Looking Beyond the Epson DS-70 Portable Document Scanner? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How Each Alternative Compares

Epson WorkForce Mobile Document Scanner

The Epson ES-50 shares the exact same physical footprint and weight as the DS-70, measuring 1.3 by 10.7 by 1.8 inches and weighing 9.44 ounces. It offers identical portability for travelers who need to slip a scanner into a laptop bag. However, the ES-50 is a distinct model within the WorkForce line. You get the same compact design but with potentially different internal processing or bundled software. It remains a single-sheet scanner ideal for occasional use. If you prefer the WorkForce branding or specific driver compatibility over the DS-70, this model provides a nearly indistinguishable experience in terms of size and weight, making it a direct swap for mobile document digitization.

Brother Compact Mobile Document Scanner

The Brother DS-640 is noticeably larger and heavier than the Epson DS-70. It measures 1.4 by 2.2 by 11.9 inches and weighs 1.03 pounds, which is significantly more bulk to carry. You gain a slightly wider scanning path, but you sacrifice the ultra-compact form factor of the Epson. The DS-640 is designed for professionals who move between locations and rely on USB power. It is a compact mobile scanner, but it does not match the pocket-friendly dimensions of the DS-70. Choose this if you prioritize Brother’s ecosystem or specific paper handling features over the absolute lightest weight possible. It is a practical alternative for those who do not mind a bit more weight for potentially robust performance.

Brother Compact Mobile Duplex Scanner

The Brother DS-740D introduces duplex scanning, which the single-sheet DS-70 cannot do. This allows you to scan both sides of a page automatically. The unit is larger, measuring 1.8 by 2.5 by 11.9 inches, and weighs 1.43 pounds. You give up the tiny 9.44-ounce profile of the Epson for the ability to handle double-sided documents quickly. This model is ideal for mobile professionals who need speed and portability but require duplex functionality. It remains a portable scanner but demands more space in your bag. If you frequently scan contracts or forms with text on both sides, this Brother model offers a critical feature the DS-70 lacks, despite the increase in size and weight.

Canon imageFORMULA R10 Portable Duplex Scanner

The Canon imageFORMULA R10 also provides duplex scanning for mobile use. It measures 1.57 by 3.75 by 11.2 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds. This is considerably heavier and bulkier than the 9.44-ounce Epson DS-70. You trade extreme portability for the capability to scan double-sided documents via USB without external power. The R10 suits mobile users who need efficiency and do not mind carrying a heavier device. It is a portable duplex scanner, but the size difference is stark. If your workflow involves many two-sided pages, the Canon offers a significant functional advantage. However, if your primary need is scanning single pages while traveling light, the Epson remains the more convenient choice due to its minimal footprint.

HP Portable USB Document Scanner

The HP HPPS100 is the lightest option on this list, weighing only 3 ounces. It is significantly smaller and lighter than the 9.44-ounce Epson DS-70. Measuring 1.4 by 2 by 11.6 inches, it offers extreme portability for occasional single-sided scanning. You give up the slightly more robust build or specific features of the Epson for a device that is nearly weightless. This scanner is ideal for travelers who only need to digitize single-sided papers and prioritize minimal carry weight above all else. It is a portable USB scanner designed for home or office use. If you find the DS-70 too heavy for your needs, the HP model provides a ultra-light alternative for basic document scanning tasks.

HP Compact Duplex Mobile Document Scanner

The HP HPPS200 adds duplex scanning to the portable category. It measures 2.9 by 4.1 by 11.8 inches and weighs 3.14 pounds. This is much larger and heavier than the compact Epson DS-70. You gain the ability to scan both sides of a page automatically, which the DS-70 cannot do. This model is suitable for small business owners or commuters who need reliable duplex speed in a portable form. It is a wired scanner that fits office or home use. If you require double-sided scanning and can accommodate the larger size and weight, the HP HPPS200 offers a functional upgrade. However, for pure single-page portability, the Epson remains the more streamlined choice.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Epson Portable Single-Sheet Scanner

Best for: travelers scanning single pages on the go

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 the smallest and lightest mobile single-sheet document scanner available. It measures just 1.3 inches high and weighs 9.44 ounces. You can scan a single page in as fast as 5.5 seconds using USB bus power. It handles documents up to 8.5 x 72 inches, plus business and ID cards. This compact form factor makes it ideal for users who prioritize portability and easy storage above all else.

