Many users want to purchase an Epson scanner as this brand is known for its reliable devices. Epson is a well-established company on the market as it has been designing scanners for decades. Over time, they have significantly upgraded their models and now release the best scanners for budget-conscious users.
Epson WorkForce ES-400
Epson WorkForce ES-400 Color Duplex Document Scanner for PC and Mac, Auto Document Feeder (ADF)
Scanning speed: 35ppm
Interface: USB
Feeder capacity: 50
Affordable price
Paper jams are simple to clear
Great software with intuitive UI
The Epson WorkForce ES-400 delivers high-quality performance and comes at an affordable price. While there are some models available that can scan your documents more quickly, it’s a perfect solution for scanning long multi-page documents.
The device is well put together and features a flip-up document feeder. The only disadvantage is that the paper tray for scanned documents doesn’t seem to be very reliable. It might be difficult to pull it out as well.
With this Epson scanner, you can scan handwritten and printed text with little to no effort. It also handles scanning full-color images well. The Epson WorkForce ES-400 is a budget device that lets you scan documents from both sides quickly. With it, you can create searchable PDFs.
Epson DS-320
Epson DS-320 Mobile Scanner with ADF: 25ppm, TWAIN & ISIS Drivers, 3-Year Warranty
Scanning speed: 25ppm
Interface: USB
Feeder capacity: 20
Quickly scans pages and creates files
Easy-to-use software
20-page automatic document feeder
The Epson DS-320 is a high-speed scanning device that can scan 50 pages per minute. Thanks to its automatic document feeder, it scans documents from both sides.
This Epson ADF scanner allows you to scan images at up to 1200 DPI. By using it, you can perform up to 500 scans per day. It has impressive sharing options thanks to its integration with various cloud services. The device comes with the Automatic Deskew option that allows it to deliver high-quality images with perfect alignment.
The in-built optical character reader ensures that you will quickly create searchable PDFs. While it can’t be used with mobile devices due to the lack of wireless support, you will be impressed with its remarkable quality and high-speed performance. Whether you need a scanner for office or home use, it’s a smart option to consider.
Epson DS-530
Epson DS-530 Document Scanner: 35ppm, TWAIN & ISIS Drivers
Scanning speed: 35ppm
Interface: USB
Feeder capacity: 50
50-page ADF
Scans a page from both sides
Poor OCR quality
The DS-530 is a small-sized scanner that comes with advanced scanning features despite weighing only 8 lb. This model is perfect for small and medium-sized companies. One of its key selling points is that it scans pages from both sides. Besides, it’s integrated with cloud services and has great connectivity options.
You can use this Epson photo scanner for scanning images and documents. Thanks to its well-thought-out Active Separation Roller System, you won’t have to worry about possible paper jams. It can handle even fragile or poor-quality documents without damaging them. The Double Feed Detection Skip feature allows you to scan envelopes and cope with other challenging tasks.
The Epson DS-530 is a great affordable device that delivers high-speed performance but has subpar OCR capabilities.
Epson DS-1630
Epson DS-1630 Document Scanner: 25ppm, TWAIN & ISIS Drivers
Scanning speed: 25ppm
Interface: USB
Feeder capacity: 50
Quick single-sided scanning
Convenient software
High-quality OCR
The Epson DS-1630 is a convenient flatbed scanner that will be perfectly suitable for small companies and home use. Featuring a convenient automatic document feeder, it allows for duplex scanning, which accounts for quick performance.
However, the DS-1630 comes with a single sensor which makes scanning two-sided documents a time-consuming task. Despite some minor shortcomings, this Epson flatbed scanner is quite accurate when it comes to optical character recognition.
As it supports a resolution of up to 1200 DPI, you can use it for various scanning tasks. Thanks to the implemented Image Processing Technology, your documents will be automatically aligned and the colors will be adjusted.
Epson Workforce ES-55R
Epson Workforce ES-55R Mobile Receipt and Document Scanner with Receipt Management Software for PC and Mac
Scanning speed: 10ppm
Interface: USB
Feeder capacity: No feeder
Great OCR capabilities
ScanSmart Accounting Edition software
One of the main advantages of the Epson WorkForce ES-55R is that it comes with a pro-level Accounting Edition software that allows you to scan receipts and various financial documents.
