Comparison

GSM Control vs NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

GSM Control

Read full description

This alarm system embodies modern industrial design in a user-friendly, wire-free home security package. This alarm system is GSM-based (requires a SIM card) and suitable for any DIY home improvement project, ensuring you and your family have that extra peace of mind without monthly monitoring fees. The App is totally free. Once paired to your control panel, you can easily manage and interact with the entire system – such as arm, disarm, set exit/entry delays, add/remove/rename accessories, play user-definable onsite recordings and engage in two-way audio – directly on your smartphone anywhere, anytime. What this alarm system can do for your home or small shop/SOHO: l You can add up to 50 wireless sensors and accessories based on your needs. Those sensors and accessories allow for intrusion, flood, smoke and gas detection. l You can set exit and entry delays as you wish, so you and your family can go out and come back home at your own pace, without having to fumble around in your pocket for your mobile phone or remote control, to arm or disarm your alarm system. l Pre-set routines can be entered so that your alarm system will automatically guard your small shop or welcome you home right on the dot. Specific delays for specific zones are also possible. l Siren duration and volume can be adjusted per your need, with the maximum volume at 90 decibels. l Multiple users and smartphones can be enabled to control and interact with one single alarm system once paired. You can take turns watching over your property and loved ones back home.

About

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader

This app allows you to read and write NFC tags, scan and create QR codes, digitize documents, and capture 3D models. It offers advanced NFC tools like encryption and batch operations, alongside a versatile QR code scanner and document scanner with OCR.

Highlights
  • Read and write NFC tags
  • Scan and create QR codes
  • Digitize documents with OCR
  • Capture 3D models and room scans
  • Advanced NFC tools (encryption, batch operations)
  • Customizable QR codes with logos
  • Automation and integration with iOS Shortcuts
Features
Read full description

Read and write NFC tags, scan and create QR codes, digitize documents, and capture 3D models - all in one app trusted by over 9 million users. NFC READING & WRITING Read any NFC tag to see web links, Wi-Fi, contacts, locations, payment links, and more. Write your own tags with 25+ message types (text, contacts, Wi-Fi, locations, calendar events, iOS Shortcuts, FaceTime, SMS, email, social media, payments, and Google Review links) that open apps, trigger shortcuts, or connect to services like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Spotify. NFC Tools: • Format, lock, password protect, analyze, and copy tags • NTAG 424 DNA: read secure tags, verify SUN tamper-proof messages, configure keys and SDM • NFC Tap Counter: teach NFC tags how to count • Batch Operations: write multiple tags sequentially, import from CSV/Excel • Custom Commands: send raw hex commands for advanced tag manipulation NFC Apps: • Passport & ID: read your passport or ID chip to view the stored personal data and photo • Sonicare Reset: read your Philips Sonicare brush head usage stats and reset its timer • Amiibo: scan to reveal the character with official artwork, build your collection, and back it up • OpenPrintTag: store 3D printing filament info on spools for automatic material detection • NFC Safe: store encrypted secrets on tags with 256-bit AES encryption QR CODE & BARCODE SCANNER • Scan any QR code or barcode with batch mode, plus a share extension to detect codes in your photos. • Create custom QR codes for all the same message types as NFC. • Design them with your own colors, logos, and Genmoji, and add them to home screen widgets. Supported formats: QR, Aztec, Code128, PDF417, DataMatrix, EAN, and 15+ other barcode types. DOCUMENT SCANNER • Capture documents with automatic edge detection and on-device OCR. • Import images from your photo library or files. • Save as searchable PDFs with full-text search. • Export to iCloud or share directly. 3D OBJECT & ROOM SCANNER • Scan objects into 3D models using photogrammetry. • Scan rooms with LiDAR to generate floor plans, detecting doors, windows, and furniture. • Measure dimensions and calculate floor area. • Export for 3D printing and CAD applications. Requires: iPhone with LiDAR sensor (iPhone 12 Pro and newer) AUTOMATION & INTEGRATION • Webhooks: send scan data to your server for inventory or custom integrations • iOS Shortcuts: launch scans via Siri, access scan history, write tags through automation • Widgets: quick-launch scanning from home screen, lock screen, or Control Center • Auto-Actions: open links, run shortcuts, play audio, or trigger text-to-speech when scanning tags CUSTOMIZATION Choose from multiple themes and icons, text-to-speech voices in 40+ languages, and Game Center achievements. Note: NFC functionality requires iPhone 7 or newer. iPhones read NFC but not all RFID frequencies. NFC.cool is in no way affiliated with Nintendo or Philips. Amiibo is a registered trademark by Nintendo and Sonicare is a registered trademark by Philips. These functions in NFC.cool are for educational purposes only. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

GSM Control4 screens
NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: GSM Control at none against NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader's 26. GSM Control also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (7.0 vs 17.0). NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader's advantage is update cadence (every 11 days vs every 17 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader sells 26 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. GSM Control asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GSM Control ships an update every 17 months, NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
GSM Control versus NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGSM ControlNFC.cool Tools Tag Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.5 (6.8K ratings) — better
Positive reviews—66.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—6.8K — better
Update frequencyEvery 17 monthsEvery 11 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS7.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size85 MB117 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperChuango Security Technology CorporationNicolo Stanciu

Bugs and requests

GSM Control

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Unable to read certain NFC tags
  • App freezes during NFC operations
  • Compatibility issues with iOS 13 and newer
  • Inconsistent behavior when writing tags

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add ability to clear/erase NFC tags
  • Integrate with Shortcuts app
  • Offline mode for writing NFC tags
  • Add support for RFID tags
  • Improve instructions and documentation

In-app purchases

None

GSM Control

No in-app purchases

26 purchases

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader

Subscriptions20
  • Unlimited Monthly Special$1.991 Month
  • Business Cards Service Monthly3 Days trial$2.491 Month
  • Unlimited 3DT Monthly3 Days trial$2.991 Month
Show 17 more
  • NFC.cool Scanner Monthly3 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • UnlimitedPro3DT Monthly3 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Platinum Weekly3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Ultra3DT Monthly3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Unlimited3DT Weekly$6.997 Days
  • Mini3DT Yearly3 Days trial$17.491 Year
  • Mini7DT Yearly7 Days trial$17.491 Year
  • Unlimited Yearly Special$19.001 Year
  • Business Cards Service Yearly7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Unlimited 3DT Yearly3 Days trial$24.991 Year
  • Unlimited7DT Yearly7 Days trial$24.991 Year
  • NFC.cool Scanner Yearly3 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • UnlimitedPro7DT Yearly7 Days trial$34.991 Year
  • UnlimitedPro3DT Yearly3 Days trial$34.991 Year
  • Ultra3DT Yearly3 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Ultra7DT Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Business Yearly7 Days trial$99.991 Year
One-time6
  • Donut$0.99
  • Rainbow Dark Mode$0.99
  • Unlimited QR-Code Widgets$3.99
Show 3 more
  • Speech Synthesizer$3.99
  • Ad-free$6.99
  • Unlimited Lifetime$49.99

Questions

Is GSM Control free?
GSM Control is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader free?
NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do GSM Control or NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader have ads?
NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader shows ads; GSM Control does not.
Which is updated more often, GSM Control or NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader?
GSM Control ships an update every 17 months, and NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader every 11 days. Most recently, GSM Control was updated on September 10, 2026 and NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader on October 3, 2026.

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