We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Portable Scanners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

ScanSnap iX1600 Wireless or USB High-Speed Cloud Enabled Document, Photo & Receipt Scanner with Large Touchscreen and Auto Document Feeder for Mac or PC, 17 watts, Black

The ScanSnap iX1600 is a versatile and efficient portable scanner that excels in managing documents for both home and small business use. One of its standout features is the fast scanning speed of up to 40 pages per minute, which is a significant advantage for users needing to digitize large volumes of paperwork quickly. The touchscreen interface enhances user experience, allowing easy access to up to 30 scanning profiles, making it a great choice for multiple users or team environments.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,438
Scanning Speed
Connectivity
Portability

Most important from
4555 reviews

Scanning Speed
The scanning speed is remarkable, with 50-page documents being fully OCR'd and available within seconds, ensuring high efficiency.
Connectivity
Setup is effortless, with the scanner working instantly over Wi-Fi even after unplugging the USB cable, showcasing its excellent wireless connectivity.
Portability
Its compact design and portability, folding into a neat rectangular shape, make it ideal for use in multiple locations, enhancing its practicality for offices and homes.
Document Handling
The scanner handles diverse document types effortlessly, from photos to receipts, with high-quality output and minimal file sizes.
Software and Compatibility
The ScanSnap Home software is a significant improvement over previous versions, offering a clean interface that combines document management and scanner configuration.
#2
9.6 score

Epson WorkForce ES-50 Portable Sheet-Fed Document Scanner for PC and Mac

The Epson WorkForce ES-50 is a lightweight and compact portable sheet-fed document scanner that is perfect for users who need to scan on the go. Weighing only about 0.59 pounds and with dimensions that make it easy to carry, it excels in portability. It can scan a single page in as little as 5.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest in its class. This speed is especially beneficial for professionals who frequently process documents quickly, such as those in real estate, legal, or business environments.

Rating
9.6
Resolution
Scanning Speed
Connectivity

Most important from
5470 reviews

Resolution
Does not work well on old, glossy black and white photos; results are washed out without grayscale.
Scanning Speed
Inexpensive, portable, and plenty fast - it just works.
Connectivity
Perfect for scanning items to your computer without the hassle of a huge printer/scanner.
Portability
Works well for scanning and saving old family photos; it's fast, easy to use, and portable.
Document Handling
Thin high gloss photos may require manual pressure to avoid slipping during scanning.
Software and Compatibility
Software has basic controls for adjusting image quality but needs improvement for handling larger files.
#3
9.3 score

ScanSnap iX1300 Compact Wireless or USB Double-Sided Color Document, Photo & Receipt Scanner with Auto Document Feeder and Manual Feeder for Mac or PC, Black

The ScanSnap iX1300 is a compact and versatile scanner designed for those who need a reliable, portable solution for scanning documents, photos, and receipts. One of its standout features is its space-saving design, making it ideal for small offices or home workspaces. It boasts impressive scanning speeds of up to 30 pages per minute in duplex mode, which means you can quickly scan both sides of a document in one go without any hassle.

Rating
9.3
Resolution
Scanning Speed
Connectivity

Most important from
1399 reviews

Resolution
Scan quality is crisp and clear, making documents look like they were typed and exported to PDF directly.
Scanning Speed
Ranks among the best tech gadgets since the late 70s, thanks to its compact size, USB/Wi-Fi options, and quick duplex scanning.
Connectivity
Wireless connectivity is flawless, with no delays in transfer from the scanner to the computer.
Portability
Ranks among the best tech gadgets since the late 70s, thanks to its compact size, USB/Wi-Fi options, and quick duplex scanning.
Document Handling
Perfect for scanning a variety of documents, from standard paper to old photos, with ease and efficiency.
Software and Compatibility
The ScanSnap software is simple but functional, with features like auto-naming files based on scanned information saving significant time.

