Photo scanners come in many sizes with different resolutions, features, and prices. Freedom of choice is a luxury, but it can be hard to know which scanner is best for you. We’ve “scanned” through hundreds of photo scanners to find the very best, factoring in the different user requirements.
If you want to buy a scanner, we recommend this Epson FastFoto FF-680W photo scanner. It has excellent image resolution, so your photos don’t lose their magic. You can scan in batches for superfast photo scanning. And it can deal with photos of all sizes. It’s the best photo scanner for digitizing your photos.
The best photo scanners to digitize prints are on our list below. There are scanners for batch scanning, professional scanning, and portable scanning. And there are ones for film and negative scanning, and so much more!
Before we discuss each scanner in detail, here is a quick roundup of our favorites and why we like them.
Analog photography is in the midst of a revival. So many photographers are going back to film cameras.
As a result, more people are looking for the best photo scanner to digitize prints. And manufacturers have taken note and produced some excellent machines.
Many photographers will be happy with a single-purpose scanner. These are dedicated to scanning and have no other functions, like printing or copying. All on our list are “flatbed” or “tray-fed” scanners.
If you’re looking for a more versatile scanner, an all-in-one unit is what you need. A multifunction printer has printing abilities. But it’s also equipped with a flatbed scanner.
They duplicate photos well. But the scanning quality usually isn’t as good as single-function scanners.
Other models have more film-friendly features. They have hardware for scanning slides and film negatives. These home photo labs are for serious film photography buffs. And they often have printing capabilities too.
If you’re a film photography enthusiast wanting to save money on scanning costs, our list of the best film scanners is essential reading.
The price can vary a lot with scanners. Single-function scanners are often at the cheaper end of the spectrum. And as you add more features, the price tends to go up. But some specialist units can have high prices.
| Brand |
Brand
Epson
|
| Model |
Model
FF-680W
|
| DPI (Dots per Inch) |
DPI (Dots per Inch)
1200
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Bulk scan 36 photos per minute, enhances and restores photos, wireless connectivity
|
The Epson FastFoto FF-680W is a specialist photo scanner for home use. It’s one of the best batch scanners for digitizing your back catalog, and it’ll have your photo albums scanned and filed in no time.
It uses a document feeder system rather than a flatbed for scanning. So it’s aimed at photos, but you can also use it for A4 document scanning. And Polaroid pictures aren’t a problem either, thanks to the adjustable document feeder.
The automatic document feeder holds 36 photos at a time. It scans the whole set of 36 automatically, leaving you free to get on with other things.
You don’t have to insert a new print for each scan. It pulls the next photo through, scanning one photo after another. So it’s the fastest photo-scanning solution there is. It so handles different sized photos in the same batch, so you can scan images from different albums all at once.
A max dpi of 1200 is more than enough for most home scanning needs. There are scanners with higher dpi levels, but images scanned by the FF-680W still have excellent picture quality. Higher dpi’s also slow down the scanning process, and speed is one of this scanner’s secret weapons.
The Picture Perfect Imaging System improves old photos with color restoration and enhancement. The software also removes red-eye and dust spots for better-quality photos. This is a big help with old prints, revitalizing them so they look better than they did when originally printed.
It’s a wireless machine with Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can scan directly to computers and mobile devices without tethering. You can even have scans sent to a Dropbox or Google Drive account directly from the printer.
You can accompany the FF-680W printer with the FastFoto app on your smartphone. It receives scanned photos, and you can add text and effects or create slideshows. This also makes it easy to share pictures directly on social media.
| Brand |
Brand
Plustek
|
| Model |
Model
Z300
|
| DPI (Dots per Inch) |
DPI (Dots per Inch)
600
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Efficient design allows for feeding photos, can scan a photo in less than two seconds
|
Photo scanners don’t get much more straightforward than the Plustek ePhoto Z300. It’s a basic scanner without complicated functions. This could be the right photo scanner for you if you want to digitize photos without investing in professional equipment.
There are no options for scanning film. But it supports several photo sizes (3 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 7, and 8 x 10 inches). You can also scan letters and A4 documents.
You need to feed each photo into the scanner one at a time. That might sound time-consuming, but it only takes two seconds to scan a 4 x 6-inch photo. So you’ll have full albums done in no time. And it has a scan resolution of 600 dpi.
The software includes image-enhancing functions. The simple interface lets you restore faded photos or enhance colors and details. And you also have options to do minor edits and organize your photos.
The ePhoto Z300 is a simple and affordable solution to your photo scanning needs. And it’s compatible with both Windows and macOS systems.
| Brand |
Brand
Epson
|
| Model |
Model
V600
|
| DPI (Dots per Inch) |
DPI (Dots per Inch)
6400
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Large format scanner for prints, 35mm film, and medium format film
|
The Epson Perfection V600 is the best photo scanner for serious film enthusiasts. It’s a single-function scanner without printing or copying features. But it’s a fantastic scanner for people with a passion for film.
