Brother and Epson Wireless Scanners: A Head-to-Head Comparison

In the competitive landscape of document scanning, two heavyweights stand out: the Brother ADS-1700W and the Epson ES-300W. These compact and feature-packed devices offer exceptional value for businesses and individuals alike. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these scanners, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Design and Portability

Both the Brother ADS-1700W and Epson ES-300W boast compact designs that make them ideal for space-constrained environments. The Brother ADS-1700W measures 11.2″ x 6.7″ x 6.3″, while the Epson ES-300W is slightly smaller at 11.0″ x 5.9″ x 5.5″.

When it comes to portability, the Brother ADS-1700W has the edge thanks to its built-in battery. This allows you to scan documents on the go without the need for an external power source. The Epson ES-300W, on the other hand, requires a power outlet to operate.

Scanning Speed and Resolution

Speed and resolution are crucial factors to consider when choosing a scanner. The Brother ADS-1700W offers a scanning speed of up to 25 pages per minute (ppm) for single-sided documents and 50 images per minute (ipm) for double-sided documents. The Epson ES-300W matches this speed for single-sided documents but falls slightly behind at 45 ipm for double-sided scanning.

In terms of resolution, both scanners offer a maximum optical resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi. This resolution is sufficient for capturing sharp and detailed scans of text, images, and graphics.

Paper Handling

The Brother ADS-1700W and Epson ES-300W both feature automatic document feeders (ADFs) that can accommodate up to 50 sheets of paper at a time. This allows you to scan multiple documents quickly and efficiently.

However, the Brother ADS-1700W offers a more flexible paper handling system. It includes a rear output tray that can hold up to 50 scanned documents, while the Epson ES-300W has a front output tray that can only hold up to 30 scanned documents.

Connectivity and Software

Connectivity options are essential for integrating a scanner into your workflow. The Brother ADS-1700W supports both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, allowing you to connect to your network wirelessly or via a wired connection. The Epson ES-300W also supports Wi-Fi connectivity but lacks an Ethernet port.

Both scanners come with bundled software that provides a range of features for managing scanned documents. The Brother ADS-1700W includes Nuance Power PDF Standard, while the Epson ES-300W comes with Epson ScanSmart software. These software packages offer tools for editing, organizing, and sharing scanned documents.

Additional Features

In addition to their core scanning capabilities, the Brother ADS-1700W and Epson ES-300W offer a range of additional features:

• Brother ADS-1700W:
• Duplex scanning
• Built-in battery
• OCR (optical character recognition)
• Customizable scan profiles
• Epson ES-300W:
• Duplex scanning
• Mobile scanning capabilities
• Automatic document skew correction
• LED status indicator

Pricing and Availability

The Brother ADS-1700W and Epson ES-300W are both priced around $300. Both scanners are widely available through online retailers and office supply stores.

Which Scanner is Right for You?

The Brother ADS-1700W and Epson ES-300W are both excellent choices for businesses and individuals who need a compact and feature-rich scanner. However, depending on your specific needs, one scanner may be a better fit than the other.

• Choose the Brother ADS-1700W if:
• You need a scanner that can handle high-volume scanning tasks.
• You require a built-in battery for portable scanning.
• You want a scanner with a flexible paper handling system.
• Choose the Epson ES-300W if:
• You prioritize portability and mobile scanning capabilities.
• You prefer a scanner with a smaller footprint.
• You don’t need advanced features like OCR or customizable scan profiles.

The Verdict: A Tie for Compact Scanning Excellence

After a thorough comparison of the Brother ADS-1700W and Epson ES-300W, it’s clear that both scanners offer exceptional value in the compact scanner category. The Brother ADS-1700W excels with its faster scanning speed, built-in battery, and flexible paper handling, while the Epson ES-300W shines with its smaller footprint, mobile scanning capabilities, and automatic document skew correction.

Ultimately, the best choice between these two scanners depends on your individual needs and preferences. Rest assured that whether you choose the Brother ADS-1700W or the Epson ES-300W, you’ll be getting a high-quality scanner that will meet your document scanning requirements.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which scanner has a faster scanning speed?
A: The Brother ADS-1700W offers a slightly faster scanning speed of 25 ppm/50 ipm compared to the Epson ES-300W’s 25 ppm/45 ipm.

Q: Can I scan documents wirelessly with both scanners?
A: Yes, both the Brother ADS-1700W and Epson ES-300W support Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to scan documents wirelessly from your computer or mobile device.

Q: Which scanner is better for mobile scanning?
A: The Epson ES-300W is a better choice for mobile scanning as it offers a dedicated mobile scanning app and supports scanning directly to cloud storage services.

Q: Can I scan both sides of a document with these scanners?
A: Yes, both the Brother ADS-1700W and Epson ES-300W feature duplex scanning capabilities, allowing you to scan both sides of a document in a single pass.

Q: Which scanner has a larger output tray capacity?
A: The Brother ADS-1700W has a larger output tray capacity of 50 sheets compared to the Epson ES-300W’s 30-sheet output tray.