If you’re one of those people who has a hard time keeping up with all the cards you hand out, a business card scanner is a must-have. What makes these devices so essential is that they digitize your contacts so you have a digital archive of your contacts, and make sure you never lose a card again by storing them in the cloud. There are a few different types of scanners out there, but we decided to do some research and comb through the reviews to find the best ones for your needs.
Read on to learn more about our favorite business card scanners.
Our Editor’s Best Business Card Scanners Reviews
- BCR901 Simplex (single side) USB Optical Card Scanner. Ultra-compact footprint saves desk space. Mount and use scanner horizontally or vertically.
- Scans medical insurance cards, laminated cards, IDs, photos, etc. (NOTE: Scans cards ONE SIDE at at time.)
- Included Scan-ID LITE app scans and manages database of card images. NOTE: All card information is manually entered. THIS LITE VERSION DOES NOT READ DRIVER LICENSES.
- Direct scanning to PDF, JPEG, TIF formats. Automatically saves scanned images to folder.
- Fully TWAIN compliant - works with numerous bank, medical, healthcare, and other imaging apps. Windows only - NOT MAC compatible.
- Digitize business cards in seconds. Scan, recognize, and save contact information directly turn business cards into accurate digital format in a few seconds.
- Support multiple languages. Recognize business cards in 24 different languages as well.
- Data exchange. Export/ import contacts to/ from Address Book and then to iPhone/ iPod, Microsoft Entourage; and export to vCard, CSV. Text, HTML, image file format or import from vCard, CSV, WorldCard File.
- Manage business cards efficiently. Complete set of management functions provided for editing of information, assigning multiple categories and also adding of individual information and photos.Search by keyword.
- Quickly and efficiently find your contacts with "Text Search" and "Advanced Search" functions. Clicking on the address or website in card information fields will link to the map and contact's website directly.
- IMPORT CONTACTS DIRECTLY TO OUTLOOK: Compatibility with Microsoft Outlook makes growing your contact list simple and easy. Scan your business card in just seconds, and the information will be imported directly into your Outlook address book.
- SCAN TO SHARED CONTACT FOLDER: For executive assistants and distributed office environments, scanning contacts to a shared folder allows for easy contact sharing across your organization. Simply set up your shared folder and start scanning.
- DETECT DUPLICATE CONTACTS: Automatic duplicate detection of Outlook contacts keeps your address book organized and up to date. Never worry about repeating information, and edit contact fields easily if needed.
- EXPORT TO CSV FILE: Using OCR technology, AmbirScan Business Card creates CSV files to conveniently store and backup your data. Upload your CSV to third party CRMs, such as Salesforce and Google Contacts.
- WINDOWS COMPATIBLE: The included single PC software license is supported on Windows 10 and 11 only and runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.
- SUPERIOR CARD HANDLING: Patient IDs. Insurance cards. Driver’s licenses. Vaccine cards. The ImageScan Pro 687 handles them with ease in just three seconds – even cards with raised characters.
- DUPLEX SCANNING: When you need all the information on identification, insurance and driver’s licenses, the ImageScan Pro 687 is the scanner for the job. Capture the front and back of any card in one pass, giving you the important images you need in half the time.
- INDUSTRY STANDARD TWAIN DRIVER: Ensures compatibility for use of any software application with communication support to TWAIN devices.
- CITRIX READY: Citrix Ready certification provides added assurance that our scanners have met the standards set by Citrix, confirming compatibility within the Citrix environment.
- COMPLETE SOLUTION: The included AmbirScan capture software makes your document scanning easy. Save documents as PDF, TIF or JPG to your local PC, or to one of these popular cloud services: Box, DropBox, Evernote and Google Drive.
- IMPORT CONTACTS DIRECTLY TO OUTLOOK: Compatibility with Microsoft Outlook makes growing your contact list simple and easy. Scan your business card in just seconds, and the information will be imported directly into your Outlook address book.
- SCAN TO SHARED CONTACT FOLDER: For executive assistants and distributed office environments, scanning contacts to a shared folder allows for easy contact sharing across your organization. Simply set up your shared folder and start scanning.
- DETECT DUPLICATE CONTACTS: Automatic duplicate detection of Outlook contacts keeps your address book organized and up to date. Never worry about repeating information, and edit contact fields easily if needed.
- EXPORT TO CSV FILE: Using OCR technology, AmbirScan Business Card creates CSV files to conveniently store and backup your data. Upload your CSV to third party CRMs, such as Salesforce and Google Contacts.
- WINDOWS COMPATIBLE: The included single PC software license is supported on Windows 10 and 11 only and runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.
