cloud can detect document types, name your files, and send them to the appropriate place, even to different cloud services based on document type. Send receipts to one cloud, photos to another!
- DIGITIZE WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU. Handles a wide variety of document types, including plastic cards. You can even scan two small items at once to save time.
- GREAT IMAGES EVERY TIME, NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. No fussing with settings and drivers. A single touch starts continuous simplex scanning with automatic de-skew, color optimization, and blank page removal for outstanding results without hassle.
- SCAN WHERE YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT. Connect with USB or Wi-Fi. Send to Mac, PC, mobile devices, and cloud services.
- PHOTO AND DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION MADE EFFORTLESS. ScanSnap Home all-in-one software brings together all your favorite functions. Easily manage, edit, and use scanned data from receipts, business cards, photos, and other documents.
- 【Go Paperless】Doxie Go SE delivers smart, simple scanning that you can take anywhere – no computer required. Doxie's everything you want modern scanning to be.
- 【Fast, Easy Scanning】Doxie makes it easy to scan documents at your desk or on the go – simply insert your paper. Scan full-color pages in just 8 seconds at up to 600 dpi.
- 【Tiny + Battery Powered】Doxie is tiny – the size of a rolled up magazine – and portable with a rechargeable battery and included memory. Scan up to 400 pages per charge, store up to 8,000 pages before needing to sync.
- 【Amazing Software and OCR】Included Doxie app syncs scans, sends directly to your favorite apps, and uses the award-winning ABBYY OCR technology to recognize the text in your document to create multi-page searchable PDFs.
- 【Protected by DoxieCare】Every new Doxie includes a comprehensive 1-year manufacturer warranty. Complete with access to the best support in the scanner industry to help you scan, organize, or just provide tips on the best ways to scan your paper.
- IDEAL FOR USE AT WORK, HOME, OR ANYWHERE – Connect directly to your computer via included USB-C cable, or scan on the go over a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection using the Brother Mobile Connect App(1)
- ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY – Use bundled software(1) and built-in 2.8" color touchscreen to enhance scanned documents, photos, and receipts, automate workflows, and save files directly to your favorite cloud service(2)
- HANDLES LARGE JOBS WITH EASE – Scan multiple file sizes and large jobs quickly with scanning speeds up to 30 pages per minute(3) (ppm), single-pass double-sided scanning, and a 20-page automatic document feeder(4)
- BUILT IN CONVENIENCE – Easily scan small documents like business cards, ID badges, or plastic cards via the card slot, single pages up to 197” long, or multiple pages up to 8.5" x 14" via the document feeder
- BUNDLED SOFTWARE – Includes 7 vital software applications to create and organize files, make readable and searchable documents, manage business card contacts, simplify receipt management, and touch up and correct scanned images(1)
- Fastest, smallest and lightest wireless mobile single-sheet-fed document scanner in its class (1) ― ideal for easy, on-the-go scanning.
- Groundbreaking speed ― scans a single page in as fast as 4 seconds (2).
- Wirelessly scan critical documents ― scan to a PC, Mac, iOS or Android device (3). Operating Temperature - 41 ° to 95 °F (5 ° to 35 °C)
- Smart tools to easily scan and organize documents ― Epson ScanSmart Software (3) makes it easy to scan, review and save.
- Automatically detects connectivity ― switches between USB and battery-powered wireless without any user intervention; LCD displays wireless and battery status.
- Includes Nuance OCR ― create searchable PDFs and editable Word and Excel files
- Scan to the cloud(4) ― scan files directly to online storage accounts with the included software
- Versatile paper handling ― scans documents up to 8.5" x 72", as well as ID cards and receipts
- TWAIN driver included ― compatible with virtually any imaging software
- Automatic Feeding Mode ― combine multi-page scans into one file; automatically accepts each new sheet as it’s inserted
How to choose a good color portable scanners
Does the idea of finding a fantastic color portable scanners make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in color portable scanners. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top color portable scanners products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top color portable scanners on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top color portable scanners brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top color portable scanners based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the color portable scanners were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good color portable scanners, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your color portable scanners.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting color portable scanners for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our color portable scanners. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what color portable scanners should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on color portable scanners.
