CamScanner is basically the most popular scanner app for mobile phones. This app is free to download but its features and tools are very pricey. It is one of the best mobile scanners to use if you can afford its services. Nevertheless, not everyone will be able to afford to pay to make use of its services, hence, the reason I’ll be talking about apps like CamScanner.
There are other CamScanner alternative apps out there that offer similar services and features but are less pricey. Some of these apps are even free to use. Yes, you will not be asked to pay a dime before accessing their features. These apps also offer other functionality apart from document scanning. This you’ll see when you explore their features.
There’s no need for you to buy a scanner machine when you have a smartphone. Therefore, in this article on Naijaknowhow, I’ll depict a list of the best apps like CamScanner that’ll help you scan your personal documents, receipts, and notes, readying them for printouts. These apps also offer free services to their users. So let’s get started.
List of the Best Apps Like CamScanner for Android and iOS
if you’re searching for the best CamScanner alternative apps to use for quick document scanning using your smartphone, then you should keep reading. Moreover, you may want to check out a list of the best mobile scanner apps to use on your smartphone.
1. Microsoft Lens
Microsoft Lens app is a very powerful tool for document scanning on mobile. If you’re already in the Microsoft ecosystem, then this is the best scanner app for you to use, as it will offer a much better experience. Microsoft Lens app isn’t only useful for scanning documents, but can also be used to scan handwritten notes and diagrams, making them readable.
Microsoft Lens app also offers good features that let you crop the edge of documents automatically, and also recognize text from documents using OCR technology. This is one of the best apps like CamScanner that you should definitely make use of. Microsoft Lens app is available for both Android and iOS devices. It comes with a flexible and easy-to-use interface.
Pros:
- Converts images to PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel files.
- Digitizes printed or handwritten text.
- Saves scans to local storage or cloud.
- Scans business cards and saves contacts.
- Enhances readability of whiteboards and documents.
Cons:
- May be slow on older devices.
- Visualization options limited.
- Primarily designed for Microsoft Office users.
[appbox googleplay com.microsoft.office.officelens]
[appbox appstore id975925059]
2. Adobe Scan
If you’re looking to switch operations from CamScanner, the Adobe Scan app is an effective alternative to make that switch. This app is mostly focused on PDF scanning and offers better features for that task. If you’re not a fan of watermarks imprinted on your scan output, then you may want to try out the Adobe Scan app.
Just like CamScanner, this app is very popular. It has over 100M+ users all over the world. This is because the Adobe Scan app is credible and very reliable when it comes to PDF and other types of documents scanned on mobile. Adobe Scan app also makes use of OCR technology to detect and recognize text on documents. It is another most sought-after tool to scan documents.
Pros:
- Automatic text recognition with OCR
- Saves scans in various formats (PDF, JPEG)
- Recognizes documents and receipts automatically
- Creates PDF scans from photos
- The app is free to use
Cons:
- Requires subscription for full functionality
- Occasional glitches and slow loading times reported
[appbox googleplay com.adobe.scan.android]
[appbox appstore id1199564834]
3. Google Drive
I know you’re surprised to see the Google Drive app make this list, but it is actually one of the best apps like CamScanner helps with document scanning on mobile. Yes, the Google Drive app comes with a scanner feature embedded into it. You may not have known this, but if you explore the app properly, you’ll find this feature. Nevertheless, this app is not feature-rich for document scanning like most scanner apps, but it gets the job done.
Pros:
- Seamless cloud storage.
- Built-in scanner feature.
- Simplified and straightforward document scanning.
Cons:
- Limited features compared to dedicated scanner apps.
- Interface may not be as intuitive for scanning purposes.
[appbox googleplay com.google.android.apps.docs]
[appbox appstore id507874739]
4. TurboScan
Although this app comes without OCR functionality that detects and recognizes text in documents and images, it is still recommended as an alternative to CamScanner. Yes, OCR is important but not everyone makes use of it. So if you have no need for that feature, you can switch to the TurboScan app for all your document scanning needs.
The TurboScan app is feature-rich and comes with almost every needed function and tool that is useful for scanning all types of files and documents on mobile. This app offers an amazing mode that sharpens scanned documents, making them very easy to read. After scanning, it allows you to save to any file format like PDF and JPG.
Pros:
- Turns your phone into a multipage scanner.
- Fast and high quality scans.
- SureScan mode for sharper scans in low light.
- Email, cloud storage, and social media integration.
- It has no ads.
Cons:
- Paid version required for maximum experience.
- Crop settings need improvement.
- Limited automatic file organization options.
[appbox googleplay com.piksoft.turboscan.free]
[appbox appstore id1017559099]
5. Fast Scanner
Fast Scanner turns your smartphone into a multiple-page scanner for documents, receipts, notes, invoices, business cards, whiteboards, and other paper text. With Fast Scanner, you can quickly scan your document, and then print or email them as multiple pages PDF or JPEG files. Moreover, you can save the PDF files on your device or open them in other apps.
