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10 Best Portable Scanners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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

The Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Document Scanner is an excellent choice for those needing a portable scanning solution. Weighing just over a pound and measuring 11.9 inches in length, it's easy to carry and ideal for mobile professionals. The scanner offers a decent resolution of 300 dpi and can handle various document types, including receipts, ID cards, and documents up to 72 inches long.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,427
Connectivity
Portability
Document Handling

Most important from
6275 reviews

Connectivity
Setting up the scanner on a laptop is a breeze, making record-keeping and organizing documents incredibly simple.
Portability
The scanner's compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for travel, allowing users to scan receipts and documents on-the-go without carrying paper piles.
Document Handling
The scanner efficiently handles different document types and sizes, with a reliable performance that saves time compared to traditional scanners.
#2
8.8 score

Canon CanoScan Lide 400 Slim Scanner, 7.7" x 14.5" x 0.4"

The Canon CanoScan Lide 400 is a slim, portable flatbed scanner designed for users who need to quickly scan documents and photos with decent quality. It offers a high optical resolution of 4800 x 4800 dpi, which is great for preserving fine details in photos and images. Scanning is quite fast — it can finish a scan in about 8 seconds, which helps if you have several pages to digitize. The scanner connects through a single USB Type-C cable that handles both data transfer and power, making it easy to set up and reducing cable clutter. However, it only supports scanning via USB, so no wireless option is available, which might limit flexibility in some setups.

Rating
8.8
Resolution
Scanning Speed
Connectivity

Most important from
6695 reviews

Resolution
Scanning at resolutions up to 4800 DPI is possible but requires specific software settings and patience, as large, high-res scans can take many minutes and consume significant memory.
Scanning Speed
For fast, everyday document and photo scanning needs, this model offers a solid balance of speed, quality, and ease without unnecessary complexity.
Connectivity
Its slim, lightweight design and single USB Type-C connection make it highly portable and clutter-free, ideal for on-the-go or limited-space setups.
Portability
Its slim, lightweight design and single USB Type-C connection make it highly portable and clutter-free, ideal for on-the-go or limited-space setups.
Document Handling
While it handles single sheets and photos well, the lack of an automatic document feeder and wireless connectivity limits bulk or flexible scanning workflows.
Software and Compatibility
Setup is straightforward and quick, even for users on older Mac systems, requiring minimal software downloads for basic scanning functions.
#3
8.5 score

Epson Workforce ES-580W Wireless Color Duplex Desktop Document Scanner for PC and Mac with 100-sheet Auto Document Feeder (ADF) and Intuitive 4.3" Touchscreen

The Epson Workforce ES-580W is a versatile portable document scanner that stands out with its wireless connectivity and user-friendly 4.3-inch touchscreen, making scanning easy without needing a computer. It supports fast double-sided scanning at up to 35 pages per minute, which is great if you often scan many pages at once. The 100-sheet automatic document feeder handles various paper sizes reliably, helping you save time on large jobs.

Rating
8.5
Resolution
Scanning Speed
Connectivity

Most important from
814 reviews

Resolution
The device offers clear, high-quality scans quickly, making large batch scanning efficient.
Scanning Speed
A fast, reliable two-sided scanner that handles fragile documents and various paper sizes with ease.
Connectivity
Wireless setup is straightforward and works seamlessly across multiple computers within minutes.
Portability
The removable top feeder design allows convenient storage when not in use.
Document Handling
A fast, reliable two-sided scanner that handles fragile documents and various paper sizes with ease.
Software and Compatibility
User-friendly software intelligently manages scans by skipping blank pages and supports direct saving to emails and FTP servers.

Top 10 Best Portable Scanners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

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

Chosen by 1427 this week

Canon CanoScan Lide 400 Slim Scanner, 7.7" x 14.5" x 0.4"

Resolution: 4800 x 4800 dpi
Scanning Speed: about 8 seconds
Connectivity: USB Type-C
Portability: 3.6 pounds, slim
Document Handling: standard paper up to 8.5 x 11.7
Software and Compatibility: EZ buttons, auto scan, multi-page PDFs

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

Epson WorkForce ES-200 Color Portable Document Scanner with ADF for PC and Mac, Sheet-fed and Duplex Scanning,Black

Resolution: 600 dpi
Scanning Speed: 25 pages per minute
Connectivity: USB
Portability: 2.4 lbs, slim design
Document Handling: 20-page ADF, duplex scanning
Software and Compatibility: Epson ScanSmart

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
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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.

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