10 Best Small Document Scanner 2025 in the United States

The Epson Workforce ES-400 II is a small-document scanner that excels in fast and efficient scanning, making it ideal for both home and office environments. With a 50-sheet Auto Document Feeder (ADF), it is especially useful for scanning large stacks of documents without constant supervision. The resolution is 300 dpi, which is suitable for most document scanning needs, ensuring legible and clear scans. One of its key strengths is the high-speed scanning capability, supported by the intuitive Epson ScanSmart software.

This software allows for previewing scans, emailing files, and uploading directly to cloud services such as Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, and OneDrive, adding to its convenience and productivity features. Additionally, the inclusion of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) makes it easy to create searchable PDFs and convert scans into editable Word or Excel files, which is a significant advantage for managing and editing documents post-scan. Connectivity is limited to USB, which might be a drawback if you need wireless options, but it ensures reliable and straightforward connections to both PCs and Macs.

In terms of size and portability, while it is not the lightest at 8.14 pounds, its compact dimensions (14.4 x 11.2 x 9.8 inches) make it manageable for a desktop setup. The build quality is solid, and user reviews are generally positive, with a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 949 customers, indicating customer satisfaction. If you require very high-resolution scans or need a scanner with wireless connectivity, this might not be the best option. For everyday document scanning tasks with an emphasis on speed and ease of use, the Epson Workforce ES-400 II is a reliable choice.

The RICOH fi-8170 is a solid choice for those in need of a small document scanner, particularly in professional settings. Its standout feature is its impressive scan speed of up to 70 double-sided pages per minute, making it ideal for offices or environments where efficiency is critical. The scanner can handle a variety of document types including photos, ID cards, and thicker items like passports, which adds to its versatility. Additionally, the 600 dpi resolution ensures that image quality is sharp and accurate, thanks to RICOH's Clear Image Capture technology.

Ease of use is another advantage with the included PaperStream ClickScan software, which allows users to scan with just the push of a button. This is perfect for users who might not be tech-savvy, as the setup requires minimal training. The scanner also connects via USB or Ethernet, making it adaptable to different office configurations.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the RICOH fi-8170 offers excellent features, its weight of 8.8 pounds may make it less portable than some other models, which could be a drawback for those needing a lightweight option for mobile use. Additionally, it integrates well with various document management systems, though some users might find themselves needing to familiarize themselves with the software for optimal use, which could pose a challenge for non-tech-savvy individuals.

The Fujitsu fi-8170 Document Scanner is a solid choice for those in need of a high-capacity document scanner. One of its standout features is the impressive scan speed, which enables handling up to 10,000 sheets per day, making it highly suitable for busy offices with significant scanning demands. The resolution of 600 dpi ensures that scanned documents are clear and detailed, catering to the needs of businesses that require high-quality outputs.

Connectivity is a strong point due to the LAN capability, which allows the scanner to be easily integrated into a network for team sharing. This feature, combined with support for up to four user licenses, makes it ideal for environments where multiple users need access to the scanner. Its compatibility with smart devices also adds an element of flexibility, enabling scanning tasks to be completed from various locations.

In terms of size and portability, the scanner is slightly on the heavier side with a weight of 8.8 pounds, which may not be convenient for frequent relocation, but its compact dimensions make it manageable for permanent setups. The ability to customize profiles and icons catered to different user needs can enhance workflow efficiency and provide a user-friendly experience even for those who are less tech-savvy.

The bulkiness might not suit smaller workspaces or those who prioritize portability. Users looking for a cost-effective option might also find it less appealing due to its high-volume capabilities which may be unnecessary for smaller operations. Its high daily volume capacity, reliable resolution, and connectivity options make it a valuable asset for medium to large-sized businesses.