Scanners are becoming a necessity everywhere. Whether you want to scan photos, save receipts, or simply use it for official work, scanners are now used by almost everyone.
Some people who work on the go usually use scanners in their businesses because they are no longer tied to their home-office desks or workspaces.
Scanners can be bulky though. If you’re constantly on the move or in need of casual scanning every now and then, a big and bulky scanner isn’t the option to go for. Luckily, there are now portable scanners that can fit inside your pocket!
A good portable scanner will let you scan a whole slew of documents such as laminated cards, pictures, and papers. You don’t need to carry around cables as portable scanners are rechargeable. Some of the best portable scanners can also store thousands of documents.
In today’s article, we’ll be taking a look at the best portable scanners in 2024! Without any further delay, let’s begin
Our Metal Print Recommendations
- Doxie Go SE WI-FI – Best Overall
- Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i – Best In Speed Scanning
- Epson WorkForce ES-50 – Best In Price
- Epson Workforce ES-60W – Best On-The-Go Scanner
- Doxie Flip – Best In Versatility
- Epson Workforce ES-300W Document Scanner – Best Space-Saving Scanner
- Fujitsu SCANSNAP S1100i Scanner – Best In Compatibility
- Brother Mobile Scanner, DS-720D – Best In Duplex Scanning
- Doxie Q Scanner – Best In Portability
- VuPoint Solutions Magic Wand Scanner – Best Scan Quality
Doxie Go SE WI-FI
The reason why most people opt for a portable scanner is its portability. No other portable scanner does it better than the Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi.
The Doxie Go is as small as a sheet of rolled-up paper! You can carry it with you anywhere you go. All you need to do is turn it on and it’ll scan your papers in seconds!
It also comes with a rechargeable battery and Wi-Fi, so bid farewell to cables with scanners! There’s also an included memory that can store up to 4000 scans!
The Doxie Go is a pretty fast scanner. A full-color page scan will take up to 7 seconds at 600 dpi. It also has a great battery life as you can scan 400 pages on a full charge. There also isn’t any hassle of storing as the scanned documents will either be saved to your Mac device or cloud services such as Dropbox or iCloud.
There’s also software included that can be used on your Mac or PC. This software syncs, scans, organizes documents, manages your workflow, and more. The only possible downside is that this scanner doesn’t scan the front and back of documents automatically. You’ll have to do that bit manually.
The Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi is the best portable scanner currently. Unless you have other things in your mind, this should be the scanner to go for.
Pros
- Small as a sheet of rolled-up paper.
- It has a rechargeable battery and Wi-Fi, so no need for cables.
- Up to 4000 scans can be stored at once.
- A full-color page scan takes 7 minutes at most.
- It can scan 400 pages on a full charge.
- Documents are automatically stored on a cloud or selected devices.
- The included software is a lifesaver.
Cons
- It doesn’t scan both sides of a document automatically.
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i
I can read the minds of a few readers right now. After reading the Doxie Go, some are thinking why would anyone want a scanner that doesn’t scan both sides automatically! For those of you that want both sides scanned automatically, there isn’t a better option than the Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i
The Fujitsu Scansnap is a bulky scanner that does a good job of scanning documents quickly. You can organize your paperwork and create searchable, multi-page PDFs with just a click of a button. The scanning speed is super fast as you can scan 12 pages a minute.
As we’ve mentioned already, the Scansnap features double-sided color scanning. You can also add a maximum of 10 pages to the automatic document feeder (ADF). There’s also an intelligent scan correction function that features auto color detection, auto rotation for upside-down documents, and blank page removal.
The software provided with the Scansnap is very basic and easy to use. You can scan your documents directly to the Cloud. It supports Cloud systems such as Google Drive and Dropbox.
The only negative points are its size and usage of USB cables. It wouldn’t be as comfortable to carry around as it’s both heavy. Carrying cables around is a bit of a hassle.
Overall, the Fujitsu Scansnap S1300i is currently the best auto dual side scanning monitor. It has its issues, but if you need the dual side-scanning, you’ll need to sacrifice some other stuff too.
Pros
- Dual side scanner.
- Superfast scanning with 12 pages per minute.
- The Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) can take a maximum of 10 pages at once.
- The intelligent scan correction feature makes sure that the scanned documents are flawless.
- The included software is easy to use and uploads scanned documents to Cloud storage.
Cons
- Heavy
- Carrying around USB cables is annoying.
Epson WorkForce ES-50
You might be wondering at this point, where’s the budget option? Don’t worry! The Epson ES-50 is currently the best budget portable scanner!
