10 Best Small Document Scanner 2026 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 Epson Workforce ES-580W is a capable small-document scanner well-suited for home offices or small businesses. One of its standout features is the 100-sheet Auto Document Feeder, which allows users to quickly scan large batches of documents without constant supervision. The scanner's ability to digitize documents at an impressive speed of up to 35 pages per minute while capturing both sides simultaneously makes it a real time-saver. Additionally, the 4.3-inch touchscreen offers an intuitive user experience, making it easy to navigate settings and scan directly to various destinations like USB, cloud services, or even email without needing a computer.

One of the key strengths of the ES-580W is its wireless connectivity, enabling seamless scanning to smartphones and tablets. This feature enhances portability and convenience, particularly for users who often work on the go. The capability to create searchable PDFs and convert scans into editable Word or Excel files adds significant value for those who need to organize their documents efficiently.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The maximum resolution of 300 dpi may not suffice for users needing extremely high-quality scans, such as professional photographers or those digitizing detailed documents. Additionally, while the scanner is relatively lightweight and portable, it might be bulkier than some users expect, especially in smaller workspaces. Some users might also find the lack of advanced editing features a limitation if they require more robust software. The Epson Workforce ES-580W excels with its speed, wireless features, and file management capabilities, making it a solid choice for users who require efficient document scanning. Those looking for high-resolution scanning or advanced editing tools might need to explore other options.