Brother Compact Wireless Document Scanner vs Brother Desktop Network Document Scanner: Spec Comparison
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This brother compact wireless document scanner vs desktop network document comparison looks at two Brother models for different workflows. Both devices scan single and double-sided documents in a single pass and support common drivers like TWAIN and SANE. The main difference lies in their intended environment. The ADS-1700W is a compact, wireless unit for home or small offices. The ADS-4300N is a heavier, network-ready scanner built for busy workgroups. You will find distinct differences in speed, capacity, and connectivity options.
Key differences
| Aspect | Brother Compact Wireless Document Scanner | Brother Desktop Network Document Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Scan Speed | 25 ppm | Up to 40 ppm |
| ADF Capacity | 20 sheets | 80 pages |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Micro USB 3.0 | Ethernet, USB |
| Driver Support | TWAIN, WIA, ICA, SANE | TWAIN, WIA, ISIS, SANE |
| Display | 2.8-inch color touchscreen | not listed |
| Security Features | not listed | Triple Layer Security |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Brother Compact Wireless Document Scanner if
- You need a compact scanner for a home office with limited desk space.
- You prefer wireless connectivity to scan directly from a mobile device.
- You want a physical touchscreen for easy one-touch scanning to preset destinations.
Choose Brother Desktop Network Document Scanner if
- You scan high volumes of documents daily and need faster speeds.
- You require a large 80-page feeder to handle batch jobs without frequent reloading.
- You need to integrate the scanner into a secure office network via Ethernet.
Verdict: The Brother ADS-1700W suits individuals or small offices needing portability and wireless flexibility. The Brother ADS-4300N is better for busy workgroups that require high speed, large capacity, and secure network integration. Choose based on your daily volume and connectivity needs.
Scanner Speed and Capacity Comparison
Scan Speed
The Brother ADS-4300N delivers a faster maximum scan speed of up to 40 pages per minute. This higher throughput helps busy offices process large batches of documents more efficiently. The Brother ADS-1700W operates at a steady 25 pages per minute. While adequate for smaller home offices, it processes fewer pages in the same timeframe. If your workflow involves scanning dozens of pages daily, the ADS-4300N provides a noticeable time saving. The ADS-1700W is sufficient for occasional use or lighter daily loads.
ADF Capacity
Paper handling capacity differs significantly between these two models. The ADS-4300N features a large 80-page auto document feeder. This allows you to load a substantial stack of documents and scan them without frequent refills. The ADS-1700W has a smaller 20-page capacity. You will need to reload the feeder more often when working with larger jobs. For continuous scanning sessions, the ADS-4300N minimizes interruptions. The ADS-1700W is better suited for shorter, intermittent scanning tasks.
Connectivity
Network integration is a key differentiator. The ADS-4300N includes a built-in Ethernet interface. This allows for stable, wired connections to your office network, which is ideal for shared workgroups. It also supports USB connections. The ADS-1700W relies on wireless connectivity and a Micro USB 3.0 interface. Wireless scanning offers flexibility for home offices or mobile setups. However, the wired Ethernet connection on the ADS-4300N provides greater stability and security for business environments. Both support cloud and email destinations.
Portability
Size and weight affect where you can place these devices. The ADS-1700W is compact, measuring 3.3 x 11.8 x 4.1 inches and weighing only 3.3 pounds. Its small footprint makes it easy to fit on a desk or shelf in a home office. The ADS-4300N is larger and heavier, measuring 7.5 x 11.7 x 8.5 inches and weighing 6.1 pounds. It requires more desk space and is less likely to be moved. If you need a scanner that stays out of the way, the ADS-1700W is the practical choice.
Security Features
Data protection is handled differently by each model. The ADS-4300N offers Triple Layer Security features. These are designed to safeguard sensitive documents and secure the connection to the device and network. This is important for businesses handling confidential information. The ADS-1700W data does not specify advanced security layers. It focuses on ease of use and standard scanning functions. If your work involves sensitive data requiring robust network security protocols, the ADS-4300N provides better protection. For personal documents, standard security may suffice.
