Scanners are one of the most efficient tools that can digitize anything related to papers within just a matter of seconds. But you might not want to get the full-sized bulky devices that are available in the market. Those are not easy to carry and usually take a large amount of space in work tables.
If you were looking for a device that is compact, lightweight and is easy to carry, then what you are looking for is wand scanners. But with all the options that are available in the market, it gets a little hard to choose the best wand scanner. And, that is where we come in.
We are going to make things easier for you, and hopefully, by the end, the choosing process will feel like taking a walk in the park for you.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Wand Scanner
There are some advantages that wand scanners can bring to the table that other devices can not. Also, they have some drawbacks. We will talk about both of them.
Advantages
Compared to all the other devices that are available in the market, wand scanners come in a compact and lightweight body. This form factor makes the units extremely portable. That means you will be able to pack it in your backpack and take it anywhere with you.
As most of the wand scanners will come with rechargeable batteries, you will be able to scan your documents virtually anywhere you want. You will not have to worry about searching for a power outlet with these.
These types of devices come with a dedicated SD card slot. That means you will not have to connect them to a local storage device or any computers. They will be able to operate on their own.
Drawbacks
As most of the devices come with a built-in battery, they will only be able to stay on for a limited amount of time.
With these types of devices, you are going to be stuck with the local SD card for storage. You will not be able to save the scanned files to online cloud storage solutions.
As most of them do not come integrated with any software, they can not offer any OCR functionalities.
10 Best Wand Scanner Reviews
It is quite reasonable to get bewildered among all the options that are available in the market now. To make things easier for you, we went through the most popular ones and selected only the ones that stood out the most to us. They are:
1. Vupoint ST470 Magic Wand
In your search for the best wand scanner, you are going to stumble upon many units that are going to be from different manufacturers. But not all of them are going to have a high optical resolution like this one from Vupoint has.
To start with, it comes with an advanced scanner that will offer you four different scanning modes. Without docking, you can choose from 1050, 600, and 300 dpi. And if you dock the device, you can get a substantial 1200 dpi resolution. With this, you will be able to scan your photos by retaining every little detail.
Other than that, it comes with an automatic feeding mechanism. This feeder makes it much easier to scant the documents. All you have to do is dock the device and feed one end of your paper to the scanner, and it will automatically drag the rest of it.
The device comes with a dedicated microSD card slot. In that, you will be able to install up to 32 GB memory. It also comes included with an 8 GB sd card in the package that will be able to save up to 5000 files. There is also a microSD card converter included in the box.
It comes featured with a 1.5 inches color display that will let you navigate through all the functionalities it has to offer. Alongside that, it also acts as a preview screen. You will be able to see the overall progress of the scan on the screen in real-time.
The device is quite versatile too. You can save the documents in PDF, and for the images, you can choose the JPEG format. Lastly, the battery that comes integrated can scan up to 400 pages after a full charge.
2. VuPoint ST47 Magic Wand Wireless
In the case of managing official documents, the devices that come with multiple storage options will make the task easier for you. If you were looking for such units, you should have a look into this one.
The device comes featured with a USB port that will let you connect it to a computer. After connecting it with a cable, you will be able to transfer all the files to your desktop and view or modify them accordingly. You are going to have a lot of flexibility with this unit.
Alongside that, it comes with a dedicated SD card slot too. You will be able to install up to 32 GB memory card in that. It comes included with an 8 GB card in the box that can store up to 5000 files in it. There is also an adapter that will let you convert any microSD card that you have lying around.
The device has four different scanning modes. You will be able to choose from 1200, 1050, 600, and 300 dpi. The 1200 dpi option will only work when the unit is docked with the charger. There is also an 8x zoom option that will let you capture small documents in an enlarged form.
It is quite versatile too. The device can read photos and documents that are up to 8.5 inches wide and 125 inches long. After scanning, you will be able to save the files in either PDF or JPEG format.
Lastly, the auto-feeding mechanism that the unit comes featured with will let you scan your essential papers at ease. All you have to do is insert one end to the scanner, and it will automatically drag the rest of the part.
3. Aibecy iScan02 Document Scanner
In the case of scanning papers on a flat surface, the devices that come with more than one roller can make the whole process feel smooth. If you were looking for such a unit, you should take a look into this one.
The unit comes with a double roller design on the bottom. These rollers help the device to glide through the surface smoothly and scan the images efficiently. You will be able to scan official documents at ease with this.
