Best Photo Scanner for Mac: Flatbed vs Portable | 2022 Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
What is the best photo scanner for Mac? There are three main types to choose from: flatbed, sheetfed, and a handheld scanner. Flatbed scanners like the Epson Perfection V600 produce images of higher quality and can handle non-standard photos of different sizes and thicknesses. Sheetfed machines, such as Epson FastFoto FF-680W, boast a higher speed and can easily cope with a large number of photos within a short period of time. Handheld models like the Sharper Image Scanner are used by those who need to scan bulky items. More portable battery-powered options, such as Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi Scanner, are very popular among travelers. When choosing your photo scanner for Mac, make sure it has high resolution, compact design, and a broad set of features.
1. Epson Perfection V600 Color Photo Scanner This energy-efficient machine offers high-precision 6400 x 9600 DPI scanning and can create enlargements up to 17” x 22”. It can remove dust, scratches, tears from film and photos, and restore faded color slides. | |
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2. Plustek Photo Scanner - ephoto Z300 It is the best option for scanning family photos. The unit supports different sizes of photos as well as A4 and letter-size documents. It comes with a soft roller that protects old photos. You can enhance and edit your images. | |
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3. Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi - The Smarter Wi-Fi Scanner Recommended for travelers, this portable 600 DPI scanner with integrated Wi-Fi is battery-powered, lightweight, and only 12” long. It doesn’t require a computer, scans 400 pages per charge, and can archive and share images. | |
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4. Canon CanoScan Lide 400 Slim Scanner This scanner under $100 is the best bet for those on budget. It offers 4800 x 4800 DPI resolution and various image enhancement tools. The machine is space-saving as it is slim, only 14.5” in length, and can scan upright. | |
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Types of Photo Scanners for Mac | Core Features: Resolution & Speed
There is a variety of photo scanners available on the market with different designs, capabilities, and sets of features. Let’s see what are the main types of these devices.
The most common type is a flatbed scanner that can handle both photos and documents. Such a device is made with a glass surface that holds a photo or a document and a scan head that moves underneath it. One of the major advantages is that it can scan non-standard photos like those of poor quality or thick ones. Additionally, you can scan large-size photos without the need for bending them. The scanning items lay flat on the surface without moving, which removes the risk of damage and tears.
Another type includes sheetfed scanners that have the advantage of being smaller in size. They work in a different way, feeding the photo and rolling it out. Sheetfed scanners are ideal for processing multiple photos at a time and feature a higher speed. However, this option is not recommended for scanning items that are thicker than a standard photo.
Resolution & Speed
The most important thing to consider when choosing your photo scanner is resolution (the DPI or dots per inch). The higher the resolution, the better quality the image has. Design is another thing to consider. Compact and slim scanners take less space on the desk while portable battery-operated models can be used on the go.
If you have to deal with a large number of photos at a time, look at such factors as speed and performance. While some high-end models like Epson FastFoto FF-680W can process images at a speed of one photo per second, for others it may take about 8 seconds to do the job.
Last but not least, consider the specification. Modern scanners typically offer multiple features allowing you to edit scanned photos and improve their quality. Make sure that your scanner can not only crop and rotate the image but also perform color management, restore faded colors, remove scratches and dust (if needed).
A handheld scanner, requires you to hold the machine in your hands and move it over the item. Such products are compact and lower in price because they largely rely on the human ability to accurately move an object. This is a great option if you have to deal with bulky items like albums. With a handheld scanner, you can fast and easily scan a large number of items that have different sizes and weights. And finally, while being quite inexpensive, it is a multi-use device that you will find helpful for different purposes.
Review of the 6 Best Photo Scanners for Mac: High-Resolution Epson vs Plustek vs Portable & Handheld Scanners
Below, you will find a review of the best scanners for $90 to $600 that support both Mac and PC. You may choose a super fast Epson scanning system or a more energy-efficient option. There is a less sophisticated model for family use and a portable battery-powered scanner for travelers. If you are tight on budget, opt for the Canon scanner that comes with all the necessary color enhancement tools.
