The Best CamScanner
Alternative in 2025

Why Users Are Switching from CamScanner

CamScanner was one of the first mobile document scanners to gain mainstream popularity, and for years it was the default choice for millions of users. But the app has accumulated a series of problems that have driven users to look for alternatives.

The 2019 Malware Incident

In 2019, security researchers at Kaspersky discovered that CamScanner's Android app contained a malicious module — a Trojan dropper that could download and execute arbitrary code on users' devices. The app was temporarily removed from the Google Play Store. While CamScanner addressed the issue and was eventually reinstated, the incident permanently damaged trust among privacy-conscious users. When your document scanner handles sensitive contracts, financial records, and identification documents, a history of malware is not something you can overlook.

Ads Everywhere

The free version of CamScanner is heavily ad-supported. Full-screen interstitial ads appear between scans. Banner ads occupy screen real estate during document management. For an app that handles professional documents, the constant advertising creates a frustrating user experience that feels unprofessional and distracting.

Watermarks on Free Scans

CamScanner adds a watermark to scanned documents in the free tier. If you are scanning a contract, invoice, or official document, a third-party watermark is unacceptable. Removing the watermark requires a paid subscription, turning a basic function into an upsell opportunity.

Data Collection and Privacy

CamScanner collects device information, usage data, and processes documents through its cloud servers. For users handling sensitive personal or business documents, this level of data exposure is a legitimate concern — especially given the app's security history.

Feature Comparison

Feature	ScanFlow	CamScanner
Ads	No ads	Yes (free tier)
Watermarks	No watermarks	Yes (free tier)
Account Required	No	Yes
Offline Mode	Full offline	Limited
Local Storage	On device	Cloud-first
OCR	Yes	Yes
Document Signing	Yes	Premium only
QR Code Scanner	Yes	No
Password Protection	Yes	Premium only
Privacy	No data collection	Collects data
Security History	Clean	2019 malware incident

Switch in 30 Seconds

Download ScanFlow from the App Store or Google Play. Open the app. Start scanning immediately — no account creation, no sign-up forms, no email verification. Your first scan is ready in seconds, with no watermarks and no ads.

Your existing documents stay where they are. ScanFlow does not import from CamScanner, because your new scans deserve a fresh start with an app you can trust. Going forward, every document you scan stays on your device, private and secure.