Are you trying to find flat 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 flat 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 23 hours of research and did 58 flat 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 flat scanners you can buy today
- 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
- Scanner type: Document
- Connectivity technology: USB
- With Auto Scan Mode, the scanner automatically detects what you're scanning
- Digitize documents and images
- FAST SCANNING Duplex scanner with 35-page automatic document feeder scans in color grayscale and black/white Scans up to 25 ppm/50 ipm at 300 dpi Duty Cycle 1500 pages/day
- QUICK ORGANIZATION Get organized fast by quickly converting paper documents into searchable PDF files
- FLEXIBLE MEDIA HANDLING Scan ID cards passports photos documents receipts checks and more in color and black/white
- IMAGE ENHANCEMENT TECHNOLOGY Visioneer Acuity technology enables the scanner to instantly improve the visual clarity of every scanned image get perfect scans from imperfect originals
- ONE TOUCH SCANNING Users can quickly scan to the “destination” of their choice by pressing a single button eliminating the multiple steps usually required to save scanned documents in popular file formats
- High quality scanning for photos and documents : 4800 dpi optical resolution (1) for amazing clarity and detail
- Preserve priceless memories: Restore, archive and share family photos for generations to come
- Scan to Google Drive and other cloud services (2): Epson Document Capture Pro and Easy Photo Scan software included
- Convenient: Easy to use buttons for scan jobs, plus a space saving built in kickstand for vertical placement
- Scan over sized prints, documents and artwork : ArcSoft Scan n Stitch Deluxe 2 included (3)
- Restore color to faded photos: With one click, Easy Photo Fix technology makes it simple
- Scan books and photo albums: High rise, removable lid
- Remove dust from scanned photos : Advanced Digital Dust Correction
- Convert scanned documents into editable text: Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software included
- USB powered: No AC adapter required
- HIGH RESOLUTION SCANNING: True 1200 dpi optical resolution for photo scans to ensure clear scans that maintain photo quality
- TAG THAT PHOTO SOFTWARE: Includes a one-year subscription to Tag That Photo - an accurate, automated facial recognition and tagging software that allows you to organized scanned photos by individuals, events and custom keywords
- FLEXIBLE MEDIA HANDLING: Scan documents and photos of multiple sizes with multiple cropping options with each scan, in color or black/white
- IMAGE ENHANCEMENT TECHNOLOGY: TWAIN driver technology ensures high image quality with auto color detection and color matching to ensure perfect scans
- HIGH CAPACITY PHOTO LIBRARY SUPPORT: Tag That Photo software allows you to select local PC photo libraries, local servers or synchronized cloud services like Dropbox
- Amazing image clarity and detail — 4800 dpi optical resolution¹, ideal for photo enlargements
- Epson ScanSmart software included⁴ — easily scan photos, artwork, illustrations, books, documents and more
- One-touch scanning² — scan in fewer steps with easy-to-use buttons²
- 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 PDFs² — convert scanned documents to searchable PDF files
- Create editable Microsoft Office documents² — 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 seconds³
- Save space — built-in kickstand for vertical placement and storage
- Maximum Scan size - 11.7"x 17" (297 x 431.8 mm) Large Format Scanning, easy digital Tabloid or A3 size paper.
- No more waiting - by LED Light Source, Save Energy, No Warm Up
- Hassle fre operation - Pre Set Function One-Touch Button for Your Quick Use.
- Powerful software bundle - Enhanced OCR Accuracy with ABBYY, and DocAction for File Sharing
- Scan mode - 48 bit Color /16 bit Gray-Scale for Scan Art, Documents and Other Items
- 【High-Speed】- Scans quickly and easily up to 3 seconds (300dpi / Color mode)
- 【Edit and Search】- Built-in PDF button, easily scans and saves PDF's that are editable and searchable
- 【Image Processing】- Software can Auto Rotate, Deskew, and Crop images. Helps the user save time and get an ideal picture.
- 【One-Key Operation】- 4 one-touch buttons(Copy/Scan/PDF and Custom) helps you work efficiently
- 【Support】- Supports TWAIN protocol for Windows 7/8/10/11 And Mac 10.12.x ~14.x. The driver is available for download from the Plustek website.
- 【What is a Portable Scanner】 Portable Scanner, a handheld flat scanner, is designed to scan documents, photos, magazines, homework, drafts, manuscripts, and other scan targets. Compared to a feeding scanner, this portable scanner can scan targets independently without connecting to any devices and protect targets to the greatest extent. Compared to desktop scanning, portable scanners can be carried around and uploaded with the built-in Wi-Fi capability.
- 【What will a scanner help us with 】 Portable scanner can help us digitize different sizes of photos.
- 【How to use the Portable Scanner】 1. Charge the scanner like a phone first(USB included), then long-press the "SCAN" button for 2s to start the scanner and choose HI resolution. 2. Take some time practicing scanning to get the hang of scan speed. 3. Vertical scan your target on a flat desk at a steady speed. 4. Connect your devices to the scanner's built-in WIFI to download the images.
