The 7 Best Photo Scanners for Digitizing Your Collection
If you shoot on film or have some irreplaceable older photos you want to save digitally, one of these is your best solution.
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These days, you likely solely take photos on your smartphone and rarely print them. But we bet you have old prints kicking around in boxes or albums—with only one copy and negatives long lost. A photo scanner allows you to digitize these old photographs to preserve and organize them. Toss them in a cloud server, and you’re basically future-proofing those old memories. A photo scanner is also an excellent tool for photographers who prefer to shoot on film. Unlike document scanners, photo scanners have ultra-high resolution, and most can also print.
Whether you’ve got photo negatives you want to preserve or family photos you’d rather not lose, these are the best scanners for photos available. Keep reading for quick info on our top picks, then scroll down for aspects to keep in mind as you’re buying, our selection process and criteria, and the full reviews.
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The Best Photo Scanners
- Best Overall: Epson FastFoto FF-680W
- Best Value: Canon CanoScan LiDE400
- Best for Mac Users: Canon ImageFormula RS40 Photo Scanner
- Most Versatile: Epson Perfection V600 Color Flatbed
- Best for Professionals: Epson Perfection V850 Pro
What to Consider
Resolution
The resolution of a photo scanner is measured in dots per inch (dpi). The higher the dpi, the more detail your scanner can capture and translate from the original print. The crispest digital versions of your physical photographs requires a scanner with a high resolution, but that also results in a higher price.
Interface and Connectivity
Some scanners tether to computers through USB, some have Wi-Fi capabilities, and some utilize both. If a photo scanner has a Wi-Fi interface, you can wirelessly upload your photos to a nearby device, like a computer or smartphone. Nearly all of the photo scanners on this list feature a companion app and desktop software that let you view, edit, and save photos. Some software even comes with retouching capabilities to remove scratches and other imperfections.
Speed
The feeder capacity of your scanner affects your device’s speed. If a scanner has a large feeder capacity, you can drop multiple photos into its chamber, and it’ll quickly scan the batch. For example, our top pick, the Epson FastFoto FF-680W, can scan thousands of pictures as quickly as one photo per second. The Plustek Photo Scanner, on the other hand, can only scan a single photo at a time and takes 2 seconds. If you have hundreds to thousands of photos to backup, reach for a photo scanner into which you can load multiple pictures.
Film Negatives
If you want to scan photo negatives or film strips, choose a scanner with this capability or find an adaptor. Some scanners on this list can handle photos, documents, and negatives, so choose something versatile if you’d like to scan all three.
How We Selected
To choose the best photo scanners, we looked at options that work for a variety of needs, from digitizing photographs to preserving film negatives. We consulted customer reviews and referenced buying guides from PCMag, TechRadar, and other specialty photography sites to develop a list of the most frequently recommended and trust-worthy products. Finally, we relied on our in-house expertise and hands-on experience in technology and photography—testing devices like document scanners—to finalize our picks.
Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
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