Smartphones are the most popular way to take photos right now which makes photo scanners look like a relic from the past, photo enthusiasts and family archivists would tell you otherwise.
It is a handy tool that can help you digitize images and create backups without relying on finding a print store.
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Many scanners include software to retouch scans and improve image quality, making it the perfect device for photographers who prefer to shoot on film. If you want to quickly convert photos, slides, and negatives into digital format, you will need a quality photo scanner.
Don’t worry, we have created a curated list of the best photo scanners with an in-depth guide to help you make an informed decision.
10+ Best Photo Scanners of 2022
- Epson Perfection V600 — The best photo scanner in 2022 overall (Editor’s choice)
- Plustek ePhoto Z300 — The best budget photo scanner
- Canon CanoScan Lide 400 — The best value photo scanner
- Epson Perfection V850 Pro — The best photo scanner for professional use
- Epson FastFoto FF-680W — The best photo scanner for speedy results
- Doxie Go SE — The best portable photo scanner
- Canon CanoScan 9000F — The photo scanner with the best resolution
- HP ENVY Photo 7855 — The most versatile photo scanner
- Xerox XD-COMBO — The best photo scanner for macOS users
- KODAK Slide N SCAN — The best scanner for film
What is the Best Photo Scanner?
When you’re looking for a new photo scanner, the options out there can be mind-blowing. In our minds though, the best photo scanner is the Perfection V600 from Epson. If you looking for more information on some of our other top picks, check out our comparison table below.
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How to Choose the Best Photo Scanner
It is important to do your homework before purchasing a photo scanner. Once you identify your purpose for buying a scanner, this guide will walk you through the technical aspects to consider when buying a photo scanner.
Type
- Flatbed Scanners
High–resolution flatbed scanners are the easiest to use and common scanners available. It works like a copy machine and can scan documents, books, photos, and even magazines. Flatbed scanners are suitable for personal and commercial use as they provide high-speed and high-quality scans.
It is usually bundled with a set of adapters for scanning transparencies, slides, film, and negatives and photo enhancing and correction software.
- Portable Scanners
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The main object of a portable scanner is to scan text or data when you are on the go. These pocket-sized machines are perfect for business trips when you have a small number of images to scan. You can transfer the data from the scanner to the computer via a USB or a wireless connection.
- All-in-one Scanners
Every all-in-one printer comes with a scanner. Most all-in-one printers have a high-quality scanner that can go as high as 1200 dpi. If you already have one at home, you might not need another specialized scanner for your needs.
- Sheet-fed Scanners
A sheet-fed scanner works similarly to flatbed scanners, but it is meant for scanning one page at a time. A document or photo is fed into the scanner’s automatic document feeder (ADF), rather than being placed on top of the platen one photo or document at a time.
Sheet-fed scanners are mostly fast, portable, and come with different features for capturing and processing data.
Resolution
A scanner’s resolution is defined as dots per inch (dpi). Scanners with a higher resolution can capture more details from an image than a scanner with lower resolution, resulting in high-quality scans. A scanner with 300 dpi resolution is good enough for scanning photos, but 1200 dpi or higher is recommended for exceptionally high quality.
Speed
Depending on workload, the scanner’s speed might be crucial. Speed isn’t that important if you use a photo scanner once or twice a day. However, if you use it for commercial purposes and need to scan photos in bulk daily, you will have to check the time it takes to scan pages per minute (ppm) and images per minute (ipm) of a scanner.
Color/Bit Depth
The bit depth of a photo scanner is the amount of detail it can capture per pixel. A scanner with a higher bit depth has a better image quality with improved details and depth of color. Scanners with 24-bit or 36-bit color depths are sufficient for producing high-quality photo scans, and some latest scanners even come with a 48-bit depth.
Software
A scanner’s software is the most overlooked component despite being incredibly important. Depending on the software utilized by a photo scanner, it might have additional color calibrating, image-editing, and optical recognition (OCR) functionalities. All photo scanners are not bundled with the same software, so it is important to consider them while buying one.
