Best Flatbed Scanners of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Flatbed scanners are a popular type of scanner that can be used to scan a wide variety of documents, images, and other materials. They are designed with a flat glass surface that allows users to place their documents directly on the scanner bed for scanning. These scanners are often used in homes and offices for scanning documents, photos, and other materials, and they can produce high-quality digital copies of these items. They are also often used by artists and designers to scan in their original artwork or designs for use in digital formats. Flatbed scanners come in a range of sizes and capabilities, from basic models for home use to more advanced models for professional use.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Epson Perfection V39 II Scanner Cover #TOP 1
Epson Perfection V39 II Scanner
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Plustek ephoto Z300 Cover #TOP 2
Plustek ephoto Z300
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Epson Perfection V19 II Cover #TOP 3
Epson Perfection V19 II
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Flatbed Scanners

#TOP 1

Epson Perfection V39 II Scanner

B11B268201
Black
Epson Perfection V39 II Scanner Cover
Epson - Perfection V39 II - Color Photo and Document Flatbed Scanner - 4800 dpi Optical Resolution - High-Rise, Removable Lid - Scan to Cloud - USB Power - Image Scanning - Black

The Epson V39 II Scanner offers high-quality scanning with its impressive 4800 dpi optical resolution, allowing you to capture stunning detail in your photos. This compact device makes it easy to scan a variety of items, from artwork to documents, making it a versatile addition to your home or office. With its user-friendly one-touch scanning feature, you can complete your scanning tasks quickly and effortlessly. Plus, the scanner's enhanced capabilities let you stitch large images together or save directly to the cloud, streamlining your workflow and saving you time.

What We Like
Affordable price
Compact design
Good scan quality
Easy to use
Quick scanning process
What We Don't Like
Lightweight construction
Minor noise during operation
#TOP 2

Plustek ephoto Z300

Z300
Blau
Plustek ephoto Z300 Cover
Plustek Photo Scanner ePhoto Z300, Scans 4x6 inch Photos in 2 Seconds, Auto crop and deskew with CCD Sensor, Supports Mac and PC

The Plustek Scanner is an efficient and easy-to-use photo and document scanner. It supports 3x5, 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10 photo sizes, as well as letter and A4 size paper. With optical resolution up to 600 dpi, users can quickly and easily digitize their photos and documents. The scanner is incredibly fast, able to scan a 4x6 photo in just 2 seconds and an 8x10 photo in 5 seconds at 300 dpi. The ePhoto Z300 is much more efficient than a flatbed scanner, as users can simply insert the photos one by one and then scan. Additionally, the scanner includes powerful image enhancement functions to quickly restore old, faded images with just a click of the mouse. Finally, the scanner is compatible with both Mac and PC, making it a versatile choice for any user.

What We Like
Fast scanning speed
High-quality image results
User-friendly software
Handles various photo types
Compact design
What We Don't Like
Requires manual feeding of photos
#TOP 3

Epson Perfection V19 II

B11B267201
Black
Epson Perfection V19 II Cover
Epson Perfection V19 II Color Photo and Document Flatbed Scanner with 4800 dpi Optical Resolution, USB Power and High-Rise, Removable Lid

The Epson V19 II Scanner is a compact and lightweight flatbed scanner that offers amazing image clarity and detail with its 4800 dpi optical resolution. With one-touch scanning and the included Epson ScanSmart software, you can easily scan photos, artwork, books, documents, and more. The Easy Photo Fix technology allows you to restore color to faded photos with just one click. The high-rise, removable lid makes it convenient to scan books and photo albums. Additionally, the scanner can generate searchable PDFs and create editable Microsoft Office documents using optical character recognition (OCR). Its USB-powered portability and built-in kickstand for vertical placement and storage make it a convenient choice. Scan letter-sized documents in as fast as 10 seconds and save space with this versatile scanner.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Easy to use and set up
High-quality scans
Affordable price
User-friendly software
What We Don't Like
Occasional software recognition issues
Scanner always on when plugged in
#TOP 4

Epson V850 Pro Scanner

B11B224201
Clear
One Size
Epson V850 Pro Scanner Cover
Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner

The Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner offers unparalleled scans with 6400 dpi resolution and 4.0 Dmax for smooth gradations and fine shadow detail. The exclusive dual-lens system selects from two lenses for optimum results. The scanner is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS X. With advanced optics, LED array, and Digital ICE, the scanner can produce professional-quality scans of slides and film. The scanner also includes film holders and has a high-speed mode for efficient scanning.

