The catch
Epson ES-C320W
Not every document type gets the compact upright footprint.
Side by side
Epson ES-C320W vs ScanSnap iX1300: Scanning a passport on Epson takes an extra carrier
Quick verdict
A compact TWAIN workflow and supported passport scanning with the optional carrier point to the ES-C320W. The iX1300 is the better choice when its front Return Scan makes regular cards and thicker loose originals easier to handle.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A different original can change the compact path
For ordinary sheets the ES-C320W has an upright route, and for special media it has a straight route. The iX1300 adds a front-return slot. A scanner that fits neatly when it scans everyday paper may need different clearance for a passport or thick card.
Where this comes from
Use the path specified for your original. Closed dimensions cannot tell you the working clearance in every mode.
The catch
Ricoh ScanSnap iX1300
Because it needs an AC adapter, USB doesn't free you from an outlet.
Epson ES-C320W
- Why pick it
- Your software needs TWAIN
- The documented passport workflow with its optional carrier is something you need
- The catch
- Not every document type gets the compact upright footprint.
Ricoh ScanSnap iX1300
- Why pick it
- Your desk benefits from front-return handling
- ScanSnap Home suits your short everyday packets
- The catch
- Because it needs an AC adapter, USB doesn't free you from an outlet.
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What this page compares
Each fits a smaller desk, but passport carriers, front-return cards and TWAIN software set them apart. Let the originals you scan decide.
A compact TWAIN workflow and supported passport scanning with the optional carrier point to the ES-C320W. The iX1300 is the better choice when its front Return Scan makes regular cards and thicker loose originals easier to handle.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Short forms and a desk with little room for paper
Ordinary supported sheets go through compact routes on both.
- Epson ES-C320W
- Good
- Ricoh ScanSnap iX1300
- Good
Scanning a passport using the specified carrier
That workflow is explicitly documented by Epson.
- Epson ES-C320W
- Better fit
- Ricoh ScanSnap iX1300
- Caution
An embossed card about 1.4 mm thick
Supported cards up to 1.4 mm are allowed on the iX1300. Epson caps embossed cards at 1.24 mm, so that card goes beyond its stated envelope.
- Epson ES-C320W
- Caution
- Ricoh ScanSnap iX1300
- Better fit
A Windows app that needs scans acquired through TWAIN
TWAIN is not provided by ScanSnap.
- Epson ES-C320W
- Better fit
- Ricoh ScanSnap iX1300
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
A different original can change the compact path
For ordinary sheets the ES-C320W has an upright route, and for special media it has a straight route. The iX1300 adds a front-return slot. A scanner that fits neatly when it scans everyday paper may need different clearance for a passport or thick card.
How we worked this out
Use the path specified for your original. Closed dimensions cannot tell you the working clearance in every mode.
Passports and thick cards call for different buying checks
Passport scanning with an optional carrier sheet is documented by Epson. ScanSnap treats supported cards up to 1.4 mm and booklets up to 2 mm separately, and capturing a booklet requires a computer. So a phone-only workflow may stop being suitable once a booklet enters the picture.
How we worked this out
Measure the original while closed, then check the supported dimensions and any carrier-sheet rules. Not every bound booklet works on either scanner.
If your application requires TWAIN, Epson has the edge
Compatible TWAIN software can see the scanner through the ES-C320W. ScanSnap relies on its own driver and application instead, and you import the resulting files afterward if needed. For a small business with an established capture app, that extra step may outweigh the appeal of the return slot.
How we worked this out
You still need to check exact OS and application compatibility. Recognition accuracy is not compared here.
Option A
Epson, ES-C320W
ES-C320W
Routine forms stay in the upright feed path, and you scan wirelessly from a compact workspace.
- Best for
- Your software needs TWAIN
Facts we checked
- Application driver: Comes with TWAIN
- Special-original route: Straight path, plus an optional passport carrier
- Ordinary feeder: Holds 20 sheets
- Power: Needs an AC adapter
Option B
Ricoh ScanSnap, iX1300
iX1300
Routine sheets sit above the scanner, and a card or supported thick item goes through its front return slot.
- Best for
- Your desk benefits from front-return handling
Facts we checked
- Application driver: ScanSnap-specific and no TWAIN
- Special-original route: Return path for cards up to 1.4 mm and booklets up to 2 mm
- Ordinary feeder: Holds 20 sheets
- Power: Needs an AC adapter
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Epson ES-C320W | Ricoh ScanSnap iX1300 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application driver | TWAIN included | ScanSnap-specific, no TWAIN | If an application interface is required, that sets a hard compatibility limit. |
| Special-original route | Straight path with optional passport carrier | Return cards up to 1.4 mm, booklets up to 2 mm | Booklets on the iX1300 require a computer connection. |
| Ordinary feeder | 20 sheets | 20 sheets | A long packet does not fit one load on either. |
| Power | AC adapter required | AC adapter required | Neither becomes outlet-free just because it connects over USB. |
| Published rate | 30 ppm, Letter 300 dpi | 30 ppm, A4 color 300 dpi | Headline numbers that look similar rest on different paper standards. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Epson ES-C320W
- A carrier sheet, sold separately, is required to scan a passport.
With Ricoh ScanSnap iX1300
- ScanSnap offers no TWAIN, and Return Scan takes just one item at a time.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
You need TWAIN compatibility or the documented passport workflow
Go with Epson ES-C320W. Those particular routes are provided by the ES-C320W.
What you mainly want is front-return handling and ScanSnap Home
Go with Ricoh ScanSnap iX1300. That routine is what the iX1300 is designed around.
The scanner has to get all its power from the laptop USB port
Neither model fits. Each needs its AC adapter.
Decision guide
How to decide
For a compact TWAIN workflow, plus supported passport scanning with the optional carrier, go with the ES-C320W. When regular cards and thicker loose originals are easier through the iX1300's front Return Scan, go with that instead.
A different original can change the compact path
Ordinary sheets take the ES-C320W's upright route, and special media takes a straight route. The iX1300 adds a front-return slot. A scanner that sits neatly during everyday paper scanning may need different clearance for a passport or thick card, so follow the path specified for the original. Closed dimensions can't establish working clearance for all modes.
Passports and thick cards call for different buying checks
For passport scanning, Epson documents an optional carrier sheet. ScanSnap draws a line between supported cards up to 1.4 mm and booklets up to 2 mm, and booklet capture requires a computer. That means a phone-only workflow can stop working once a booklet enters the picture. Measure the closed original, and check the supported dimensions and any carrier-sheet rules. Neither scanner supports every bound booklet.
If your application requires TWAIN, Epson has the edge
Compatible TWAIN software can see the ES-C320W as a scanner. ScanSnap works through its own driver and application instead, and you import the resulting files afterward if needed. For a small business with an established capture app, that extra step may outweigh the return slot's appeal. Exact OS and application compatibility still need checking, and recognition accuracy isn't compared here.
What this page can’t tell you
- Document preparation, OCR and saving time are left out of manufacturer feed ratings.
- Before you buy, confirm the supported media, the scan mode, your current operating system and the destination.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson ES-C320W |
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| |
| Ricoh ScanSnap iX1300 |
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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.
Epson ES-C320W
Your software needs TWAIN
See price & reviews on AmazonRicoh ScanSnap iX1300
Your desk benefits from front-return handling
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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