It’s a flatbed scanner that allows you to scan A4 documents. But the main appeal is its ability to scan photo prints, slides, and film negatives.
It has the option for 35mm and medium format (120mm) film. And once you scan the negatives, you have excellent options to enlarge them.
The scanning quality is superb, with a 9600 dpi resolution. And the scan quality is improved by digital ICE (Image Correction and Enhancement) technology. It removes dust spots and scratches. And it’s for both photo prints and negatives.
The software also has one-click photo fix options. It restores faded color in older photos. Combine this with the ICE technology, and you get pristine digitized photos.
The Ready Scan LED light powers the Perfection V600. It’s energy-efficient and doesn’t require any warm-up time. You can start scanning straight away without needing to wait.
| Brand |
Brand
Epson
|
| Model |
Model
Perfection V19 II
|
| DPI (Dots per Inch) |
DPI (Dots per Inch)
4800
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
High-rise removable lid, Epson Scansmart Software, PDF converter, restore faded color on old prints
|
Slim, compact, and lightweight, the Epson Perfection V19 II is ideal for the home office. A sleek, professional design helps it blend in with your other devices without ruining your decor. It’s also one of the most affordable scanners on the list, allowing you to digitize your photo library without maxing out your budget.
The flatbed design allows you to scan everything from photos to books to documents. You can scan documents up to A4 size, so you’ll have no problem scanning photos. You can even scan more than one photo at a time to speed things up. The lid can also be raised or removed, allowing thicker objects to be scanned.
With a maximum scanning resolution of 4800 dpi, the V19 II enhances the quality of printed photos. They’ll look better on screen than they do in real life. The native scanning software also restores colors to old, faded photos, bringing vitality to ancient images with just a few clicks.
There’s no LCD screen, but the commands are so simple you don’t need one. One-touch scanning means you can get started straight away without navigating annoying, overly complicated menus. It’s also a plug-and-go system, so you don’t need to waste time updating drivers.
The V19 II automatically generates PDF files when scanning documents. It also gives them sensible names you can easily search for on your computer. That means you can scan a whole bunch of documents at once without making a mess of your filing system.
Measuring only 36.6 x 25 x 3.8 cm / 14.4 x 10 x 1.4 cm, it takes up very little space. And if you are lacking space, you can stand the scanner upright. You can squeeze it into tighter areas, and it still scans when standing up. It even has a built-in stand to keep it upright.
You don’t need to worry about the scanner becoming a drain on your electricity bills. It gets all the power it needs from the USB connection with your computer.
The Epson Perfection V19 II is the best value scanner on this list. It’s an affordable device that’s perfect for the home, allowing you to scan and enhance old photographs quickly and easily.
| Brand |
Brand
Epson
|
| Model |
Model
V850
|
| DPI (Dots per Inch) |
DPI (Dots per Inch)
6400
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Professional-grade scanning for photos, 35mm film, medium format film, and large format film
|
The Epson Perfection V850 Pro is one of the best photo scanners for professional photographers. It has stand-out scan quality and fantastic photo-centric features. It has everything a film photographer could want in a photo scanner.
It works well as a document scanner, with a flatbed scanner big enough for A4 sheets. But the photo scanning is where the V850 Pro stands out. You get film holders for 35mm and medium format film.
The scan resolution is 9600 dpi and has exceptional color quality and tonal range. And the high dynamic range brings out the detail in dark and light areas. So you get high-quality scans for both photos and film negatives.
The digital ICE technology puts this in the league of professional-level photo scanners. Digital ICE fixes defects in your photos, removing scratches and spots. And it restores faded colors and detail with very impressive results.
The Perfection V850 Pro uses patented ReadyScan LED lights and a dual-lens system for scanning. It isn’t cheap, but it’s one of the best photo scanners for serious professionals.
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Model |
Model
CanoScan LiDE400
|
| DPI (Dots per Inch) |
DPI (Dots per Inch)
4800
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
USB powered, cloud sync enabled, large 8.5 x 11.7 inch scanning area
|
The Canon CanoScan LiDE400 is an excellent photo scanner for home use. It’s a slim-line scanner with a flatbed for scanning photos and documents. It’s simple and straightforward. And the scan quality won’t disappoint.
Photo scanners aren’t much more streamlined than this one. It takes up very little space in your home office. Plus, it’s versatile. It scans photos, documents, and thicker media like books. And documents can be saved as editable PDF files.
With a scan resolution of 4800 dpi, your digitized copies will look as good as the original prints. And it enhances colors and removes blemishes automatically.
The different scanning modes are intuitive. And they make storing and organizing your photos easy.
