Best Flatbed Scanners of 2026

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin
Last Updated: 4 Feb 2026

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Flatbed scanners are devices designed to digitize physical documents and images. They consist of a flat glass surface where the document or image is placed face down for scanning. These scanners are widely used in homes, offices and businesses to create digital copies of important documents and photographs. They offer high resolution scanning capabilities and can handle a variety of sizes and types of documents. Flatbed scanners are an essential tool for those who need to store, share, or edit physical documents and images in a digital format.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Plustek Opticslim 1180 A3 Flatbed Scanner Cover #TOP 1
Plustek Opticslim 1180 A3 Flatbed Scanner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
CZUR Shine Ultra 13MP Portable Book Scanner Cover #TOP 2
CZUR Shine Ultra 13MP Portable Book Scanner
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Epson Expression 13000XL Large Format Photo Scanner Cover #TOP 3
Epson Expression 13000XL Large Format Photo Scanner
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 6 Flatbed Scanners

#TOP 1

Plustek Opticslim 1180 A3 Flatbed Scanner

OPTICSLIM 1180
Silver
Plustek Opticslim 1180 A3 Flatbed Scanner Cover
Plustek Opticslim 1180 Flatbed Scanner

The Plustek Opticslim 1180 is an excellent flatbed scanner designed for A3 size scanning, making it perfect for larger documents and images. You can easily create searchable PDF files, which allows for quick document retrieval. The functional button design enables you to perform various tasks such as scanning, OCR, PDF creation, and emailing with just a press, streamlining your workflow. This user-friendly design ensures that you can manage your scanning needs efficiently and effectively.

What We Like
A3 size scanning area
Searchable PDF files
Functional button design
User-friendly operation
#TOP 2

CZUR Shine Ultra 13MP Portable Book Scanner

13MP
CZUR Shine Ultra 13MP Portable Book Scanner Cover
CZUR Shine Ultra Book Scanner 13MP Portable Document Scanner with OCR, A4/A3 Scanner, High-Speed Scanning for Home Library Schools and Offices, Czur Scanner Support HDMI, Windows/macOS/Linux

The CZUR Shine Ultra Scanner offers a practical solution for clear and professional book scanning. Its Auto-Flattening Technology ensures your pages look perfect by correcting curves and shadows, so you won’t need to press or damage your books. The built-in OCR makes scanned pages searchable and editable, saving you time by converting text into Word or PDF formats with high accuracy. Thanks to its 13MP HD camera, you get sharp and detailed scans suitable for reading and archiving. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable, ideal for use at home, school, or on the move.

What We Like
Auto-flattens curved pages
High OCR accuracy
Clear 13MP scans
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 3

Epson Expression 13000XL Large Format Photo Scanner

B11B257201
White
Epson Expression 13000XL Large Format Photo Scanner Cover
Epson Expression 13000XL Archival Photo and Graphics Flatbed Scanner

The Epson 13000XL Scanner is perfect for those needing professional large-format scanning, accommodating media up to 12.2" x 17.2". Its high resolution of 2400 x 4800 dpi ensures you capture every detail with brilliant clarity, thanks to Epson’s Micro Step Drive and 3.8 Dmax technology. Colour accuracy is exceptional, as Epson's MatrixCCD and ReadyScan LED technologies deliver vibrant and true-to-life scans. Additionally, Easy Photo Fix allows you to restore faded photos quickly, bringing old memories back to life with one simple touch, while also removing dust automatically for cleaner results.

What We Like
Large format scanning
High resolution clarity
Excellent colour accuracy
One-touch photo restoration
#TOP 4

Canon CanoScan Lide 220 Flatbed Scanner

LiDE220
Canon CanoScan Lide 220 Flatbed Scanner Cover
Canon CanoScan Lide 220 - scanners (216 x 297 mm, Flatbed, USB 2.0, USB, 5 - 35 °C, 4800 4800)

The Canon CanoScan Lide 220 offers convenient scanning options for users. With the send to cloud feature, you can quickly upload your images to popular services like Evernote and Dropbox, making it easy to access your files anywhere. The auto scan mode detects what you are scanning and adjusts the settings automatically, saving you time and effort. You can scan a letter-sized document in approximately 10 seconds, allowing for swift and efficient handling of your paperwork. Additionally, the auto document fix feature enhances your scans with area-by-area corrections, ensuring beautiful and clear images.

What We Like
Fast scanning speed
Cloud upload capability
Automatic settings adjustment
High-quality image correction
#TOP 5

Epson GT 15000 Flatbed Scanner with High Resolution

B11B160011
Epson GT 15000 Flatbed Scanner with High Resolution Cover
Epson GT 15000 - Flatbed scanner - 297 x 432 mm - 600 dpi x 1200 dpi - Hi-Speed USB / SCSI

The Epson GT 15000 Scanner offers a high optical resolution of 600 x 1,200 dpi, allowing you to capture detailed and sharp images. With an interpolated resolution up to 9,600 x 9,600 dpi, you can enhance the quality of your scans when needed. It supports 48-bit colour depth and 16-bit grayscale, ensuring vibrant and accurate colour reproduction for your photos and documents. The large 11.7-by-17-inch scanning area provides ample space for scanning bigger items, saving you time and effort. Plus, it starts up instantly without any warm-up, so you can get started right away.

What We Like
High optical resolution
Wide scanning area
Accurate colour depth
Instant startup

Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 Deluxe A4 Duplex Scanner

4939761305764-cr
Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 Deluxe A4 Duplex Scanner Cover
Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 Deluxe A4, Duplex Wi-Fi Scanner (Renewed)

The Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 offers exceptional convenience for users looking to digitise documents. With its ability to scan directly to mobile devices via Wi-Fi, you can easily manage your documents on the go. The advanced "GI" image processor ensures high-quality scans, making your documents look their best. Additionally, the customisable Quick Menu streamlines your scanning tasks, allowing you to set up your preferences for quick access. Bundled with Adobe Acrobat, this scanner provides the tools you need to edit and share your documents effortlessly.

What We Like
Wi-Fi scanning to mobile devices
High-quality scans with "GI" processor
Customisable Quick Menu
Bundled with Adobe Acrobat
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is flatbed scanning?

A flatbed scanner is an optical scanner which makes use of a flat surface for scanning documents. The scanner is capable of capturing all elements on the document and does not require movement of the document.

2. What are the characteristics of a flatbed scanner?

Flatbed scanners are able to capture all elements on a document and doesn't require you to turn the document over if using a ADF unit. ADF units automatically scan both sides of the document. Flatbed scanners are also capable of scanning film negatives via a Transparent Media Adapter, also known as a TWA.

3. Which technology is used in flatbed scanner?

CCD and CIS Systems Canon offers two types of flatbed scanners: CCD and CIS. CCD models incorporate high-precision optics and high-density CCD line sensors that illuminate the document with a light source such as a white LED to deliver sharp, high-resolution images.

Editor's Notes

During our flatbed scanner research, we found 43 flatbed scanner products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,402 customer reviews through our big data system to write the flatbed scanners list. We found that most customers choose flatbed scanners with an average price of £935.63.

The flatbed scanners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of flatbed scanners, including Plustek, CZUR, Epson, Canon, Fujitsu.

Written by
Kenneth Collin Avatar

Kenneth Collin graduated from Imperial College, London, at 22. He is a UX/UI designer, a web developer, and a writer, amongst others. At age 14, Kenneth programmed his first app. Kenneth's app served as a remote control for censored devices. "When I was 8, I would pick up scraps from electronics and try to rebuild or at least fix them," Kenneth said in one of his recent articles on Home repairs for top gadgets.