Epson Perfection V600 Color Photo Scanner | High-Precision Scanning for Professionals
With this device, you can scan not only photos and documents but also slides and films. The Epson Perfection V600 offers high-precision 6400 x 9600 DPI scanning and can create enlargements up to 17 x 22 inches. Another advantage of this scanner is that it is packed with beneficial features. You can use the Digital ICE features to remove dust and scratches from a film as well as tears from a photo. Another useful feature, Easy Photo Fix, will allow you to restore faded color slides and photos. For color management, apply the ArcSoft PhotoStudio tool. And finally, while being a high-performance scanner, it consumes less power and is energy-efficient.
Epson Perfection V600 Color Photo Scanner: Check the current price
Epson FastFoto FF-680W Wireless Photo Scanning System | Best High-Speed
This high-end photo and document scanner will cost you more than $500, but it is really worth this kind of money. This second-generation photo scanner is the fastest one in the world. At low resolution, it can scan as fast as one photo per second. Not only is it able to scan and restore your photos but it can also organize and share them. Depending on your needs, you can choose the optimal scanning mode: 300 DPI for easy sharing, 600 DPI TIFF for archiving, and 1200 DPI for enlargement. Besides, the Epson FastFoto FF-680W offers a heap of features, such as cropping, rotation, auto enhancement, red-eye effect reduction, and color restoration. On top of that, this versatile device can connect wirelessly or via a USB.
Plustek Photo Scanner - ephoto Z300, Scan 4x6 Photo | Best Easy-to-Use
Such a simple and easy-to-use device is the best option for scanning family photos. That said, it works pretty fast and can process photos within seconds. The Plustek supports different sizes of photos, ranging from 3x5 to 8x10, as well as A4 and letter-size documents. The device is also well-suited for scanning old photos as it is equipped with a special soft roller that will protect them from any damage. This model is more efficient than a flatbed scanner because you just put your photos one by one and the device will scan them. You can edit and enhance the scanned photos using the feature of Powerful Image Enhancement. If you download the latest version, you can take advantage of some other more advanced functions.
Plustek Photo Scanner - ephoto Z300: Check the current price
Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi - The Smarter Wi-Fi Scanner | Best Portable
This battery-powered scanner is the best choice for travelers and those on the go. Equipped with a rechargeable Li-ion battery, it requires neither a computer nor special drivers. The device can make digital copies within seconds, archive, and share them. With just 12 inches in length, it will easily fit in an average-sized bag. On top of that, the scanner is easy to carry as it weighs less than 2 pounds. The 600 DPI scanner processes up to 400 pages per charge and stores several thousand pages before synchronization. The product features integrated Wi-Fi, included Mac and PC apps, and expandable memory.
Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi: Check the current price
Sharper Image Rapid Photo Album Scanner | Best Handheld
This compact device has a unique design atypical for conventional scanners. To scan a photo, you need to place the machine over it and press a button, using the viewfinder window for alignment. Move the device around an album or any other flat surface to scan images one by one. The scanner makes digital copies of photos, slides, and 35mm negatives. It is made with a 2.4-inch color screen for easy viewing and a 14MP CMOS sensor with built-in LED lights. The machine is corded and connects to a Mac computer via a USB. It comes with a memory card and media holders for slides and negatives.
Canon CanoScan Lide 400 Slim Scanner | Best Budget
For less than $90, you get a decent branded scanner with a slim design. Measuring 14.5 x 9.9 x 1.7 inches, it is easy to use and has a whole bunch of useful features. The machine offers 4800 x 4800 DPI resolution and can even scan upright, something that makes it a space-saving solution. You can enhance your images using dust removal, color restore, and other tools. Yes, the Lide 400 is slower than the above-described models and it takes 8 seconds for the machine to scan, but this downside is offset by the lower price.
Canon CanoScan Lide 400 Slim Scanner: Check the current price
7 Best-Selling Photo Scanner for Mac in Canada | Comparative Table
Plustek Photo Scanner - ephoto Z300, Scan 4x6 Photo in 2sec, Auto Crop and Deskew with CCD Sensor. Support Mac...
