Best Flatbed Scanner 2020 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

We have researched for 200 hours and tested 12 models before presenting the list of best flatbed scanner.These scanners can scan multiple documents, images, books, and magazines in all sizes and formats in a single go instead of one sheet per scan. We have chosen Epson Perfection V800 to be the best for scanning multiple document and image formats as it has a higher resolution and scans with detail precision.

Our Top Choice

Best Flatbed Scanners

1. Epson Perfection V800 – Best For Windows 10 And Books

Epson Perfection V800

• Precise color and detail - get extraordinary scans with 6400 dpi resolution. Grayscale Bit Depth: 16-bits per pixel...
• Remarkable tonal range - 4.0 Dmax for smooth gradations & fine shadow detail
• Exclusive Dual Lens System - selects from 2 lenses for optimum results

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We have tested and evaluated every feature and specification of Epson Perfection V800 photo scanner and want to let you know that this is a useful device to have at home. The glass panel and sensors scan the minutest detail of every book, image, and document in any format and let you have copies of them. You can save back up copies of images, books, magazines, and photos with Epson V800 flatbed scanner.

It has an extraordinary resolution of 600dpi. The automatic dust and scratch correction feature lets you scan copies with great precision even if you have not cleaned the glass of the scanner for a while. You have to install the software that comes with the scanner before connecting the scanner to the PC or laptop. You can follow the installation steps given on the disk and manual and perform a quick and easy software installation first. Epson V800 supports Windows as well as Mac O.S.

We want to tell you that it comes with a USB 2.0 connection, a power adapter and powers up quickly warming up the device making it scan-ready. With this model, the transparency unit is present inside the scanner, unlike the other models of Epson scanners and does not require separate mounting of the unit. This is a better version of its predecessor V700 as the V800 uses an LED instead of a tube light inside the unit.

Though Epson V800 can scan film strips there could still be distortions in the images. This model is ideal for scanning books, magazines, and documents. You can as well place the film strip onto the scanner glass and shift the focus manually. We have tested it to find a feature called auto-frame detection and alignment that helps scan photo images of higher quality. If you have a paper print of a photo, you can get a high-resolution picture of the same photo print with a better quality using this flatbed scanner. Because of this function, the user does not have to worry about aligning the picture or document before scanning it. Using Epson V800 flatbed scanner is a child’s play because of its features and easy installation.

Bottom Line

We tested various documents and images on the scanner and found it to be of top quality and a higher resolution.

2. Epson Perfection V600 – Best For Photos And Artworks

Epson Perfection V600

• Create extraordinary enlargements from film : 6400 x 9600 dpi for enlargements up to 17 Inches x 22 Inches. Maximum...
• 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

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We have worked with and tested the Epson V600 scanner to check its various features and specifications to tell users that it is one great flatbed scanner for scanning and enlarging images and photos in the highest resolution of 6400×9600 dpi. The transparency unit is built-in and need not be mounted separately. Professional as well as hobbyist photographers are going to love this scanner for its top image and photo quality.

You can use the Configuration button to make any manual adjustments you need though most of the adjustments are automatic. It makes the scanning jobs faster even if you have multiple documents as well as images to scan. You can as well get previews of the textured paper that you use if you are scanning a document or image on this type of paper.

You can get creative and experiment with documents, paper type, and images with this scanner and expect the highest resolution in photo quality. We recommend Epson V600 for users who are looking for a budgeted model of flatbed scanner that does a great job.

Bottom Line

We have to say after testing all the features of Epson V600 that it is best for scanning documents, films, books, and photos with a great scan speed.

