Adobe Scan vs CamScanner: Features, Privacy, and Which to Choose

Adobe Scan and CamScanner are two of the most downloaded document scanner apps, with a combined 600+ million downloads. Both offer similar features, but they differ significantly in privacy practices and pricing.

Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.

Quick Comparison

Factor	Adobe Scan	CamScanner
Downloads	100M+	520M
Developer	Adobe Inc. (USA)	INTSIG (China)
Processing	Adobe Cloud	CamScanner servers
Free tier	Yes	Yes (with ads)
Security incidents	None major	2019 malware

Features Comparison

Scanning Quality

Both apps produce good scan quality with automatic edge detection and perspective correction. Adobe Scan has slightly better auto-enhancement in our testing.

OCR (Text Recognition)

Adobe Scan: Uses Adobe's cloud-based OCR, which is considered industry-leading. Can recognize text in 25+ languages.

CamScanner: Cloud-based OCR with good accuracy. Supports multiple languages but slightly behind Adobe in our tests.

Organization

Adobe Scan: Documents sync to Adobe Document Cloud. Integrates with Acrobat for editing.

CamScanner: Has folders, tags, and internal organization. Can sync to various cloud services.

Privacy Comparison

Adobe Scan

• Documents processed on Adobe servers
• Adobe may analyze content using machine learning (opt-out available)
• Does NOT train generative AI on user content
• HIPAA BAA available for Enterprise customers only
• Subject to US law (CLOUD Act)

Source: Adobe Privacy Policy

CamScanner

• Documents uploaded to CamScanner servers (Chinese company)
• 2019: Kaspersky found malware in the Android app
• 2021: Temporarily banned by US Executive Order
• Data shared with affiliates and third parties
• Subject to Chinese data laws

Source: CamScanner Privacy Policy

Pricing Comparison

Adobe Scan

• Free: Scan, OCR, basic export
• Premium: Part of Adobe Acrobat subscription ($12.99-$22.99/month)

CamScanner

• Free: Scan with ads, limited OCR
• Premium: $4.99/month or $49.99/year

Security History

CamScanner's 2019 Malware Incident

In August 2019, Kaspersky discovered that CamScanner contained a Trojan Dropper module. The malware could:

• Download and execute malicious code
• Show intrusive ads
• Sign users up for paid subscriptions without consent

CamScanner blamed a third-party advertising SDK. The app was removed from Google Play and returned after the malware was removed.

Adobe Scan

Adobe Scan has not had any major security incidents. Adobe is subject to SOC 2 audits and holds various security certifications.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Adobe Scan if:

• You're already in the Adobe ecosystem
• You prefer a US-based company
• Security history matters to you
• You need Acrobat integration

Choose CamScanner if:

• You want a lower-priced premium tier
• You're comfortable with the privacy policy
• You don't scan sensitive documents

Choose neither if:

• You want maximum privacy (try ScanDash—100% on-device)
• You need HIPAA compliance (neither free tier qualifies)
• You work offline frequently

The Bottom Line

Between these two, Adobe Scan is the safer choice due to CamScanner's security history and clearer US jurisdiction. But both upload your documents to cloud servers.

For sensitive documents, consider a scanner that processes everything on-device instead.