- The easiest way to scan photos and documents. Supports 3x5, 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10 in sizes photo scanning but also letter and A4 size paper. Optical Resolution is up to 600 dpi ( PS: two setting: 300dpi/ 600dpi).
- Fast and easy, 2 seconds for one 4x6 photo and 5 seconds for one 8x10 size photo@300dpi. You can easily convert about 1000 photos to digitize files in one afternoon and share with your family or friends.
- More efficient than a flatbed scanner. Just insert the photos one by one and then scan. This makes ePhoto much more efficient than a flatbed scanner.
- Powerful Image Enhancement functions included. Quickly enhance and restore old faded images with a click of the mouse. Advanced editing functions are also available when needed. (restore function need download V2 version)
- ePhoto Z300 works with both Mac and PC : Supports Windows 7/8/10 , Mac OS X 10.10 to 11.x. User can download the latest version on Plustek website.
ClearClick Photo to Digital Photo, Slide, and Film Scanner with 4 GB Memory Card & Photo Editing Software
- Scan Your Photos, Slides, and Negatives to Digital JPG Pictures
- No Computer Required - Easy To Set Up & Extremely Portable!
- Fast & High-Quality 10 MegaPixel Scanning (Interpolated) - Just 2-3 Seconds To Scan A Photo
- 4 GB Memory Card (Holds Over 1,000 Photos) & PhotoPad Pro Image Retouching Software Included
- Full 1-Year Warranty & Tech Support From ClearClick, a USA-Based Small Business
EPSON B11B231201 Perfection V19 Colour Photo and Document Scanner with Scan-to-Cloud with 4800 X 4800 DPI, Black
- Everyday scanning for photos and documents, 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution for amazing clarity and detail
- Scan and share on Facebook and cloud services, includes Epson Easy Photo Scan software for scanning to Picasa, Evernote and more. Maximum Scan Area: Flatbed 8.5-Inch x 11.7-Inch
- Fast speeds, scan letter-sized documents in as quickly as 10 seconds
- Easy-to-use buttons, scan to email or create PDFs
- Operating Systems: Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP SP2 or later and Mac OS X 10.6.x, 10.7.x, 10.8.x, 10.9.x, 10.10.x
Digital Photo Slide & Film Scanner with Popular Scanner 2.4 inch 8.1 Mega Pixels 4 in 1 Photo and Film Scanner...
- Film & Photo Scanner----8.1Mega pixels CMOS sensor, the highest quality in the market, support 135 slides, 35mm negatives, 3½x5 inch, 4x6 inch,5x7 inch photos and name card. Photo film scanner, negative converter, digital film scanner. 2.4 inch color screen, Mac and PC compatible.
- Smart Converter: Effortlessly scan your photos, name card, slides, and negatives to the scanner (128MB built-in memory) or SD card(not include). no computer needed. Digital JPG pictures in fast and high quality 16 Megapixel scanning instant capturing technology digitizes high resolution JPG files within seconds.
- Easy to Use----Unlike a conventional scanner, the digital photo scanner works without a computer, which means it doesn't require any confusing drivers. Better, faster and easier to use than any conventional scanner. Plus, you can just turn it on and instantly start using it anywhere, the manual including English, French, German, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese.
- High Effective speed----Load adapter enables smooth and fast loading, convert the old 35mm film into digital one. To transfer the digitized photos, simply plug the USB connection cable into any USB port on your PC or Mac and put the scanner in USB transfer mode. You can easily transfer the JPG files to your computer for saving, sharing, edit.
- The best gift to your lover keep and share the memory, and it is a wonderful Halloween gift for your family and friends. High effective speed-load adapter enables smooth and fast loading, convert the old 35mm film into digital one.2.4 inch LCD Screen Support image preview and playback function.
Doxie Go SE - The Intuitive Portable Scanner with Rechargeable Battery and Amazing Software
- 【Go Paperless】Doxie Go SE delivers smart, simple scanning that you can take anywhere – no computer required. Doxie's everything you want modern scanning to be.