High speed and premium options make this model the best Epson scanner in its class. With it, you can keep a track of your finances and solve other tasks more effectively. Its native ScanSmart Accounting Edition software makes it easier to scan documents and save digital files.
Thanks to the Nuance OCR technology support, it can create searchable PDF, Word and Excel files. Being one of the quickest devices of this type, it can scan a page in 5.5 seconds. With this scanner, you can scan business cards, reports and contracts as it supports documents up to 72″”.
Epson Workforce ES-200
Epson WorkForce ES-200 Color Portable Document Scanner with ADF for PC and Mac, Sheet-fed and Duplex Scanning
Scanning speed: 25ppm
Interface: USB
Feeder capacity: 20
Creates PDF files in no time
Supports USB and AC
High-accuracy OCR
20-page automatic document feeder
Those who need to find a compact scanner that can scan documents on the go will enjoy using the Epson ES-200 as it comes with helpful software.
I was slightly put off by the fact that this Epson portable scanner comes without a battery and can’t be connected to my device via Wi-Fi. However, if you prefer a USB connection, you will easily overlook these shortcomings, as this scanner is pretty cheap.
You will need to use an AC cable to plug it in. If you set a resolution to 200 PPI, it will scan 23 pages per minute, which makes it 3 times faster than other similar models. All in all, it’s the best option at this price range that delivers quick performance and allows you to create high-quality scans.
Epson WorkForce ES-50
Epson WorkForce ES-50 Portable Sheet-Fed Document Scanner for PC and Mac
Scanning speed: ppm
Interface: USB
Feeder capacity: No feeder
Creates PDF files in no time
Supports USB and AC
High-accuracy OCR
If you are looking for the best Epson scanner in terms of portability, check out the WorkForce ES-50. Being one of the most affordable options available, it also weighs less than other models.
However, it supports only a USB connection, which makes it incompatible with most mobile devices. Besides, it doesn’t have a control panel. Despite these downsides, the ES-50 is a compact device that can be connected to any laptop.
As it supports several paper sizes and scans documents quickly, it’s a great value for the money. You will easily figure out how to use it. If you need a more advanced option, take a look at other scanners released by Epson as there are plenty of options with Wi-Fi support and SD card slots.
How to Choose the Best Epson Scanner?
Automatic feeders allow you to scan many documents in no time. They are similar to printers as they have a special paper feed. Such devices can automatically scan every page. The only disadvantage is that these models are prone to paper jams. This is why it’s better to scan photos or important documents by using a manual feeder.
DPI stands for dots per inch and refers to the number of pixels that fit into one inch. Most people call it the resolution of an image.
If a scanner has a high DPI, your digital copies will be more detailed and of higher quality. However, if you need to scan photos to send them to your friends, 300 DPI will suffice.
For scanning slides, films or images that you plan to enlarge, opt for a scanner that supports 4800-6400 DPI.
Flatbed scanners are suitable for scanning single-page documents, books and magazines. They deliver perfect quality and can help you create a digital copy of any document.
Sheet-fed scanners are more compact and come at lower prices than their flatbed counterparts. As they are quite portable, you can take them with you on a trip.
If you want to find a device for home and office use, you might not need to purchase a scanner that allows digitizing A2 or A1 pages. For regular use, it’s better to choose an A4 scanner. Take note that flatbed devices designed to scan A3 documents can also digitize smaller pages.
FAQ
There are flatbed, sheet-fed, handheld and drum scanners on the market. Flatbed devices are the most popular options as they are suitable both for home and office use.
Most scanners can create color versions of images and documents and allow saving them in black and white to optimize the file size.
If you need to scan something quickly, opt for the black-and-white mode. However, if you want to OCR poor-quality documents, it’s better to use the grayscale mode as such images are easier to analyze.
If you need to scan a photo for social networks, 300 DPI will suffice. Scanning photos at 600 DPI will take longer, but all the details will be perfectly visible. It doesn’t make any sense to scan images at a higher DPI because it is quite time-consuming.