What We Like
Excellent resolution and scan quality
Easy to use for various formats
Efficient multi-slide scanning
Good detail in scanned images
Affordable compared to photo labs
What We Don't Like
Dust removal feature needs improvement
Software installation issues reported
#TOP 5

Canon CanoScan Lide 300 Scanner

2995C002
1.7" x 14.5" x 9.9"
Canon CanoScan Lide 300 Scanner Cover
Canon Canoscan Lide 300 Scanner (PDF, AUTOSCAN, COPY, SEND)

The Canon Lide 300 Scanner is a perfect solution for quick and easy document scanning. With fast scanning up to 10 seconds, you can digitize documents and images with ease. The scanner has a high resolution of 2400 x 2400 dpi and several image enhancements, such as fade correction and dust reduction. The built-in PDF button allows you to easily scan and save editable and searchable PDFs. The 4 'EZ' buttons make it even easier to use, with auto scan mode that detects what you're scanning. With its compact and lightweight design, the Canon Lide 300 Scanner is perfect for home or office use.

What We Like
High-quality scans
Inexpensive for its performance
Easy to set up
Compatible with older Mac OS
Intuitive user interface
What We Don't Like
Requires manual page detection
#TOP 6

Epson Perfection V600 Scanner

B11B198011
Black
Epson Perfection V600 Scanner Cover
Epson Perfection V600 Color Photo, Image, Film, Negative & Document Scanner

The Epson Perfection V600 Scanner offers high-quality scanning with its 6400 x 9600 dpi resolution for enlargements up to 17 x 22 inches. The scanner has a built-in transparency unit that can scan slides, negatives, and medium format panoramic film. It includes Digital ICE for Film and prints to remove the appearance of dust, scratches, tears, and creases from photos. The scanner is energy efficient with its Ready Scan LED light source, which means no warm-up time is required. Users can also instantly scan, copy, scan-to-email, and create PDFs with four customizable buttons. The scanner comes with ArcSoft PhotoStudio and ABBYY FineReader Sprint Plus OCR software for editing and converting scanned documents into editable text.

What We Like
Fast scanning speed
High image quality
Easy to use
Includes useful software
Multiple templates for flexibility
What We Don't Like
Large footprint
Wired connection only
#TOP 7

Plustek A3 Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180

7.83064E+11
gray
Plustek A3 Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180 Cover
plustek Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180 - A3 / Tabloid/Legal Size scan, Up to 1200 DPI scan Resolution for Blueprints and Document. Design for Library, School and Soho, Support Mac and PC

The Plustek A3 Large Format Flatbed Scanner OS 1180 is a powerful scanning solution designed for libraries, schools, and small offices. With a large scan size of 11.69""x 17"", you can easily scan blueprints, documents, and other large items. The LED light source saves energy and eliminates the need for warm-up time, allowing you to start scanning right away. The pre-set function one-touch button makes operation hassle-free, while the powerful software bundle, including ABBYY FineReader 12 and DocAction, enhances OCR accuracy and enables easy file sharing. With a 48-bit color/16-bit grayscale scan mode, you can scan art, documents, and other items with stunning clarity.

