10 Best Flatbed Scanners of 2023

Purpose of Use

When selecting the best flatbed scanner, think about how you are going to use it. For instance, you might need to scan documents, old photos, or negatives. There is no need to buy a high-resolution photo scanner if you want to scan only paper docs. However, in this case, you might need to purchase a device with OCR support.

As a rule, cheap photo scanners cost around $ 100. Scanners that work with slides and film negatives are more expensive. Such models come with plastic frames or holders. It helps them align negatives when scanning. Besides, you won’t need to put slides manually on the scan area.

Scan Quality

The quality of a digitized photo depends on the supported resolution and formats, such as Letter, A4, and A3. You will need to scan documents at a resolution of at least 600 dpi. The minimal resolution for images is 1200 dpi. The higher it is, the better.

Most flatbed scanners have basic and extended modes. With them, you can use various drivers and utilities. The basic mode allows you to set parameters automatically, while the advanced one allows you to manually adjust settings and enhance image quality.

Extra Features

Scanners with extra features are more expensive. However, if you don’t plan to scan films and something thicker than a photo, you don’t need a model with film holders. If you are okay with lifting the lid several times to change photos, look for a scanner without extra features.

Most drivers allow removing dust and scratches. However, to remove other defects, you need to use advanced features. The best flatbed scanners usually support the Digital ICE technology.