ADS-1800W vs Epson WorkForce ES-C320W: Which One Will Save You From Paper Clutter?

About Brother

Brother is a globally recognized brand with a rich history dating back to 1908. Initially starting as a sewing machine repair company in Japan, Brother has evolved into a multinational provider of various home and office technology solutions. Their product range includes printers, scanners, fax machines, label makers, and sewing machines, all designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and efficiency.

Also, Brother is a major player in the scanner market, with a wide range of scanners designed for various purposes. Their Compact Desktop Scanner series, including the ADS-1800W, is specifically designed for small offices, home offices, and hybrid workers. These scanners are compact, versatile, and user-friendly, making them ideal for digitizing and managing documents.

About Epson

Epson, established in 1942, is another prominent player in the technology industry, renowned for its innovative printing and imaging solutions. Epson’s product portfolio encompasses a wide range of devices, including printers, scanners, projectors, and wearables. They are particularly well-known for their inkjet printing technology and have a strong presence in the scanner market, offering various models for personal, professional, and industrial use.

The Epson WorkForce series, which includes the ES-C320W, targets businesses and individuals seeking efficient and reliable document scanning solutions. These scanners are designed to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and reduce paper clutter.

What to Consider?

Choosing the right compact desktop scanner depends on your specific needs and priorities.  The Brother ADS-1800W and the Epson WorkForce ES-C320W both offer useful features, but they have distinct differences. Let’s explore what sets these two models apart to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.

Scanning Speed and Capacity

How fast can each scanner digitize documents, and what is the capacity of their automatic document feeders (ADF)?

Both the Brother ADS-1800W and the Epson WorkForce ES-C320W offer impressive capabilities in these areas, but there are some notable differences. Let’s take a closer look at how these scanners compare in terms of scanning speed and capacity.

Brother ADS-1800W

The Brother ADS-1800W can scan up to 30 pages per minute (ppm), making quick work of digitizing your documents. It also features a 20-page automatic document feeder (ADF), so you can scan stacks of documents without having to feed each page manually. This combination of speed and capacity makes the ADS-1800W a highly efficient choice for various scanning tasks.

Epson WorkForce ES-C320W

The Epson WorkForce ES-C320W has the same scanning speed as the Brother ADS-1800W, reaching up to 30 ppm. It also includes a 20-page ADF, providing similar capacity for handling multi-page documents.

Both the Brother ADS-1800W and the Epson WorkForce ES-C320W are capable compact desktop scanners, but the Brother ADS-1800W emerges as the more compelling choice due to its superior software bundle, user-friendly touchscreen interface, and slightly faster scanning speed. Its combination of features, ease of use, and value make it an excellent investment for anyone looking to digitize and organize their documents efficiently.

Connectivity

For this aspect, you want to find out what connectivity options do the scanners offer? Do they support wireless scanning, mobile app integration, and cloud connectivity?

You need a scanner that can keep up with you, whether you’re at your home office, a co-working space, or even on the go. Let’s see how the Brother and Epson scanners compare in terms of connectivity.

Brother ADS-1800W

The ADS-1800W offers a variety of ways to connect. You can scan wirelessly directly to your computer or use the Brother Mobile Connect App to scan and manage documents from your smartphone or tablet. It also supports cloud connectivity, so you can easily scan documents directly to your preferred cloud service.

Epson WorkForce ES-C320W

The ES-C320W also offers wireless scanning and mobile app integration through the Epson Smart Panel App. You can scan to your computer or mobile device and connect to cloud services.

Both scanners offer similar connectivity options, providing the flexibility and convenience that modern users need. However, the Brother ADS-1800W’s broader range of cloud service options gives it a slight edge in versatility.

Document Size and Type

It’s important to consider the types and sizes of documents you’ll be digitizing. Do you need to scan oversized documents, delicate photos, or thick items like ID cards? Let’s compare the Brother and Epson scanners in terms of document handling capabilities.

Brother ADS-1800W

The ADS-1800W offers impressive versatility when it comes to document size. It can handle everything from small business cards to extra-long documents—up to 197 inches! This makes it ideal for a wide range of scanning needs, whether you’re digitizing receipts, legal documents, or even artwork. It also features a dedicated card slot for easily scanning plastic cards, ID cards, and business cards.

Epson WorkForce ES-C320W

The ES-C320W also handles a variety of document sizes, including standard paper, cards, and even passports. It has a flexible vertical scan path that can accommodate thicker items.

Both scanners offer excellent versatility in handling different document sizes and types, making them suitable for various scanning tasks. However, the Brother ADS-1800W’s ability to handle extra-long documents gives it a slight edge for users who need to scan non-standard sizes.

Software Features

The software that comes bundled with a scanner can significantly impact your productivity and workflow. Let’s explore the software features offered by the Brother and Epson scanners and see how they compare.

