PaperScan vs VueScan

PaperScan is a Windows scanning application that acquires documents through TWAIN and WIA and includes OCR for searchable output. It accepts more than 100 input formats and supports PDF-OCR output in more than 60 languages. Image tools include deskewing, rotation, border and punch-hole removal, blank-page removal, color adjustment, filters and effects. Annotation options include highlights, freehand marks, shapes, lines, pens, rubber stamps, text, sticky notes and a ruler. It can save to SharePoint on-premises or online, send email through Outlook, read encrypted PDFs, create encrypted PDFs and support digital signatures. Output options include PDF/A, TIFF, JPEG, PNG, DOCX, XLSX and other listed formats. The Free Edition allows 10-page batch scanning or import. Home Edition costs $79, paid once for unlimited batch work; Professional single license costs $149 as a one-time purchase for one user on one computer. Home and Professional trials include all features for 30 days without a credit card, then require a license key to continue.

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.