7 Best Document Scanners: Reviewed & Compared

Sheet-fed scanners (a.k.a. feeder scanners) scan papers by feeding the documents into the scanner – much like a printer, but in reverse. Flatbed scanners have hinged lids and a flat plate on top, where the document to be scanned is placed. Meanwhile, an overhead scanner has an illuminated scanning head mounted on a stem, which hangs above the surface on which the document is placed. When choosing between the three types of scanners, the best one for you heavily depends on what you expect the scanner to be used for. Sheet-feeders are typically much faster than flatbed scanners and overhead scanners but sacrifice quality and resolution for that speed. Between flatbed scanners and overhead scanners, flatbed scanners are more standard, widely available, and usually cheaper. However, an overhead scanner is better for scanning old, delicate items or bulky materials like books. While a flatbed scanner would require contact with each page of a book, crushing the spine of the book when you close the lid, an overhead scanner doesn’t touch the book. Another factor to consider is that feeder document scanners typically can’t be used to scan things that aren’t printed on an ordinary piece of paper. There are, of course, exceptions on the higher end of sheet-feeder scanners, but you’ll likely need a flatbed scanner or overhead scanner to scan photos, stamps, receipts, and other uniquely-shaped items. If you’re having trouble choosing, some models are a combination of flatbed and feeder scanners, allowing you to get the best of both worlds.