Epson Perfection V39 II Review

The Epson Perfection V39 II is a compact flatbed scanner that has become a popular choice for home users and students. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest assessment. This review covers who it is for, what it does well, and where it falls short, so you can decide if it fits your scanning needs.

Design and Build

The V39 II sports a slim, matte black design that measures just 1.6 inches thick and weighs 3.7 pounds. It is easy to tuck into a shelf or drawer when not in use. The lid lifts up to accommodate thick books or small objects, though it does not have a hinge that allows for scanning bulky items like thick reference books without pressing down. The build is mostly plastic, which keeps the weight down but may feel less sturdy than pricier models. The scanning surface is glass, and there is a small LED indicator that shows power status. The only physical button is a scan button that works with the included software.

Performance and Image Quality

With a 4800 x 4800 dpi optical resolution, the V39 II produces sharp, detailed scans for documents and photos. For text documents, 300 dpi is more than enough, and the output is crisp and legible. For photos, you can scan at 600 to 1200 dpi to capture fine details without excessive file sizes. Color reproduction is accurate for a budget scanner, though not as vibrant as higher-end models. The scanner uses LED light source, which means no warm-up time and low power consumption. Scanning a single 8.5 x 11 inch document at 300 dpi takes about 15 seconds, which is average for this class. At higher resolutions, it slows down significantly, so be patient if you scan at 4800 dpi.

Ease of Use and Software

Setting up the V39 II is straightforward: plug in the USB cable, install the drivers, and you are ready. The included Epson ScanSmart software is user-friendly, offering automatic detection of document edges, auto-correct features, and the ability to save to PDF or JPEG. You can also scan to cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox through the software, but you must do it from your computer. The one-touch scan button can be customized to launch a specific scan profile. There is no TWAIN driver for some third-party apps, but it works with most standard imaging software.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping the scanner clean is simple. The glass surface can be wiped with a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild glass cleaner. Avoid using abrasive materials. The exterior plastic can be dusted with a dry cloth. Since there are no moving parts except the lid, maintenance is minimal. The LED light source has a long lifespan, so you won't need to replace bulbs. The scanner does not have a document feeder, so there is no risk of paper jams, which is a plus for low-maintenance use.

Common Buyer Complaints

While many users are satisfied, some common complaints appear in reviews. The lack of an automatic document feeder is a frequent gripe for those who need to scan multiple pages. The USB-only connection is another issue for users who want to scan from their phone or tablet. Some users find the scanning speed slow at high resolutions, but that is typical for this price range. A few users have reported that the lid does not stay open at a 90-degree angle, making it awkward to scan thick books. Also, the software can be a bit clunky on macOS, though it works fine on Windows.

Comparison with Alternatives

Compared to the Canon CanoScan LiDE 400, the V39 II offers a higher optical resolution (4800 vs 2400 dpi) but lacks the LiDE 400's built-in film scanning capability and slightly faster scan speeds. The Epson Perfection V600 is a step up with a transparency unit for film and slides, but it costs significantly more. For high-volume scanning, the Epson FastFoto FF-680W has an automatic document feeder and Wi-Fi, but it is in a different price bracket. For most home users, the V39 II strikes a good balance between price and performance.

Value and Verdict

The Epson Perfection V39 II is an excellent entry-level scanner for those who need occasional, high-quality scans of documents and photos. It is affordable, compact, and easy to use. However, if you need to scan film, have a large backlog of papers, or want wireless connectivity, you should consider other options. For its intended audience, it delivers solid value. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High optical resolution for sharp scans
• Compact and portable design
• USB powered, no external adapter
• Simple software with auto-correct features
• Great value for occasional use

Cons

• No ADF for multi-page documents
• No film scanning capability
• USB only, no wireless options
• Plastic build may not be as durable
• Slow at high resolutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Epson Perfection V39 II work with Mac and Windows?

Yes, it is compatible with both macOS and Windows. Drivers are available on the Epson website, and the scanner works with most image editing software.

Can I scan multiple photos at once?

Yes, you can place multiple photos on the glass and use the software's auto-crop feature to separate them into individual files. This is a handy feature for digitizing old photo collections.

Is the scanner good for OCR?

Yes, the included software supports OCR, and you can also use third-party OCR tools. The 4800 dpi resolution ensures text is clear enough for accurate conversion.

How does it handle thick books?

The lid can be lifted to accommodate books up to about 1.5 inches thick, but it does not have a flexible hinge to press down on the pages. For thick books, you may need to hold the lid down manually.

What is the warranty?

Epson provides a one-year limited warranty in the US. You can also purchase extended coverage through Amazon or third-party plans.