3 Best Epson Document Scanners Under $150, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You need the most compact and lightweight portable scanner Epson Portable Single-Sheet Scanner The DS-70 weighs 9.44 ounces and measures 1.3 inches high.
• You want wireless connectivity for mobile color scanning Epson WorkForce DS-40 Portable Scanner The DS-40 supports wireless scanning and includes color print output.
• You require a lightweight USB-connected scanner for travel Epson WorkForce Mobile Document Scanner The ES-50 weighs 9.44 ounces and connects via USB.

Our 3 picks

1 Best overall

Epson WorkForce Mobile Document Scanner

Best for: Lightweight single-page document scanning

Scan Speed

5.5 seconds per page

Connectivity

USB 2.0

Portability

Mobile, portable

Media Types

Receipts, ID cards, long documents

Power Source

USB-powered

Driver Support

TWAIN

View on Amazon: Epson WorkForce Mobile Document Scanner Affiliate link

The Epson ES-50 is a lightweight, single-sheet mobile scanner designed for on-the-go use. It scans pages in 5.5 seconds and connects via USB 2.0. The device is bus-powered, requiring no external adapter. It handles documents up to 8.5 x 72 inches and includes OCR software for searchable PDFs. This compact unit suits users who need portability and basic digitization without bulk.

Pros

• Scans single pages in 5.5 seconds
• Weighs only 9.44 ounces for easy transport
• USB bus powered with no external adapter needed
• Includes Nuance OCR for searchable PDFs
• Handles long documents up to 72 inches

Cons

• Only supports USB 2.0 connectivity
• Single-sheet fed, not a sheet-fed ADF
• No wireless or Bluetooth connectivity available

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight scanner for travel
• You primarily scan single documents or receipts
• You want a simple USB connection without extra power

Skip if

• You need to scan multiple pages automatically
• You require wireless connectivity for scanning
• You need high-speed continuous batch processing

Verdict: The Epson ES-50 Compact Mobile Scanner offers a lightweight, USB-connected solution for single-page scanning tasks. It is ideal for travelers who prioritize portability and basic document digitization over high-volume automation.

2 Best premium

Epson Portable Single-Sheet Scanner

Best for: portable single-page scanning

Scan Speed

5.5 seconds per page

Portability

Portable, mobile

Media Types

Documents, business/ID cards, receipts

Features

Mobile Printing, Scanner

Use Case

Office

Dimensions

1.8 × 10.7 × 1.3 inches

View on Amazon: Epson Portable Single-Sheet Scanner Affiliate link

The Epson DS-70 is a portable single-sheet scanner designed for mobility. It weighs 9.44 ounces and measures just 1.3 inches tall. You can scan a page in 5.5 seconds. It accepts documents up to 8.5 by 72 inches, plus business cards. It runs on USB bus power. This model suits users who need a small footprint and fast single-page throughput for travel or small office tasks.

Pros

• Weighs only 9.44 ounces for easy portability
• Compact dimensions of 1.3 by 10.7 by 1.8 inches
• Scans single pages in 5.5 seconds
• Handles documents up to 8.5 by 72 inches

Cons

• Requires USB bus power, limiting use without a host device
• Single-sheet feeder only, no automatic document feeder
• No wireless connectivity options listed in specifications

Good fit if

• You need a scanner that fits easily in a bag
• You primarily scan single sheets or business cards
• You have a computer nearby to provide USB power

Skip if

• You need to scan multi-page stacks automatically
• You require wireless scanning without a computer
• You need to scan large format documents beyond 8.5 inches wide

Verdict: The Epson DS-70 Lightweight Mobile Scanner offers the smallest footprint and lightest weight in this group. It is the right choice for users who prioritize portability and single-page speed over bulk scanning capacity.

3 Best budget

Epson WorkForce DS-40 Portable Scanner

Best for: mobile color scanning and cloud integration

Connectivity

Wireless

Portability

Portable

Media Types

Receipts, statements, business/ID cards

Power Source

Battery, USB

Print Output

Color

Features

Scanner

View on Amazon: Epson WorkForce DS-40 Portable Scanner Affiliate link

The Epson DS-40 is a portable color document scanner designed for mobile use. It weighs just 1.08 pounds and connects via Wi-Fi. You can scan receipts, statements, and ID cards directly to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. It runs on battery or USB power. This model suits travelers who need reliable wireless scanning for business documents on the go.

Pros

• Supports color scanning for receipts and ID cards
• Weighs only 1.08 pounds for easy portability
• Connects wirelessly to smartphones, tablets, and PCs
• Scans directly to major cloud storage services

Cons

• Wi-Fi connectivity may be slower than wired USB
• Battery capacity is not specified in the data
• Limited to single-sheet scanning without an ADF

Good fit if

• You need to scan documents while traveling
• You want to send files directly to the cloud
• You require color scanning for ID cards or receipts

Skip if

• You need to scan large volumes of paper at once
• You prefer a wired USB connection for stability
• You need a desktop scanner with higher speed

Verdict: Epson DS-40 Portable Color Scanner fits users who prioritize wireless convenience and color accuracy for mobile document capture. It is ideal for professionals who scan receipts and ID cards on the road.

Specifications side by side

How to choose the right one

1. Check connectivity needs

   You should verify how the device connects to your computer or network. The Epson WorkForce DS-40 supports wireless scanning, which allows you to send documents directly to the cloud or mobile devices without cables. This is useful for travelers who want to scan receipts or ID cards on the go. Other models in this list rely on USB connections. If you prefer a simple plug-and-play setup, a wired connection is sufficient. Choose wireless only if you need flexibility in your workflow.

2. Evaluate color requirements

   Determine if you need to scan color documents or if black-and-white is enough. The DS-40 offers color print output, making it suitable for capturing color-coded documents or ID cards. Most other portable scanners in this group are optimized for standard document digitization. If you only scan text-based papers, a monochrome scanner may suffice. Color scanning often adds weight and complexity. Check the specifications for color support if you need to preserve visual details in your digital files.

3. Assess portability weight

   Weight is a critical factor for mobile users. The ES-50 and DS-70 both weigh 9.44 ounces, making them extremely light and easy to carry in a bag. The DS-40 is heavier at 1.08 pounds due to its wireless capabilities. If you travel frequently, the lighter models are easier to handle. Consider your daily carry load. A lighter device reduces fatigue during extended use. Compare the ounces and pounds to find the balance between features and portability that suits your lifestyle.

4. Consider device size

   Physical dimensions determine how easily the scanner fits in your workspace or travel bag. The ES-50 and DS-70 share identical dimensions of 1.3 inches high, 1.8 inches long, and 10.7 inches wide. The DS-40 is larger, measuring 3.35 inches long and 5.87 inches high. Larger devices may offer more features but take up more space. If you have limited desk space or need to pack the scanner tightly, the compact models are better. Check the length and height to ensure it fits your case.

5. Identify scanner type

   Understand the intended use case for the scanner type. All models listed are portable scanners designed for mobile use. The ES-50 is ideal for lightweight single-page scanning tasks. The DS-70 offers the smallest footprint for quick document capture. The DS-40 is built for mobile color scanning and cloud integration. Choose based on your primary task. If you only scan one page at a time, a basic portable unit works. If you need advanced features, select a model with specific capabilities like wireless connectivity.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best epson document scanners with wireless
• best epson document scanners with wireless scanning
• best obd2 scanners under 150
• best putters under 150