Besides being the budget option, the Epson Workforce is also the fastest and lightest portable scanner currently. At just 267 grams, you can carry it with you anywhere you go. The 5.5 second scan time is also one of the currently fastest scanning times.
The Epson ES-50 is a pretty versatile scanner. Apart from scanning regular documents, you can also scan receipts and ID cards. Anything you scan will be handed over to the Smart Tool that’ll review and save it.
There’s also a feature called the nuance OCR. This function allows the user to create searchable PDFs and editable Word and Excel files just by scanning them! The included software lets you upload the scanned documents directly to online Cloud Storage.
However, the Epson ES-50 is powered by your computer so you’ll need a computer source, preferably a laptop, to power it. In addition to that, maintaining USB cables can be a bit of a hassle.
Overall, the Epson WorkForce ES-50 is a great budget option portable scanner. Though it’s missing a few features, the low price makes up for that.
Pros
- Affordable price.
- At just 267 grams, it’s one of the lightest scanners.
- Superfast scan time of 5.5 seconds.
- It can scan all sorts of documents from regular office papers to id cards and receipts.
- The Nuance OCR feature is pretty handy.
- It can upload scanned files directly to the cloud.
Cons
- USB powered
- Maintaining USB cables can be a bit of a hassle.
Epson Workforce ES-60W
The Epson Workforce ES-60W is a beefed-up version of the ES-50. This portable scanner is directed towards people that are constantly working on the go.
The ES-60W weighs just above 300 grams. This tiny working machine is full to the brim with features. It can scan everything from documents to photos, and more. It can also create editable Word and Excel files, as well as searchable PDFs with the help of Nuance OCR.
As we’ve mentioned already, this scanner is for people who are always on the go. It will switch between USB and battery-powered wireless ceaselessly. It supports fast scanning as it can scan a single page in as little as 4 seconds.
It will store scanned documents on cloud storage platforms through the software so you won’t have to worry about your documents getting lost.
But as there are a lot of positives, there are a few downsides. It doesn’t support duplex scanning and memory card support. There also isn’t any automatic document feeder.
Overall, the ES-60W is a solid choice for portable scanners for those who are working on the road. Though it’s missing a few things, it won’t affect the overall performance of this scanner in any way.
Pros
- At 300 grams, it’s pretty lightweight.
- It can scan all sorts of documents.
- The much-appreciated Nuance OCR feature is included.
- The fastest scan time of 4 seconds per page.
- Supports Cloud storage.
- Supports Wi-Fi
Cons
- No duplex scanning.
- Doesn’t support memory cards.
- Lacks ADF.
Doxie Flip
The Doxie Flip is quite different because it doesn’t scan documents, it scans photos and notebooks. If you want to scan pictures, letters, stamps, scrapbooks, or sketches, the Doxie flip would be perfect for you.
The Doxie Flip is a cordless flatbed photo and notebook scanner. It’s about the size of a small book so you’ll be able to carry it anywhere conveniently. Batteries and SD cards are included so you can scan anywhere at any time.
It’s pretty easy to use too. All you need to do is pick up the lid and place the item to be scanned. You can scan everything from photos and coins to tickets and pocket notebooks.
Anything you scan can be saved to the Cloud storage or your desktop. It also comes with software that lets users crop and stitch photos or share them directly on social media.
However, the Doxie flip runs on AAA batteries so they can run out anytime. Another thing is that it’ll only output scans in JPEG format.
Overall, the Doxie Flip is a scanner mainly aimed at collectors and casual users. It has notable flaws. But the services provided are worth the price.
Pros
- It can scan all sorts of stuff such as pictures, tickets, stamps, coins, etc.
- It’s about the size of a small book.
- Battery and SD card included.
- Easy scanning process.
- Compatible with cloud storage.
- The included software can crop and stitch photos or share them directly to social media.
Cons
- Runs on AAA batteries that run out quite easily.
- Scans are only outputted in JPEG format.
Epson Workforce ES-300W Document Scanner
This Epson scanner offers some of the best scan speeds for its model that are 25 ppm/50 ipm. The scanner is also compatible with most software used in the office thanks to the TWAIN driver that lets you connect it easily to document management software.
The scanner automatically feeds up to 20 pages at a speed of 25 pages per minute and doesn’t become slow when using a USB power source which is a problem that most scanners tend to encounter. There is a free software bundle that’s offered by Epson that makes it compatible with most of the office software besides its usual compatibility.
Pros
- Although slightly bigger, the scanner does not take a lot of space and does pretty much all the scanning that you will need it to do.
- The scanner is wireless and allows you to easily scan to your smartphone, PC, tablet, or Mac devices.
