Document scanners turn paper invoices, contracts, receipts and letters into digital files at home, in the office or in an archive. Our range has over 280 models: ADF scanners with an automatic document feeder, sheet-fed, flatbed and combined models, including Epson, Ricoh, Canon and Plustek.
How to choose a document scanner
Scanner type. If you regularly scan stacks of paper, choose a model with an ADF, which pulls in pages one at a time. Sheet-fed scanners take up less space and suit invoices and receipts, while a flatbed is needed for books, folded pages or delicate originals. Combined models have both a flatbed and an ADF.
Paper size. Most scanners in our range handle up to A4, which covers everyday documents. A3 models are useful for drawings and large sheets, and a few small devices are made for A6 or A5 originals such as cards.
Speed and workload. A few dozen pages a day is fine at home, but an office should compare pages per minute, ADF capacity and the monthly duty cycle the manufacturer recommends. Models with two sensors (Dual CIS or Dual CCD) capture both sides of a page in one pass, so double-sided documents are scanned faster.
Resolution and sensor. For text and OCR, 600 DPI is enough, and most scanners in our range offer that optical resolution. Choose 1200 DPI or more for photos. 4800 or 7200 DPI appears only in a few models, which are usually meant for photos and film. CIS sensors are typical for document scanners and use little power, while CCD sensors hold focus better when an original is uneven or thick.
Connections and power. Many models connect over USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 2.0, and some offer USB 3.2 Gen 2. Some scanners are powered directly over USB, which makes them easy to carry, while others plug into the mains. Check before buying whether OCR software is included.
Brands we carry
- Epson: makes WorkForce document scanners with an ADF and Perfection flatbed scanners for photos.
- Ricoh and Fujitsu: Ricoh owns PFU, the company behind the ScanSnap and fi series scanners that were previously sold under the Fujitsu name.
- Canon: offers imageFORMULA document scanners, from small personal units to office models.
- Plustek: specialises in scanners and is known for its OpticBook book scanners.
- Kodak: known for departmental scanners and high-volume document capture.
- HP: ScanJet scanners for home and office work.
- Brother: makes small ADS series scanners, including portable models.
- Reflecta: a German manufacturer known for slide and film scanners.
Also in our range: Avision, IRIS and IPEVO.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an ADF and a flatbed scanner?
An ADF scanner automatically takes pages from a tray and scans them one after another, so it suits large batches. On a flatbed you place each original on the glass by hand, which suits books, photos and fragile paper. Combined models offer both methods.
What resolution do I need for scanning documents?
For text documents and OCR, 600 DPI is usually enough. A higher resolution makes files larger without adding much for printed text. Choose 1200 DPI or more if you also scan photos.
Can a scanner scan both sides of a page at once?
Yes, models with single-pass duplex scanning can, usually using two sensors such as Dual CIS. They capture both sides in one pass of the page, so double-sided documents are processed faster. Look for duplex scanning in the specifications.
Are there scanners for A3 documents?
Yes, our range includes a few dozen models that scan up to A3. They are needed for drawings, large sheets and opened-out documents. If you only scan A4 and smaller pages, an A3 scanner will take up more space than necessary.
