10 Best Brother Scanners 2025 in the United States

The Brother DS-640 Compact Mobile Document Scanner is an excellent choice for professionals on the go. Its standout feature is its portability; weighing just over 1 pound and measuring less than 12 inches long, it is easy to carry around. The scanner is powered through a USB connection, which means no need for additional power adapters, making it convenient for mobile use. It scans both color and black and white documents at a respectable speed of up to 16 pages per minute, which is efficient for its size.

However, its maximum resolution is 300 dpi, which might not be sufficient for users needing high-resolution scans. The scanner does not include an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), so it’s more suited for single-sheet scanning rather than batch scanning tasks. Duplex scanning is also not available, which means it can’t scan both sides of a document simultaneously. The DS-640 supports a variety of document sizes and types, including plastic IDs and business cards, adding to its versatility.

The included software enhances functionality by allowing scans to be directed to different destinations like emails, cloud services, and OCR for editable text documents. It's compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, which offers flexibility across different operating systems. On the downside, reliance on a micro USB 3.0 connection might limit its use with devices lacking such ports. Despite these drawbacks, the scanner is backed by a 1-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support, which adds to its reliability. The Brother DS-640 is a compact and efficient scanner perfect for those needing a portable solution for light, single-sheet scanning tasks.

The Brother MFC-L2820DW is a compact monochrome all-in-one laser printer that's especially suited for small offices or home environments where space is a consideration. One of its standout features is the fast print speed, reaching up to 36 pages per minute, along with a scanning speed of up to 23.6 images per minute. This efficiency is complemented by a 50-page automatic document feeder, allowing for quick processing of multi-page documents. Moreover, the printer supports automatic duplex scanning and printing, which helps save paper and makes it eco-friendly.

Connectivity is flexible, offering wireless (dual-band), Ethernet, and USB options, making it easy to link to various devices, including smartphones and tablets through the Brother Mobile Connect app. The user-friendly 2.7-inch touchscreen enhances navigation and directly supports cloud printing and scanning.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The printer's resolution, at 300 x 300 dpi, is adequate for text documents but may fall short for users needing high-quality image scanning or printing. Additionally, while the compact design is great for saving space, it may not accommodate larger print jobs as well as more robust models. The reliance on monochrome output limits its application for those requiring color documents. In terms of size and weight, it is relatively portable for a laser printer, but at 22.5 pounds, it might be challenging to move frequently. Finally, while the printer comes with a trial for the Refresh Subscription Service for toner, ongoing costs for toner replacements should be kept in mind.

The Brother MFC-L2820DW is an efficient choice for black-and-white printing and scanning tasks in small settings, offering solid features at a reasonable price, though it may not meet the needs of users requiring high-resolution color output.

The Brother MFC-J6955DW is an all-in-one printer that offers substantial features suitable for home or office use. This product stands out with its INKvestment Tank technology, which provides up to one year of ink, making it cost-effective for long-term use. The print speed is impressive at 30 ppm for both monochrome and color, ensuring efficiency for high-volume tasks.

Additionally, the built-in dual band wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, and USB connectivity options make it versatile for various network setups and mobile printing needs via the Brother Mobile Connect App. Security features are robust, with triple layer security to protect sensitive documents during printing and scanning.

However, the device is quite heavy at 52.9 pounds, which might not be ideal for those needing a more portable solution. The printer includes an 11” x 17” scan glass, and it is advisable to check if it meets your specific software compatibility needs. The Brother MFC-J6955DW is a feature-rich and efficient printer that excels in printing performance and connectivity but may fall short in portability and possibly in certain scanning capabilities.