10 Best Portable Scanners 2025 in the United States

The Canon CanoScan Lide 400 is a slim, portable flatbed scanner designed for users who need to quickly scan documents and photos with decent quality. It offers a high optical resolution of 4800 x 4800 dpi, which is great for preserving fine details in photos and images. Scanning is quite fast — it can finish a scan in about 8 seconds, which helps if you have several pages to digitize. The scanner connects through a single USB Type-C cable that handles both data transfer and power, making it easy to set up and reducing cable clutter. However, it only supports scanning via USB, so no wireless option is available, which might limit flexibility in some setups.

In terms of portability, it’s fairly lightweight at 3.6 pounds and quite slim, so you can easily carry it for on-the-go use or store it in small spaces. The scanner handles standard paper sizes up to 8.5 x 11.7 inches, suitable for most documents and photos you might want to scan. It also features handy 'EZ' buttons including auto scan mode that detects what type of document you're scanning, and easy creation of multi-page searchable PDFs, which is useful if you work with lots of paperwork. The included software offers helpful image improvements like color restoration and dust removal, improving scan quality without much effort.

On the downside, it only has a standard sheet capacity of one sheet at a time, so it’s not ideal for bulk document scanning. Also, its CIS sensor technology is common in portable scanners but may not be as high-performing under certain lighting conditions compared to some more advanced models. For those seeking a simple, reliable scanner for occasional use of documents and photos with good detail and quick setup, this Canon model is a solid choice. However, if you need wireless scanning or a faster multi-page feeder, there are other options better suited for those needs.

The Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Document Scanner is an excellent choice for those needing a portable scanning solution. Weighing just over a pound and measuring 11.9 inches in length, it's easy to carry and ideal for mobile professionals. The scanner offers a decent resolution of 300 dpi and can handle various document types, including receipts, ID cards, and documents up to 72 inches long.

Scanning speed is efficient at up to 16 pages per minute, making it suitable for quick tasks on-the-go. Connectivity is limited to USB, but it does power directly from the USB connection, eliminating the need for an additional power source, which enhances its portability. The included software suite is quite comprehensive, offering multiple 'scan-to' destinations and the capability to convert scans to editable Microsoft Word files.

It supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, making it versatile in terms of compatibility. On the downside, the resolution might not be high enough for those needing ultra-clear scans, and its reliance on USB connectivity may limit its use with newer laptops that favor USB-C or wireless connections. Also, the enhanced image optimization features are only available when connected to a PC. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Brother DS-640 is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and portable scanning solution with robust software support.

The Canon Canoscan Lide 300 is a versatile document and photo scanner ideal for those seeking a portable scanning solution. One of its standout features is its high resolution of 2400 dots per inch, which ensures that both documents and images are digitized with great detail and clarity. The scanner is lightweight at 3.6 pounds and compact with dimensions of 14.5 x 9.9 x 1.7 inches, making it easy to carry and store, thus enhancing its portability. Connectivity is straightforward with a USB interface, which also powers the device, reducing the need for an additional power supply. This can be especially convenient for users on the go or those with limited workspace.

The Auto Scan Mode is a handy feature that automatically detects the type of document being scanned, simplifying the user experience. However, the lack of wireless connectivity might be a downside for those who prefer a more flexible setup. The device supports a variety of media types, including photos, receipts, business cards, and regular paper, making it versatile for different needs. It's also worth noting the strong customer reviews, with a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 6,000 users, indicating a generally positive reception.

The Canon Canoscan Lide 300 is a solid choice for users needing a reliable, portable scanner for high-quality document and photo digitization, with some limitations in connectivity and speed.