Connectivity
Most scanners are compatible with data transfer via USB, but you will have to look for a photo scanner that supports WiFi if you want wireless connectivity.
Top 3 Most Popular Photo Scanners
These are the three best-selling photo scanners on Amazon right now:
10+ Best Photo Scanners of 2022
1. Epson Perfection V600 (Editor’s Choice)
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The best photo scanner in 2022 overall
Scan resolution: 6400dpi | Interface: USB | Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 4.6 inches | Weight: 9 pounds
If you’re looking for a perfect all-around option for scanning photos, then we highly recommend the Epson Perfection V600. With an impressive scan resolution of 6400dpi, it delivers high-quality scans from photos, film, slides, and other everyday documents for enlargements up to 17 inches x 22 inches.
The Digital ICE technology on the Epson Perfection V600 offers one-touch color restoration. It removes dust, creases, and scratches from older photos, making a great difference if you want to preserve photos. Also included in the software bundle are some other features such as an image editor, scan to email, and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) that converts scanned documents into editable text.
The Epson Perfection V600 can handle just about every size and format, including 35mm filmstrips, mounted slides, and full panoramic medium-format film, and comes with two film holders that make positing easy. It also has a resizable preview window so you can check all scans in minute detail. For an affordable price, it is an incredibly versatile device that can scan just about anything in fantastic quality.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ 6400dpi resolution is excellent | ➖ Large and bulky |
| ➕ Supports a wide range of film formats | |
| ➕ Digital ICE removes imperfections |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Create extraordinary enlargements from film: 6400 x 9600 dpi for enlargements up to 17 Inches x 22 Inches. Maximum Scan Area 8.5 x 11.7 inches. TPU 2.7 x 9.5 inches
- Remove the appearance of dust and scratches from film: Digital ICE for Film
- Remove the appearance of tears and creases from photos: Digital ICE for prints
- Restore faded color photos with one touch: Epson easy photo fix included
- Scan slides, negatives and medium format panoramic film: Built in transparency unit
2. Plustek ePhoto Z300
The best budget photo scanner
Scan resolution: 600dpi | Interface: USB | Dimensions: 11.4 x 6.3 x 6.2 inches | Weight: 3.36 pounds
The Plustek ePhoto Z300 is one of the few sheet-feed scanners designed primarily for handling photo prints and if you are looking for something budget-friendly, this photo scanner tops our list. Its main function is to convert printed photos to digital form, and it does a great job every time.
The 600 dpi resolution on the Plustek ePhoto Z300 produces detailed scans, and the image enhancement functions allow you to quickly enhance and restore old faded images with one click. It is affordable, easy-to-use, and it can also be utilized to scan documents.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Pocket-friendly | ➖ Manual and slow |
| ➕ Automatic size recognition of documents | ➖ Can’t scan multiple photos at once |
| ➕ Easy-to-use | |
| ➕ Designed to prevent damage to photos | |
| ➕ Can scan letter-size and A4 documents |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 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/...
- Fast and easy, 2 seconds for one 4x6 photo and 5 seconds for one 8x10 size [email protected] You can easily convert about 1000 photos to digitize files in one afternoon and share with your family or...
- 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.
- ePhoto Z300 works with both Mac and PC : Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 , Mac OS X 10.10 to 11.x. User can download the latest version on Plustek website.
3. Canon CanoScan Lide 400
The best value photo scanner
Scan resolution: 4800dpi | Interface: USB | Dimensions: 14.5 x 9.9 x 1.7 inches | Weight: 3.6 pounds
Looking for a high-resolution photo scanner? Then you will appreciate how detailed the scans on the Canon CanoScan Lide 400 are. With a straightforward design and simple workflow, it is an ideal choice for personal and work use.
You can preserve old photos in incredible detail thanks to the 4800 dpi resolution, and with image enhancements, such as color restoration and dust removal, your photos will look better than ever.