- 【Fast, Easy Scanning】Doxie makes it easy to scan documents at your desk or on the go – simply insert your paper. Scan full-color pages in just 8 seconds at up to 600 dpi.
- 【Tiny + Battery Powered】Doxie is tiny – the size of a rolled up magazine – and portable with a rechargeable battery and included memory. Scan up to 400 pages per charge, store up to 4,000 pages before needing to sync.
- 【Amazing Software and OCR】Included Doxie app syncs scans, sends directly to your favorite apps, and uses the award-winning ABBYY OCR technology to recognize the text in your document to create multi-page searchable PDFs.
- 【Protected by DoxieCare】Every new Doxie includes a comprehensive 1-year manufacturer warranty. Complete with access to the best support in the scanner industry to help you scan, organize, or just provide tips on the best ways to scan your paper.
Epson Canada Perfection V39 Colour Photo and Document Scanner with Scan-To-Cloud, 4800 by 4800 DPI, Black
- High quality scanning for photos and documents : 4800 dpi optical resolution (1) for amazing clarity and detail.
- Preserve priceless memories : restore, archive and share family photos for generations to come.
- Scan to Google Drive and other cloud services (2) : Epson Document Capture Pro and Easy Photo Scan software included.
- Convenient : easy to use buttons for scan jobs, plus a space saving built in kickstand for vertical placement.
- Scan over sized prints, documents and artwork : ArcSoft Scan n Stitch Deluxe 2 included (3).
- Restore colour to faded photos : with one click, Easy Photo Fix technology makes it simple.
- Scan books and photo albums : high rise, removable lid.
- Remove dust from scanned photos : Advanced Digital Dust Correction.
- Convert scanned documents into editable text : Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software included.
- USB powered : no AC adapter required.
Canon CanoScan LiDE400 Document Scanner, Black
- Enjoy high speed scanning in as fast as 8 seconds1, with the included USB type-c cable
- Preserve detailed photos and images thanks to 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution2, and with image enhancements, such as colour restore and dust removal, your photos will continue to look great
- Easy scanning with five 'EZ' buttons
- OS Compatibility: Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1, Mac 8, Mac OS X v10.10.5, macOS v10.13 (High Sierra), Linux: 9 Requires ScanGear MP Driver Installed
Document Camera iOCHOW S1, High Definition Portable Scanner, Capture Size A3, Not Compatible with Mac,...
- [Powerful Basic Functions]The iOCHOW portable scanner has a lot of powerful basic functions, including a 8 megapixel camera, scanning all files within A3, and 4 LED fill lights.【*Only supports Windows operating system. *Not compatible with Mac OS.】
- [A Multipurpose Scanner]The functions of video recording & real-time projecting make it suitable to work in various occasions, like making music scores or e-books, teaching, and meeting,etc.
- [Practical Software]The iOCHOW document camera has a number of functions using the latest technologies, such as intelligent picture shooting, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), SDK & TWAIN, automatic correction & filling the broken edge of the scanned pages, automatic image segmentation, automatically merging both sides of the scanned ID photo, and erasing the excess parts, etc.
- [Excellent Design]Featuring a simple and stylish design, making it the most flexible and portable document camera, and the relatively heavy base makes the structure stable.
- [Easy to Use]As a carefully designed scanner, the scanner is very easy for the users to install it and use related software.
Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 Wireless Colour Photo Printer with ADF, Scanner and Copier, Black
- This printer is designed for use with Epson cartridges only, not third party cartridges or ink; Cartridges described as Compatible, Re manufactured, refilled or refillable may not work properly or at all; See product description for more details
- Superior photo quality print stunning photos Plus Sharp text for eye catching documents
- Designed for productivity at home 30 page auto document feeder; auto 2 sided Print/copy/scan; multiple media feeds
- Creativity made easy print on specialty paper (1) and DVDs; Plus, borderless photos up to 8 inches X 10 inches
- Convenient, hassle-free features use the large, intuitive 4. 3 inches Touchscreen to view, edit and Print photos directly from USB or SD card slot (2)
- Note: This printer is designed for use with Epson cartridges only, not third party cartridges or ink. See product description for more details
- Ultimate wireless Plus Ethernet print photos and documents directly from your tablet or smartphone (3); includes Wi Fi Direct for network free printing (4)
- Fast Print border less 4 inches X 6 inches Photos in as fast as 12 seconds
- Durable prints individual 5 color Clarian inks are smudge, fade and water resistant)
- Creative Print app easily print your Facebook and Instagram photos; Plus create custom cards, collages and more
Magnasonic All-in-One High Resolution 22MP Film Scanner, Converts 35mm/126KPK/110/Super 8 Films, Slides,...
