Brother DS-740D Duplex Compact Mobile Document Scanner - Portable

In this review of the Brother DS-740D duplex mobile document scanner, the bottom line is simple: this tiny scanner is built for mobile professionals and small office users who need reliable two-sided scanning without bulky hardware. The DS-740D delivers true duplex scanning at up to 16 ppm in a single pass, and its ultra compact footprint makes it easy to slip into a bag or stash on a crowded desk. For anyone who values portability and straightforward USB-powered operation, this scanner offers a practical balance of speed, image optimization, and cross-platform compatibility.

Key Features

• Duplex speed: Scans single and double-sided documents in one pass at up to 16 ppm so two-sided workflows are much faster and avoid rescanning.
• Portable design: The unit is less than 1 ft in length and uses a desk saving design that reduces the workspace needed by about 11 in, making it simple to store or carry.
• USB powered: Powered via the included micro USB 3.0 cable, the scanner runs from a laptop or PC without needing a separate power outlet, which suits travel and remote work.
• Consistent color speed: Color scanning runs at the same speed as black and white, so capture time does not increase when scanning color documents.
• Software and destinations: Brother iPrint&Scan desktop software lets users scan to files, email, OCR, cloud services and network locations, simplifying document workflows.
• Image optimization: Automatic color detection, bleed-through prevention, background removal and text enhancement improve readable output for archiving and OCR.

Who It's For

The DS-740D is ideal for traveling professionals, remote workers, and small office/home office users who routinely scan receipts, contracts, invoices and other single- or double-sided paper on the go. Its compact size and USB power make it a natural fit for consultants, real estate agents, and anyone who needs to scan at client sites or between offices.

Those who need very high daily volumes, large automatic document feeders, or integrated network/Wi-Fi scanning should look elsewhere; the DS-740D is focused on portability and convenience rather than heavy-duty continuous production scanning.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• True duplex single-pass scanning saves time when capturing two-sided documents.
• Ultra compact design and desk saving footprint make it easy to carry and store.
• USB 3.0 power lets you use it without an outlet, ideal for mobile use.
• Included software and image optimization improve OCR accuracy and final document quality.

Cons

• Not designed for high-volume production use; best for light to moderate scanning needs.
• Relies on a USB connection for power and data, so it requires a compatible laptop or PC to operate.

Specifications

Brand	Brother
Model	DS-740D
Scan speed	Up to 16 ppm (single-pass duplex)
Power	Micro USB 3.0 powered (no external outlet required)
Size	Under 1 ft in length; desk saving design reduces footprint by about 11 in
Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Linux; TWAIN/WIA/ICA/SANE drivers
Software	Brother iPrint&Scan desktop; document management and OCR included

Our Verdict

The Brother DS-740D is an excellent value for mobile professionals who need dependable duplex scanning in a truly compact package. It combines USB-powered portability, consistent color speed, and useful image optimization tools to make scanning on the go straightforward. Choose this scanner if you prioritize convenience and two-sided capture over high-volume throughput.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it scan both sides in one pass?
Yes. The DS-740D performs true duplex scanning and captures two-sided documents in a single pass up to 16 ppm.

Can it be used without a power outlet?
Yes. The scanner is powered by the included micro USB 3.0 cable when connected to a laptop or PC, so no external power is required.

What platforms are supported?
Brother provides drivers and the iPrint&Scan desktop app for Windows, Mac and Linux, with TWAIN/WIA for PC, ICA for Mac and SANE drivers supported.