The CanoScan Lide 400 is incredibly convenient to use. It is capable of scanning photos in as fast as eight seconds, and with five built-in ‘EZ’ buttons, scanning photos is as simple as pressing a few buttons. You can also scan documents, and the auto scan mode automatically detects and adjusts the settings according to what you are scanning.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Great resolution | ➖No WiFi connectivity |
| ➕Scans photos and documents in as fast as eight seconds | ➖Not the best option for professional photo scanning |
| ➕Fantastic image enhancement capabilities | |
| ➕Can directly send files to cloud storage | |
| ➕Affordable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Enjoy high speed scanning in as fast as 8 seconds, with the included USB Type-C cable. With USB Type-C the Cano scan lied 400 has one cable for data and power.
- Preserve detailed photos and images thanks to 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution, and with image enhancements, such as color restore and dust removal, Your photos will continue to look great.
- Enjoy ease of use with 'EZ' Buttons. With auto scan mode, the Scanner automatically detects what you are scanning; built-in PDF buttons, scan and save multi-page pdf's that are editable and searchable
- Paper size: 8.27 x 11.69, 8.50 x 11.69
4. Epson Perfection V850 Pro
The best photo scanner for professional use
Scan resolution: 6400dpi | Interface: USB | Dimensions: 12.1 x 19.8 x 6 inches | Weight: 20.9 pounds
The Epson Perfection V600 might be our top overall choice but the Epson Perfection V850 Pro is our favorite pick for serious professionals. It tops out at an incredible 6400 dpi for film slides and photos and 4800 dpi for photo scanning. The Perfection V600 also comes with a dual-lens setup that automatically selects the optimum lens based on the image you are scanning for the best results.
It features a high dynamic range for accurate reproduction of tonal range and gradation in addition to Digital ICE technology, just like the Perfection V600 that can remove dust and scratches automatically from photos and film scans. The pre-installed software also allows you to control highlights and shadows, gradations, descreening and can restore faded color photos to their original charm with incredible accuracy.
The Epson Perfection V850 Pro might seem overkill for some but with the features on offer, it is hard to beat regardless of price. If you are serious about film and photography, you won’t find any better.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Superb resolution | ➖Large and bulky |
| ➕Excellent editing software | ➖No WiFi |
| ➕Suitable for prints and film | |
| ➕Dual-lens system | |
| ➕Quick warmup time |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Pro quality color & detail - get unparalleled scans W/ 6400 dpi resolution & Adv
- Remarkable tonal range - 4.0 Dmax for smooth gradations & fine Shadow detail
- Exclusive dual lens system - selects from 2 lenses for optimum results
- Operating systems: Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows XP professional x64 Edition and Mac OS X 10.6.X, 10.7.X, 10.8.X, 10.10.X
5. Epson FastFoto FF-680W
The best photo scanner for speedy results
Scan resolution: 600dpi | Interface: USB, WiFi | Dimensions: 6.7 x 11.7 x 6.9 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds
If you need to digitize a ton of photos at once and you don’t want to spend hours doing it manually, then we recommend getting the Epson FastFoto FF-680W. Touted by Epson as the world’s fastest personal photo scanner, it certainly lives up to its name and can be loaded with up to 36 prints to scan at a time, thanks to the automatic document feeder (ADF).
It is a top-of-the-line photo scanner that works in three different modes for easy sharing (300 dpi), archiving (600 dpi), and enlarging (1200 dpi). The lower the resolution is, the faster the Epson FastFoto FF-680W can scan photos, with 300 dpi images taking just one second to scan. This can massively speed up the process of digitizing images, especially if you are working with full albums and not just a few pictures.
