Are people frequently handing you their business cards? Do you worry about storing all those cards or losing them and not being able to find the contact information you need? A business card scanner might be the perfect product for you in your office.
With a business card scanner, you can easily scan and store all the business cards you’ve been given. Most business card scanners include software, which makes it easy to search through the contacts you’ve scanned. So, you can locate a given person’s contact information quickly and easily when you need it.
Buyer’s Guide
Before you decide on a business card scanner, use the information below to help you consider your options’ different features. You will want to be sure to find the best scanner to meet all your needs. Investing a little time now in comparing your options will likely save you a lot of time and frustration in the future.
Connection Type
One of the first factors you’ll want to think about is the connection type needed to transfer documents. Do you want a wireless scanner that can operate with a battery pack and send documents through Wi-Fi, or would you prefer a scanner that needs to be connected to a computer to work? When you think about this feature, think about where you’re likely to be using the scanner. If you think you’ll primarily use it at your desk, a scanner that connects using a USB cable might be fine for you. If you think you’re likely to be scanning on the go, then you might want to consider finding a wireless scanner that you won’t need to plug into a computer.
Speed
The next thing you’ll want to consider is the speed of the scanners you’re looking at. Some can scan a full page in about five seconds, while others can take twice as long. Do you anticipate needing to scan multiple pages at once where you’ll really appreciate a super quick scanner?
Storage Within the Scanner
Some wireless scanners can store multiple pages worth of documents, so you can keep scanning without needing to sync to your computer right away. You’ll need to decide if this is a feature that is important to you. If you’d like to see if the scanner you purchase, then look more closely at the number of documents the different scanners can store before you need to sync them with a computer.
Compatibility with Mobile Devices
For this feature, you’ll want to decide if you want the scanner you purchase to be compatible with your mobile device. With some scanners, you can use Wi-Fi to transfer your scanned documents to your phone or tablet. Other scanners are only compatible with computers.
Scanner Size/Portability
If you plan to use your scanner frequently when you’re away from your office desk, pay attention to how easy it will be to carry along with you. Look at the size and weight to help you make this decision.
Maximum Document Size
All the scanners reviewed above can scan a business card, but some can also a full-page paper. Do you think you’ll solely use your scanner for business cards, or would you like to have the flexibility to scan larger items sometimes?
Maximum Document Thickness
Another feature you should pay attention to is the maximum document thickness the scanner can handle. If you think you may need to scan credit cards or laminated pages, you will want to make sure you pick a scanner that can handle these items.
Included Software
Before finalizing your decision about which scanner to purchase, look over the included software that will come with your scanner. Does it sound like it is user-friendly and will help you easily organize your contacts? Will you be able to perform keyword searches? Can you create PDFs or JPEGs from your scans? You will also want to pay attention to whether you’ll be able to easily upload your documents to a cloud server and/or share your contacts with programs like Outlook.
Compatibility with Different Operating Systems
Finally, read the product details to ensure that the scanner you want to purchase will be compatible with your devices. You don’t want to purchase a scanner to return it because it will not work with the operating system on your computer.
When you are on the market for a new business card scanner, consider the features above to help you find the perfect scanner that will meet all your needs. Soon, you’ll have found the best scanner for you, and you can get busy scanning and organizing all of your contacts.
Best Business Card Scanners of 2021
1. Doxie Go SE Wi-Fi Scanner – Best Overall Business Card Scanner
The Doxie Go is a portable scanner that you can sync directly with your smartphone, eliminating a computer’s need to be close by. This scanner is only about 12 inches across and is narrow, so it can easily be stored on your office desk or carried along with you in a briefcase or workbag.
Instant access
With the Doxie Go Scanner, you can instantly access the business cards you have scanned. The scanner comes with free apps for your smartphone, where you’ll be able to view your scanned items. When you’re back at your computer, syncing the items you scanned is simple.
Connection and storage
You can either connect your phone to your computer over Wi-Fi or use the included USB cable to transfer the documents. Once the documents are uploaded onto your computer, the included ABBYY OCR technology will allow you to create PDF documents from the cards you scanned. You can decide where you want to save your scans-either to your desktop or a cloud service, such as Evernote or iCloud Drive.
Autonomy
Memory
The scanner comes with 2 GB of built-in memory to store your scans in that space, and you can expand the amount of storage because the device also has a standard SD card slot.
Other document scanners can scan a color page more quickly than the Doxie Go can. Consider the number of documents you’re likely to be scanning at one time to consider if this is an important feature to you.
Verdict
We recommend the Doxie Go Scanner. It is easy to bring with you and scan documents and business cards on the go. Besides, with the included software, you can easily access your scanned items directly from your phone.