3. Canon CanoScan 9000F – Best For Films And Photos

Canon 9000F MKII

• My Image Garden Software handles photo and document scanning and organizes your files in a simple and friendly way so...
• FARE (Film Automatic Retouching and Enhancement) Level 3: This built-in retouching technology delivers automatic...
• Zero warm-up time and offers lower power consumption with super-efficient white LEDs

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We used many models of Canon scanners and recommend the Canon 9000F MKII because it has many features that the users are looking for. It has a lid that can open at any angle and does not slam down. The scanner control buttons are placed on top of the lid making scanning operations user-friendly. It has many automatic scan operations which set the metrics for any document or image inside the scanner reducing manual work for adjustment.

Restores cracked, faded, damaged, and dusty images with top quality color correction. One of the best things about Canon MKII flatbed scanner is that it scans documents and images at a higher speed of, say, 18 seconds. It has an Auto-Power Save mode that switches off the scanner automatically when it is not in use after a certain period.

It can scan 12 35mm film strips and 4X slides in positive and negative like a breeze. The software that comes with this scanner is bundled with many utility based programs. These programs provide many useful functions that provide top quality output for scanned text, document, PDFs, film strips, and photos.

Bottom Line

We have analysed all the features and specifications of Canon 9000F MKII and found that it is best for high-resolution scanning of documents, books, and photos.

4. Epson Perfection V39 – Budget-Friendly For Photos For Mac

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Epson Perfection V39

• 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

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We have analysed numerous models of scanners and have listed Epson V39 as one of the topmost flatbed scanners for its versatility and cost-effectiveness. When you place multiple photos inside this scanner it recognizes it as separate files and saves them in that format. If you have photos and documents to scan and need a decent quality, this is the scanner to go with. Epson V39 is a good photo and document scanner for regular users and not for professional photographers.

A lightweight and compact colour photo and document scanner that can be powered up with a USB cable. It is one of the most inexpensive options for home users who want to get the scanning job done without the requirement of having a cosmetic effect. You can also use it to scan artworks as it comes with a higher resolution of 4800 dpi. It comes with a dust correction feature that lets you scan old photographs and restore their color. This is an ideal flatbed scanner for Mac.

Bottom Line

We recommend Epson V39 for home users who like to get their scanning jobs done at a higher resolution. It comes with many features at a lower cost.

5. HP ScanJet Pro 2500 – Best High-Speed For Office

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HP ScanJet Pro 2500 f1

• Speeds: Achieve scan speeds up to 20 pages per minute, 40 images per minute, and 1,500 pages per day with single-pass,...
• Auto document feeder: Load up to 50 pages for fast, unattended scanning
• Software features: Automatic crop, exposure, orient, page size detection plus blank page and hole removal, background...

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We have found that the HP ScanJet Pro 2500 is a combination of flatbed and sheetfed scanner that has an Automatic Document Feeder. With this scanner, you can scan documents of all sizes and thickness. This is usually a fast scanner but works slowly at default settings. They work faster in color mode and other settings. If you have a stack of documents to be scanned quicker in the office, this is the scanner to go with.

The software it comes with has utility features that let you edit and navigate through the scanned documents. This is a high-performance scanner which can scan 40 pages in a minute. It comes with a software suite that scans various types of documents, images, and business cards. A convenient and cost-effective choice for daily use in the office.

Bottom Line

We have tested various features of HP ScanJet Pro 2500 to find it suitable for office use for daily scan tasks at higher speeds and is the best combination of sheetfed and flatbed scanner.

6. Plustek OpticSlim 2610 – Best Slim Flatbed Scanner For Personal Use

Plustek OpticSlim 2610

• A flatbed scanner without extra adapter , No warm-up time is needed. Support TWAIN protocol with thousands of image...
• With image processing, software can Auto Rotate, Deskew and Crop image. Help user save time and get better picture.
• OS2610 scanner can help you work efficiently with 5 one-touch Buttons that enable you to Scan, Copy, E-mail.

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We have tested every aspect of Plustek Opticslim to know that it is best for users looking for a compact and cordless high-resolution scanner that scans documents and images. It has a resolution of 1200 dpi and scans with a good spend sending documents to Cloud, and other applications. You can save the scanned documents to various image and file formats using this scanner.

