10 Best Portable Scanners For Documents 2026 in the United States

The ScanSnap iX1300 is a solid choice for those in need of a portable document scanner. Its compact design makes it ideal for small spaces, allowing you to keep your workspace organized. With a scanning speed of up to 30 pages per minute in duplex mode, you won’t have to wait long to digitize your documents, photos, or even cards. This scanner can connect via USB or Wi-Fi, giving you flexibility in how you set it up and use it - whether on a Mac, PC, or mobile devices.

One of the standout features is its user-friendly operation. Even if you're not tech-savvy, you can start scanning with just one touch, thanks to its automatic image processing capabilities like de-skewing and color optimization. The included ScanSnap Home software enhances your experience, offering easy management and editing of your scanned files.

While the iX1300 excels in many areas, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Its weight of 4.4 pounds may not be as lightweight as some might expect for a portable scanner, which could be a factor if you're planning on moving it frequently. Although it can handle various document types, users with specific scanning needs, such as very thick documents, should verify that it meets their requirements.

The Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Document Scanner is a highly portable option for mobile professionals and those needing to scan documents on the go. With its dimensions of 11.9 x 2.2 x 1.4 inches and weighing just over a pound, it's easy to carry and use anywhere. It offers a decent scanning speed of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) for both color and black-and-white documents, which is quite efficient for a device of this size.

The scanner's resolution is 300 dpi, which should be adequate for most document scanning needs but might fall short for high-detail images or photos. It connects via a USB 3.0 cable, ensuring both power and data transfer through a single connection to your laptop or PC, which simplifies its use in various locations without needing an external power source. The software suite that comes with the DS-640 is quite versatile, allowing for scanning to multiple destinations such as email, cloud services, and OCR for converting documents into editable text.

It supports various document types, including business cards, ID cards, receipts, and larger documents up to 72 inches long. This makes it suitable for a range of applications, from business trips to personal use. On the downside, the reliance on a wired USB connection may limit its convenience compared to wireless models, and the absence of a dedicated battery might be a drawback for those looking for complete wireless freedom. While it supports multiple operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux, users will need to download the necessary drivers and software, which requires an internet connection. The 1-year limited warranty and free technical support in the USA offer some peace of mind regarding reliability and assistance. In summary, the Brother DS-640 is a robust and portable document scanner with good performance and flexibility, best suited for professionals needing reliable, on-the-go scanning solutions.

The Epson WorkForce ES-580W is a solid choice for those in need of a portable document scanner. It stands out with its wireless connectivity and 4.3-inch touchscreen, making it easy to use and set up. Scanning speed is impressive at up to 35 pages per minute, and the 100-sheet Auto Document Feeder allows for efficient handling of large batches of documents, which is great for busy professionals or home offices.

One of the scanner's significant advantages is its ability to save scans directly to USB or popular cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, without requiring a computer. This feature enhances its portability and convenience, especially for users who are always on the go. Additionally, the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capability enables users to create searchable PDFs and convert documents into editable Word or Excel files, which can greatly improve productivity and organization.

The scanner does have some limitations. Its resolution is 300 dpi, which is generally adequate for standard document scanning but may not be sufficient for those needing high-quality image scans or intricate graphics. Moreover, the scanner's weight of approximately 8.14 pounds may make it less portable compared to lighter models, particularly for users who travel frequently. Battery life details are not highlighted, which could be a concern if you need to use the scanner away from a power source for extended periods. The Epson WorkForce ES-580W is an efficient and user-friendly portable scanner ideal for individuals or small offices focused on document organization and digital archiving.