- Effortlessly convert your 35mm, 126KPK,110, Super 8 and Negatives into premium high resolution 22MP digital photo JPEG files. Still images only, not video. Relive and share your memories in no time with only the push of a button.
- View your scanned slides and films with the built-in, vibrant full color, 2.4 inch LCD screen or directly onto your television with the included Video Out TV cable. No computer is needed to transform your slides from outdated to updated.
- Thanks to the generous 128MB of built-in memory, save up to 100 images directly onto the All-in-One Converter. The easy to use SD card slot expansion allows you to hold even more of your high resolution images until you are ready to transfer them to your computer, smartphone, tablet or digital picture frame.
- Quickly and seamlessly scan all your film without the need to precut into strips and painfully line up correctly. When teamed up with the one-touch scanning software you can go from loading to saving in less than 5 seconds.
- Start editing your photos right out of the box with the easy to use plug-and-play interface. No complicated computer software or driver installation needed.
iCODIS Document Camera X3, High Definition Portable Scanner, Capture Size A3, Multi-Language OCR, English Article...
- 📌[Practical Software🔎✂📄]The iCODIS document camera has a number of functions using the latest technologies, such as intelligent continuous shoot, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), SDK & TWAIN, automatic correction & filling the broken edge of the scanned pages, automatic image segmentation, automatically merging both sides of the scanned ID photo, and erasing the excess parts, etc.【*Only supports Windows operating system. *Not compatible with Mac OS.】
- 📌[Powerful Basic Functions📷📖💡]The iCODIS portable scanner has a lot of powerful basic functions, including a 8 megapixel camera, scanning all files within A3, and LED fill light.
- 📌[A Multipurpose Scanner]The functions of video recording & real-time projecting make it suitable to work in various occasions, like making music scores or e-books, teaching, and meeting,etc.
- 📌[Excellent Design💭]The iCODIS document scanner is collapsible and portable, and the relatively heavy base makes the structure stable.
- 📌[Easy to Use🛠]As a carefully designed scanner, the iCODIS scanner is very easy for the users to install it and use related software.
Epson WorkForce ES-200 Colour Portable Document Scanner with ADF for PC and Mac, Sheet-fed and Duplex Scanning
- Fastest scan speeds in its class - up to 25 ppm/50 ipm; Single-step Technology captures both sides in one pass
- Quick batch scanning for stacks of paper - 20-page Auto Document Feeder.
- Scan to online storage accounts - intuitively scan to Dropbox, SharePoint, Google Drive, Evernote and more.
- Convenient portability - use AC power, or if there's no outlet, USB power from your computer.
- Versatile scanning - scan 2-sided documents, receipts, business cards, plastic IDs and more.
Canon imageFORMULA R40 Office Document Scanner for PC and Mac, Color Duplex Scanning, Easy Setup for Office Or...
- Stay organized: Easily convert your paper documents into searchable digital formats
- Reliably handles many different document types: Receipts, photos, business cards, reports, contracts, long documents, thick or thin documents, and more
- Fast and efficient: Scans both sides of a document at the same time, in color, at up to 40 pages per minute, with a 60 sheet automatic feeder, and one touch operation
- Broad compatibility: Windows and Mac TWAIN driver included
- Easy Setup: Simply connect to your computer using the supplied USB cable
- Bundled software: Includes easy-to-use Canon CaptureOnTouch scanning software (Win and Mac) plus free licenses for Readiris PDF and OCR software and Cardiris business card software (Win)
iCODIS X7 Book & Document Scanner, 15MP High Definition Portable Document Camera, Auto-Flatten & Deskew, Capture...
