Comparison

NFC Scanner 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

NFC Scanner

Easily read NFC tags on your iPhone or iPod. This utility app provides a history of scanned tags, supports multi-record tags, and allows you to open links directly from within the application. It's designed for quick, one-handed use.

Highlights
  • Read NFC tags on iOS
  • Scan history
  • Automatic scanning option
  • Multi-record tag support
  • One-hand optimized UI
  • Open links from app
Read full description

Read NFC Tags for the first time on iOS! NFC Scanner features: - A history of the tags you scanned - Optional automatic scanning when the app is launched for quick tag reading. - Support for multi-record tags - User interface optimized for one-hand use - Open links from right within the app + more coming soon!

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

NFC Scanner4 screens
NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader at 66% against NFC Scanner's 10%. NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader also leads on rating (4.5 vs 1.8) and ratings volume (6.8K vs 16). NFC Scanner's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 26) and ads (none vs shown). 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. NFC Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader has 6.8K ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 10% of NFC Scanner's written reviews are positive against 66% of NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NFC Scanner ships an update every 4 weeks, NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
NFC Scanner versus NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNFC ScannerNFC.cool Tools Tag Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.8 (16 ratings)4.5 (6.8K ratings) — better
Positive reviews10.0% of reviews66.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings166.8K — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeksEvery 11 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB117 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperWander Bit LLC - Photo & Video Editor Apps and MoreNicolo Stanciu

Customer experience

NFC Scanner

All ratings16 ratings
Positive18.8%
Neutral6.3%
Negative75.0%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive10.0%
Neutral20.0%
Negative70.0%

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader

All ratings6,763 ratings
Positive86.6%
Neutral3.2%
Negative10.2%
Written reviews1,210 reviews
Positive66.0%
Neutral4.7%
Negative29.3%

Bugs and requests

NFC Scanner

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

NFC Scanner

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 NFC Scanner free?
NFC Scanner 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.
Which has better reviews, NFC Scanner or NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader?
NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader is rated higher. NFC Scanner averages 1.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader averages 4.5 from 6.8K ratings.
Do NFC Scanner or NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader have ads?
NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader shows ads; NFC Scanner does not.
Which is updated more often, NFC Scanner or NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader?
NFC Scanner ships an update every 4 weeks, and NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader every 11 days. Most recently, NFC Scanner was updated on September 25, 2026 and NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader on October 1, 2026.

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