10 Best Portable Scanners 2025 in the United States

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.

Scanning speed is efficient at up to 16 pages per minute, making it suitable for quick tasks on-the-go. Connectivity is limited to USB, but it does power directly from the USB connection, eliminating the need for an additional power source, which enhances its portability. The included software suite is quite comprehensive, offering multiple 'scan-to' destinations and the capability to convert scans to editable Microsoft Word files.

It supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, making it versatile in terms of compatibility. On the downside, the resolution might not be high enough for those needing ultra-clear scans, and its reliance on USB connectivity may limit its use with newer laptops that favor USB-C or wireless connections. Also, the enhanced image optimization features are only available when connected to a PC. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Brother DS-640 is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and portable scanning solution with robust software support.

The Epson Workforce ES-400 II is a robust document scanner that suits both office and home environments. Its key strength lies in the fast document scanning capability, thanks to the 50-sheet Auto Document Feeder (ADF) which allows for efficient processing of large piles of documents. With a resolution of 300 dpi, it delivers clear and crisp scans suitable for most standard document needs. However, if you need higher resolution for detailed images or graphics, this might be a limitation. The scanning speed is impressive and can help save time in busy work settings.

Its connectivity is limited to USB, which ensures stable and fast data transfer but lacks wireless options that might be preferred for more flexibility. Portability is where this scanner falls short. Weighing 3.7 kilograms (about 8.14 pounds) and having relatively large dimensions (14.4 x 11.2 x 9.8 inches), it is not the best option if you need something truly portable. The document handling is efficient with the 50-sheet capacity, making it ideal for batch processing of documents.

The included Epson ScanSmart software is user-friendly, allowing you to easily preview scans, email files, and upload to various cloud services such as Dropbox and Google Drive. Additionally, the software includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) which converts scanned documents into searchable PDFs and editable Word or Excel files, enhancing productivity. The scanner integrates seamlessly with most document management software, making it a versatile addition to any office setup. In summary, the Epson Workforce ES-400 II is an excellent choice for those needing a reliable and fast document scanner with efficient software, though it may not be suitable for those prioritizing portability or requiring high-resolution scans.

The Epson WorkForce ES-200 is a lightweight and compact portable scanner ideal for users who need to scan documents while on the go. It offers a solid resolution of 600 dpi, sufficient for most business documents, receipts, and IDs. A notable feature is its speed—scanning up to 25 pages per minute and capturing both sides of a document in a single pass, which saves time when handling double-sided papers.

Equipped with a 20-page Auto Document Feeder, the scanner facilitates quick batch scanning, although it may not be suitable for very large stacks. Connectivity is straightforward with USB power and data transfer, enabling use without an AC outlet, which is convenient for travel. Its portability is enhanced by a slim design and a weight of just 2.4 pounds, making it easy to carry around.

The included Epson ScanSmart software simplifies scanning tasks with features like automatic file naming and easy sharing options, though some users might find it basic compared to more advanced software suites. The scanner only connects via USB, lacking a wireless option for scanning from mobile devices or tablets. This makes it well-suited for professionals needing reliable, fast scanning of various document types away from the office, while those requiring wireless convenience or handling very large volumes may want to consider other options.