Alongside that, it also comes with a Zero-Margin design, which will reduce the possibilities of distortion and losing focus while scanning. That means all your scans will be highly detailed and will not have any focus issues at all.
Just like most of the similar devices, it comes featured with multiple reading modes too. You will be able to switch between three different dpi settings. One of them is 300 dpi for faster scans. The other two are 600 and 1050 dpi, which will dramatically increase the overall quality of the scans.
The unit comes with a dedicated SD card slot. It can support up to 32 GB, which is more than enough for storing all your documents and pictures. After scanning, it can save the files in either JPEG or PDF format. In the case of images, there is also a black and white scan mode.
It comes with a relatively large color LCD screen too. The display will let you navigate through all the functionalities and will also act as a preview screen. You will be able to see the overall progress of the scan in real-time.
Lastly, the unit comes with an 850 mAh rechargeable battery that can last for quite a while. You will be able to finish most of your scanning tasks before it runs out of juice.
4. VuPoint Solutions PDS-ST415-VP Handheld
Compared to all the other manufacturers that are offering different types of scanners in the market, VuPoint has an extensive lineup of wands that provides a stable performance. This one is no exception.
The unit lengths about 10 inches, and the scanning area is 8.5 inches. With this, you will be able to quickly scan documents that are 8.27 inches wide and 98 inches long.
Just like most of the devices that are out there, it also offers different dpi modes for the scans. You will be able to scan with 300 dpi or 600 dpi or the 900 dpi. That means you will have many options in case of the speed and the overall quality of the scans.
Like all the other similar devices, it also comes with a dedicated SD card slot. You will be able to install up to 32 GB memory card in the unit. It also comes with an 8 GB card included in the package, which can store up to 5000 files in it.
There is also an SD card converter that will allow you to use any of the microSD cards that you have lying around.
The device can save to scanned files in two different formats. You can choose between JPEG for you picture scans and PDF for the essential document scans. It can scan images and papers in both color and monochrome mode. You will be able to get the scanned files the way you want them.
Lastly, it comes with a protective case that will make it easier for you to carry the device with you. The compact size makes it highly portable, and you will be able to take it with you to your office without any hassles at all.
5. VuPoint Solutions ST415 Handheld Magic Wand
OCR software makes it extremely easy to manage and organize the official documents after scanning. If you were looking for a device that includes OCR software, then you should put this one into your consideration.
The device comes with OCR software that will let the unit convert the scanned files into PDF, Excel, and Word files that are going to be fully editable and searchable. With this, you will be able to moderate your essential documents efficiently.
It comes with a USB port that will let you connect the device with your desktop. There is a USB cable included that will allow you to transfer the scanned files to your computer at ease. You will be able to archive and organize your documents easily with this.
The device comes with a dedicated SD card slot. It can support memory cards that are up to 32 GB. There is an 8 GB card included that will let you save more than 5000 files in it. It can save the scanned files in two different formats. You will be able to choose from PDF for documents and JPEG for images.
Alongside that, it features three different dpi modes. You will be able to switch between 900 dpi, 600 dpi, and 300 dpi. It can go through a wide range of documents too. You will be able to scan papers that are 8.27 inches wide and are up to 98 inches long.
It comes with a 1 inch LCD screen that will let you navigate through all the functionalities that it has to offer. The battery that comes included will last for up to 200 scans after a full charge. Lastly, the unit is exceptionally compact and easy to carry too.
6. Vupoint Solutions Magic Wand (PDS-ST470-VP)
In the case of scanning documents on the go, the devices that come with a large battery will be able to go through a large number of papers. If you were looking for such a unit, then you should have a look into this one.
It comes with a built-in Polymer rechargeable cell that has a comparatively larger capacity. The 700 mAh battery will be able to last for up to 400 scans after a full charge. You will not have to worry about running about juice while you are scanning a large volume of documents.
The unit is power efficient too. It will shut itself off after being idle for three minutes to conserve the battery.
Alongside that, it also comes with a USB port that makes it easy to transfer all the scanned files to your computer. There is also a USB cable included in the box. This port makes it easier to manage and organize all your essential files.
You can also save the files directly to an SD card. The dedicated SD card slot can support up 32 GB memory cards. It comes with a memory card adapter that will let you utilize any microSD cards that are lying around your house.
