Best Printers for Scanning: Which One to Buy

For scanning, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e is the most frequently named pick for fast two-sided scanning in color, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 and Canon MegaTank G3290 suit low-cost multi-page scanning at home, the Brother MFC-L2820DW suits black-and-white document work, and flatbed-only models like the Epson ET-2800 and Canon G3270 suit occasional single-page scans. Whether you want a scanner copier printer, a combined home printer and scanner, or a model that works with a Mac, the same features decide the answer: an automatic document feeder (ADF), duplex scanning, and software support.

What Matters for Scanning

• ADF versus flatbed: A flatbed handles books and photos; an ADF feeds stacks of pages unattended.
• Duplex ADF: A duplex ADF scans both sides in one pass. Many tank printers feed single-sided only.
• Speed: Epson lists the ET-4800 ADF at about 4.5 images per minute, which is slow for large stacks.
• ADF capacity: 20 to 35 sheets is common; one source lists 50 for the Brother MFC-L2820DW.
• Output: Searchable PDF and scan-to-cloud depend on the maker’s software.

At a Glance: Scanning-Friendly Printers

Best for Fast Two-Sided Scanning

Forbes Vetted names the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e its best all-in-one, citing versatile design, fast output and automatic two-sided printing and scanning. One review describes a 35-sheet ADF that scans both sides in a single pass, which can double throughput on contracts and forms. The caution is cost: the same review says running costs exceed those of ink-tank alternatives.

Best Low-Cost Scanning With Tank Ink

The Epson ET-4800 adds a 30-sheet ADF to the 522 ink system, rated by Epson at 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages per bottle. Its feeder is single-sided and slow. The older ET-4850 adds Ethernet and automatic two-sided printing but is listed as discontinued on Epson’s US site, and ITPro notes its ADF cannot scan or copy two-sided originals automatically. The Canon G3290 gives a 35-sheet ADF with the GI-21 ink set rated at up to 6,000 black and 7,700 color pages. HP’s Smart Tank 7301 and 7602 offer 35-sheet feeders too.

Best for Black-and-White Documents

The Brother MFC-L2820DW is described as a fast mono laser with fax and Ethernet. Sources differ on whether its ADF scans both sides, so read Brother’s spec sheet if duplex scanning matters. Toner suits infrequent printing since it does not dry out, but it cannot print color.

Flatbed Models: Occasional Scanning

The Epson ET-2400, ET-2800 and Canon G3270 have flatbed glass only. They handle single pages, books and photos well, but offer no unattended multi-page scanning. They suit a household that scans a few items a month.

Mac Compatibility and Software

Most current printers support macOS through built-in driverless scanning and the maker’s utilities. Epson, Canon, HP and Brother all provide Mac software. Some, like HP, ask you to use their app for setup. Confirm your macOS version is listed on the maker’s page before buying. Tom’s Guide notes HP’s basic software frustrates some users on the Smart Tank 7602.

Running Cost When You Also Print

If scanning is your main use, running cost matters less. If you print too, tank models are cheaper per page: HP states about 0.4 cents per black page for Smart Tank, and Digital Trends puts the Epson ET-3850 near 0.3 cent mono. Cartridge printers like Brother’s MFC-J1010DW, with a claimed 200-page starter yield per Consumer Reports, cost more to feed.

Pick X If… Decision Table

Alternatives

• Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850: Fast office tank printer, with a 500-sheet tray.
• Dedicated document scanner: For heavy scanning, a standalone sheet-fed scanner outperforms any all-in-one.
• Smartphone scanning apps: Fine for receipts and occasional pages.

Getting Better Scans

• Resolution: 300 dpi is generally enough for text documents; higher settings suit photos but create larger files.
• Clean the glass: Dust or smudges on the flatbed or the ADF strip show up as lines on scans, so wipe them gently with a soft dry cloth as the manual advises.
• Prepare the stack: Remove staples and paper clips and straighten curled pages before loading an ADF to reduce jams.
• Use PDF for documents: Multi-page PDF output is easier to share and archive than a folder of images.
• Know the size limits: Epson lists legal-length support for the ET-4800 ADF but with a lower sheet count of ten.

Copying and Faxing

Scanners and copiers share hardware, so a printer with an ADF can usually copy multi-page documents too. Duplex limits apply here as well: ITPro notes that the Epson ET-4850 can make two-sided copies from one-sided originals, but cannot automatically scan or copy two-sided originals. If you need fax, the HP Smart Tank 7602 includes integrated fax, and the Brother MFC-L2820DW is described as having reliable fax. Many households no longer fax, so treat it as optional.

Home Archiving Workflow

People who scan paperwork usually want a repeatable routine. A simple one starts with sorting documents by type, removing staples, loading the ADF in batches that stay within the stated capacity, scanning to PDF at a moderate resolution, and naming files with the date and subject. Most makers offer a desktop utility or phone app that can send scans to a folder or cloud storage. Because software varies, read the maker’s scanning guide for your model, and keep the originals of any legal papers until you are sure the digital copy is complete and readable.

For sensitive documents, remember that a scan saved to a shared folder or cloud account is only as private as that account. Use a strong password and check your account’s sharing settings.

Scanner Quality: What Reviewers Look At

Reviewers judge scanners on speed, sharpness of text, color accuracy, and how reliably the ADF feeds. Consumer-focused outlets such as RTINGS and Consumer Reports publish scan tests for individual models, and these are useful when you compare close rivals. In general, printer scanners are good enough for readable document archives, but photographs and artwork may call for a dedicated flatbed photo scanner. The ADF feeders on budget tank printers are designed for plain office paper, so avoid feeding photos, fragile or very thin sheets, or items with sticky notes.

If you often scan receipts, remember that thermal receipt paper fades and curls, and it can jam in an ADF. Placing receipts on the glass in batches is usually safer than feeding them through the feeder.

Final Buying Checklist

Before buying, decide how many pages you scan in a typical session, whether originals are one-sided or two-sided, and whether you also print in color. If sessions are long and double-sided, prioritize a duplex ADF, accepting a higher running cost. If you scan occasionally and print often, a tank model with a basic ADF is more economical. Read the spec sheet for the exact ADF capacity and duplex behavior of your shortlisted model, because maker wording and reviewer reports can differ, and confirm that the maker’s scanning software supports your operating system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best printer for scanning documents?

Reviewers most often name the HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e for fast duplex scanning. Tank users should look at the Canon G3290 or Epson ET-4800 for cheaper running cost.

Do I need a duplex ADF?

Only if you scan two-sided originals regularly. Without it, you flip pages by hand or scan each side separately.

Can printers scan to a Mac?

Yes, current models from Epson, Canon, HP and Brother support macOS. Check your version on the maker’s page.

Is a flatbed enough?

For occasional scans, books and photos, yes. For stacks, you want an ADF.

Are laser printers good for scanning?

Mono lasers like the Brother MFC-L2820DW are fast and suit document work. They cannot print color.

Is a printer scanner as good as a dedicated scanner?

Not for heavy volume. A standalone sheet-fed scanner is faster and handles larger stacks, though an all-in-one is convenient for light office use.