Fast Scanner app only allows all scanned documents to be exported as an industry-standard PDF file. Using this app, you can add new pages or delete existing pages within the PDF file. This app also offers an edge detection feature that lets you adjust the borders of documents easily. It is, without a doubt, one of the best apps like CamScanner you should try out.
Pros:
- Quick and efficient document scanning.
- Multiple export options: PDF or JPEG.
- Ability to add or remove pages within PDF files.
- Convenient edge detection feature for adjusting document borders.
Cons:
- Contains ads.
- Subscription required to remove ads and get free updates.
[appbox googleplay com.coolmobilesolution.fastscannerfree]
[appbox appstore id586167688]
6. SwiftScan
SwiftScan is a popular mobile scanner app that many people use to scan documents and QR codes. With just a tap, you can easily create high-quality PDF or JPG scans for free. You can then send these scans via email or save them to cloud storage services like Google Drive.
What makes SwiftScan stand out is its user-friendly design. It’s crafted to be easy to understand and use. When you scan a document, your smartphone camera does the hard work, making decisions to capture, crop, straighten, and apply filters.
You have the flexibility to choose your preferred options. Overall, SwiftScan is a top-notch app that users appreciate especially for its efficiency and user-friendly approach to document scanning. Its simple design and smart features, combined with the ease of sending scans, make it one of the best apps like CamScanner.
Pros:
- Create PDF or JPG scans with one tap.
- Intuitive interface and automatic document capture.
- Edit scans with filters, straightening, and cropping.
- Save scans as files, send via email, or upload to cloud storage.
Cons:
- Some features require a paid subscription.
- In-app ads can be intrusive.
- Some users report occasional crashes.
- OCR (optical character recognition) accuracy can vary.
[appbox googleplay net.doo.snap]
[appbox appstore id834854351]
7. Genius Scan
The Genius Scan app is handy for quickly scanning your paper documents using your smartphone. Just place any document in front of your phone’s camera, and it automatically recognizes the paper, crops it, and cleans up the scan. This ensures you get a clear and readable mobile scan without the need for a desktop scanner.
With the batch scanner feature, you can scan multiple pages in seconds, making it efficient for large documents. The app also provides powerful tools to help organize and archive your PDF documents. Overall, Genius Scan is a convenient replacement for a desktop scanner, making document scanning on the go a breeze.
Pros:
- Quickly scan documents on the go.
- Automatic document recognition and cropping.
- Crisp and legible mobile scans.
- Batch scanner for dozens of pages.
- Powerful tools for organizing and archiving PDFs.
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version.
- Subscription needed to use advanced features.
- Needs perfect lighting conditions for best experience.
- Layout or interface not very intuitive.
[appbox googleplay com.thegrizzlylabs.geniusscan.free]
[appbox appstore id377672876]
8. Scanner Pro
The Scanner Pro app makes document scanning easy and quick. You can scan your travel expenses, turn paper sketches into digital copies, and save interesting articles effortlessly. The app’s advanced image processing automatically finds document borders and fixes distortions.
The app lets you streamline your workflow with one-tap automation. It ensures your documents are easily accessible across different devices, making mobile document scanning reliable and convenient. With Scanner Pro, keeping your important papers at your fingertips is a breeze.
Pros:
- Scan documents in seconds
- Convert paper sketches and articles
- Advanced image processing
- Automate workflow with one-tap actions
- Keep documents handy on other devices
Cons:
- Subscription required for advanced features
- Only available on iOS devices (iPhone & iPad)
[appbox appstore id333710667]
9. Tiny Scanner
Tiny Scanner is an amazing app that turns your phone or tablet into a handy document scanner. It makes digitizing your important papers easy and convenient. The app has many useful features that enhance your scanning experience.
When you open the app, you’ll find a user-friendly interface that neatly organizes all your scanned documents. You can choose to view them in a grid or list format, based on how you like to organize things. What makes Tiny Scanner stand out is its smart scanning abilities.
After capturing a document, the app automatically identifies the page edges, making cropping a breeze. You can customize the scanned page to fit your needs with various commonly used page sizes like letter, A4, legal, A3, and even business card size, accommodating a wide range of document types.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface for easy navigation.
- Offers flexible viewing options (grid or list format).
- Intelligent scanning with automatic page edge detection.
- Variety of commonly used page sizes for tailored scans.
- Portable and convenient.
Cons:
- Free version includes ads.
- Some users report occasional glitches.
- Additional premium features require a subscription.
[appbox googleplay com.appxy.tinyscanner]
[appbox appstore id595563753]
Conclusion
CamScanner is undeniably one of the best scanner apps to use on mobile, but seeing as it’s quite pricey and not affordable for everyone, hence a need to go for alternatives that offer similar or even better features and tools. These scanner apps are very effective and once you install them, you need not bother to spend on a scanner machine for your home or office.