Brother ADS-1800W

The ADS-1800W comes with a comprehensive suite of seven software applications designed to optimize your scanning experience. These include:

• Brother iPrint&Scan. This versatile software allows you to scan, manage, and share documents directly from your computer. You can also use it to create custom scan profiles and workflows.
• Kofax PaperPort. This powerful document management software helps you organize, edit, and secure your digital files. It also includes OCR (Optical Character Recognition) functionality. This allowing you to create searchable PDFs from your scans.
• Kofax Power PDF. This robust PDF editor allows you to create, edit, and convert PDFs with ease. You can add annotations, signatures, and security features to your documents.
• Brother Mobile Connect App. This mobile app allows you to wirelessly scan and manage documents from your smartphone or tablet.
• Bizcard. This software helps you scan and organize business cards, automatically extracting contact information and creating a searchable database.
• BR-Receipts. This software simplifies receipt management by allowing you to scan and store receipts digitally.
• Image folio processing software. This software provides tools for enhancing and editing scanned images, ensuring your photos and documents look their best.

Epson WorkForce ES-C320W

The ES-C320W includes two software applications:

• Epson ScanSmart. This software offers basic scanning and document management features. It allows you to preview, email, and upload scans. It also includes OCR functionality and automatic file name suggestion.
• NewSoft Presto! BizCard. This software helps you scan and manage business cards, similar to Brother’s Bizcard application.

The Brother ADS-1800W clearly stands out with its more comprehensive software bundle. It offers a wider range of tools for document management, OCR, image enhancement, and other productivity-enhancing tasks. This extensive software suite can significantly improve your workflow and help you get the most out of your scanner. While the Epson ES-C320W provides essential scanning and document management features, it lacks the breadth and depth of the Brother software bundle.

Ease of Use

A scanner should be simple to set up and operate to allow you to focus on digitizing your documents rather than wrestling with complicated controls. Let’s compare the Brother ADS-1800W and the Epson WorkForce ES-C320W in terms of user-friendliness.

Brother ADS-1800W

The ADS-1800W is designed with user convenience in mind. Its intuitive 2.8″ color touchscreen simplifies navigation and provides quick access to essential functions. You can easily adjust scan settings, create shortcuts for frequently used tasks, and monitor the scanning progress directly on the screen. The touchscreen interface is complemented by user-friendly software that guides you through the scanning process, making it easy even for those new to document digitization.

Then, Brother also provides comprehensive documentation and helpful resources to assist you with setup and operation. The scanner’s compact and lightweight design further enhances its ease of use which allows for effortless portability and convenient storage.

Epson WorkForce ES-C320W

The ES-C320W lacks a built-in display, relying instead on the Epson Smart Panel App for scanner control and settings adjustments. While the app offers a decent level of control, it might not be as intuitive or convenient as a dedicated touchscreen interface. Navigating through menus and adjusting settings on a separate device can add extra steps to the scanning process, potentially reducing efficiency.

So, the Brother ADS-1800W’s touchscreen interface provides a more straightforward and user-friendly experience. You can easily access and adjust settings, initiate scans, and monitor the scanning process directly on the device. This makes it a great choice for users who prefer a more hands-on approach and appreciate the convenience of a dedicated control panel. The Epson ES-C320W, while functional, might present a slight learning curve for users who are not as familiar with mobile app-based controls.

Price

Price is often a major deciding factor when choosing a new scanner. Let’s compare the costs of the Brother ADS-1800W and the Epson WorkForce ES-C320W.

Brother ADS-1800W

The Brother ADS-1800W has a list price of $279.99, but it is frequently available with an instant rebate, bringing the price down to $259.99.

Epson WorkForce ES-C320W

The Epson WorkForce ES-C320W has a list price of $299.99, but it also often has an instant rebate, reducing the price to $249.99.

At first glance, the Epson ES-C320W appears slightly cheaper. However, it’s essential to consider the overall value proposition. The Brother ADS-1800W, while slightly more expensive, offers a more comprehensive software bundle and a user-friendly touchscreen interface, which adds to its overall value. For users who prioritize these features, the slightly higher price of the ADS-1800W may be justified.

Brother ADS-1800W vs Epson WorkForce ES-C320W: What Do Customers Think?

Customer feedback is invaluable when comparing products. Let’s see what users are saying about the Brother ADS-1800W and the Epson ES-C320W to understand their real-world experiences.

Brother ADS-1800W

The Brother ADS-1800W Compact Desktop Scanner is a hit with users, earning an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on the Brother website. People appreciate its versatility, ease of use, and efficient performance.

Many highlight the scanner’s ability to handle a wide range of documents, from business cards and receipts to lengthy contracts and oversized artwork. One user commented, “It has the ability to scan cards and color papers,” showcasing its versatility for various needs.

The wireless connectivity and mobile app integration are also praised, with reviewers appreciating the freedom to scan and manage documents from anywhere. “Loved that I could connect directly to my Google Drive or use the USB cord to connect to my device,” one user shared, highlighting the convenient options for saving and accessing scanned files.

The intuitive color touchscreen is another standout feature, making it simple to navigate settings and initiate scans. Users find it “very easy to use,” contributing to a smooth and efficient scanning experience.

