The ScanSnap iX1300 and iX1600 from Fujitsu are feature-packed document scanners designed for home and small office use. They can handle everything from business cards to legal sized documents. Both tout fast duplex scanning speeds, robust software, and connectivity options.
However, there are some key differences between these two ScanSnap models in terms of scanning performance, automation, and price. This detailed comparison examines how the iX1300 and iX1600 compare to help you pick the right one.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | ScanSnap iX1300 | ScanSnap iX1600 |
| Sensor Resolution | 600 dpi | 600 dpi |
| Daily Duty Cycle | 1,000 sheets | 4,000 sheets |
| Automatic Feeding | 50 sheets | 80 sheets |
| Max Scan Size | 8.5″ x 34″ | 8.5″ x 120″ |
| Auto Start Scanning | Via front button or motion sensor | Via front button only |
| Page Turn Detection | Ultrasonic | Mechanical |
| Interface | WiFi, Ethernet, USB 3.0 | WiFi, Ethernet, USB 3.1 Gen 1 |
| Scanning Speed | 30 ppm duplex | 60 ipm duplex |
| File Formats | JPEG, PDF, Word, Excel, searchable PDF | JPEG, PDF, Word, Excel, searchable PDF |
| Bundled Software | ScanSnap Home | ScanSnap Home, ABBYY FineReader |
| Scanner Drivers | Not needed | Needed for some functions |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs | 6.6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 11.2 x 3.6 x 3.6 in | 11.7 x 6.6 x 6.8 in |
| Price | $495 | $995 |
Overview of ScanSnap iX1300
The ScanSnap iX1300 is an compact personal document scanner focused on ease of use in the home or small office. It has a 50 page auto document feeder and can scan at up to 30 pages per minute in duplex mode.
The iX1300 has built-in connectivity via WiFi and Ethernet so it can scan directly to the cloud or network folders without a computer attached. It comes with ScanSnap Home software for managing scans.
The iX1300 features one-button scanning and an automatic motion sensor to detect pages fed manually. Weighing just 3.4 lbs, the iX1300 delivers fast, automated scanning in a portable package.
Overview of ScanSnap iX1600
Designed as a step up from the iX1300, the ScanSnap iX1600 adds higher performance scanning capabilities and more robust document handling. It bumps the page per minute scan speed up to 60 ipm and the automatic document feeder capacity up to 80 sheets.
The iX1600 uses a mechanical page turn detector for better reliability with mixed batches. It also includes industry-leading ABBYY FineReader OCR software for document conversion and editing.
The iX1600 has a larger duty cycle of 4,000 sheets per day and comes network-ready with Ethernet and WiFi built in. It caters more to busy offices that need fast, high-volume scanning.
Also Read: Comparison Between Epson V550 and V600
Key Differences Between The iX1300 and iX1600
While the ScanSnap iX1300 and iX1600 share similar functionality as versatile document scanners, the higher-priced iX1600 adds several upgrades that may appeal to busier offices.
Scanning Speed:
The iX1600 has a faster rated duplex scanning speed of 60 ipm compared to 30 ppm on the iX1300. So it can finish large batch scanning jobs quicker. But both models still provide good speed for home and small office use.
Daily Duty Cycle:
A key differentiation is the duty cycle rating – the iX1600 is rated to handle 4,000 sheets scanned per day versus just 1,000 sheets for the iX1300. So the iX1600 is better equipped for all-day high-volume scanning in a busy workplace.
Page Turn Detection:
The iX1300 uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect pages being fed manually one-by-one through the scanner. The iX1600 upgrades this to a mechanical system that is less prone to mixups between manual and auto-fed pages when scanning a batch with mixed paper sizes and types.
Auto Document Feeder:
With a capacity of 80 pages in its auto document feeder, the iX1600 can scan larger batches at once versus just 50 pages on the iX1300. Less reloading makes high volume jobs faster.
Maximum Document Size:
The iX1600 can scan extraordinarily long documents up to 120 inches thanks to a special long paper scanning mode. The iX1300 maxes out at 34 inch length documents in its regular automated feeding.
Bundled Software:
Both models include ScanSnap Home software for managing scans. But the iX1600 also bundles the full ABBYY FineReader Pro OCR package for converting scans into editable Word, Excel, and searchable PDF files. The iX1300 only includes ScanSnap Home.
