The catch
Brother ADS-3100
It offers neither Wi-Fi nor Ethernet.
Side by side
Brother ADS-3100 vs ADS-3350W: 3350W makes scanning shareable among computers
Quick verdict
If more than one computer needs to reach the scanner, or you want named touchscreen jobs, get the ADS-3350W. For one USB-connected computer working through the same size of scan packets, the ADS-3100 is the simpler fit.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Upgrading changes who can get to the scanner
The ADS-3350W can sit on Ethernet or Wi-Fi, so it does not depend on one computer’s USB port. That means nobody has to move a laptop or hand the cable around in a shared home office. Even so, there is no guarantee that every device on a guest or isolated network can reach it.
Where this comes from
USB stays on both. Whether the scanner shows on the network depends on the router and supported application.
The catch
Brother ADS-3350W
Brother's 4.3-inch models show more screen than this model's 2.8-inch display.
Brother ADS-3100
- Why pick it
- All incoming paper goes through one computer
- A dedicated USB scanning station is what you're after
- The catch
- It offers neither Wi-Fi nor Ethernet.
Brother ADS-3350W
- Why pick it
- Several computers have to reach it over a network
- Choosing saved jobs on the scanner appeals to you
- The catch
- Brother's 4.3-inch models show more screen than this model's 2.8-inch display.
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What this page compares
A dedicated USB scanner meets a shared network model here. The upgrade adds access and job selection. The 60-sheet feeder is no faster.
If more than one computer needs to reach the scanner, or you want named touchscreen jobs, get the ADS-3350W. For one USB-connected computer working through the same size of scan packets, the ADS-3100 is the simpler fit.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
One person at one computer connected by USB
Feeder capacity and rated speed are the same on both.
- Brother ADS-3100
- Good
- Brother ADS-3350W
- Good
Two people who use separate computers and have a network outlet
With Ethernet there is no need to move the USB connection by hand.
- Brother ADS-3100
- Caution
- Brother ADS-3350W
- Better fit
Ninety-sheet packets that must go through in one load
Each feeder holds 60 suitable sheets.
- Brother ADS-3100
- Not suitable
- Brother ADS-3350W
- Not suitable
Different saved jobs are needed for household records and business invoices
Destinations can be seen at the scanner on the touchscreen.
- Brother ADS-3100
- Good
- Brother ADS-3350W
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Upgrading changes who can get to the scanner
The ADS-3350W can sit on Ethernet or Wi-Fi, so it does not depend on one computer’s USB port. That means nobody has to move a laptop or hand the cable around in a shared home office. Even so, there is no guarantee that every device on a guest or isolated network can reach it.
How we worked this out
USB stays on both. Whether the scanner shows on the network depends on the router and supported application.
Ninety sheets take two loads on either model
Both feeders take 60 ordinary sheets, so a 90-sheet packet means a first load plus one reload with either model. If cutting the number of feeder visits is your main goal, the screen on the ADS-3350W is not the upgrade that fixes it.
How we worked this out
Rounding 90 divided by 60 up gives two loads. Thick or mixed originals can reduce the effective capacity.
A screen pays off when jobs vary more than settings should
On the ADS-3350W, named touchscreen jobs let you treat a household archive, invoices and shared work records as separate choices. When every scan lands in one inbox and one person does the sorting, the simpler controls of the ADS-3100 involve less of a compromise.
How we worked this out
Saved jobs still depend on a correct initial setup and access to the destination. It is an advantage in workflow and makes no claim about error rates.
Option A
Brother, ADS-3100
ADS-3100
Pair one computer with a 60-sheet scanner for steady paperwork, with no wireless setup to deal with.
- Best for
- All incoming paper goes through one computer
Facts we checked
- Network access: Only USB
- Job selection: Through physical controls
- Feeder capacity: Holds 60 sheets
- Single-sided scan rate: 40 ppm on Letter at 300 dpi
Option B
Brother, ADS-3350W
ADS-3350W
A 60-sheet scanner you can share over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, with routine jobs selected on its touchscreen.
- Best for
- Several computers have to reach it over a network
Facts we checked
- Network access: USB, Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- Job selection: Made on a 2.8-inch touchscreen
- Feeder capacity: Holds 60 sheets
- Single-sided scan rate: 40 ppm on Letter at 300 dpi
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Brother ADS-3100 | Brother ADS-3350W | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network access | USB only | Wi-Fi and Ethernet plus USB | The ADS-3350W suits a shared network it can reach. |
| Job selection | Physical controls | 2.8-inch touchscreen | You can use named jobs without going back to the computer. |
| Feeder capacity | 60 sheets | 60 sheets | A 90-sheet packet still needs a refill after the upgrade. |
| Single-sided scan rate | 40 ppm at Letter 300 dpi | 40 ppm at Letter 300 dpi | No speed reason to upgrade comes from the documented single-sided feed rating. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Brother ADS-3100
- Power comes from a separate AC adapter, and the trays take up space once opened.
With Brother ADS-3350W
- Longer packets need another load because the feeder takes 60 sheets.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Several users need a scanner on the network
Go with Brother ADS-3350W. The ADS-3350W brings Ethernet and Wi-Fi together.
A single computer runs the entire workflow, and the ADS-3100 is the cheaper one
Go with Brother ADS-3100. Ordinary packets of the same size are covered by the scan engine and feeder alike.
You need all 100 sheets in a single load
Neither model fits. Look at a 100-sheet model, for example the ADS-4900W.
Decision guide
How to decide
Pick the ADS-3350W if more than one computer needs the scanner or if named touchscreen jobs appeal to you. Pick the ADS-3100 if one USB-connected computer handles scan packets of the same size and you want the simpler setup.
Upgrading changes who can get to the scanner
The ADS-3350W can connect over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, so it need not be tied to one computer's USB port. In a shared home office, that spares you from moving a laptop around or handing the cable from person to person. It does not guarantee that every device on a guest or isolated network can reach the scanner. Both devices keep USB. Whether a device can see the scanner depends on the router and the supported application.
Ninety sheets take two loads on either model
Both feeders take 60 ordinary sheets, so a 90-sheet packet means a first load and one reload no matter which model you buy. The ADS-3350W's screen won't help if cutting down on trips to the feeder is your main goal. Rounding 90 divided by 60 up gives two loads. Thick or mixed originals can lower the effective capacity.
A screen pays off when jobs vary more than settings should
With named touchscreen jobs on the ADS-3350W, a household archive, invoices and shared work records can each be their own choice. When every scan lands in one inbox and one person does the sorting, the ADS-3100's simpler controls cost you less. Saved jobs still depend on correct initial setup and access to the destination. Treat this as a workflow advantage. It makes no claim about error rates.
What this page can’t tell you
- Feed ratings from the manufacturer don't count document preparation, OCR or saving time.
- Check the supported media, scan mode, current operating system and destination before you buy.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the document scanners we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother ADS-3100 |
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| Brother ADS-3350W |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Brother ADS-3100
All incoming paper goes through one computer
See price & reviews on AmazonBrother ADS-3350W
Several computers have to reach it over a network
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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