Best Photo Scanner for Mac: Flatbed vs Portable | 2022 Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

What is the best photo scanner for Mac? There are three main types to choose from: flatbed, sheetfed, and a handheld scanner. Flatbed scanners like the Epson Perfection V600 produce images of higher quality and can handle non-standard photos of different sizes and thicknesses. Sheetfed machines, such as Epson FastFoto FF-680W, boast a higher speed and can easily cope with a large number of photos within a short period of time. Handheld models like the Sharper Image Scanner are used by those who need to scan bulky items. More portable battery-powered options, such as Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi Scanner, are very popular among travelers. When choosing your photo scanner for Mac, make sure it has high resolution, compact design, and a broad set of features.

Types of Photo Scanners for Mac | Core Features: Resolution & Speed

There is a variety of photo scanners available on the market with different designs, capabilities, and sets of features. Let’s see what are the main types of these devices.

The most common type is a flatbed scanner that can handle both photos and documents. Such a device is made with a glass surface that holds a photo or a document and a scan head that moves underneath it. One of the major advantages is that it can scan non-standard photos like those of poor quality or thick ones. Additionally, you can scan large-size photos without the need for bending them. The scanning items lay flat on the surface without moving, which removes the risk of damage and tears.

Another type includes sheetfed scanners that have the advantage of being smaller in size. They work in a different way, feeding the photo and rolling it out. Sheetfed scanners are ideal for processing multiple photos at a time and feature a higher speed. However, this option is not recommended for scanning items that are thicker than a standard photo.

Resolution & Speed

The most important thing to consider when choosing your photo scanner is resolution (the DPI or dots per inch). The higher the resolution, the better quality the image has. Design is another thing to consider. Compact and slim scanners take less space on the desk while portable battery-operated models can be used on the go.

If you have to deal with a large number of photos at a time, look at such factors as speed and performance. While some high-end models like Epson FastFoto FF-680W can process images at a speed of one photo per second, for others it may take about 8 seconds to do the job.

Last but not least, consider the specification. Modern scanners typically offer multiple features allowing you to edit scanned photos and improve their quality. Make sure that your scanner can not only crop and rotate the image but also perform color management, restore faded colors, remove scratches and dust (if needed).

A handheld scanner, requires you to hold the machine in your hands and move it over the item. Such products are compact and lower in price because they largely rely on the human ability to accurately move an object. This is a great option if you have to deal with bulky items like albums. With a handheld scanner, you can fast and easily scan a large number of items that have different sizes and weights. And finally, while being quite inexpensive, it is a multi-use device that you will find helpful for different purposes.

Review of the 6 Best Photo Scanners for Mac: High-Resolution Epson vs Plustek vs Portable & Handheld Scanners

Below, you will find a review of the best scanners for $90 to $600 that support both Mac and PC. You may choose a super fast Epson scanning system or a more energy-efficient option. There is a less sophisticated model for family use and a portable battery-powered scanner for travelers. If you are tight on budget, opt for the Canon scanner that comes with all the necessary color enhancement tools.

Epson Perfection V600 Color Photo Scanner | High-Precision Scanning for Professionals

With this device, you can scan not only photos and documents but also slides and films. The Epson Perfection V600 offers high-precision 6400 x 9600 DPI scanning and can create enlargements up to 17 x 22 inches. Another advantage of this scanner is that it is packed with beneficial features. You can use the Digital ICE features to remove dust and scratches from a film as well as tears from a photo. Another useful feature, Easy Photo Fix, will allow you to restore faded color slides and photos. For color management, apply the ArcSoft PhotoStudio tool. And finally, while being a high-performance scanner, it consumes less power and is energy-efficient.

Epson Perfection V600 Color Photo Scanner: Check the current price

Epson FastFoto FF-680W Wireless Photo Scanning System | Best High-Speed

This high-end photo and document scanner will cost you more than $500, but it is really worth this kind of money. This second-generation photo scanner is the fastest one in the world. At low resolution, it can scan as fast as one photo per second. Not only is it able to scan and restore your photos but it can also organize and share them. Depending on your needs, you can choose the optimal scanning mode: 300 DPI for easy sharing, 600 DPI TIFF for archiving, and 1200 DPI for enlargement. Besides, the Epson FastFoto FF-680W offers a heap of features, such as cropping, rotation, auto enhancement, red-eye effect reduction, and color restoration. On top of that, this versatile device can connect wirelessly or via a USB.

Epson FastFoto FF-680W Wireless Photo Scanning System: Check the current price

Plustek Photo Scanner - ephoto Z300, Scan 4x6 Photo | Best Easy-to-Use

Such a simple and easy-to-use device is the best option for scanning family photos. That said, it works pretty fast and can process photos within seconds. The Plustek supports different sizes of photos, ranging from 3x5 to 8x10, as well as A4 and letter-size documents. The device is also well-suited for scanning old photos as it is equipped with a special soft roller that will protect them from any damage. This model is more efficient than a flatbed scanner because you just put your photos one by one and the device will scan them. You can edit and enhance the scanned photos using the feature of Powerful Image Enhancement. If you download the latest version, you can take advantage of some other more advanced functions.

Plustek Photo Scanner - ephoto Z300: Check the current price

Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi - The Smarter Wi-Fi Scanner | Best Portable

This battery-powered scanner is the best choice for travelers and those on the go. Equipped with a rechargeable Li-ion battery, it requires neither a computer nor special drivers. The device can make digital copies within seconds, archive, and share them. With just 12 inches in length, it will easily fit in an average-sized bag. On top of that, the scanner is easy to carry as it weighs less than 2 pounds. The 600 DPI scanner processes up to 400 pages per charge and stores several thousand pages before synchronization. The product features integrated Wi-Fi, included Mac and PC apps, and expandable memory.

Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi: Check the current price

Sharper Image Rapid Photo Album Scanner | Best Handheld

This compact device has a unique design atypical for conventional scanners. To scan a photo, you need to place the machine over it and press a button, using the viewfinder window for alignment. Move the device around an album or any other flat surface to scan images one by one. The scanner makes digital copies of photos, slides, and 35mm negatives. It is made with a 2.4-inch color screen for easy viewing and a 14MP CMOS sensor with built-in LED lights. The machine is corded and connects to a Mac computer via a USB. It comes with a memory card and media holders for slides and negatives.

Sharper Image Rapid Photo Album Scanner: Check the current price

Canon CanoScan Lide 400 Slim Scanner | Best Budget

For less than $90, you get a decent branded scanner with a slim design. Measuring 14.5 x 9.9 x 1.7 inches, it is easy to use and has a whole bunch of useful features. The machine offers 4800 x 4800 DPI resolution and can even scan upright, something that makes it a space-saving solution. You can enhance your images using dust removal, color restore, and other tools. Yes, the Lide 400 is slower than the above-described models and it takes 8 seconds for the machine to scan, but this downside is offset by the lower price.

Canon CanoScan Lide 400 Slim Scanner: Check the current price

7 Best-Selling Photo Scanner for Mac Comparative Table