Pros

• Smallest and lightest mobile single-sheet scanner
• Scans a single page in 5.5 seconds
• Scans documents up to 8.5 x 72 inches
• Includes OCR and document management software
• 3-year limited warranty with Next-Business-Day Replacement

Cons

• Single-sheet design requires manual feeding
• No automatic document feeder for batch scanning
• Limited to single-sheet input capacity

Good fit if

• You need a scanner that fits in a small bag
• You primarily scan one document at a time
• You want a lightweight device for travel

Skip if

• You need to scan stacks of paper quickly
• You require duplex scanning capabilities
• You prefer automatic document feeding

Verdict: The Epson DS-70 Ultra-Compact Mobile Scanner is the best choice for travelers who need a tiny, lightweight scanner for occasional single-page jobs. It fits easily into a briefcase or laptop bag without adding bulk.

2 Best receipt

Epson WorkForce Mobile Document Scanner

Best for: travelers scanning single pages on the go

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 compact, single-sheet mobile scanner designed for on-the-go use. It scans a single page in 5.5 seconds and connects via USB 2.0. Weighing just 9.44 ounces, it draws power directly from your computer, eliminating the need for a separate power supply. This model supports documents up to 8.5 x 72 inches and includes software for cloud scanning and OCR conversion to searchable PDFs.

Pros

• Scans a single page in 5.5 seconds
• Weighs only 9.44 ounces for high portability
• USB bus powered with no external adapter needed
• Includes Nuance OCR for searchable PDFs

Cons

• Single-sheet feeding limits batch efficiency
• USB 2.0 connectivity is slower than USB 3.0
• No built-in display for quick status checks

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight scanner for travel
• You primarily scan individual pages or receipts
• You want to avoid carrying extra power bricks

Skip if

• You require high-volume duplex scanning
• You need fast USB 3.0 transfer speeds
• You prefer a desktop unit for stability

Verdict: Epson ES-50 Lightweight Mobile Scanner is a practical choice for travelers who need to digitize single pages quickly without the bulk of a desktop unit. It fits users who prioritize weight and simplicity over speed and volume.

3 Best budget

Brother Compact Mobile Document Scanner

Best for: travelers needing lightweight single-sheet scanning

Scan Speed

16 ppm

Portability

Mobile, compact

Power Source

USB bus power

Driver Support

TWAIN, WIA, ICA, SANE

Features

Mobile Printing, Scanner

Ideal For

Documents

View on Amazon: Brother Compact Mobile Document Scanner Affiliate link

The Brother DS-640 is a portable document scanner designed for users who need to move frequently. It scans at 16 ppm with color speeds matching black and white speeds. The device is ultra-compact, measuring 11.9 inches in length and weighing just 1.03 pounds. It draws power directly from your computer via USB bus power, requiring no external outlet. This makes it suitable for travelers or those with limited desk space.

Pros

• Scans at 16 ppm
• Color scan speed equals black and white speed
• Weighs only 1.03 pounds
• Powered via USB bus power
• Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux

Cons

• Single-sheet feeding only
• No built-in battery
• Limited to USB connectivity

Good fit if

• You need a scanner that fits in a small bag
• You travel frequently and need USB bus power
• You scan documents on the go without access to outlets

Skip if

• You require high-volume duplex scanning
• You need a scanner with its own power supply
• You prefer a desktop unit for stationary use

Verdict: Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Scanner fits professionals who prioritize portability and speed for single-sheet document scanning. It is ideal for users who frequently move between locations and rely on USB power from their laptops.

4 Also great

Brother Compact Mobile Duplex Scanner

Best for: mobile professionals needing fast duplex scanning

Scan Speed

16 ppm

Portability

Mobile, compact

Power Source

USB bus power

Driver Support

TWAIN, WIA, ICA, SANE

Features

Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing, Scanner

Ideal For

Documents

View on Amazon: Brother Compact Mobile Duplex Scanner Affiliate link

The Brother DS-740D is a mobile scanner built for speed and portability. It scans at 16 ppm with duplex capability, handling color and black-and-white documents equally fast. Weighing just 1.43 pounds and measuring 11.9 inches long, it fits easily in bags. It draws power via USB bus, requiring no outlet. This compact design suits users who need reliable, high-speed scanning on the go without sacrificing desk space.

Pros

• Scans single and double-sided documents in one pass at 16 ppm
• Color scanning speed matches black-and-white speed
• Ultra-compact design saves 11 inches of desk space
• USB bus powered for use without an outlet
• Supports Windows, Mac, and Linux with TWAIN/WIA/ICA/SANE drivers

Cons

• Only 16 ppm speed, slower than some desktop alternatives
• No built-in battery, relies entirely on USB power
• Micro USB 3.0 connection, not USB-C

Good fit if

• You need to scan double-sided documents quickly while traveling
• You want a scanner that fits in a small bag or pocket
• You need a device that works directly from a laptop's USB port

Skip if

• You require a high-volume desktop scanner for heavy office use
• You need a battery-powered device for use away from power sources
• You prefer USB-C connectivity for modern laptops

Verdict: The Brother DS-740D Compact Mobile Scanner delivers fast duplex scanning in a tiny package. It is an ideal fit for mobile professionals who prioritize speed and portability over desktop-level volume capacity.