This multi-functional scanner can also scan a range of other items up to 8.5 inches wide, including documents, artwork, bills, receipts, and more. Unlike most photo scanners on this list, you can upload scans to a computer via USB or directly upload them to the cloud via WiFi. It also comes with FastFoto software, making it easy to edit images quickly.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Fast performance | ➖Expensive |
| ➕Premium design | ➖Can’t scan film |
| ➕Multiple resolution options | |
| ➕WiFi connectivity | |
| ➕Capture both sides of photos | |
| ➕Great for scanning multiple photos at once |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- World’s Fastest Personal Photo Scanner (1) — scan thousands of photos as fast as 1 photo per second at 300 dpi (2); batch-scan up to 36 photos at a time
- Preserve Your Priceless Photos — restore, organize, protect and share photos; scan Polaroid photos, panoramas, postcards and photos up to 8" x 10"
- Share Stories for Future Generations — use the Epson FastFoto app (3) to add voice and text over your photos or create slideshows, right from your smartphone
- Perfect Picture Imaging System — bring new life to old photos with auto enhancement, color restoration, red-eye reduction, de-skew, crop and rotate
- Single-step Technology — capture both the image and any handwritten notes on the back of a photo in a single scan
6. Doxie Go SE
The best portable photo scanner
Scan resolution: 600dpi | Interface: USB, WiFi | Dimensions: 12.25 x 2.25 x 1.75 inches | Weight: 1.98 pounds
Scanners tend to be large and bulky but if you need something that you can carry on the go, Doxie’s streamlined photo scanner is an excellent choice. The scanner’s portable design means that you can easily fit it into any bag and forget that it is even there.
Despite being compact and diminutive, the Doxie Go SE doesn’t fall short in terms of features. It can scan full-paged documents and colored pictures at 300 or 600 dpi resolution. The best part is that it can scan full pages and deliver crisp, clean copies in as fast as eight seconds.
It runs on a powerful battery that can scan up to 400 photos once fully charged, while the internal memory ensures that you can store up to 4,000 scans before needing to sync. The in-built memory is sufficient for bulk operations. Still, if you ever run out of storage, the Doxie Go SE has expandable memory, and it is also WiFi-enabled, so you can sync files across the cloud or share them to your smartphone with just one tap.
In short, if you want a portable scanner that can scan both photos and documents in incredible quality without the need for a computer, the Doxie Go SE won’t disappoint.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Compact and portable | ➖No photo editing capabilities |
| ➕Can scan without a computer | |
| ➕Wi-Fi connectivity | |
| ➕SD card included | |
| ➕Integrates and syncs with your favorite cloud storage apps with just one-touch | |
| ➕Fast performance |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 🤹 THE AMAZING PORTABLE PAPERLESS MACHINE: A smart scanner for all your paper, receipts, photos, classwork, and "I don't want this, but what if I need it later?" items rolled into one tiny,...
- 🧾 WIRELESS & FLEXIBLE: Doxie doesn't tie you into yet another product ecosystem. You deserve control over how you keep and organize your paper. It's your paper — do what you want with it!...
- 🙏 RESPECTS YOUR TIME, ATTENTION, & SPACE: Use Doxie wherever you find most convenient — home, the office, work at home, school, or anywhere else in-between — like the couch while binging The...
- 🔍 SEARCH EVERYTHING WITH UNMATCHED OCR: Unlimited searchable document functionality included, enhanced with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning for incredible accuracy. Search the...
- 🫂 EXPERT PAPERLESS SUPPORT W/ FREE DOXIECARE: We’ve thought about your paper, so you don’t have to. Exclusive access to the best support in the scanner industry to help you scan, organize, or...
7. Canon CanoScan 9000F
The photo scanner with the best resolution
Scan resolution: 9600dpi | Interface: USB | Dimensions: 18.9 x 10.7 x 4.4 inches | Weight: 10.1 pounds
If the resolution is something you can’t compromise on, the Canon CanoScan 9000F ticks all the right boxes of high-quality, high-resolution scanners. Unlike the Canon CanoScan Lide 400 which is suitable for basic use, this photo scanner is built to get the most out of your images with a whopping 9600 dpi resolution. With a 48-bit color depth and over 281 trillion possible colors on offer, the results will always amaze.
