Best Compact A4 Document Scanner

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Compact document scanners are popular devices that allow users to quickly and conveniently digitise A4 documents, photos, driving licence cards, passports and more. A4 compact scanners are designed to be portable, space-saving, and user-friendly.

Compact A4 document scanners are ideally situated on the desk top of a small business but also portable enough to carry between locations, making the compact mini scanner ideal for business users who split their time between small office and home office work environments.

When choosing a compact document scanner, consider factors such as the type of documents you'll be scanning, the scanning resolution and speed, connectivity options (USB, Wi-Fi, etc.), compatibility with your computer or mobile device, and additional features like OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and automatic document feeding.

There are various options available from the leading manufacturers. Here are some of the best compact A4 document scanners available in 2023.

With the Brother ADS-1800W A4 mini scanner you have the freedom to connect anywhere. Scan documents wirelessly to your laptop or mobile phone with the ADS-1800W and make scanning quick and easy. A4 scanning to multiple locations has never been easier. Reduce the time you spend on repetitive tasks with auto start scan. Documents start scanning automatically as soon as you insert them into the ADS-1800W. Alternatively, multiple scan-to functions can be set up as a shortcut from the touchscreen, providing intuitive control over the scanning of documents. Scanning 2-sided multi-page documents has never been easier. Using the automatic document feeder, you can scan up to 30ppm with ease. Whilst a dedicated card slot comfortably handles plastic ID cards, so your records can be easily kept up to date.

The Canon imageFORMULA P-215II CIS scanner from Canon is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for mobile professionals. The Canon P-215II document scanner features a built-in card scanner, Wi-Fi connectivity* and can scan both sides of a document simultaneously.

The P-215II has a dedicated card scanning slot, so is ideal for the increasingly important security requirements of the modern day businesses that need to scan cards for ID authentication. Having a dedicated card slot, the Canon P-215II is capable of fast and efficient scanning of ID and embossed cards.

Key features

  • A4 portable document scanner 
  • Space saving and lightweight
  • Fast USB powered scanning
  • High quality imaging (600dpi)
  • Plug and scan
  • Scan anywhere
  • Optional WiFi capability
  • Windows & Mac OS

Epson have recently released four new compact A4 desktop scanners. The new range offer an all-in-one scanning solution for anyone who has limited desk space and needs to scan various types of media and documents. The series includes the WorkForce ES-C320W,  ES-C380W, DS-C330 and DS-C490. With a stylish design and feature rich attributes Epson’s compact range have raised the bar in the compact A4 document scanner category.

The Epson WorkForce ES-C380W A4 compact office scanner incorporates a 6.1cm LCD touchscreen display. Easily navigate this user friendly touchscreen with the help of Epson’s ScanWay technology. Scan to Network folder, email, FTP, SFTP, Sharepoint, Cloud services or USB flash drive. 

U-turn path
The scanner's U-turn path position allows paper to be scanned without adding to the footprint of the device. Switch to straight path mode to scan passports and booklets up to 5mm thick. Scan to popular cloud based services including OneDrive, Sharepoint online and Microsoft Teams. Made from up to 30% recycled plastics and with a low power consumption, it also has a lower environmental impact.

ScanWay
ScanWay technology is the perfect choice for customers on the go who require multiple scanning methods and want to quickly capture and save documents without being connected to a PC.

Route scanned documents directly to the right destination using the colour touchscreen, without connecting to a PC. Scan direct to network folders, email, USB memory stick and popular Cloud-based services including Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote and OneDrive for business. Scan to Microsoft applications Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Android Mopria, Apple Airprint and Epson's SmartPanel application.

Versatility
The ES-C380W scanner is extremely versatile, handling envelopes, receipts, purchase ledger cards and long documents such as ECG print-outs. It can even scan passports and booklets up to 5mm thick. The ES-C380W desktop scanner also comes with a host of enhancement features, enabling you to improve text sharpness, as well as correcting edge folds, tears, border shadows and punch hole removal.

Capture, manage, and distribute information quickly and easily with the Kodak ScanMate i940 portable scanner. If you need to scan, store, manage, and send information to various locations and people within your organisation with ease, you need a Kodak ScanMate i940 Scanner. It moves your valuable information from paper into your workflow quickly and intuitively.

  • Save time - Smart Touch performs multiple-step scanning and organising operations automatically 
  • Save space - Compact, highly portable scanner takes up less desk space 
  • Scan anywhere - USB-powered to provide the power of a desktop scanner with the flexibility of a mobile scanner 
  • Plays well with others - Compatible with most scanning software 
  • Creates sharp images – even better than many originals 
  • Perfect Page document imaging is built in - for great images with bright colours and crisp text.

The ScanSnap series is known for its reliable and efficient document scanning capabilities, typically offering features like high-speed scanning, automatic document feeders, wireless connectivity, and user-friendly interfaces. The ScanSnap iX1300’s innovative feed path creates a tiny operational footprint that makes it one of the smallest desktop scanners available. Instant Wi-Fi connectivity and PC-free scanning to cloud services using ScanSnap Cloud are all part of a smarter way to work. The perfect receipt scanner.

The ScanSnap iX1300 is packed with time-saving features to boost efficiency; with no wait time to warm up, you are ready to go in seconds. Plus, the Return Path capability means you can instantly scan individual sheets without even opening the cover. A 20-sheet feeder and impressive 30 double-sided pages per minute speed let you finish scanning in no time at all. 

The intuitive ScanSnap Home software (included) helps you easily convert the papers you have, into the digital files you need. Giving you greater control over your admin so you can focus on what matters most. 

Be sure to compare specifications to find the scanner that best suits your needs and workspace constraints. More detailed information can be found on the sales brochure pdf’s on the individual scanner listings page. Alternatively contact us for expert advice.

*Scan wirelessly to smart devices with the optional Wi-Fi unit WU10

Published 26/09/2023