Scanning a book is very different from scanning a loose sheet of paper. Thick bindings, curved pages, and delicate originals can make traditional flatbed scanning slow, awkward, or even damaging to the book. An overhead book scanner offers a different approach by capturing pages from above without pressing them flat.

But not every overhead scanner works the same way. Scan quality, curve flattening, speed, software, and price can all affect the experience. In this guide, we’ll compare some of the best overhead book scanners and explain what to look for based on your scanning needs. Keep reading to find the right overhead book scanner for your books and workflow.