In addition to scanning photos, and included adapter allows you to scan film and slides. It also does not require any warm-up time, and the auto-scan technology with cloud integration makes it simple to set up and use. The Canon CanoScan 9000F is compatible with Windows as well as Mac, making it ideal for those working with large files that need lossless detail.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Excellent resolution | ➖Only USB connectivity |
| ➕Zero warm-up time | ➖Heavy |
| ➕Can scan a wide variety of media | |
| ➕Auto-scan | |
| ➕48-bit color depth |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Fare Level 3 delivers automatic dust and scratch removal as well as fading, grain and backlight correction
- Zero warm-up time and lower power consumption with White LED
- "Auto Scan Mode" automatically adjusts settings by detecting what you are scanning
- Maximum Document Size: 8.5 x 11.7 Inch (21.6 x 29.7cm)
8. HP ENVY Photo 7855
The most versatile photo scanner
Scan resolution: 300dpi | Interface: Bluetooth, WiFi, USB, ethernet | Dimensions: 17.87 x 7.6 x 19.33 inches | Weight: 16.72 pounds
If you want a device with more than one function, the HP ENVY Photo 7855 might just be the choice for you. This versatile printer can scan, print, copy, and fax photos and documents. You have an all-in-one printer that also doubles up as an efficient photo scanner.
It has an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) that lets you scan multiple files at once, and the color touchscreen on the printer enables you to view, edit, and print the scans directly if you insert a USB or SD card. Add to that the Bluetooth, WiFi, USB, and ethernet connectivity that lets you scan, print, and backup photos directly, and you have a device that has been designed for optimum convenience.
Another special feature of the HP ENVY Photo 7855 is wireless mobile printing. By downloading the HP Smart app on your smartphone, you can manage printing tasks and scan photos directly through your phone anytime, anywhere.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Can print and fax photos in addition to scanning | ➖Lacks photo enhancement features |
| ➕Lots of connectivity options | ➖Not compatible with negatives or films |
| ➕HP Smart app lets you print, scan and fax through your smartphone | |
| ➕Scans multiple photos at once |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Stunning photos for less than 5 cents – Features of this photo printer include print, scan, copy, fax, borderless & wireless printing, SD card slot, auto document feeder, plus photo prints for less...
- The power of your printer in the palm of your hand – Mobile printing from your device such as iPhone with AirPrint, or print without a network using Wireless Direct printing
- Wireless connectivity you can count on – Reliable wireless connectivity and lightning-fast setup with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Smart, plus Ethernet capability for wired networking
- Our most powerful printing app ever – The HP Smart app allows you to easily set up this wireless printer, scan documents with your camera, and print from social media or the cloud, such as iCloud,...
- HP Instant Ink: Ink delivery service starting at three dollars per month; Original HP ink delivered before you run out; plus great savings on ink (optional)
9. Xerox XD-COMBO
The best photo scanner for macOS users
Scan resolution: 600dpi | Interface: USB | Dimensions: 15.8 x 13 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 5.95 pounds
Although the options are endless when it comes to photo scanners, only a handful of them is compatible with Mac. If you are a macOS user looking for a photo scanner, you can’t go wrong with the Xerox XD-COMBO. It is a flatbed/sheet-feeder combo scanner compatible with both Mac and Windows, making it an ideal choice for scanning photos.