- 📌[Flattening Curve Technology💭]Automatically compensates for surface curvature and finger reflection when a book is placed. A timer that can be shot automatically after flipping a page is available for continuous shooting. This book & document scanner has an automatic correction function to output a flattened page.【*Only supports Windows operating system. *Not compatible with Mac OS.】
- 📌[Practical Software🔎✂📄]The iCODIS document camera has a number of functions using the latest technologies, such as intelligent continuous shoot, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), SDK & TWAIN, automatic correction & filling the broken edge of the scanned pages, automatic image segmentation, automatically merging both sides of the scanned ID photo, and erasing the excess parts, etc.
- 📌[Powerful Basic Functions📷📖💡]The functions of video recording & real-time projecting make it suitable to work in various occasions, like making music scores or e-books, teaching, and meeting,etc.
- 📌[A Multipurpose Scanner📖]The iCODIS portable scanner has a lot of powerful basic functions, including a 15 megapixel camera, scanning all files within A3, and LED fill light.
- 📌[Excellent Design and Easy to Use🛠]The iCODIS document scanner is collapsible and portable, and the relatively heavy base makes the structure stable. As a carefully designed scanner, the scanner is very easy for the users to install it and use related software.
Epson WorkForce ES-50 Portable Sheet-fed Document Scanner for PC and Mac
- The ES-50 is perfect for anyone who’s always on the go. Fast scans and lightweight, it is both portable and powerful. Pair it with the WorkForce 100 to have your office on the go.
- Fastest and lightest mobile single-sheet-fed document scanner in its class (1) ― small, portable scanner ideal for easy, on-the-go scanning. Fast scans ― scans a single page in as fast as 5.5 seconds (2).
- Versatile paper handling ― scans documents up to 8.5" x 72", as well as ID cards and receipts.
- Smart tools to easily scan and organize documents Epson ScanSmart Software(3) makes it easy to scan, review and save.
- USB powered connect to your computer; no batteries or external power supply required.
- Includes Nuance OCR create searchable PDFs and editable Word and Excel files.
- Scan to the cloud(4) scan files directly to online storage accounts with the included software.
- Compatible with Windows and Mac works with your existing system; TWAIN driver included.
- Included TWAIN driver compatible with virtually any imaging software.
- Automatic Feeding Mode combine multi page scans into one file; scanner automatically accepts each new sheet as it’s inserted.
KODAK Film Scan Tool for PC and MAC – 5MP Digital Film Scanner Converts & Saves 35mm Film Negatives & Slides...
- SEND PHOTO MEMORIES FROM SLIDE TO PC | NEW KODAK Low Res Film Scanner Tool Lets You View, Edit & Convert Your Old 35mm Film Negatives [Color/Black & White] & Slides to Digital Files [JPEG or TIFF] & Save Directly on Your PC or Mac
- ADVANCED EDITING WITH A SINGLE TOUCH | Simple-to-Use Capture Software & Dedicated Scan Button Allow for Fast, Effortless Operation | Rotate, Mirror & Adjust Color Balance & Brightness Right on Your Computer Screen
- CONVENIENT EASY-LOAD FILM INSERTS | Quick-Feeding Tray Technology Allows for Continuous Loading Action—Much Faster Than Other Film Scanners! | View, Edit, Upload & Share Hundreds of Films & Slides in a Single Session
- IMAGE INTERPOLATION RESIZES TO SCALE | 5-Megapixel Sensor Captures Picture, Then Digitally Enlarges from Standard 2592 x 1680 Pixels to 5184 x 3360 Pixels for Decent Image Quality | Your Cherished Photographs—Supersized!
- ADAPTERS & CLEANING BRUSH INCLUDED | Interchangeable Trays Scan Films, Thinner Plastic Slides & Thicker Cardboard Slides for Max Compatibility | Also Includes USB Connector & Bonus Cleaning Tool for Dusting Films & Scanner