Driver Support
Both scanners support common industry-standard drivers. The ADS-1700W supports TWAIN, WIA, ICA, and SANE. The ADS-4300N supports TWAIN, WIA, ISIS, and SANE. The inclusion of ISIS support on the ADS-4300N makes it compatible with more professional document management software suites often used in corporate environments. The ADS-1700W lacks ISIS support but includes ICA, which is useful for Mac users. For general home use, both offer sufficient driver compatibility. Professional workflows may benefit from the broader driver range of the ADS-4300N.
Which Brother Scanner Suits Your Workflow
Users needing quick mobile scans
The ADS-1700W supports wireless scanning to mobile devices and cloud services. Its compact 3.3-pound design fits small spaces. The 2.8-inch touchscreen allows easy setup. You can scan to email, FTP, or USB drives. This portability and connectivity make it ideal for home offices or on-the-go tasks.
Busy offices with high volume
The ADS-4300N scans up to 40 pages per minute. It handles large batches with an 80-page auto document feeder. Continuous scanning mode adds efficiency for heavy workloads. The faster speed and higher capacity help busy teams process documents quickly without bottlenecks, making it a robust choice for demanding environments.
Teams requiring secure network sharing
This model features a built-in Ethernet interface for easy network sharing. It includes triple-layer security to safeguard sensitive documents. You can scan to SharePoint or SFTP servers. The robust connectivity and security features ensure safe, reliable document management for workgroups that need to share resources across a wired network.
The products compared
Brother Compact Wireless Document Scanner
Best for: light home office document scanning
- Scan Speed
- 25 ppm
- ADF Capacity
- 20 sheets
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Micro USB 3.0
- Portability
- Compact desktop
- Touchscreen
- 2.8-inch color touchscreen
- Driver Support
- TWAIN, WIA, ICA, SANE
View on Amazon: Brother Compact Wireless Document Scanner Affiliate link
The Brother ADS-1700W is a compact wireless document scanner designed for home offices. It scans at 25 pages per minute with a 20-page auto document feeder. You get a 2.8-inch color touchscreen and wireless connectivity. It handles documents up to 34 inches long and includes a dedicated ID card slot. This model suits users needing portable, fast scanning without network cabling.
Pros
- Scans single and double-sided documents at 25 ppm
- Includes a 2.8-inch color touchscreen display
- Wireless and Micro USB 3.0 connectivity options
- Dedicated slot for scanning business and photo ID cards
Cons
- Small 20-sheet auto document feeder capacity
- No Ethernet port for wired network connections
- Limited to 3.3 pounds weight but lacks carrying handle
Good fit if
- You need a small footprint for a desk
- You prefer wireless scanning to mobile devices
- You scan receipts and ID cards frequently
Skip if
- You require high-volume batch scanning
- You need a wired Ethernet connection
- You want a larger paper capacity
Verdict: Brother ADS-1700W Compact Wireless Scanner fits small offices needing fast, wireless scanning. It works well for light document work and ID cards. It does not suit high-volume tasks.
Brother Desktop Network Document Scanner
Best for: High-volume office network scanning
- Scan Speed
- Up to 40 ppm
- ADF Capacity
- 80 pages
- Connectivity
- Ethernet, USB
- Portability
- Desktop
- Driver Support
- TWAIN, WIA, ISIS, SANE
- Supported Functions
- Scan
View on Amazon: Brother Desktop Network Document Scanner Affiliate link
This Brother ADS-4300N is a desktop document scanner built for busy offices. It scans single and double-sided pages in a single pass at up to 40 ppm. The 80-page auto document feeder handles large batches efficiently. It connects via Ethernet and USB, allowing you to share it across your network. You can scan to email, cloud services, or USB drives. It supports TWAIN, WIA, ISIS, and SANE drivers for easy integration.