- You can instantly sync your scans to your cell phone
- Once you upload the scans to your computer, you can create searchable PDFs so you can easily locate people’s contact information
- The scanner comes with a rechargeable battery which will allow you to scan up to 400 pages on a single charge
- You can scan items wider than a business card, such as a full-size piece of paper, as well
- Some other document scanner will scan a full-color page more quickly than the Doxie Go
- Some users have noted that the size of the PDF files (the amount of space they take on your computer) is quite large compared to another scanner
2. Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100 Wireless Mobile Scanner – Best Wireless Scanner
The Fujitsu ScanSnap Wireless Scanner is a portable scanner that you can use to send documents to a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. It is small, compact, and weighs only 14 ounces, making it the perfect size to carry along with you to meetings and events.
This scanner takes just 5.2 seconds to scan a full-color page (at a resolution up to 600 dpi), meaning you can quickly scan multiple business cards or other documents. Once you have sent your items to your desired device, you can choose to save your documents on your desktop or upload them onto the cloud. The PDF files are created when your documents are scanned fully searchable, so you can easily organize and find the information you’re looking for.
The iX100 has a built-in processor that enhances images on the fly, unlike documents captured by your phone.
When scanning small documents such as business cards, you can begin scanning a second document before the first one is complete.
Scanning of large documents
If you have a larger document than a page to scan, you can fold the page in half and scan each side of the document. The Fujitsu ScanSnap will recognize this and will automatically put the pages together into one larger document.
The scanner contains a rechargeable battery, which will allow up to 260 pages to be scanned before needing to be recharged.
Some users have complained that the Fujitsu ScanSnap is not easy to operate. Others have complained that the battery does not last very long between charges.
Verdict
We recommend the Fujitsu ScanSnap Scanner. It scans documents and sends them to your computer, where you can organize them, save them, or upload them to the cloud.
- It only takes 5.2 seconds to scan a full-page document and less time to scan a business card
- You can create searchable PDFs of your scans and save them in your documents or on the cloud
- The ScanSnap will automatically stitch together two-page documents that need to be scanned separately
- The scanner is wide enough to scan a full-page document, in addition to business cards
- Some other document scanners can scan more than 260 pages on a single charge
3. Ambir Technology PS667 Simplex A6 ID Card Scanner – Best Scanner for Small Documents
At less than eight inches wide, the Ambir ID Card Scanner is very compact and portable. It is designed to scan ID cards, business cards, checks, and other similarly sized items (up to 4.13 x 10 inches)
The Ambir ID Card Scanner comes with a USB cable so you can hook it up to your computer to transfer your scanned documents. You have the option to scan your documents in either color or black and white. The scanner takes only three seconds to scan a business card (when in gray-scale mode).
PC compatibility
The Ambir ID Card Scanner is not compatible with MAC computers, so you might want to look at different options if you have a MAC. This scanner needs to be hooked up to a computer through a USB cable to transfer scanned documents compared with other wireless scanners.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a simple scanner to use solely for business cards, we recommend the Ambir ID Card Scanner. It will quickly scan a business card and send it to your computer, where you can save the information.
- You can scan a business card in as little as three seconds
- The small size makes the Ambir Scanner easy to move and store
- The scanner can handle thicker paper materials, laminated cards, and cards that are embossed, so you can scan a variety of materials with this scanner
- This is not a wireless scanner, it must be hooked up to a computer to transfer documents
- The scanner is not compatible with MACs
4. Canon imageFORMULA P-215II Mobile Document Scanner – Best Scanner with an Automatic Feeder
The Canon imageFORMULA scanner is a sleek, black portable scanner. It can scan any paper documents, including business cards, checks, receipts, and full-page documents. Your purchase of the scanner will include a one-year warranty to protect you from any issues with the scanner.
This scanner features an automatic feeding tray, so you can scan up to 20 pages without having to load each item individually. It only takes about 4 seconds to scan a single page. It can scan 15 pages per minute in black and white or grayscale or 10 pages per minute in color, depending on the resolution you choose for your scanned documents. The scanner can also scan both sides of a document in a single pass.
The Canon imageFORMULA Scanner is designed to be portable, so you can bring it with you to scan on the go. It has a wireless battery pack, making on-the-go scanning even easier.
The Canon imageFORMULA is compatible with both Macs and PCs, as well as mobile devices.
Software features
Some customers have complained that the automatic feeder feature sometimes pulls more than one sheet of paper down at a time, causing some sheets not to scan correctly.
