Comparison

SerialMagic Keys vs ESLConnect

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

Head to head
About

SerialMagic Keys

This app enables wireless RFID GEN2 UHF, NFC, and barcode readers, along with other devices, to send data directly into iOS applications. It supports a wide range of Bluetooth scanners and sensors, making it ideal for inventory, asset tracking, and data collection tasks.

Highlights
  • Connects wireless RFID GEN2 UHF, NFC, and barcode readers
  • Integrates with sensors, scales, and other wireless devices
  • Sends data directly into iOS apps
  • Supports a wide range of Bluetooth scanner models
  • Enables data input for inventory, asset tracking, and more
  • Reads and writes NDEF data
  • Simulates keyboard input for data posting
Features
Read full description

SerialMagic Keys provides a simple yet powerful way to connect wireless RFID GEN2 UHF, NFC & barcode readers, meters, sensors, scales, and other wireless devices to easily get data into iOS apps. Why not just use Bluetooth HID (keyboard mode) devices? Many Bluetooth devices are not supported on iOS, and when they are apps must be updated to work. For example use BLE and MFi devices like idChamp® RFID & NFC readers like NF4, RS4, RS3, 1862, 1128, Allflex RS420, LPR, GPR+ Livestock & readers and countless other models with ALL iOS apps that take typed input, e.g. FileMaker Go. RFID-NFC and barcode enable web apps and native apps for inventory, cycle counting, asset tracking, book scouting, package tracking, medical apps - all apps can be RFID, NFC, Barcode, Sensor enabled with SerialMagic Keys. Supports more Bluetooth scanner models than any product of its kind. Scanfob®, idChamp®, BlueSnap caBLE(tm) Bluetooth to RS232 (BLE) dongles. Bluetooth CaBLE can iOS enable virtually any RS-232 device to iOS. Scanfob® 3002i 2D barcode scanner, Scanfob® 2006 laser barcode scanner, Koamtac KDC Scanners, Socket CHS Scanners, 8Qi, Honeywell, Symbol, and hundreds more. Also works with Bluetooth UHF GEN2 RFID readers like Scanfob® Ultra-BB2, Scanfob® Qid, idChamp EUB 4-port, EUA 1-port embedded Gen2 UHF RFID readers CipherLab 1862, TSL 1128 and NFC readers like Scanfob® NFC-BB2. Read & write NDEF data using idChamp® NF4 & RS4. Keyboard simulation can post NDEF data to any app that can accept keystrokes. Read HID Corporate 1000 cards, iClass, Seos, PROX, HID Mobile Access BLE credentials, Apple Student ID, and more using idChamp NF4, and RS4 for high security applications. Write UHF GEN2 EPC and user memory tags with Scanfob® Ultra-BB2, idChamp 1862, idChamp 1128, and more. Measure distance with Leica Disto E7100i, E7500i, etc. and post Keyboard simulation post measurements to all apps that accepts keystrokes. Use measurement rounding feature for simplified use e.g. round to nearest fraction of foot, meter, inch. Post PosiTector 6000 probe coating thickness measurements to any iOS app. Note when using app with non-genuine scanner, registration code may be needed.

About

ESLConnect

Features
Read full description

ESLConnect lets you manage and update compatible Opticon Electronic Shelf Labels directly from your iPhone or iPad. Discover nearby ESLs using Bluetooth, claim them to your workspace, organize them into collections, create label content, and send updates on-site. Features: • Discover and connect to supported Opticon ESLs • View label status, details, and availability • Claim and organize ESLs in workspaces and collections • Create layouts with text, images, shapes, QR codes, and barcodes • Preview content before updating • Update individual labels or sync multiple pending updates Optional Template mode connects ESLConnect to an Opticon ESL Web Server for centrally managed product and template content. Compatible Opticon ESL hardware is required. An ESLConnect account can be created through the sign-up option during login.

Screenshots

SerialMagic Keys4 screens
ESLConnect4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ESLConnect at none against SerialMagic Keys's 9. On price, update cadence, ads 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. SerialMagic Keys sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. ESLConnect asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SerialMagic Keys ships an update monthly, ESLConnect every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 7 level
SerialMagic Keys versus ESLConnect: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSerialMagic KeysESLConnect
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews83.3% of reviews—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB39 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSerialio Ltd.Opticon Development

In-app purchases

9 purchases

SerialMagic Keys

One-time9
  • Enable RFID-NFC User Data Reading & Writing$19.99
  • Built-in NFC reading$19.99
  • Allow Special Key(s)$19.99
Show 6 more
  • Enable Data Handling$24.99
  • More supported scanners$29.99
  • Laser Measurer support$49.99
  • S3 Scale Head support$79.99
  • PosiTector 6000 support$89.99
  • Advanced Posting Mode$99.99
None

ESLConnect

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SerialMagic Keys free?
SerialMagic Keys is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ESLConnect free?
ESLConnect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SerialMagic Keys or ESLConnect have ads?
Neither SerialMagic Keys nor ESLConnect shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SerialMagic Keys or ESLConnect?
SerialMagic Keys ships an update monthly, and ESLConnect every 2 months. Most recently, SerialMagic Keys was updated on October 1, 2026 and ESLConnect on October 16, 2026.

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