If you are a hard-core business traveler, you must know how important portable scanners for Mac are. This is especially true when you have to scan a document, but you can’t. Because, of course, you can’t carry a heavy-duty scanner everywhere you go. Hence, we can easily say that getting a portable scanner is not a luxury but a need.
You might come across many people who own a portable scanner on your trip, but not every scanner goes with mac. Hence, it’s always better to go prepared. Get your portable scanner for Mac that is compatible with every device that Steve Jobs has created.
Not sure which one to buy? Read on.
In this article, we have gathered the best portable scanners for mac that can come in handy.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Best Portable Scanners for Mac – Review
Canon Image Formula P-215
Are you looking for a super-sleek, portable yet efficient scanner for mac? Then Canon might have something in store for you.
The Canon Image Formula P-215 not only comes in handy on the go but is also an excellent scanner for office use. It goes well with both pc and mac. The P-215 comes with an automatic document feeder ADF tray. Furthermore, it features Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology for perfect scanning.
It might not be the best when it comes to weight, but it isn’t too bad as well. The dimensions of P-215 are 11.2 x 1.6 x 3.7 inches or 28.4 x 4 x 9.3 cm and it weighs around 0.99 kg or 2.2lb.
The maximum document size that you can scan with this mac scanner is 215 x 1000 mm or 8.5 x 39.4 inches. The best feature of this scanner is that it has duplex scanning that means that you can scan both sides of the document at once. It also lets you scan up to 30 images per minute, which means you can scan one two-sided document in four seconds or 15 pages per minute.
Next comes the connectivity; the P-215 is USB powered and comes with a hi-speed USB 2.0 and 3.0. You can easily get its drivers (TWAIN and ISIS) from Canon.
Other prominent features include background removal, automatic color detection, automatic deskew, and automatic image cropping.
Pros
- Mac compatible
- Optical Character Recognition
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Automatic Image Cropping
- USB powered
- Automatic Color Detection
- Background Removal
- Automatic Deskew
- Duplex scanning
Cons
- Average digital ICE features
- Does not support Automatic Image Rotation
- Does not support Punch Hole Removal
Brother ADS 1500 W
Brother aims to provide its users with high-quality devices, and the portable scanner ADS 1500 W is no less.
It is more than just a scanner. It allows you to directly scan images from cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote using the Brother Web Connect software.
You can also use the Wi-Fi connection to connect to any other device, including iPhones, iPods, etc. This broadens your capacities. However, you can always use it through the conventional method. It comes with a classic USB port for regular connectivity.
This device is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. The ADS 1500 W has several other notable features, including Automatic Image Rotation, Automatic Deskew, Automatic Image Cropping, OCR, and Background Removal. Also, it comes with an automatic document feeder tray.
Using this document scanner, you can scan up to 18 pages per minute. Since it provides the duplex scanning mode, you can scan up to 36 images in a minute.
The Brother ADS 1500 W is one of the fastest, precise, and best portable scanners. It has a pixel density of 600 DPI that allows it to notice even the tiniest details. However, keep in mind that using this mode will produce a large file. Hence, our recommendation is to use the 600 DPI mode only when scanning pictures.
While scanning regular documents, use the 300 DPI mode. Using this scanner, you can scan a document as large as 8.5 x 34 in. As far as the media thickness is concerned, you can quickly scan everything from an ID card to a receipt.
The dimensions of Brother ADS 1500 W are 11.2 x 3.3 x 4.1 inch. It weighs around 1.58 kg or 3.5 lb. It might sound a little heavier, but this does not hurt its mobility.
Pros
- Two scanning modes: 600 DPI & 300 DPI
- Automatic Image Rotation
- Automatic Image Cropping
- OCR
- Automatic Deskew
- Background Removal
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Brother Web Connect software
- Duplex scanning
Cons
- Comparatively heavier
- Wi-Fi connectivity may bring security concerns
Doxie Go SE
If you want a portable scanner that goes with every apple device, the Doxie Go SE is the one for you. This document scanner is compatible with almost every mac device, including iPhones and iPads.
It is a compact, slim, yet efficient portable scanner that can scan without connecting to a computer. The best feature of Doxie Go SE is that it comes with internal storage. Hence, you do not have to worry about losing your necessary document scans.
You can also expand its storage capacity by using an SD card. The Doxie Go SE features a battery as well. Now, you do not have to worry about connecting it to a power source to work.
Another feature that makes sit highly portable is Wi-Fi connectivity. Simply transfer a file to this scanner using the Wi-Fi connection or the SD card. Then, you can use its Auto Sync feature and save the scanned file directly to your Google Drive or Dropbox.
Once fully charged, you can scan up to 400 pages before the battery dies. Its internal storage can store up to 4000 scans. Once you reach the limit, sync, and transfer your files.
