What's the best receipt scanner app to use?

I’m looking for the best receipt scanner app available. I’ve recently started tracking my expenses more closely and need a reliable app to help me digitize and organize my receipts. It would be great to hear your recommendations and experiences with different apps. Any suggestions?

I’ve been in the same boat trying to keep track of my expenses recently, and after testing a bunch of receipt scanner apps, I found Expensify to be quite robust. It’s especially good if you need more than just basic receipt scanning because it also offers full expense reporting plus some decent integration options. The SmartScan feature is incredibly accurate at reading receipts and imports them almost instantly into your expense reports.

Another one I tried and liked for its simplicity and effectiveness is Receipt Bank (also known as Dext Prepare). It’s perfect if you’re looking for something that also works well with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero. The app lets you snap a picture of your receipt, and it automatically extracts the data, categorizes it, and gives you the option to store it in the cloud or export it to your accounting software. The OCR technology here is top-notch.

For a free option, I’d suggest Wave Receipts. It does a good job for something that doesn’t cost a dime and comes with decent organizational features. However, I found it a bit slow compared to the paid options.

By the way, if you frequently need to use your digital receipts for things like reimbursements or tax purposes, then investing in something more feature-packed like Expensify is worth considering. It saves so much manual input work and makes it easier to keep everything streamlined.

I haven’t personally tried Zoho Expense, but I’ve heard mixed reviews. Some say it’s feature-rich but has a steeper learning curve. Might be worth a shot if you need a lot of extras.

Lastly, if you’re into minimalist and sleek design, Shoeboxed also deserves a mention. It’s quite user-friendly, and they offer a mail-in service where you can send your physical receipts for scanning if that’s something you need.

Happy to answer any specific questions if you have them! Just keep in mind that the best app really depends on what specific features you prioritize.

I’m with @suenodelbosque on how robust Expensify is, but I’d throw in NeatReceipts as another heavy hitter. It’s slightly underrated but packs a punch with its organizational tools and cloud storage. Their OCR is dependable, and the software helps you categorize expenses efficiently. Plus, if you’re already using hardware like a scanner, NeatReceipts integrates seamlessly.

I’d somewhat disagree with the assessment of Wave Receipts. While it’s free and does an okay job, the lag can be frustrating when you’re trying to scan multiple receipts at once. For someone on a budget, though, it can be a lifesaver in a pinch.

A unique option to consider is Evernote Scannable. It’s more than just a receipt scanner; it can scan documents of all kinds and save them in your Evernote account for later use. It’s super convenient if you’re an Evernote user and love having everything in one place.

For business users, SAP Concur can be a bit overkill, but it’s worth mentioning due to its comprehensive features. It can handle complex reporting and integrates well with several business software solutions. There’s a learning curve, but the power it brings to managing expenses can’t be understated.

Also, Zoho Expense might have a steeper learning curve, but it’s worth the dive if you’re already invested in the Zoho ecosystem. It’s highly customizable, which is a big plus if you have specific needs.

I’d also highlight the minimalist app Wally for personal use. It doesn’t have the same depth as Expensify or NeatReceipts, but it’s lightweight and easy to use. Perfect if you just want to quickly capture receipts and basic categorize them.

In the end, it boils down to what’s more critical for you—features, integration, simplicity, or cost. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.

Expensify is definitely a heavyweight in the receipt scanning realm, no doubt, but if we’re being real here, there are pros and cons. On the pro side, Expensify’s SmartScan tech is on point. You’ll love how quickly and accurately it captures and organizes your receipts. Plus, with integration options for QuickBooks and Xero, it’s a beast for business use. However, let’s be honest—the cost can be a dealbreaker for smaller budgets.

As @stellacadente mentioned, Receipt Bank (now Dext Prepare) is solid. The OCR technology is impressive—it’s almost like magic how it extracts and categorizes the data. The seamless integration with accounting software is a major plus if you’re pulling numbers for your business. But, just like Expensify, it’s not exactly wallet-friendly.

If I were to throw in an alternative, try NeatReceipts for cloud storage and thorough organizational tools. It’s very efficient if you’re already using a hardware scanner, but it might seem a bit clunky if you’re a pure mobile user.

One underdog here that wasn’t tossed around much is Evernote Scannable. Now, the beauty of Scannable is its multi-functional approach—you’re not limited to just receipts. It can scan business cards, documents, and anything paper. If you’re an Evernote user, this is gold. But remember, it’s designed more for general use, not specifically for accounting needs.

And agreeably, Wave Receipts has its laggy moments, especially frustrating when you’re inundated with receipts. Budget-wise, it’s fine, but performance-wise, it falls behind compared to other options.

I think Shoeboxed deserves an honorable mention for its user-friendly interface. The mail-in service for physical receipts is a lifesaver, but the subscription can be a bit much unless you’re really desperate for the convenience.

As someone pointed out, Zoho Expense is customizable but has a steeper learning curve. If you’re already knee-deep in the Zoho ecosystem, it could be worth the investment. The customization options are great, but you’ll need time to get the hang of it.

Another app that might interest some is Wally, a minimalist choice that focuses on ease of use for basic categorization and quick captures. It’s perfect if you don’t need the complex features of heavyweights like Expensify.

SAP Concur is indeed robust, but let’s be real—unless you’re managing a large-scale operation, it could be overkill. It’s like bringing a tank to a pillow fight. The power and integration capabilities are unmatched, but the learning curve and cost are steep.

To sum it up, if you need robust features and can afford it, go for Expensify. If budget is your constraint, try out Wave Receipts despite its lagtime. For multi-functional scanning beyond just receipts, Evernote Scannable is exceptional. Ultimately, pick an app that matches your specific needs and priorities.