- DESIGNED FOR SPEED: Ambir Card Scanner PS670st in the fastest single sided card scanner on the market. It is designed to scan a card in under two seconds, Creating beautiful quality images in color or in grayscale
- VERTICAL FEED PATH: The vertical feed path of the PS670st makes feeding cards into the scanner incredibly easy. Its unique and compact design allows the scanner to take up less desk space, making it perfect for a busy office
- SUPERIOR IMAGE OUTPUT: High-speed performance without compromising image quality. Create true 600 dpi images that meet or exceed the standards required by third-party software companies
- WINDOWS COMPATIBILITY: The AMBIR PS670st is fully supported for PC users on Windows 10 and 11, and runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems
- IMAGING SOFTWARE INCLUDED: Enjoy the quick and easy workflow our bundled AmbirScan software solution offers. Enhance your scanning experience with a variety of features like auto-scan, file formatting, and save to cloud
- OUR MOST ADVANCED SCANSNAP. Large touchscreen, fast 45ppm double-sided scanning, 100-sheet document feeder, Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, automatic optimizations, and support for cloud services. Upgraded replacement for the discontinued iX1600
- CUSTOMIZABLE. SHARABLE. Select personalized profiles from the touchscreen. Send to PC, Mac, mobile devices, and clouds. QUICK MENU lets you quickly scan-drag-drop to your favorite computer apps
- STABLE WIRELESS OR USB CONNECTION. Built-in Wi-Fi 6 for the fastest and most secure scanning. Connect to smart devices or cloud services without a computer. USB-C connection also available
- PHOTO AND DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION MADE EFFORTLESS. Easily manage, edit, and use scanned data from documents, receipts, photos, and business cards. Automatically optimize, name, and sort files
- AVOIDS PAPER JAMS AND DAMAGE. Features a brake roller system to feed paper smoothly, a multi-feed sensor that detects pages stuck together, and skew detection to prevent paper damage and data loss
- FITS SMALL SPACES AND STAYS OUT OF THE WAY. Innovative space-saving design to free up desk space, even when it's being used
- SCAN DOCUMENTS, PHOTOS, CARDS, AND MORE. Handles most document types, including thick items and plastic cards. Exclusive QUICK MENU lets you quickly scan-drag-drop to your favorite computer apps
- GREAT IMAGES EVERY TIME, NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. A single touch starts fast, up to 30ppm duplex scanning with automatic de-skew, color optimization, and blank page removal for outstanding results without driver setup
- SCAN WHERE YOU WANT, WHEN YOU WANT. Connect with USB or Wi-Fi. Send to Mac, PC, mobile devices, and cloud services. Scan to Chromebook using the mobile app. Can be used without a computer
- PHOTO AND DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION MADE EFFORTLESS. ScanSnap Home all-in-one software brings together all your favorite functions. Easily manage, edit, and use scanned data from documents, receipts, business cards, photos, and more
- COMPACT USB-POWERED BUSINESS CARD SCANNER: The Ambir Business Card Scanner PS670st is a USB-Powered high-speed scanner for scanning business cards. Extract data from cards and import information directly into Outlook or Excel compatible files without the need of a software subscription. With its innovative vertical orientation, and small footprint, the PS670st minimizes the space needed wherever you work.
- IMAGING SOFTWARE INCLUDED: The AmbirScan Business Card Scanning software reads the business card and automatically creates a contact in outlook with that business cards information.
- SEAMLESS AND EFFICIENT DATA INTEGRATION SOLUTION: Convert Physical Business Cards into an Excel/CSV file, ready for seamless integration with thousands of systems, including Constant Contact, MailChimp, and Google Contacts.
- SUPERIOR IMAGE OUTPUT: High-speed performance without compromising image quality. Create true 600 dpi images that meet or exceed the standards required by third-party software companies.
- WINDOWS COMPATIBILITY: The AMBIR PS670st is fully supported for PC users on Windows 10 and 11, and runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.
- Business card scanner converts contact information from business cards into digital form. Reads cards in 7 languages from 14 different countries.
- Sends all card data to your Outlook, Palm or Windows mobile device. Verifies and correct US addresses and ZIP + 4 codes.
- It's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Business card management was never easier.
- Requires Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8, Pentium processor or later, 64MB RAM, 90MB available disk space (120MB for full installation)
- Includes protective pouch. 8.1 inches long by 6.6 inches wide by 3.2 inches high. 1.3 pounds. Imported.
Best Business Card Scanners Buying Guide
Before choosing the best business card scanner you should consider following options:
1. What’s the Business Need? First and foremost, you must determine the business need for the scanner you plan to purchase. Are you looking to eliminate the piles of business cards you collect on a daily basis? Or maybe you want to convert business cards into contacts in your existing application?
The type of scanner you purchase will depend on the answer to this question. If you are looking to eliminate the piles of cards, then you will want a scanner with the ability to scan and capture cards as a JPEG image.
If you want to convert business cards into contacts in your existing application, then you will want a scanner with the ability to connect to a network and convert the image into a usable format.
2. What Does the Scanner Do? Once you determine the business need, you will want to evaluate the different scanners available and determine which one will best meet your needs.
Depending on the scanner, you can scan and capture as a JPEG or PDF, convert the image into a usable format, and/or organize the information into contacts in your existing application.
Other features to consider include the ability to scan bar codes and receipts, connect to a wireless network, and the ability to scan a wide variety of business card sizes.
3. How Much Does the Scanner Cost? Cost is always a factor when purchasing any type of business technology. You will want to evaluate the different scanners based on price, and then determine which one will best meet your needs and budget.
Depending on the features of the scanner, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 – $1,000.
4. Evaluation of the Scanner’s Performance. Once you have narrowed down your selection of scanners to evaluate, you will want to make sure the scanner you plan to purchase will meet your needs.
You should always read the specifications and evaluate how the scanner will perform against your needs.
What else you should know about business card scanners
1. What are the best business card scanners?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on individual needs and preferences. However, some popular business card scanners include the DYMO CardScan, the NeatReceipts Mobile Scanner, and the Epson Workforce DS-40.
2. How do business card scanners work?
A business card scanner is a device that can be used to scan and store the information on a business card. The device is usually handheld and can be used to scan the business card of another person.
3. What are the features of business card scanners?
Some business card scanners come with special features, such as the ability to read business cards in multiple languages or the ability to scan both the front and back of a business card. Other features may include the ability to export contact information to a variety of different formats, such as vCards, CSV files, or Microsoft Outlook.
4. How much do business card scanners cost?
The majority of business card scanners cost between $50 and $200.
5. What are the benefits of using a business card scanner?
Some benefits of using a business card scanner are that it can help you keep track of your contacts, it can save you time by automatically adding information from the business card to your contact list, and it can help you keep your business cards organized.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best business card scanners. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best business card scanners will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.