Verdict
We recommend the Canon imageFORMULA scanner because of the many features it offers. The automatic feeding tray and quick scanning capabilities make this a great scanner for scanning business cards and other paper documents.
- The scanner only takes 4 seconds to scan a full page
- It is compatible with MACs, PCs, and mobile devices
- The Cannon imageFORMULA can scan a variety of paper sizes, including laminated or embossed cards
- It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take along with you
- The automatic feeder sometimes pulls down more than one page at a time
5. PenPower WorldCard Pro Business Card Scanner – Best Multi-Language Business Card Scanner
The PenPower WorldCard Pro Business Card Scanner is easily portable due to its small size. It is designed to scan business cards and upload them to your device.
After scanning a business card, this scanner converts the information into a digital format in seconds. It allows you to sync your new contacts with your Gmail contacts to ensure that you don’t lose any contact information. You can then share your contacts with programs such as Outlook, ACT!, Lotus Notes, or Salesforce. The scanner is compatible with PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. Once you have scanned your documents, you can execute keyword searches to find the contact information you’re looking for quickly.
Language recognition
If you are looking for a truly portable scanner that does not need to be connected to a computer to work, this might not be the best choice for you. The scanner must be connected to a computer or device using the included USB cable to operate. Some users who have purchased this scanner have complained that it does not read some business cards well, especially with logos or designs. Other users have complained that the software for MACs does not work well, making it challenging to perform even basic operations.
Verdict
Overall, we do not recommend the PenPower WorldCard Pro Business Card Scanner. Too many customers have complained about poor performance scanning cards and software issues. It is not the best business card scanner you’ll be able to find to meet your needs.
- The scanner can scan and read cards in 25 languages
- After scanning business cards, you can share your new contacts with Outlook and other programs
- The scanner must be connected to a computer through the USB cable to work; there is no battery power option
- The USB cord connects in the back of the scanner and sometimes gets in the way of business cards exiting the device
6. Epson WorkForce DS-30 Portable Document & Image Scanner – Best Scanner for Thicker Documents
The Epson WorkForce Scanner is a small black scanner capable of scanning full-page documents. It is small and light, making it easy to carry it in your bag to bring it along with you.
WorkForce DS-30 Portable Scanner can handle the documents pretty well. Sheets of paper of different sizes can be fed into the machine with little problem and are smoothly processed until they come out the other end – something is seen on the largest possible proportions of an 8.5’x14” poster to something more fiddly like a business card or a receipt.
This scanner is compatible with multiple different operating systems, including Windows and MAC.
Scanning
The Epson WorkForce Scanner can scan thicker documents as well, such as credit cards. To scan a document, you need to connect the USB cord to your computer and start the scanner. Once you have scanned a document, you will be able to edit and search within the information you scanned. Additionally, you’ll be able to create PDF and PDF/A files.
This Epson WorkForce DS-30 rarely stutters, and the image is read with clarity so that it produces a precise replication. The only issue here is with the limitations on the other items it can scan and this idea of portability.
Disadvantages
The scanner does not have this sense of versatility because it can only scan items that fit through the slot, so leaflets and single pages work perfectly, but there is no opportunity to scan pages in books.
The other issue is this idea that buyers can “wirelessly scan critical documents,” which can be a little misleading at first. This wireless aspect comes in the ability to send scanned data to the cloud or an awaiting mobile device for faster transfers and access – the scanner having no internal memory of its own – and you must note that buyers have to connect the scanner to a laptop or PC via a USB wire for it to work.
This scanner is slower than many other document scanners. It scans 4.6 pages per minute, which means it takes nearly 15 seconds to scan one full-page document. There is no optional battery pack, so you need to be hooked up to a computer for the scanner to work. Many users who purchased this scanner have noted that it does not work well with MACs. Other users have complained about the general operations of the scanner. They have said that it is challenging and time-consuming to scan multiple pages at once. They have also noted that the scanner sometimes will freeze up and not work properly.
Verdict
We do not recommend the Epson WorkForce Scanner. It is slower than other document scanners and does not work very consistently. Additionally, it would help if you were hooked up to a computer to use this scanner, which is not the case for some alternatives.
- You can scan both thin and thick documents
- The scanner will scan full-page documents so that you can use it for more than just business cards
- Some users have complained that the software that comes with the scanner does not work well with a MAC
- There is no optional battery pack; you have to be connected to a computer to use the scanner
- This scanner is slower than many other scanners
Conclusion
Business card scanners will foremost eliminate or greatly reduce the bulk of papers, which you will store on your calling card tray, drawer, or cabinet. Maintaining a computerized contact manager or database is a more efficient way of storing important contact information of clients, individuals, and other institutions, allowing them to get the needed reference almost in no time. A business card scanner also eliminates the additional human resource needed to encode contact details to an existing database manually. Another important benefit of using a scanner is providing security or limiting access to such personal information only to employees who were granted rights to do so.