It comes with an LED light and takes no time to warm up and get ready for scanning. Various scan modes are available to scan documents in various colour modes. It comes with a USB interface to power up and works with all versions of the Windows O.S. It recognises 183 languages that let you scan documents in languages other than English.

One of the best parts of buying this flatbed scanner is that you can use it with older Windows versions as it has minimum hardware requirements to connect to any system to get the job done. It works with humongous types of document and image software and gives you the liberty to work with numerous applications as you want to get on with the scanning tasks.

Bottom Line

We have tested the features of Plustek OpticSlim 2610 to find it suitable for users looking for scanners with budget-friendly options for scanning documents and images with high speed.

Buying Guide – How To Select A Flatbed Scanner?

You can reduce a lot of paperwork when you get a flatbed scanner for home or office. The Epson V800 is the best flatbed scanner comes with many integrated features and ranges from affordable to expensive options. We have come up with a list of features that you can look into before thinking of buying one.

1. Resolution

We suggest this is the most important feature to look at when buying a flatbed scanner. Dots per inch measured as pixels measure the digital image. The closer the dots are the better is the picture quality. By default, most flatbed scanners are made with higher resolution as their primary goal is to provide high-resolution documents and pictures. If you are specifically looking to scan images more than documents go for a scanner with a resolution with at least 600 dpi to start with or higher depending on your budget and amount of use. While looking for resolution also check for colour depth to get sharp images with better contrast.The best ones in this category are Epson Perfection V800 Photo scanner

2. Scan size

Flatbed scanners come with multiple features. One of the primary goals of buying a scanner is to be able to scan documents of any size and to be able to scan the documents to the desired size. If you have larger documents or images to scan or enlarge the scanned document, this is the feature to check out. The best ones in this category are Epson Perfection V800 Photo scanner, Epson Perfection V600 , and Canon 9000F MKII

3. Scanning speed

We have to tell you that is yet another important aspect to look at if you have multiple documents to scan. While a few scanners work better in other modes instead of the default mode, you must first figure out how many documents or images you have scan regularly. For office use, you need a flatbed scanner with a greater speed that works well even with searchable PDF feature. Choose a scanner that can scan and align multiple documents within a minute as it improves productivity and gets the job done quicker.

4. Multiple Scan Features

For those who have books, magazines, film strips, and slides to scan, you can look for a high-end scanner that supports all these features. Many cost-effective models are available that have these features. These are the type of flatbed scanners that you can choose only if you have scanning material other than documents and images. These type of flatbed scanners have additional features like color restoration and correction that a standard budgeted model in flatbed scanner might not have. In this category the best ones are Epson Perfection V600 and Canon 9000F MKII

5. Software And Utility Tools

Flatbed scanners are shipped with a software suite that not only come with installation drivers but also utility tools that lets you perform other operational tasks. For instance, you can have a flatbed scanner that lets you email scanned documents directly using a variety of applications. Your flatbed scanner must be able to work with a variety of applications. The installation must be easy and set up must be quick.

6. File formats

Amongst all the available flatbed scanner models we have listed models which support most of the document and image file formats. You should be able to save scanned images and photos other than JPEG and documents other than TXT or DOC format. Having this feature reduces your time in converting file formats to your desired file extension after the scan job is finished.

Final Thought

The best flatbed scanners scan multiple documents and images with great speed in a single go. We recommend you buy one for office and home use as it makes your life easy and gets the job done quicker. We have chosen the Epson V800 for its automated features, speed scanning, and high resolution output. For 3D scanning, film strips, documents, images, and restoring photographs, we recommend EpsonV600. It provides high resolution scans and the output is brighter and crispier. We recommend the Pulstek 2610 as a budget-friendly option that scans images, documents, 3D objects, and restores images. These are the top picks that you can choose from to get most of the job done for a price that fits your budget and the material you want to scan.