Side by side
NAPS2 vs PaperScan
Both stand on photo scanning software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+1
NAPS2 combines document scanning, page adjustments and searchable OCR across Windows, macOS and Linux, with no ads or restrictions. Note that network sharing depends on the server app staying open, and OCR text must be copied from a PDF rather than exported directly to a text file.
Visit NAPS2
Free plan Windows
PaperScan combines scanning, OCR, image cleanup and document annotation, with PDF/A and encrypted PDF support. The free edition has a 10-page batch limit, and trials end with the software blocked until a license key is entered.
Visit PaperScanThe facts
| NAPS2 | PaperScan | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Windows | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | PaperScan Home Edition: $79, paid once |
| Plans published | 2 | 8 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | naps2.com | paperscan.orpalis.com |
| On photo scanning software | #1 of 29 | #12 of 29 |
NAPS2: what it does well
- Free for individuals and businesses, with no ads or restrictions.
- Supports flatbed and duplex feeder scanning.
- OCR supports more than 100 languages.
- Exports to PDF, TIFF, JPEG and PNG.
- Offers a command-line interface and .NET library.
What to know first
- Scanner sharing requires NAPS2 to run on the server.
- Service-based scanner sharing is not supported.
- OCR text cannot be saved directly to a text file.
PaperScan: what it does well
- Accepts input from more than 100 document formats.
- PDF-OCR output supports more than 60 languages.
- Can save to SharePoint and send through Outlook.
- Supports encrypted PDFs and digital signatures.
- Paid licenses are lifetime licenses.
What to know first
- Free Edition limits batch scanning or importing to 10 pages.
- Home Edition costs 79.00 USD once.
- Professional single-license costs 149.00 USD once.
- Available for Windows only.
Alternatives to NAPS2 Alternatives to PaperScan The whole list