This compact scanner can scan up to 50 photos per minute at 300 dpi and features Visioneer Acuity image processing tech that uses advanced algorithms to fix imperfections, increase OCR accuracy and improve the visual clarity of scans. To speed things up, even more, the bundled software’s Capture SE and Organizer AI applications make it easy to scan, edit and deliver documents directly to cloud services.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕Flatbed and sheet-feed options | ➖Average resolution |
| ➕Compatible with macOS | ➖No WiFi |
| ➕Can scan up to 50 images a minute at 300dpi | |
| ➕Comprehensive image enhancement and management software |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- FAST SCANNING Duplex scanner with 35-page automatic document feeder scans in color grayscale and black/white Scans up to 25 ppm/50 ipm at 300 dpi Duty Cycle 1500 pages/day
- QUICK ORGANIZATION Get organized fast by quickly converting paper documents into searchable PDF files
- FLEXIBLE MEDIA HANDLING Scan ID cards passports photos documents receipts checks and more in color and black/white
- IMAGE ENHANCEMENT TECHNOLOGY Visioneer Acuity technology enables the scanner to instantly improve the visual clarity of every scanned image get perfect scans from imperfect originals
- ONE TOUCH SCANNING Users can quickly scan to the “destination” of their choice by pressing a single button eliminating the multiple steps usually required to save scanned documents in popular file...
10. KODAK Slide N SCAN
The best scanner for film
Scan resolution: 3048dpi | Interface: HDMI | Dimensions: 5.27 x 5.35 x 3.74 inches | Weight: 1.17 pounds
Even though printing images have been popular for decades, some photos only exist in film. You will need a special photo scanner that works with film to bring those images to life, and the KODAK Slide N SCAN is an ideal choice if your primary goal is to digitize film. It allows you to scan 50mm, black and white, and even color negatives and comes with additional adaptors for 135, 110, and 126mm films.
All you have to do is feed the film into the scanner, and you can preview and edit the images by using the scanner’s 5-inch LCD. The display’s gallery mode also allows you to use the photo scanner as an elegant picture frame at home or office. The KODAK Slide N SCAN scans images in 14MP and 22MP resolution, and for added convenience, you can save scans on an SD card.
The best thing about this scanner is the ease of use. It comes bundled with everything to get started right out of the box. This includes a cleaning brush, different adapters, USB and HDMI cables. Plus, there is an intuitive system for photo enhancing that both beginners and pros will appreciate. The KODAK Slide N SCAN is hard to pass on if you dabble in film photography or if you want to restore old films.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕5-inch display for viewing and editing | ➖Only compatible with film |
| ➕Portable | |
| ➕Easy-to-use | |
| ➕Doubles up as a picture frame | |
| ➕Bundled with lots of useful accessories |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- SAVE OLD PHOTO MEMORIES: 14/22MP Digital Film Scanner Lets You View, Edit & Convert Your Old Color & B&W Negatives [135, 110, 126mm] & 50mm Slides [135, 110, 126mm] to Digital Files & Save Directly to...
- 5” LCD DISPLAY WITH GALLERY MODE: Features Large, Crystal-Clear Screen with Wide Viewing Angle for Instantly Previewing & Editing Photos | Great for Sharing with Friends & Family or Using as an...
- CONVENIENT EASY-LOAD FILM INSERTS: Quick-Feeding Tray Technology Allows for Continuous Loading Action, Making Scanning Fast & Simple! Includes 50mm Slide Holder, Adapters for 135, 110 & 126 Films,...
- EDITING WITH A SINGLE TOUCH: Advanced Capture Software Enhances, Resizes & Converts Photos Via Easy ‘Scan’ Button—No Complex Screens or Settings! | Easy Options Let You Choose Film Type, Adjust...
- SUPER CHIC. UBER COMPATIBLE: Device Handles All Your Old Slides & Negatives, Supports SD or SDHC Cards [Up to 32GB] (NOT INCLUDED) & Connects to Any Type-C USB-Enabled Computer | Gorgeous Design...
10+ Best Photo Scanners of 2022
Old films and photos can invoke a sense of nostalgia, but they are always under a constant threat of damage and deterioration over time. Digitizing those treasured memories goes a long way in preserving them, and a high-quality scanner will help you backup your old images and albums so you can view them anywhere anytime.
Whether you are buying a photo scanner for personal or professional use, we have selected a device for every type of user in this list. We hope that you find your next scanner from this article.