Side by side
Simple Scan vs VueScan
Both stand on document 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 Linux
Visit Simple Scan Free trial LinuxMacWindows
Choose VueScan if you need broad scanner support and document tools across Windows, macOS, or Linux. Professional is the fit for film and slide scanning or RAW output; users who need watermark-free trial scans should look elsewhere, since trial marks cannot later be removed.
Visit VueScanThe facts
| Simple Scan | VueScan | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Standard Edition: $29.96 a year |
| Plans published | None | 6 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | gitlab.gnome.org | hamrick.com |
| On document scanning software | #24 of 26 | #20 of 26 |
Simple Scan: what it does well
VueScan: what it does well
- Supports over 8,000 scanners from 42 manufacturers.
- Separates multiple photos scanned together on a flatbed.
- Includes OCR in 49 languages and searchable PDFs.
- Offers batch scanning and multipage PDF output.
- Professional supports film and slide scanners and RAW output.
What to know first
- Trial scans have a watermark that cannot be removed later.
- Film and slide scanner support require Professional Edition.
- Non-personal use requires a separate license for each computer.
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