- 【Some details of the Portable Scanner】 Length: 9.5". Weight: 0.44lbs. Functions: Flat scan, preview images, built-in Wi-Fi, chargeable power, auxiliary pulley. Included a 16GB SD card, USB cable, user manual, and small bag.
- 【Some advantages & tips】1. Portable Scanner can convert your paper targets into digital files in high clarity(300-1050 dpi) within 5 seconds. 2. 16G SD card will store thousands of files. 3. The scanner is compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, Windows 7/8/10/XP, and Linux systems (for file transmission). 4. Attention, it is a built-in Wi-Fi and not to connect to our home Wi-Fi.
- JPG PDF Format: The scanner can be used in JPG or PDF format (color scanning) to help digitize photo and document of different sizes (up to A4 size).
- Quick Scan: The handheld flat scanner can scan document, photo, magazine, homework, draft, manuscript, etc. no need to connect other devices. Just slide your handheld scanning pen across a line of printed text and watch it appear instantly on your screen.
- High Resolution: Scanning resolutions for perfect images results.This portable scanner can convert your paper targets into high definition (300DPI, 600DPI, 1050DPI) digital files in 300 seconds.
- Wide Compatibility: This portable scanner is suitable for Android, for iOS, for OS X, for Windows 7 8 10, for XP, and for Linux system (for file transfer).This scanner is suitable for many systems and there is no need to worry about mismatches
- Dual Roller Drive: Adopting dual roller drive scanning to prevent image distortion during scanning, ensuring stable, fast, and clear scanning effect.
- 1️⃣ 【Handheld Scanner--Easy to Scan】 Portable scanners use handheld scanning to maximize your diverse scanning needs. 1. Place the scan target flat on a table. 2. Hold and place the scanner close to the top of the scan target. 3. Scan from top to bottom at a constant speed. NOTE: The scanned image resolution is 900DPI.
- 2️⃣ 【Portable Scanner--Easy to Carry】 Length: 10 inches. Weight: 0.44 lbs. Power source: 2AA Alkaline Batteries(not included). Carry method: Put it in a schoolbag/briefcase. Scan way: Flat scan independently from the computer. Storage method: 16G SD Card(included).
- 3️⃣ 【Multi-purpose Scanner--Advantages】 Handheld scanners make your scanning have a tactile appeal. Compared to feeding scanners, handheld scanners will maximize protection from bending and damaging old photos by the feeding machine. Scanners can digitize photos, documents, text, charts, drafts, pages, magazines, recipes, small maps, and more.
- 4️⃣ 【Scanned Images--Easy to Transfer, No Installation Needed】 Transfer method: USB cable. Computers recognize the photo scanner via a USB cable like recognize other hardware such as a camera or SD card. The portable scanner is connectable with Mac, Windows 7/8/10/XP, and Linux systems computers.
- 5️⃣【Warm Tips】 Practice a few more times to get the hang of scanning speed. Poor image quality could be fixed by cleaning the bottom of the scanner, restarting the scanner, or processing white balance calibration. Red light wronging can be solved by restarting the scanner. Please watch the instruction videos.
- The Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner is the solution for converting 35mm and medium-format slides, film, and prints into high-resolution digital files.
- With a maximum resolution of 6400 x 9600 dpi users can create enlargements up to 17 x 22". The unit has a built-in Transparency Unit which allows scanning of four 35mm mounted slides, or 12 negatives. It handles medium format film up to 6 x 22cm, plus photos and documents up to 8.5 x 11.7".
- Connectivity: Hi-Speed USB 2.0. This energy-efficient scanner has Epson's ReadyScan LED technology which enables the unit to operate without having to warm-up prior to use, with faster scans and lower power consumption.
- The Perfection V600 has four customizable buttons to make scanning, copying, creating e-mail attachments and PDF files quick and easy. In order to create the most clean and accurate digital output, it comes with a comprehensive software package, including DIGITAL ICE technology for dust and scratch removal, ArcSoft PhotoStudio for image enhancement, and Easy Photo Fix for restoration of faded images.
- What's in the box: Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner, Transparency Unit (built into lid), 35mm, mounted slides, and 6x22 cm Medium-format Film Holders, Scanner Installation CD-ROM, Scanner Setup Poster, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Cable, AC Power Adapter and Cord.
- [Excellent Scanning Quality] CMOS 13MP ( 4208 * 3156 ) super high-resolution output, plus a unique compact short-arm design allows you to capture the most beautiful details. Designed for A3(11.69*16.53 inch) documents, any objects smaller than A3 size can be scanned with Ultra-fast scanning speed, less than 1.5 seconds per page.
- [Document Camera with Asymmetric Lighting Technology] An innovative asymmetric LED lighting coverage evenly illuminates every edge of the scanning area, decreasing the light which is directly reflected from the tabletop, not only making the scan documents clear and visible but also allowing users feel comfortable to see the documents in a low-light environment. Designed and made in Taiwan.