Top 10 Best Portable Scanners 2025 in the United States

Epson WorkForce ES-50 Portable Sheet-Fed Document Scanner for PC and Mac

Resolution: 1200
Scanning Speed: 5.5 seconds per page
Connectivity: USB
Portability: 0.59 pounds
Document Handling: 8.5 x 72 inches, ID cards
Software and Compatibility: Nuance OCR, Windows, Mac, TWAIN

Canon Canoscan Lide 300 Scanner (PDF, AUTOSCAN, COPY, SEND)

Resolution: 2400
Connectivity: USB
Portability: 3.6 pounds, 14.5 x 9.9 x 1.7
Document Handling: Auto Scan, photos, receipts, cards, paper

Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Document Scanner, (Model: DS640) 1.5"x2"x11.9"

Resolution: 300 dpi
Scanning Speed: 16 pages per minute
Connectivity: USB
Portability: Weighs just over a pound
Document Handling: Receipts, ID cards, documents up to 72 inches
Software and Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux

Canon imageFORMULA R10 - Portable Document Scanner, USB Powered, Duplex Scanning, Document Feeder, Easy Setup, Convenient, Perfect for Mobile Users

Resolution: 600 dpi
Scanning Speed: 12 pages per minute
Connectivity: USB
Portability: 998 grams, 3.75 x 11.2 x 1.57 inches
Document Handling: 20-sheet feeder, various media types
Software and Compatibility: Compatible with Windows and Mac
How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Scanners

When choosing a portable scanner, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. Portable scanners are great for digitizing documents, photos, and receipts on the go, but they come with various features and specifications that can affect their performance and suitability for different tasks. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision and select the best portable scanner for your needs.
ResolutionResolution refers to the level of detail the scanner can capture, measured in dots per inch (DPI). Higher resolution means better image quality, which is important for scanning photos or detailed documents. For general document scanning, 300-600 DPI is usually sufficient. If you need to scan high-quality images or detailed graphics, look for a scanner with a resolution of 1200 DPI or higher. Consider your primary use case: if you mostly scan text documents, a lower resolution will suffice, but for high-quality image scans, opt for a higher resolution.
Scanning SpeedScanning speed indicates how quickly the scanner can process documents, usually measured in pages per minute (PPM). Faster scanning speeds are beneficial if you need to scan large volumes of documents quickly. Scanners with speeds of 8-15 PPM are suitable for occasional use, while those with speeds of 20 PPM or more are better for frequent or high-volume scanning. Think about how often and how much you will be scanning to determine the appropriate speed for your needs.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how the scanner communicates with your devices. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. USB connections are reliable and straightforward, ideal for direct connections to a computer. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth offer wireless convenience, allowing you to scan directly to cloud services or mobile devices. If you need flexibility and the ability to scan to multiple devices, look for a scanner with wireless connectivity. For simple, direct connections, a USB scanner will suffice.
PortabilityPortability is a key feature of portable scanners, encompassing size, weight, and battery life. Smaller, lighter scanners are easier to carry around, making them ideal for travel or on-the-go use. Battery-operated scanners offer more flexibility, as you don't need to be near a power source. Consider how and where you will use the scanner: if you need to scan documents while traveling, prioritize a compact, lightweight model with good battery life. For occasional home or office use, portability may be less critical.
Document HandlingDocument handling capabilities include the types and sizes of documents the scanner can process, as well as features like automatic document feeders (ADF). Some scanners can handle various media types, including receipts, business cards, and photos, while others are limited to standard paper sizes. An ADF allows for batch scanning, which is useful for high-volume tasks. Assess the types of documents you will be scanning and choose a scanner that can accommodate them. If you frequently scan multiple pages, an ADF will save you time and effort.
Software and CompatibilityThe software that comes with the scanner and its compatibility with your devices and operating systems are crucial for a smooth scanning experience. Good software can enhance functionality with features like OCR (optical character recognition) for converting scanned text into editable documents. Ensure the scanner is compatible with your computer or mobile device and that the software meets your needs. If you require advanced features like OCR or cloud integration, look for scanners with robust software packages.

FAQ