Furthermore, this portable scanner is super light, weighing only 1.9 lb. Its dimensions are 12.25 x 2.25 x 1.75 inch.
However, it does not feature the ADF tray, instead comes with a Sheet-fed mechanism.
Pros
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Expandable internal storage
- Compatible with all Mac devices
- Auto Sync Feature
- Rechargeable battery-operated
- OCR
- Software included
- iOS companion app
Cons
- Does not offer ADF
- Does not provide duplex scanning
Epson Workforce ES – 60W
Epson is arguably one of the biggest brands in the industry right now. Its incredibly compact and efficient ES – 60W portable scanner is the ideal device for anyone looking for portable yet efficient scanners. It comes with a rechargeable battery, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a hi-speed USB 2.0 port.
The ES – 60W can scan up to 15 images per minute and is fully compatible with all Mac devices. While many other document scanners limit your ability to scan larger documents, this device allows you to scan anything up to A4 format.
It is also the lightest scanner featured in this article, weighing only 0.66 lb. or 0.3 kg. Imagine holding it; you will not feel a thing. It also has a small footprint with dimensions of 10.7 x 1.3 x 1.8 inches.
The optical resolution of this scanner is 600 DPI. You can scan anything using this scanner, from documents to receipts, plastic cards, and business cards. There is an LCD screen that displays the status and remaining battery of the scanner.
Other prominent features of this scanner include Automatic Image Rotation, Automatic Color Detection, Automatic Image Cropping, Punch Hole Removal, Automatic De Skew, and OCR. You can also covert the high quality scanned images into BMP Bitmap, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, and searchable PDFs using its scanning software at a color depth of 24-bit RGB for color, and 8-bit for grayscale images.
Another worth-discussing feature of this scanner is its ability to detect whether the scan was initiated using a Wi-Fi connection or the USB port and then transforms the interface accordingly.
Pros
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Rechargeable battery
- Lightweight and compact
- Better maximum document size
- 600 DPI
- Automatic Color Detection
- Efficient scanning software
- Automatic Image Rotation
- Automatic Image Cropping
- Punch Hole Removal
- Automatic De Skew
- Nuance OCR software
Cons
- Does not include ADF
- No internal storage
Buyer’s Guide
With so many options at hand, one can quickly get confused. This is especially true when you don’t know what exactly to look for while buying a portable scanner for mac. Therefore, we decided to make a list of all the essential points you need to consider while buying a document scanner.
Compatibility
This is not just any compatibility but the mac compatibility. Since your main aim is to buy a portable scanner for mac, make sure that it is compatible with all Mac devices. Also, if it is compatible with windows as well, consider it a huge plus point. You can use it with any device you want.
Document Size
The next important thing is to notice the maximum document size a portable scanner can scan. Different scanners have different capacities. Hence, it all depends on your needs. If you mostly have to scan only small receipts and cards, a scanner with a smaller capacity will work just fine.
However, if you are looking forward to scanning larger documents, get a more massive capacity scanner. Just keep in mind to consider the document size.
Portability
Of course, you would like a portable scanner to be genuinely portable. Why is this important? Because sometimes, despite the claim, a device is not always highly portable. Hence, make sure to look for the weight and dimensions. A device with a smaller footprint and weight around 1 kg will be an optimal choice.
Speed and Duty Cycle
This is another critical feature to consider. Look for how many images a scanner can scan per minute. Also, do not forget to look for the duplex scanning feature. It allows you to scan both sides of the document as well. Pick the one that suits your need.
Power Source
The next important point to consider is the power source of a scanner. Is it battery-operated or USB operated? Is the battery rechargeable? Some scanners offer both modes. One such scanner can help you scan important documents while traveling and anywhere you cannot access a power source.
FAQs
What is the Best Scanner for a Mac?
While there are many best portable scanners for mac available in the market, if we had to choose one, it would be Epson Workforce ES – 60W.
What is the Best Portable Scanner to Buy?
The best portable document scanner to buy would be the one that is compatible with all operating systems. Hence, we would recommend buying Brother ADS 1500 W.
What Scanner is Compatible With Mac?
There are many scanners compatible with mac. The top ones include:
How do I Connect My Scanner to My Mac?
It depends on how many connectivity modes your scanner offers. Almost all portable scanners have the conventional USB 2.0 port for connectivity. Some of them offer Wi-Fi connectivity as an additional mode.
A few come with software that can access images in your cloud while others have an SD card port, you can add images there.
Conclusion
Now that we covered some of the best portable scanners out there. All you have to do is pick the document scanner that suits your need the best. Do not forget to look at all the major buying factors, including ease of use, connectivity modes, power source, document size, portability, software, duty cycle, and speed, etc.
Remember that portable scanners make a handy tool. When you are on the go and need to scan some important documents, there is nothing more comforting than having a portable scanner on your hand.
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