- [Works with a Powerful Scanning Software] With VIISAN OfficeCam scanning software, It can Automatic flattening of curled pages and erases finger images, purify the background, and automatically split them into two pages. And you can take snapshots, recognize the barcodes and scan documents or books into JPEG files and convert them into searchable PDF or editable Word, Excel, and Text formats with its embedded OCR engine on Windows or Mac OS.
- [Text-to-Speech] Unique Text to Speech (TTS) Assistive Technology for word-by-word reading & listen to any document. This is a fantastic tool to assist and help people suffering from Dyslexia or for child language learning.
- [Distance Learning Ready] UVC/UAC compliant, DL8 allows you to demo physical objects to show live teachers or presenter activities to remote learners via the 3rd parties video conferencing software, such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. We also offer a 30-day FREE Return, a 1-year warranty, plus responsible technical-support team service.
- Professional large-format scanning — accommodates reflective media up to 12.2" x 17.2"
- Exceptional image quality — 2400 x 4800 dpi resolution, Epson Micro Step Drive technology and a 3.8 Dmax provide brilliant clarity and detail
- Extraordinary color accuracy — Epson MatrixCCD and ReadyScan LED technologies deliver bold, vibrant scans that are true to the originals
- One-touch color restoration — Epson’s exclusive Easy Photo Fix technology restores faded color photos in a snap and offers automatic dust removal; easily restore color and detail to old and faded photos with one touch
- Optional transparency scanning — pair with the optional Transparency Unit (sold separately) to scan film up to 12" x 16.5"
- Batch scanning for increased productivity — scan multiple images at one time and save files to a PC or Mac
- Powerful software included — LaserSoft Imaging SilverFast Ai with calibration targets
- Seamlessly integrates with virtually any imaging software — TWAIN driver included
- 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
- Scan documents in seconds: Rapid color or B&W scanning up to 600 DPI and quick startup times of half a second
- Easy One-Button Scanning: Save images with just one touch of the button and equipped with intelligent image processing (cropping, rotation, de-skew) to enable scanning without adjusting settings
- Coverless Scanning: Scan without repetitive opening and closing of the cover
- Scan anywhere, no A/C outlet required: USB power option for portability
- Integrated TWAIN and ISIS driver: Connectivity for compatibility with hundreds of scanning software solutions
- VIISAN 3120 is designed for high-quality scanning of artworks, photos, painting albums, books, magazines, newspapers, CAD drawings, and other large document items up to 304 x 426 mm (11.98" x 16.8") in size. It is ideal for school projects, business work, graphic designing, and digital publishing work
- The VF3120 flatbed scanner offers the fastest scanning speed of 8 sec (200dpi, A3-size color). It also provides a maximum optical resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi which delivers a color depth of 48-bit vivid true-to-life image and realizes smoother and more detailed color gradients and variations
- The Auto-Scan function enables the scanner to scan automatically when the scanner lid is closed. It enhances the efficiency of the continuous scanning process. and LED Light Source, Save Energy, No Warm-Up Time, No More Waiting
- The VF3120 features in frameless and narrow boundary design which allows to scanning of large documents, photo albums, books, magazines, and thick items. It helps you work efficiently with four-panel buttons enabling scan, email, print, and even create a single or multipage PDF. All in a snap. (Note: The A3 flatbed uses a CIS sensor that can only scan flat paper images, not three-dimensional items. Otherwise, it will lead to unclear or blurred scanning results. So it is not recommended to scan clothes or CDs, acrylic sleeves, etc.)
- Compatible with Windows TWAIN, WIA, and MacOS ICA drivers. WIA only supports 600 dpi. Support Windows 7/8.1/10/11 and MacOS 10.15 or later for Image Capture (ICA) driver only. Note: To scan images at 1200 dpi, please use our supplied ViiScan software. It can scan up to 1200x1200 DPI for full-size A3 documents on Windows OS. For MacOS, the VF3120 scanner software can achieve 1200 dpi for a full-size A3 document. Regarding WIA, we currently only support scanning up to 600 dpi due to limitations imposed by Microsoft
- [1-year limited warranty] We provide a one-year warranty for Non-man-made damage. Note: If white lines appear during scanning, you need to simply clean the scanner. Please kindly contact our customer service for how to clean it
- 【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.
- Utilize the included software to quickly scan batches of receipts and invoices to extract contents such as payee, amount, date, etc., and automatically upload information directly to Intuit QuickBooks Online or another third-party cloud service.
- A variety of document types and sizes can easily be scanned and digitized, creating keyword searchable and editable files and organizing document information.
- With single-button operation, you can increase productivity by scanning documents quickly and intuitively.
- Fast and efficient, with a top scanning speed of up to 40 pages per minute, the R40 scanner allows you to process large stacks of paper quickly and easily.
- Includes easy-to-use CaptureOnTouch Scan to Quickbooks Online Plugin.
How to choose a good flat scanners
Does the idea of finding a fantastic flat 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 flat 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 flat 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 flat 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 flat 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 flat 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 flat 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 flat 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 flat scanners.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting flat 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 flat 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 flat 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 flat scanners.
