Like choosing a camera, prioritising features simplifies the process of selecting the best photo scanner. Scanners with auto-feed are better for digitising large stashes of photos, while high-end flatbed scanners offer the most quality for serious photographers who want to scan both prints and film. From budget options to professional models, here are the best photo scanners you can buy.

Preserve your precious memories with Plustek’s ephoto Z300. It can scan anything from 3×5 to A4 photos and documents. Unlike traditional scanners, you don’t need to open up a lid to scan your documents. You only need to slip in the photos one by one to get a high-quality scan. It only takes two seconds to scan photos or five seconds to scan documents, letting you scan multiples in quick succession. The unique drive wheel design keeps your prints pristine while the software restores and enhances your scans to their best version.

Why we love it:

— Efficient scanning — Instant photo sharing — Multiple photo-enhancing tools

Canon’s P-208II photo scanner produces high-quality scans in a scan rate of 16ipm. The slim and modern design allows you to save up on desk space. This scanner is ultra-lightweight, and can easily connect to your phone to print your personal pictures with its wireless connectivity. The photo scanner can accommodate any document or photo that is A4-sized or below.

Why we love it:

— Produces sharp scans — Easy to use — Compact design

Produce clear and accurate scans wherever you are with MUNBYN’s photo scanner. The compact design lets you conveniently use the scanner with one hand to scan photos. If you have a Wi-Fi signal, you don’t even have to connect to a computer to save the scans. Directly upload the scans to your smartphone or various online hosting sites so you can view them later. You have the option to save the scans as JPG or PDF files without utilising third-party software. You can even scan documents and turn them into editable text files to make editing easy.

Why we love it:

— Versatile scanning options — 1050×1050 dpi maximum resolution — Comes with a 16GB microSD card

With a 4800 dpi scanning resolution, Epson’s V39 preserves all the details of your photo or document with each scan. The scanner has helpful tools within its software that help you restore and improve your photos. The optical character recognition even turns your documents into editable text files. The software lets you directly upload your scans to a cloud service to archive them immediately. The high-rise lid is detachable, allowing you to scan photo albums and thick documents without any issue. An intuitive, user-friendly layout allows you to scan documents without fumbling for manuals or complicated controls.

Why we love it:

— High scan resolution — Compact design — Can scan oversized photos