Pros
- Scans up to 40 pages per minute
- 80-page auto document feeder capacity
- Built-in Ethernet for network sharing
- Supports TWAIN, WIA, ISIS, and SANE drivers
Cons
- No Wi-Fi connectivity listed in specifications
- Requires desktop placement due to size
- Heavier at 6.1 pounds for portability
Good fit if
- You need to scan documents on a shared office network
- You handle large batches of paper daily
- You prefer wired Ethernet connections over wireless
Skip if
- You need a portable scanner for travel
- You require built-in Wi-Fi for easy setup
- You only scan a few pages occasionally
Verdict: Brother ADS-4300N Desktop Scanner is a sturdy choice for teams that need fast, networked scanning. It fits offices with existing Ethernet infrastructure and high-volume paper workflows.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Brother Compact Wireless Document Scanner | Brother Desktop Network Document Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Scan Speed | 25 ppm | Up to 40 ppm |
| ADF Capacity | 20 sheets | 80 pages |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Micro USB 3.0 | Ethernet, USB |
| Portability | Compact desktop | Desktop |
| Touchscreen | 2.8-inch color touchscreen | not stated |
| Driver Support | TWAIN, WIA, ICA, SANE | TWAIN, WIA, ISIS, SANE |
| Supported Functions | Scan | Scan |
| Features | Scanner | Duplex Printing, Scanner |
| Ideal For | Documents | not stated |
| Use Case | Office, Home | not stated |
| Scanner Type | not stated | Desktop |
| Scanning | Wireless Scanning | not stated |
| Duplex Scanning | not stated | Duplex |
| Dimensions | 4.1 × 11.8 × 3.3 inches | 11.7 × 8.5 × 7.5 inches |
| Weight | 3.3 pounds | 6.1 pounds |
| Size | 3.3" x 11.8" x 4.1" | 9.70 |
| Color | white | White |
| Model | ADS1700W | ADS-4300N |
Frequently asked questions
Which Brother scanner is better for a small home office?
The Brother ADS-1700W is the better choice for small home offices. Its compact size measures 3.3 by 11.8 by 4.1 inches. It weighs only 3.3 pounds, making it easy to place on a small desk. The wireless connectivity allows you to scan from mobile devices without tangled cables. This model suits light document work and ID card scanning.
Does the ADS-4300N support network scanning for teams?
Yes, the Brother ADS-4300N supports network scanning for teams. It is designed for offices with existing Ethernet infrastructure. This desktop scanner connects directly to your network, allowing multiple users to access it. It is ideal for high-volume paper workflows where several people need to scan documents efficiently throughout the day.
How do the physical sizes of these two scanners compare?
The ADS-1700W is significantly more compact than the ADS-4300N. The wireless model is 3.3 inches high and weighs 3.3 pounds. The desktop network scanner is larger, measuring 7.5 inches high and weighing 6.1 pounds. If you have limited desk space, the smaller ADS-1700W fits easily. The ADS-4300N requires more room for its sturdy desktop design.
Can both scanners handle double-sided documents?
Yes, both scanners support duplex scanning. You can scan single and double-sided documents in a single pass with either device. The ADS-4300N explicitly lists duplex scanning as a feature. The ADS-1700W also handles double-sided work efficiently. This feature saves time by eliminating the need to flip pages manually.
Is wireless connectivity available on the ADS-4300N?
The ADS-4300N is described as a desktop network scanner. The data does not list wireless connectivity for this model. It relies on Ethernet infrastructure for network connections. If you need wireless scanning to mobile devices or cloud services, the ADS-1700W is the appropriate choice. It offers dedicated wireless scanning capabilities for flexible placement.
Which scanner is heavier and more durable for heavy use?
The ADS-4300N is heavier at 6.1 pounds compared to the 3.3-pound ADS-1700W. Its larger footprint and weight suggest a sturdier build for high-volume tasks. The ADS-1700W is designed for light home office use. If you process large batches of documents daily, the heavier ADS-4300N provides a more robust solution for busy environments.