Overall, the Brother ADS-1800W is praised for its compact design, versatile scanning capabilities, user-friendly interface, and high-quality scans. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient scanning solution for their home or small office.

Epson WorkForce ES-C320W

The Epson WorkForce ES-C320W is praised for its compact design and efficient performance. Users appreciate its speed and versatility, with one reviewer noting that it “has helped me reduce clutter in my home.” Another user highlighted its ability to handle a variety of document types, from standard paper to thicker items like photos and ID cards, stating that “the scanner can handle double-sided and color scanning, and it has multiple paper feeding paths for thicker documents… without risking any damage.”

The wireless connectivity and mobile app integration are also well-received, with users appreciating the convenience of scanning documents directly to their preferred devices or cloud storage without needing a computer. One reviewer shared, “Using the Epson Smart Panel app on my iPhone, I can quickly scan important documents and save them to the cloud…”

The scanner’s intelligent image adjustments, such as automatic cropping and skew correction, are also commended for ensuring high-quality scans. One user described the ES-C320W as “a fantastic piece of technology that greatly simplifies and speeds up the task of scanning multiple documents.”

While some users mention the lack of a built-in display, the Epson Smart Panel app is generally seen as a suitable alternative for controlling the scanner and accessing its features. One reviewer mentioned that “the user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate,” highlighting the app’s user-friendly design.

All in all, the Epson WorkForce ES-C320W is praised for its compact size, speed, wireless functionality, and ease of use. It is a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient scanning solution for their home or small office.

Brother ADS-1800W vs Epson WorkForce ES-C320W: Discounts and Promotions

Brother

Brother offers several ways to save on their products:

1. Instant Rebates. Brother frequently provides instant rebates, which are upfront discounts on select items. These rebates are clearly displayed on their “Deals” page and individual product pages, making it easy to see how much you can save.
   
2. Email Sign-Up Offers. For those who want to stay informed about the latest promotions and exclusive discounts, Brother offers email sign-up deals. By subscribing to their email list, you’ll receive notifications about special offers and other ways to save.
   
3. Coupon and Promo Codes. Brother also provides coupon and promo codes that customers can use during checkout to receive additional discounts.
   
4. Phone Order Discounts. If you prefer to place your order over the phone, you can still take advantage of online promotions and discounts.

Epson

Epson also offers various discounts and promotions:

1. Instant Savings. Epson provides instant savings on select products, similar to Brother’s instant rebates. The “Deals” page on their website showcases the original and discounted prices, allowing customers to easily identify current promotions.
   
2. Mail-in Rebates. In some cases, Epson offers mail-in rebates on certain products. This involves customers submitting the required documentation after their purchase to receive a rebate.
   
3. Certified ReNew Program. For budget-conscious shoppers, Epson’s Certified ReNew program offers refurbished products at discounted prices. This allows customers to purchase quality Epson products while saving money.
   
4. Weekly Specials. Epson’s “Deals” page features a “Weekly Specials” section that highlights limited-time offers and discounts on various products.

Shipping and Returns

When investing in a new scanner, it’s important to consider the shipping and return policies to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Both Brother and Epson offer customer-friendly policies, but there are some key differences to keep in mind.

Brother

• Free Shipping. Brother offers free ground shipping on orders over $49.99, making it a budget-friendly option for those who don’t need their scanner urgently.
• Expedited Shipping. For those who need their scanner sooner, Brother offers expedited shipping options at an additional cost.
• Refurbished Products. Brother’s refurbished products undergo a rigorous quality assurance process and come with the same warranty as new machines, providing peace of mind for buyers.

Epson

• Fast Processing. Epson strives to ship orders within one business day for in-stock items.
• Shipping Options. Epson offers various shipping methods, including expedited options, to cater to different needs and locations.
• 30-Day Returns. Epson has a 30-day return policy for most items, allowing for flexibility in case you change your mind or encounter issues with the product.
• Certified ReNew Program. Epson’s “Certified ReNew” program offers refurbished products at a discounted price, providing a cost-effective option for customers.

Both Brother and Epson offer reasonable shipping and return policies. However, Brother’s free ground shipping on qualifying orders gives them a slight advantage, especially for budget-minded shoppers. Additionally, their clear refurbished product policy instills confidence in customers considering pre-owned options.

Who Will You Shop With?

In comparing these two compact desktop scanners, both the Brother ADS-1800W and the Epson WorkForce ES-C320W offer compelling features and capabilities. However, the Brother ADS-1800W appears to be the slightly more compelling choice overall. Its comprehensive software bundle, intuitive touchscreen interface, and versatile scanning options make it a valuable tool for both personal and professional use. While the Epson ES-C320W has a comparable scanning speed and a slightly lower price, it lacks the user-friendliness and extensive software capabilities of the Brother scanner.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you value a user-friendly experience, a wide range of software features, and the flexibility of a touchscreen interface, the Brother ADS-1800W is the clear winner. 

---