Epson Scan 2 vs ExactScan

Epson Scan 2 is scanning software for Epson scanners and multifunction printers, with a graphical interface for scanner settings and saving scans in different file types. It supports USB connections and network scanning for compatible scanners. On Linux, network scanning requires installation of a plug-in package. Scans can also be started from the command line using a settings file, without opening the main window. Available image adjustments include background removal, text enhancement, color adjustment, descreening, color restoration, backlight correction, and skew correction. The Linux manual documents JPEG, PDF, TIFF, and Multi-TIFF output options. For OCR workflows, Auto Area Segmentation separates text from graphics, while Threshold can help OCR programs recognize text. Epson lists versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux, but supported operating systems and settings depend on the scanner model. Epson's Linux manual says the software has no official support and is distributed without warranty. Epson Scan 2 is free, but requires an Epson scanner or multifunction printer.

ExactScan is a document-scanning application for scanning, sorting, filing, and archiving documents in a paperless office workflow. It supports more than 500 scanner drivers as well as TWAIN and ImageCapture drivers. Built-in processing can detect paper size, correct skew, optimize black-and-white scans, and detect blank pages. Users can create profiles, scan to PDF or other formats, and produce searchable PDFs. ExactScan can act as a TWAIN driver and send image files to third-party applications that do not support TWAIN or ImageCapture. AppleScript support lets users access profiles, set scan options and destinations, and monitor processing status. Pro adds OCR in 26 languages and batch tools including page rotation, PDF appending, 1D barcode recognition, text imprinting, and processing existing files. Enterprise supports scanners rated at 100 pages per minute or higher, PDF/A-1b, and additional barcode formats. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. One-time licenses cost 80.00 EUR for ExactScan, 100.00 EUR for ExactScan Pro, and 250.00 EUR for ExactScan Enterprise. A 14-day trial is available; there is no free plan.