It can save the scanned files in two different formats. You can either store them in the JPEG format for pictures or PDFs for the documents. There are also different dpi scanning modes. With a press of a button, you will be able to switch between 1050 dpi, 600 dpi, and 300 dpi.
Lastly, the unit comes with a 1.5 inches colorful LCD screen that will let you easily navigate through all the scanning modes. It also acts as a preview screen, which will show you the overall progress of the scan in real-time.
7. MUNBYN Magic Wand Portable Scanners for Documents, 900DPI
While going through the wand scanner reviews, you might want to get something that can go through the documents and pictures at a fast pace. In that case, you should put this one from MUNBYN into your consideration.
The device comes with multiple numbers of scanning modes. You will be able to choose from 300 dpi, 600 dpi, and 900 dpi according to the quality of the scan that you want.
With the 300 dpi mode, you will be able to scan a full A4 sized document in just 3 seconds, and it will take about 8 seconds with the 900 dpi mode. You can go through a large number of pictures and papers within just a couple of minutes.
The unit is extremely lightweight too. Alongside that, it also sports a compact body that makes the device highly portable. You will be able to carry it around with you to your office easily.
Other than that, the unit is extremely versatile too. It can go through a wide variety of photos and documents. You will be able to scan 8×10, 5×7, 4×6 and 3×5 photos and papers that are up to 8.5 inches wide and 12.5 inches long.
The device comes with a dedicated SD card slot. It can support up to 32 GB memory card. There is a 16 GB memory card included in the package. In that, you will be able to store up to 2500 colored scanned files in 900 dpi mode.
It also has a USB port that will let you connect the device with your computers. After that, you will be able to transfer the scanned files and organize them efficiently. You will have no problems managing your essential documents with this.
8. MUNBYN Portable Scanner Built-in WiFi, 1050 dpi
In the case of wand scanners, the ones that come with an LCD screen can make the overall process smooth and more manageable. If you were looking for such a unit, you should take a look into this one that is from MUBYN.
The LCD screen will let you browse through all the scanning functionalities at ease. It also acts as a preview screen for the scans. That means you will be able to monitor the overall scanning process on the screen in real-time.
It comes with three different resolution settings and two individual scanning modes. You will be able to choose from 1050 dpi, 600 dpi, and 300 dpi optical resolution depending on the type of paper that you are scanning. Also, you can switch between the full-color mode or the monochrome mode.
You will have a plethora of storing options with this device. As it comes with a wifi card built-in, you will be able to save the files to a wirelessly connected device, or you can just store them in the SD card. It can support up to 32 GB external storage, and one 16 GB memory card comes included.
Other than that, with the USB port, you will be able to connect the device to your computer and transfer the files seamlessly. This port will make it easier for you to manage and organize all your essential documents.
It can also save the files in two different formats. You will be able to choose between PDF and JPG format for your scanned files.
Lastly, the device is extremely compact and lightweight. This small form factor makes it extremely easy to carry it around with you. You will be able to take it to your office easily.
9. VuPoint Solutions PDS-ST441PU-VP
Most of the wand scanners come with a built-in battery that loses the overall capacity over time. In that case, a device that comes with a removable battery can eliminate the need for disassembling the entire unit to replace the battery. An excellent example of such a device would be this one from VuPoint.
Unlike most of the devices that are out there, it does not come with a built-in Polymer battery. Instead, it uses Alkaline AA batteries to operate. There is a battery housing on the back of the device that you will have access to, and you will be able to swap out the batteries once they run out of juice.
This feature eliminates the hassle of disassembling the unit just to replace the dead battery.
The part where the device has similarities with the other devices in the market is multiple scanning resolutions. You will be able to select from 900 dpi for high-resolution scans, 600 dpi for regular scans, and 300 dpi for faster scans.
It also comes with a small LCD screen that will let you browse through all the scanning resolutions with the easy to use buttons. There are also two different scanning modes. You will be able to choose from a black and white scan and the fully colored one.
As the device has a USB port, you will be able to connect it directly to your computer and transfer the files. It also comes with a dedicated SD card slot that will let you install SD cards that are up to 32 GB. You will have two different options in case of saving your files.
Lastly, the unit sports a compact and lightweight body. And, with the included pouch, it gets a lot easier to carry the device around to different places.