Drivers:
The iX1600 may require installing scanner drivers on your computer to enable certain advanced functions in some scenarios. The iX1300 is designed to work independently with just its bundled software.
Connectivity:
Both models come network ready with built-in WiFi and Ethernet. But the iX1600 uses faster USB 3.1 Gen 1 versus USB 3.0 on the iX1300 model.
Also Read: Comparison Between Epson FastFoto FF-680W and Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500
Construction:
The iX1600 has a larger, more heavy-duty construction with metal base that accounts for its higher weight of 6.6 pounds compared to the lighter 3.4 pound plastic body of the iX1300. This contributes to the higher durability and duty cycle of the iX1600.
iX1600 model brings upgrades like faster scan speed, higher capacity ADF, better paper handling, larger duty cycle, and more powerful software bundle that make it better suited for busy offices with demanding scanning needs. The iX1300 still offers fast quality scanning in a more affordable package for personal and light office use.
Also Watch This Review Video:
Pros and Cons of ScanSnap iX1300
Pros:
- Compact, lightweight design at just 3.4 pounds
- Fast 30 ppm / 60 ipm scan speeds
- 50 page automatic document feeder capacity
- Scans directly to the cloud or network folders
- Comes with ScanSnap Home software bundle
- Automatic ultrasonic page turn detection
- WiFi and Ethernet connectivity built-in
- Can handle sizes up to 8.5” x 34”
- intuitive auto-start scanning via front button
- Motion sensor automatically powers scanner on
- Decent $495 price point for a personal document scanner
Cons:
- Plastic construction not as durable long-term
- Smaller 50 page ADF capacity
- Ultrasonic page turn detection can have errors
- Shorter 34” max document length
- Lacks full ABBYY FineReader software bundle
- Lower 1,000 sheets per day duty cycle rating
- No option for faster USB 3.1 connectivity
Pros and Cons of ScanSnap iX1600
Pros:
- Blazing fast 60 ipm / 120 ipm duplex scanning
- 80 page automatic document feeder capacity
- Mechanical page turn detection improves feeding
- Huge 120” maximum document size
- 4,000 sheets per day duty cycle for high volumes
- Includes ABBYY FineReader Pro for OCR
- Durable metal base construction
- Built-in WiFi and Ethernet connections
- Faster USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface
- Larger 3.4” touchscreen display
Cons:
- Much more expensive $995 price tag
- Large, heavy 6.6 pound body less portable
- May require scanner drivers for some functions
- Overkill for personal and light office use
- ADF limited to standard paper sizes
- Some users report jams with mixed batches
- Power button placement easy to bump
- Software can be tricky for novices to master
- Lacks motion sensor for automatic power on
Also Read: Is Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1500 Better Than ix1600?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The main differences are the iX1600 has faster 60 ipm scan speed, larger 80 page ADF, better duty cycle, and includes the ABBYY software bundle. The iX1500 is an older model with 30 ppm speed, 50 page ADF, and lacks the ABBYY software. But the iX1500 is more affordable.
Compared to the iX1400, the iX1600 has faster scanning, larger ADF, higher duty cycle, larger maximum document size, bundled ABBYY software, and mechanical page turn detection. The less expensive iX1400 is still a capable model but better suited for personal and light office use.
Yes, the iX1600 can scan high quality digital copies of photos up to 8.5 x 120 inches in size thanks to its 600 dpi sensor. It can enhance and color correct photos automatically. The large touchscreen makes previewing scans convenient. And wireless connectivity lets you save scans directly to mobile devices and cloud storage.
The Raven is a portable, battery powered scanner without an ADF designed for mobility. The ScanSnap iX1600 is much larger with an ADF for batch scanning but isn’t portable. The Raven offers cordless convenience while the iX1600 provides faster automated scanning in a fixed location. Image quality is excellent on both.
Final Thoughts
For those needing a robust document scanner with high speed and volume capabilities, the ScanSnap iX1600 is a top choice that comes packed with extras like ABBYY OCR. But the iX1300 model still delivers fast, high-quality scanning at a more affordable price point for personal and small office settings with lighter needs.