5 Also great

Canon imageFORMULA R10 Portable Duplex Scanner

Best for: mobile professionals needing duplex USB scanning

Scan Speed

12 ppm

ADF Capacity

20 sheets

Connectivity

USB

Portability

Portable

Daily Duty Cycle

500 scans

Power Source

USB powered

View on Amazon: Canon imageFORMULA R10 Portable Duplex Scanner Affiliate link

The Canon imageFORMULA R10 is a compact, USB-powered portable scanner designed for mobile document digitization. It features a 20-sheet automatic document feeder and scans at 12 pages per minute. This model supports duplex scanning in color, black-and-white, or grayscale. It is compatible with Windows and Mac systems and includes built-in scanning software. The unit weighs 2.2 pounds, making it easy to transport for use in offices or classrooms.

Pros

• Scans at 12 pages per minute
• 20-sheet automatic document feeder
• Supports duplex scanning
• USB powered for portability
• Built-in scanning software

Cons

• Lower daily duty cycle of 500 scans
• Only USB connectivity
• No wireless or network options

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight scanner for travel
• You require duplex scanning for double-sided documents
• You prefer USB-powered devices without extra power adapters

Skip if

• You need to scan more than 500 pages daily
• You require wireless or network connectivity
• You need high-volume office scanning capabilities

Verdict: The Canon imageFORMULA R10 Portable Duplex Scanner suits mobile users who need quick, double-sided scanning via USB. It is ideal for professionals who travel and need to digitize documents efficiently without relying on external power sources.

6 Also great

HP Portable USB Document Scanner

Best for: Travelers scanning single-sided documents

Scan Speed

15 ppm

Connectivity

USB 2.0

Portability

Portable

Power Source

USB bus power

Features

Scanner

Ideal For

Documents

View on Amazon: HP Portable USB Document Scanner Affiliate link

The HP HPPS100 is a lightweight, single-sheet scanner designed for portability. It scans at 15 ppm with 1200 dpi resolution. The device connects via USB 2.0 and draws power directly from your computer. It handles documents from business cards to 8.5 by 14 inch pages. This model suits travelers and home users who need a compact tool for occasional scanning tasks.

Pros

• Weighs only 3 ounces for easy transport
• Scans at 15 pages per minute
• Offers 1200 dpi resolution for clear images
• Powers via USB bus without external adapter

Cons

• Supports only single-sided (simplex) scanning
• Uses older USB 2.0 connectivity
• No duplex automatic document feeder

Good fit if

• You need a scanner that fits in a small bag
• You primarily scan single-sided documents
• You want a device that draws power from your laptop

Skip if

• You need to scan double-sided pages automatically
• You require high-speed bulk scanning for large offices
• You need wireless or network connectivity

Verdict: The HP HPPS100 Ultra-Portable Single-Sheet Scanner is a practical option for individuals who prioritize extreme portability and occasional use. It fits buyers who travel frequently and only need to digitize single-sided papers.

7 Best premium

HP Compact Duplex Mobile Document Scanner

Best for: Portable duplex scanning for small batches

Scan Speed

25 ppm

Connectivity

USB

Portability

Mobile, desktop, portable

Media Types

Cards, photos, invoices, contracts

Power Source

AC wall adapter

Features

Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing, Scanner

View on Amazon: HP Compact Duplex Mobile Document Scanner Affiliate link

The HP HPPS200 is a compact mobile scanner designed for small to medium batches. It scans at 25 ppm and handles duplex jobs in a single pass. The device connects via USB and supports resolutions up to 1200 dpi. It fits documents from 2x2.9 inches to 8.5x14 inches. You get a free app for Windows and Mac to manage scans. It is ideal for office or home use.

Pros

• Scans at 25 pages per minute
• Automatic duplex scanning in one pass
• Supports up to 1200 dpi resolution
• Includes HP WorkScan software for PC and Mac

Cons

• Only USB connectivity without wireless options
• Requires external AC wall adapter for power
• No mention of high-volume daily duty cycle limits

Good fit if

• You need fast duplex scanning for invoices and contracts
• You travel with a briefcase and need a lightweight device
• You prefer wired USB connections over wireless setups

Skip if

• You require wireless Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
• You need to scan large format documents over 8.5 inches wide
• You want a scanner with built-in battery power

Verdict: HP HPPS200 Compact Desktop Scanner offers reliable duplex speed for commuters. It fits small business owners who need portable, wired scanning.

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