What We Like
Excellent image quality
Intuitive user interface
Good software features
Great value for money
Effective tech support
What We Don't Like
Scanning speed could improve
Software feels somewhat outdated
#TOP 8

VIISAN 3120 A3 Flatbed Scanner, 1200 DPI, Auto-Scan, Frameless Design

VF3120
VIISAN 3120 A3 Flatbed Scanner, 1200 DPI, Auto-Scan, Frameless Design Cover
VIISAN 3120 A3 Flatbed Scanner, 1200 DPI, CIS Sensor, Scan 12" x 17" in 8 sec, Frameless, Auto-Scan, Document & Photo & Book Scanner, Design for Library, School and Soho. Supports Windows & Mac

The VIISAN 3120 A3 Flatbed Scanner is the perfect solution for high-quality scanning of large documents, photo albums, books, and magazines up to 304 x 426 mm (11.98" x 16.8") in size. With a maximum optical resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi and a color depth of 48-bit, it delivers vivid true-to-life images with smoother and more detailed color gradients and variations. The Auto-Scan function enhances the efficiency of the scanning process, while the frameless and narrow boundary design allows for scanning of thick items. The scanner is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux drivers, making it ideal for school projects, business work, graphic designing, and digital publishing work.

What We Like
Easy to set up and use
Good scanning quality for size
Excellent for large documents
Fast and efficient performance
What We Don't Like
Software can be a bit clumsy
#TOP 9

VIISAN VF3240 A3 Flatbed Scanner

VF3240
VIISAN VF3240 A3 Flatbed Scanner Cover
VIISAN VF3240 Large Format Flatbed Scanner, A3 Size, 2400 DPI, CIS Sensor, Scan 12"x 17" in 4 sec, Frameless, Auto-Scan, Document & Photo & Book Scanner, Supports Windows & Mac

The VIISAN VF3240 Scanner is an A3 flatbed scanner that excels in scanning large documents like photos, books, and CAD drawings. With a rapid scanning speed of just four seconds at 200 DPI, you can efficiently digitize your work without delays. It offers an impressive optical resolution of 2400 x 2400 DPI, ensuring high-quality images with rich color depth. The frameless design and intuitive four-panel buttons simplify operations, allowing you to easily scan, email, or print your documents. Plus, the Auto-Scan function enhances productivity by automatically scanning when the lid is closed, making it perfect for continuous scanning projects.

What We Like
Fast scanning speed
High-quality scans
Large format capability
Easy-to-use with FineReader
Cost-effective for scanning
What We Don't Like
Software issues reported
No response from customer support
#TOP 10

Epson Perfection V600

V600
Black
Epson Perfection V600 Cover
Epson Perfection V600 Photo Wired USB Connectivity Color Scanner - 6400 x 9600 dpi, Enlargements up to 17" x 22" Flatbed Image Scanner

The Epson V600 Scanner is a versatile flatbed scanner that offers a range of features to meet your scanning needs. With just one touch, you can easily restore faded color photos, bringing them back to life and preserving precious memories. The built-in transparency unit allows you to scan slides, negatives, and medium-format panoramic film, making it perfect for digitizing your old film collection. The scanner also comes with a feature that removes the appearance of dust and scratches from film, ensuring that your scans are clean and clear. With its user-friendly interface and high-quality scanning capabilities, the Epson V600 Scanner is a reliable and convenient tool for all your scanning tasks.

What We Like
High scanning quality
Easy to set up
Effective dust and scratch removal
Multiple formats supported
Good customer service
What We Don't Like
App has known bugs
Time-consuming process
Buying Guide Image

Ready for the Course: How to Buy the Right Flatbed Scanners

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a flatbed scanner, there are a plethora of options available on the market. From basic models suitable for scanning photos and documents to high-end models with advanced features like automatic document feeders and optical character recognition (OCR), there's a flatbed scanner to suit every need and budget.

Consider Your Needs

The first step in choosing a flatbed scanner is to consider your needs. If you're a home user who just needs to scan the occasional photo or document, a basic model with a relatively low resolution and no frills will likely suffice. On the other hand, if you're a business user who needs to scan large volumes of documents quickly and accurately, a high-end model with advanced features like automatic document feeders and OCR will be a better fit.

Size and Weight

Another factor to consider when choosing a flatbed scanner is size and weight. If you're short on space, a compact model will be a better fit for your needs. On the other hand, if you need to scan large items like newspapers or artwork, a larger scanner with a larger scanning area will be more suitable.