You have options for documents, photos, and customized scans. And you can direct the files to specific locations on your device. Or you can scan directly to OneDrive or Dropbox.
The LiDE400 is an energy-efficient machine. It connects to your computer with a USB. And that’s all the power it needs! Plus, the photo scanner wastes no time warming up.
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Model |
Model
RS40
|
| DPI (Dots per Inch) |
DPI (Dots per Inch)
1200
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
40-photo batch printing, CaptureOnTouch software included, duplex scanning, handles all types of photos
|
The Canon imageFORMULA RS40 is one of the best photo scanners if you’re digitizing large amounts of photos. The batch scanning capabilities allow you to scan hundreds of images without much user input. It’s also a versatile scanner you can use for document scanning.
Scanning with the imageFORUMLA RS40 can actually enhance the image quality of your printed photos. You can choose the scan quality, with options from 150 to 1200 dpi. That means you can scan any type of photo from old holiday snaps to professional photos.
With a 40-photo capacity auto feeder, you can scan bundles of images without much effort. That means you can leave it to scan 40 photos while you work on something else. It’s a huge time saver, especially if you have mountains of photos to archive.
It can also handle photos of different shapes and sizes. Standard photos measuring 4 x 6, 5 x 7, and 8 x 10 inches are no problem. But it can also scan Polaroid pictures, postcards, and panorama images.
When it comes to other types of documents, the RS40 is just as versatile. Your standard A4 document is a walk in the park. And it can scan letters, legal documents, invoices, and even ID cards.
You also get the CaptureOnTouch photo software. It’s basic photo adjustment software, so it can’t compete with Adobe Lightroom or other advanced programs. But it can help you reduce signs of fading and aging in the images. It can make subjects sharper and you can remove red-eye.
The Canon imageFORMULA RS40 is an excellent photo scanner for the home or office. It delivers professional-level digital renditions. And you can use it for all types of batch scanning.
This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions regarding photo scanners. We hope this information helps you find exactly what you need.
Simply put, DPI is the scanner’s image resolution. It stands for Dots Per Inch, and the higher the number the better the resolution of a scanned image.
This is similar to the megapixel (MP) count on a camera’s sensor, only scanners use the word dot rather than pixels. Sensors with a higher MP have a better resolution, meaning images are more clear and have sharper detail. The same is true with scanners that use a higher dpi.
Dpi is one of the most important specifications when you’re looking for a photo scanner. It provides a good indication of the quality of the scanned images. However, bigger isn’t always better. It depends on the types of photo scanning you’re doing.
If you’re digitizing old photos, you won’t need the scanner with the highest dpi. You’ll be spending more money than you need to. Something with a max dpi of 4800 is more than good enough for this type of scanning.
You might need more if you’re a professional scanning images for work. A 6400 dpi will give you high-resolution images suitable for publication and enlargement.
You should also be aware that scanner listings usually only note the maximum dpi. The scanner will have lower dpi options for quicker scanning.
The Epson FastFoto FF-680W is our top choice and its batch-scanning abilities are one of the main reasons for that.
You can load a full 36-photo deck into the feeder, and the scanner takes care of the rest. Press start and off it goes. You don’t need to press anything else until the all 36 prints have been scanned.
The time it takes to scan a 36-photo batch depends on the dpi setting you’ve chosen. The higher the dpi, the slower it will scan. But the automation means you’re free to do other things.
The Canon imageFORMULA RS40 is another top scanner for batch-scanning. It can hold up to 40 photos, which is more than one film’s worth of images. And like the FF-680W, once you start the process the scanner doesn’t stop until all 40 photos are scanned.
It’s also quick, scanning up to 40 items in just one minute. Of course, you have to scan with the lowest dpi setting to hit those speeds, but it’s still quick even at max resolution.
The Epson Perfection V600 is the best flatbed scanner for film and negatives. You can’t use any old flatbed scanner when scanning film negatives. But the V600 is fully equipped for the job, which is good news for film photographers.
It comes with dedicated holders for 35mm slides and 35mm and medium format negative strips. The scan software also renders the scans as proper photographs, not merely scanned negatives. They are fully formed, usable, high-resolution images.
Professional film shooters might prefer the Epson Perfection V850 Pro. With its higher dpi and better, more complete software package, it gets the best out of your film negatives. You won’t need to go to a lab to have your films scanned ever again.
If you’re looking for a dedicated negative scanner, check out our full article on the best film scanners for photographers. We look at all the best film scanners in detail, so it’s a must-see for film photographers.
Having researched hundreds of scanners, we’re happy to recommend all of the scanners on this list. They are each uniquely good at what they’re built for.
The Epson FastFoto FF-680W is the best photo scanner on the market. With its batch-scanning features, you can scan whole libraries in no time. And its high-quality scanning means you will have glorious versions of your beautiful photos.
