Epson Scan 2 vs VueScan

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.

VueScan is scanning software for documents, photos, film, and slides that replaces scanner software. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and says it supports over 8,000 scanners from 42 manufacturers. Document tools include auto-crop, OCR, multi-page PDFs, automatic deskewing, and blank-page removal. Film and slide tools include infrared dust and scratch removal, faded-color restoration, multi-exposure scanning, and IT8 calibration. It also offers AI colorization, super-resolution, and on-device touch-up for dust, scratches, and unwanted objects. Monthly, annual, and one-time licenses are available. Monthly Standard costs £6.75 a month and Professional costs £13.55 a month; annual prices are £25.45 a year and £59.45 a year, respectively. One-time Standard costs £67.45, paid once and Professional costs £157.45, paid once. One-time purchases can be used indefinitely and include one year of free updates. The trial has no stated time limit, but its scans have a watermark that cannot later be removed. Personal licenses cover up to four personally owned computers; non-personal use requires a license for each computer.