By Robin Owens 5 days ago, Scanners
What are the best scanners for Mac?
There are many things you need to consider when selecting a document or a slide scanner and compatibility is included in that list. Windows users have fewer problems because the majority of devices is compatible with this OS.
It can be much harder to find the best scanner for Mac. If you own an Apple computer, just be careful with making your choice and double-check or pick one of the options below.
We have chosen scanners that boast numerous handy features. Whether resolution, speed, cost, or some additional functions were your priority, below you will find a model or two to match those fully.
Optical scan resolution: 600 dpi | Scanning speed: 30 ppm | Interface: USB, Wi-Fi | Feeder capacity: 50 Sheets
⊕ Agile
⊕ Good resolution
⊕ Simple to use
⊕ Sensor controls
⊖ Pricey
A very worthy scanner for Macbook Pro. It is convenient and performant, benefiting from the feedback on the previous models. The automated algorithms can improve your scans by eliminating blank pages and edges, plus rotating and color-correcting every page.
If you wish, the OCR can generate a text file repeating the content and structure of the image so that you can search for files or even edit them. Once the processes are complete, the file can be saved to the cloud.
Optical scan resolution: 600 dpi | Scanning speed: 40 ppm | Interface: USB 2.0 | Feeder capacity: 60 Sheets (Automatic Document Feeder)
⊕ Impressive OCR precision
⊕ Well-combined software package
⊕ Impressive speed
⊕ Simplistic interface
⊖ Only wired connection
Here you see a more standard desktop model for a sensible price. It is definitely not designed for frequent relocation but in its corner on your table, it will be a performant assistant.
Apart from having a decent resolution, it can intake 60 sheets of paper and process them in 90 seconds on both sides. Those can further be enhanced by great programs included in the package plus recognized as text. The latter feature would make it easy to find separate pages in this humongous pile.
Optical scan resolution: 600 dpi | Scanning speed: 10 ppm | Interface: USB Type C | Feeder capacity: 1 sheet
⊕ Convenient to carry
⊕ USB powered
⊕ Great scan resolution
⊖ Has no USB-C
Another small document and photo scanner for Mac. It is slightly different from the earlier entry, simplified and thus less expensive. It still does a great job of creating digital copies of a variety of documents from tiny business cards to proper contracts and reports
Optical scan resolution: 250 dpi | Scanning speed: 40 ppm | Interface: USB Type-A/Type-B, HDMI | Feeder capacity: N/A
⊕ Scans objects as well as pages
⊕ Advanced deskewing algorithms
⊕ Sensible cost
⊖ Bright light interferes with operation
This is an absolutely unique scanner that has no bed or feeder for documents. Looking somewhat like a table lamp, it drops a scanning beam from its top element and captures an image of whatever is in the view.
This device is very quick and can make a detailed, bright scan of an image or even an open book that would look like a flat page. Great device for snapping digital copies of any papers.
Optical scan resolution: 600 dpi | Scanning speed: 10 ppm | Interface: USB 2.0 | Feeder capacity: N/A
⊕ Miniature and lightweight
⊕ USB connectivity and charging
⊕ Great speed for a small version
⊕ Adds data from receipts to CSV or QuickBooks
⊖ Not suitable for scanning photos
The best scanner for Mac users on the go. It can easily be taken around in the carrier and used for receipts and regular paper documents. The device is space-saving in two ways, being small itself and allowing you to create high-quality digital copies of any paperwork cluttering the space
Optical scan resolution: 600 dpi | Scanning speed: 25 ppm | Interface: USB 2.0/3.0 | Feeder capacity: 35 Sheets
⊕ Great software included
⊕ Reasonable price
⊕ Straightforward operation
⊕ Quicker than competitors in the price range
⊖ No wireless access
This is a robust and quick device for use in small offices. It can function as a flatbed or sheet-feed scanner, which makes it pretty versatile.
The hardware can feel somewhat limited but the possibilities are expanded through the computer programs. As an outcome, you can get an enhanced image that will look flawless and require no extra editing on your part.
Optical scan resolution: 600 dpi | Scanning speed: 15 ppm | Interface: USB 2.0, Wi-Fi | Feeder capacity: N/A
⊕ Speedy
⊕ Errorless text recognition
⊕ Great programs provided
⊕ Independent from power sources
⊖ Requires manual paper feeding
Another great portable scanner for Mac that is better than many analogs in this price range. In addition to great resolution and speed, it offers true, unrestricted portability. The device has its own battery, connects wirelessly to devices, and has special financial software. From bills and receipts, it will extract bits of data to make tracking and reporting easier.
Optical scan resolution: 600 dpi | Scanning speed: 25 ppm | Interface: USB 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11n | Feeder capacity: 20 Sheets
⊕ Small size
⊕ Quick performance
⊕ Scans both sides
⊕ No-wire connectivity
⊖ Requires careful transportation
Having two scanning elements, it is impressively quick in presenting you with the digital copies. For that reason, it is fit for those, who have loads of paperwork but relocate frequently. It still fits in a roomier computer bag, works independently, and with no cords dangling around.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500
Our choice |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Canon ImageFORMULA R40
Professional |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Epson WorkForce ES-50
Budget |
CHECK PRICE → |
If you regularly work with many papers that need to be digitized, you will need an ADF to make your life easier and shorten the time that scanning takes. A flatbed with no feeder has its own benefits and is better when you have few items but the quality is crucial, especially if you sometimes scan irregular things.
Another crucial feature for people with volumes of paperwork is the scanning speed. Combined with the previous feature, it allows processing lengthy contracts in seconds and without your interference.
Naturally, the best scanner for Mac should have the appropriate driver that allows it to function with the OS. Another important element is the software that greatly enhances the capabilities of an otherwise simple scanner. Such programs typically have Mac versions as well.
If you are looking for a photo scanner, more of them are Mac-compatible now but typically come with a simple scan utility. The manufacturers imply that you would prefer selecting your own image editing programs like Photoshop Elements or other options to enhance the scans with.
If you are looking for a document scanner, compatibility may be somewhat more questionable here. Some models do come with the needed driver and properly operate on Mac computers. However, if you look at the software bundle, you might find some programs there missing Mac versions.
This means that paying a full price, you might end up lacking a document, contact management program, etc. This means you have to purchase missing elements separately, so make sure all package elements are supported by your system.
If you’ve never used a scanner for Mac, open the Apple menu > System Preferences and find the dedicated tab there. The window will have a list of devices on the left where you should see the name and model of yours. Click on it or, in some versions, click the Scan on the right first.
Epson, many models of which you can see prevailing in the review, is currently the leader.
For your home, Canon ImageFORMULA R40 would be ideal.
Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 is the absolute leader in our opinion.
