Go paperless with the best mobile scanning apps of 2023. Find out which apps top our list and start scanning on-the-go.

The top 5 best mobile scanning apps of 2023

With the increasing popularity of digital document management, scanning apps are becoming an essential tool for many individuals and businesses, so let’s explore what scanning apps are and the top five you’ve got to try.

How do scanning apps work?

Scanning apps are designed to make document scanning simple and convenient. These apps use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to recognize text and images in scanned documents, allowing users to easily store and manage digital copies of their documents. When you use a scanning app on your mobile device, the app takes a photo of the document using the camera on your device. The app then uses OCR to analyze the photo and convert it into text and image data. This data is then saved as a digital file, usually in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format. Scanning apps often offer integration with cloud storage services like OneDrive, OneNote, Evernote, Dropbox, and iCloud. This allows users to easily save and access their scanned files from anywhere with an internet connection. Once the scanned documents are saved in the cloud storage service, users can choose to convert them to PDF files using apps like Acrobat. PDF files are a popular format for scanned documents because they maintain the original formatting and layout of the document, making it easy to read and share.

Why not just take a picture?

Scanning apps use OCR technology to make document scanning simple and convenient. They allow users to store and manage digital copies of their documents in various formats and easily access them from anywhere using cloud storage services. While it is true that taking a picture of a document or image with your phone's camera can be a quick and easy way to capture information, it may not always produce high-quality results. Scanning apps use specialized technology, such as OCR, to create digital copies that are more accurate and easier to read. Additionally, scanned images can be easily imported into other programs like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, allowing for greater flexibility and usability. Scanning apps are also useful for capturing information from whiteboards or other surfaces that may not be easy to photograph. While pictures taken with a phone's camera can be easily shared on social media or via messaging apps like WhatsApp, scanned documents offer greater clarity and a more professional appearance.

What to look for in a scanning app

When choosing a scanning app, there are several scanning features to look for to ensure that it meets your needs:

• High-quality scans - The most important feature is to choose an app that produces high-quality scans. Always read reviews before downloading new apps or software.
• Automatic edge detection - A good scanning app will automatically detect the edges of a document and adjust the image accordingly, eliminating any unwanted background and providing a clean, professional-looking scan.
• Save and export options - Look for an app that allows you to save your scanned documents in a variety of file formats, such as PDF, JPEG, or PNG, and offers integration with cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud. This will make it easy to access and share your documents from anywhere.
• Editing features - The best scanning apps offer robust editing features, such as file naming or the ability to crop, rotate, easily search a document for a keyword, and adjust the brightness and contrast of your scans.
• Multi-page support - If you plan to scan multiple pages into a single file, you want to ensure the app you choose can easily scan and save multiple pages as a single document without requiring you to manually combine them later.
• Text recognition - Another useful feature is text recognition which allows you to convert scanned text into editable text. This feature is particularly useful for business documents or forms that require manual data entry.
• Security measures - Password protection or encryption is also an important feature to consider if you need to protect sensitive information. Look for an app that offers passcode protection or other security measures to ensure that your scanned documents are safe from unauthorized access.
• Watermarks - Ensure your app does not leave watermarks on your scanned documents.
• Color scanning - Some apps only support black and white scans, so if you need full-color, make sure the app you choose supports that feature.

Top 5 best mobile scanning apps

With so many mobile scanning apps available on the market, it can be difficult to determine which ones are the best, so let’s review the top 5 best mobile scanning apps that offer a variety of features to meet your scanning needs.

1. Adobe Scan — Adobe Scan is a scanning app that allows users to capture high-quality scans of documents and save them as PDFs. It uses OCR technology to recognize text in scans, making them searchable and editable. It also has a feature that automatically straightens and crops scans to improve their appearance.
2. CamScanner — This free app allows users to scan and save documents in various formats, including PDF and JPEG. The app features include image enhancement, cropping, and the ability to add annotations. The free version has ads and limits the number of pages that can be scanned. The paid version removes ads and allows for unlimited scans. In-app purchases include features such as OCR (optical character recognition) and cloud storage.
3. TinyScanner — TinyScanner is a scanning app that can scan documents, receipts, and other paper documents and save them as PDFs or JPEGs. It has features like automatic edge detection, image adjustment, and perspective correction to ensure the scans are high quality. It also allows users to organize scans into folders and share them through email or cloud storage services.
4. Genius Scan Ultra — Genius Scan Ultra is a mobile scanning app that can capture high-quality scans of documents, receipts, and photos. It has features like smart page detection, image enhancement, and perspective correction, which help to create sharp and clear scans. It also allows users to organize their scans into folders and sync them across multiple devices.
5. Speechify: Speechify is a mobile app that uses OCR technology to convert text into speech. It allows users to scan documents, articles, and other physical text and listen to it as spoken words. Speechify has features like voice control, speed control, and integration with other apps like Google Drive and Dropbox.

Honorable mentions

Although we’ve already covered the best scanner apps, here are a few more you should consider.

1. TurboScan — TurboScan is a mobile scanning app that can quickly capture documents and save them as high-quality PDFs or JPEGs. It features edge detection, image enhancement, and multi-page scanning, which allows users to scan multiple pages into a single document.
2. SwiftScan — This app offers users the ability to scan and save documents, receipts, and business cards in a variety of formats. It includes features such as automatic edge detection and image enhancement. The free version limits the number of scans that can be made and includes ads. The paid version removes ads and provides unlimited scans.
3. Scanner Pro — This app offers users the ability to scan and save documents, receipts, and whiteboards in various formats, including PDF and JPEG. The app features automatic edge detection and image enhancement. The app is not free, and users must purchase it to use its features.

Speechify - The #1 scanning app

Speechify is a text to speech app that utilizes advanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to convert photo scans of any text to audio files, making it the #1 scanning app for anyone looking for a simple and effective solution for reading and listening to documents. The program is available on all computers, tablets, and phones, including iOS (such as iPhone and iPad) and Android devices, through the app found in the Google Play and App stores. The app boasts a simple and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use, allowing users to convert any physical document, study material, etc., into natural-sounding speech with one scan. If you’re looking for a reliable document scanner app that can turn scanned text into speech, sign up for Speechify today.

FAQ

What is the best app to scan QR codes?

QR Code Reader by Scan is available on both iOS and Android and allows users to scan QR codes quickly and easily. It also includes a built-in QR code generator, which can be useful for creating codes for personal or business use.

What is the best app to scan barcodes?

Barcode Scanner by ZXing Team is available on both iOS and Android and allows users to scan barcodes and view detailed information about the product, such as prices and reviews. It also includes a flashlight feature for scanning in low-light environments.