10. VuPoint PDS-ST442PE-VP Magic Wand III
We are going to finish off our wand scanner reviews with this unit from VuPoint. If you were looking for a device that can scan your documents and pictures at a substantial 1050 dpi, then you should put this one into your consideration list.
Keeping the tabs up with most of the devices that are in the market, it comes with different reading resolutions too. It offers three different scanning resolutions. You will be able to choose from 300 dpi for faster scans, 600 dpi to easily share the files and a high-resolution 1050 dpi to retain the clarity and detail of the scans.
In the case of storing the files, you have a plethora of options too. It comes with an SD card slot that can house microSD or microSDHC memory cards. The maximum supported capacity is 32 GB. With that, you will be able to save a large number of files without needing to empty it up.
Alongside that, it comes with a micro USB port too. With the included USB cable, you will be able to connect it to your computers easily. After that, you can transfer all the files to your desktop and organize them adequately. Managing essential documents will be easier with this device.
It features an eco-friendly design. Instead of implementing a built-in Polymer battery, it comes with a battery housing that accepts AA batteries. That means you will be able to easily swap out the cells from the device once they run out of juice.
Lastly, as the unit comes featured with a lightweight and compact body, you will be able to carry it with you easily. This small form factor will let you use the device anywhere you want to.
Things to Consider Before Buying
We know that you are pretty thrilled to get your hands on one of the devices that we spotlighted in our wand scanner reviews section. But there are a few things that you need to keep in mind before you make a purchase. These are:
Battery life
Most of the wand scanner will ship with some type of lithium polymer battery that will power it on. And the capacity of those batteries is an important factor. As one of the reasons behind opting for this type of scanners is that you can use them virtually anywhere, it will be a hassle if they can not last long.
If they come with a smaller battery, you will have to carry around a power adapter with you everywhere. That is why you should opt for the ones that come with a large-sized battery. Those will be able to offer you a significant amount of runtime, and you will be able to finish all your scanning before it runs out of juice.
Optical Resolutions
Wand scanners are one of the versatile devices that are out there. They achieve this versatility because of the vast array of options they offer in the case of optical resolutions. In this case, the more options the devices can provide, the more flexible they will be.
Besides that, having options in case of optical resolutions means you will be able to choose between speed and quality, depending on the scenario you are in. That is why we would suggest you go with the ones that offer at least three different DPI settings.
SD Card Slot
Most of the units will come with an SD card slot that will let you store the scanned files without needing it to connect with any other devices. But in this case, what you should consider is the maximum capacity of cards that they slot can support.
The more space it can hold, the more files you will be able to save on it without needing to delete files.
USB Ports
The units that come with a built-in lithium battery will sport a micro USB port to let you charge the device up. But, in this case, what you should consider is the connectivity options.
If the USB port can supports data transfer, then you will be able to connect it with a computer and move your essential documents there. It will be much easier for you to manage files with these types of devices.
Display
Lastly, you should factor in the display that comes with the device. If it acts like a preview screen, then you will be able to monitor your scan progress in real-time. With those, you will be able to make sure that the scans are going the way you want them to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the DPI in the case of scanners stand for?
In the case of scanners, the DPI stands for dots per inches. DPI is the measurement unit that is used for determining the overall quality of the pictures. The more the dpi, the higher the quality of the images will be.
- Which dpi settings should I choose for both speed and quality?
We would recommend you to stick with 600 dpi all the time. This amount of dpi is good enough for a good quality scan, and the scanner will also be able to scan through the entire document or image at a relatively fast pace too.
- In which format should I save my documents in the SD card?
For documents, you will get the best result with PDF files. PDF files are the standard for papers, and you will also be able to quickly moderate and manage the contents of the scan with this format too.
- What should I do if there are black or white vertical lines in my scenes?
In most of the case, the vertical black or white lines will only occur if the scanner is dirty or if there is a speck of dust stuck on the surface. To fix this, all you have to do is clean the surface with a microfiber cloth.
- How will I know if the SD card that I have will support my device or not?
You should check the capacity first. Most of the devices will be able to support up to 32 GB memory cards, but some might only support 16 GB. So before you make a purchase, you should check the total capacity of the memory card that the unit can support.
Final Words
Investing in the best wand scanner will not only let you scan your essential documents and images anywhere but also will offer you a smoother overall experience. We hope that we were able to narrow down the options enough that it is now easier for you to choose one for your daily scanning tasks.