There are numerous types of card scanners available in the market, portable, desktop, those that capture still images, or those that can capture the data and convert them into text. For people who are always on the go, a portable scanner is ideal. It is also the best option for the sales and marketing department of firms that handle a rather large clientele database. Scanners of this type have been created to be extremely slim and small, most of which can fit on the pockets of your laptop bags and cases. They usually run on batteries or an easy connection to the USB port. If you own a smartphone, such as a phone that runs the Android platform, you can get scanner applications, like an android business card scanner app on your phone.
A desktop business card scanner, on the other hand, is designed to stay within the office and larger in size compared to the portable ones; however, they are much more durable and built for heavy-duty scanning. Card scanners, which capture still images, compile said electronic photographs of the calling cards themselves. The most advanced of which are those capable of capturing only the business card information or data like the name, address, contact numbers, position, etc. and translate this information into text which can, later on, be stored in a database or may be used in any other text processing computer program.
When finally searching for the ideal business card scanner to purchase, there are numerous considerations to take note of. The card scanner should be flexible enough to cater to different scanning needs other than business cards. Many of these devices can scan business cards, passports, photos, IDs, receipts, and many more abound the market. Size consideration is also a consideration; either you will use the scanner more often outdoors or want to save on space. Take note also of the device’s compatibility with your existing computer’s operating system. And most importantly, go for a more budget-friendly yet quality piece.
REFERENCES:
https://www.getdoxie.com/
https://www.fujitsu.com/
https://www.ambir.com/
https://www.usa.canon.com/
http://www.penpowerinc.com/
https://epson.com/
I bought the scansnap ix100 to store all our documents digitally
The speed at which this device scans is really fantastic, too.
the software is very convenient to store the files
This small device is definitely recommended for those who want to scan a lot.
also very useful is the possibility to save to dropbox or google
maybe a little pricey, but he’s definitely worth it.
so far no drawbacks
I love how I can connect the Doxie Go scanner straight to my phone. I keep all of my business information in an app on my phone and this way makes it a lot easier to keep it all in one place and make my job a whole lot easier.
Hey, Tristen! Thank you for sharing your experience. I also scan business cards with my Doxie GO and store them in my phone. Of course, to just scan business cards, you don’t need to buy a separate device, just take a picture of them on the phone, but I also use the business card scanner for a lot of other purposes. For example, to scan reciepts or A4 pages.
I bought on Ebay PenPower WorldCard scanner. When I got it out of the box, it looked very attractive. However, when I tried to turn it on, it didn’t work. I read the manual, tried online tutorials to help me troubleshoot, but finally it turned out to be just defective. I returned the device and got the money back, but no one compensates for the time and nerves I spent. Don’t buy this device unless you want to be disappointed.
Hi Dale! I also recommend to be careful with purchase of this device. The design is beautiful, but the hardware is not well developed.
I use the Canon imageFORMULA P-215II for a few years in conjunction with my iMac. Since last year Canon no longer delivers drivers for Apple users. This makes it impossible to change the file location of scans. For me, the scanner is now worthless. Contacted Canon and filed a complaint. Nothing will be changed 🙁
I bought the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100 in the May and I want to share my impressions. From now on, you won’t have to keep any papers. The format and speed of the ScanSnap iX100 allows you to digitise your documents anytime, anywhere. Scan documents to your email, Cloud or smartphone in seconds and you’ll always have your documents at your fingertips. What’s great about this scanner is that it has OCR, so you can create instantly searchable PDF files.
Since this year I have the company completely in the cloud with google apps for business. For example, I have shared several folders with different relationships. All I had to do was go to the office to scan. Now I can also digitize on the go. I would have liked to have the slightly bigger brother, but as far as I can find out there is no battery. And to work with a separate power pack I find awkward from experience in the past with other usb equipment.
The Canon imageFormula was deployed during a competition last week to scan and recognize protocols in A4 format. Unfortunately the Canon imageFormula was not very reliable. Regularly several A4 sheets were run through the device at the same time via the sheet feeder, causing you to miss pages. Also, the paper had to be ‘pushed’ regularly so that it would be fed through the sheet feeder.
After years of using a classic flatbed scanner and then also my smartphone (with the necessary software) switched to the Doxie GO.
Since then, the scanning of business cards, invoices, documents, tickets, … a world of difference.
This scanner rightly receives a lot of positive feedback in reviews on various sites.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to digitise their documents in a simple way!