Significantly depends on your needs. I need a full functional web client, what makes list of free alternatives basically empty.
“workplace” sounds like a work environment. In this case, the first tool to consider is something your organisation already use/approved.
Most of the organisation have rules saying what to use for such generic “office” tasks. And this is not just for fun, the organisation must be sure that tool meets local regulations like GDPR, cannot leak corporate data (from emails to shared opinions or topics you internally learn).
Yes, these old scanners are disappointing. I deal with only one of them but regularly - in the gym.
And yes, it does not work with smartphones and smartwatches screens at all.