Resolution

Resolution is another important factor to consider when choosing a flatbed scanner. The resolution of a scanner is measured in dots per inch (dpi) and determines the level of detail that can be captured in a scan. A scanner with a higher resolution will produce scans with more detail and clarity, but will also take longer to scan and generate larger files. For most home users, a resolution of 600 dpi is sufficient, but if you need to scan images with fine details or text, a resolution of 1200 dpi or higher will be necessary.

Connectivity

Most flatbed scanners are designed to be connected to a computer via a USB cable, but some models also offer other connectivity options like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. If you need to scan and share documents quickly and easily, a scanner with Wi-Fi connectivity will be a better fit for your needs.

Price

Finally, the price of a flatbed scanner is an important consideration. While high-end models with advanced features can cost several hundred dollars, there are also many affordable models available that offer good performance and value for money. It's important to balance your needs and budget when choosing a flatbed scanner to ensure you get the best value for your money.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right flatbed scanner involves considering a range of factors including your needs, size and weight, resolution, connectivity, and price. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find the right flatbed scanner to suit your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are flatbed scanners obsolete?

Flatbed scanners are becoming obsolete and less relevant due to the availability of smartphones and specialized applications that can serve as substitutes for desktop devices.

2. What is the lifespan of a flatbed scanner?

The lifespan of a flatbed scanner can vary depending on usage and maintenance. With proper care, most flatbed scanners can last for several years. Regular cleaning and maintenance are important to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the scanner.

3. Should I keep an old scanner?

Keeping an old scanner may not be advisable, as it may become incompatible with new software. This can result in the need for additional investment in discontinued software, as well as potential repair or consultation costs if the scanner stops working with the outdated software.

4. What are 3 types of scanners?

There are three main types of scanners: drum scanners, flatbed scanners, and handheld scanners. Drum scanners are commonly used in the publishing industry for high-quality image printing, while flatbed scanners are popular in schools and offices. Handheld scanners are often found in libraries and shopping malls.

5. What are the disadvantages of a flatbed scanner?

One of the main disadvantages of flatbed scanners is that they slow down the scanning process, especially for high-volume scanning, as each document or image needs to be manually placed and aligned. Additionally, flatbed scanners tend to occupy more desk space compared to other types of scanners, which may be a drawback in smaller workspaces.

6. Why is a flatbed scanner better?

Flatbed scanners have several advantages. They offer versatility, as they can handle various document sizes and types, including photos, books, and 3D objects. Flatbed scanners are also capable of producing high-quality images with accurate color reproduction, making them a preferred choice for many scanning applications.

Editor's Notes

During our flatbed scanner research, we found 24 flatbed scanner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 125,195 customer reviews through our big data system to write the flatbed scanners list. We found that most customers choose flatbed scanners with an average price of $356.39.

The flatbed scanners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of flatbed scanners, including Epson, plustek, Canon, VIISAN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Flatbed Scanners Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Epson plustek Epson Epson Canon Epson plustek VIISAN VIISAN Epson
Item Weight 3.1 pounds 3.3 pounds 3.1 pounds 20.9 Pounds 3.6 pounds 9 pounds 9.52 pounds 14.62 pounds 14.65 pounds 4100 Grams
Scanner Type Photo, Document Film, Photo, Document, Business Card Photo, Document Photo Photo, Document Film Document Receipt, Photo, Document Receipt, Photo, Document Photo
Connectivity Technology USB USB USB USB USB USB USB USB USB USB
Resolution 300 dpi 600 dpi x 600 dpi, 300 dpi x 300dpi 4800 dpi 9600 2400 9600 1200 1200 dpi 2400 9600
Media Type USB USB Photo, Document USB Photo ; Receipt ; Business Card ; Paper Negatives, Slide - USB Photo Negatives, Slide, Photo
Model Name Perfection V39 II ePhoto Z300 Perfection V19 II Perfection CanoScan Perfection V600 - VF3120 VIISAN VF3240 Perfection
Wattage 2.5 watts 18 watts 2.5 watts 23 watts 4.5 watts 16.5 watts - 24 watts 9 watts 16.5 watts
Sheet Size 8.5 x 11.7 4x6 inches 8.5 x 11.7 Letter 2400 dots_per_inch - A3 A3 A5 Legal
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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