- It allows you to scan your documents straight to Cloud services as it is compatible with Google Drive and Dropbox.
Cons
- While it’s portable, it’s slightly bigger than most portable scanners.
Fujitsu SCANSNAP S1100i Scanner
What made the Fujitsu scanners stand out for us is the fact that it is compatible with both Mac and PC. This is a key feature that most scanners don’t have while others require long setup processes for the drives.
With this printer, you are able to scan documents or papers that measure an inch all the way up to 34 inches long. You can also create searchable keywords using a highlighter. You no longer need to take a photo of your receipts or business cards as the scanner comes with scanning software for both business cards and receipts.
Pros
- This printer has 600 dpi printing which ensures that images printed are of high quality.
- It also allows you to create PDF files from your scan that are searchable.
- It gives you the freedom to create MS Word files from the scans that are editable which come in handy especially if you need to make edits to the document you have already scanned.
Cons
- It is a single-sided scanner.
Brother Mobile Scanner, DS-720D
If you have used the Brother DS-620D and are looking to upgrade your printer but want to stick with the Brother models, then you should get the DS-720D model. Why? Because the two-sided printing feature makes all the difference.
If your work or the stuff you scan tends to be two-sided and are in the market shopping for a portable printer, you should consider buying this Brother printer. The duplex scanning makes such a huge difference. The duplex feature makes this scanner fast especially when scanning two-sided documents when compared to other scanners that don’t have the feature.
Pros
- It can handle multiple types of media.
- You can easily scan photos, receipts, ID cards, documents, business cards among others up to 8.5 by 32 inches.
- It has a compact, structured design that makes it sleek.
- It weighs less than one pound making it lightweight.
Cons
- The printer is powered by a USB cable, and the lack of one will mean you won’t be able to print.
Doxie Q Scanner
The Doxie Q is an automatic document scanner designed for true mobility. It supports wireless connections as it includes integrated Wi-Fi. It operates on a rechargeable battery, has a memory slot coupled with a collapsible automatic document feeder. Weighing less than two pounds, this scanner is quite compact and very slim. The scanner allows you to scan from anywhere without a computer.
Its small size makes it easy to simply pack it in your bag when traveling or store it in your drawer when you finish your scanning business. It does not require any special drivers for it to function as most scanners do. All you need to do is open it, insert your papers and then scan. Its automatic paper feeder is able to scan eight full-color pages all at the same time with up to 600 dpi.
Pros
- The direct feed slot can be used to scan fragile items, cards, photos, and receipts.
- The printer is compatible with both PC, Mac, and iOS apps.
- You can also sync scans via USB cable or Wi-Fi directly to your desktop as well as create and organize different searchable PDFs using the OCR technology.
- You can save scans directly to cloud services like OneNote, Dropbox, iCloud Drive, and Evernote.
Cons
- You have to figure out the finer details of this printer so as to get it to work as efficiently as you’d want it to.
VuPoint Solutions Magic Wand Scanner
The VuPoint Solutions Magic Wand is another option that you have if you’re looking for a scanner that you can carry around with for scanning when on the move. It has some features that make it worth considering and is also affordable. It has the ability to scan documents of different sizes with widths of 8.27-inches and a length of 90-inches.
This scanner offers you three different resolution options of 300dpi, 600dpi, and 900dpi for quality scans
Pros
- It’s affordable
- Easily digitize your documents as well as photos
- You have the option of scanning your documents in both black and white or color
- Works with both Windows and macOS operating system
- Comes with a USB cable that allows you to connect this scanner to your laptop to transfer or view your scanned documents
- The optical character recognition (OCR) featured in this scanner allows you to organize and scan your documents into searchable and editable files that can be opened software run on Windows
- Has a slot for a microSD card
- Easily scan your documents in just three seconds
Cons
- An SD card has to be purchased separately as this doesn’t come with the scanner
- The searchable and editable software only works with Windows and not MacOS
Final Thoughts
A good scanner can save your life’s work easily and it can also create possible future opportunities. If you’re someone who’s constantly on the go, then you know the importance of a portable scanner at the right time.
The Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi is our pick for the best portable scanner as it has all the features and usage needed for all sorts of users. However, if you’re on a budget then either of the Epson scanners would be good for you.
No one would have thought that technology would evolve and we’d have portable scanners. Whether you are employed or are a freelancer, investing in one of the best portable scanners can be one of the best decisions you ever make especially when your work involves dealing with lots of documents.
Whether you want a simplex or a duplex, choose a scanner that will get the job done in the shortest time possible.