# NFC Scanner vs Simply NFC

The clearest difference is rating: Simply NFC at 4.1 against NFC Scanner's 1.9. Simply NFC also leads on review sentiment (47% vs 10%) and ratings volume (187 vs 17). NFC Scanner's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Simply NFC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NFC Scanner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simply NFC holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 1.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simply NFC has 187 ratings behind it against 17, 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 47% of Simply NFC's.

NFC Scanner ships an update every 4 weeks, Simply NFC fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NFC Scanner | Simply NFC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.9 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-scanner/id1245321879/reviews) | **[4.1 (187 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-nfc-tag-writerreader/id1262550712/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 17 | **187** |
| Positive reviews | 10.0% of reviews | **47.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 9 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Wander Bit LLC - Photo & Video Editor Apps and More](https://appshunter.io/developer/649030066) | [Lakeside Llama LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/380892444) |

## What reviewers say

### NFC Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-scanner/id1245321879)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Simply NFC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-nfc-tag-writerreader/id1262550712)

Easily read and write to NFC tags using your phone. This app supports various tag types including text, URLs, contacts, and HomeKit scenes. It also offers accessibility features, Siri Shortcuts, widgets, and iMessage extensions for convenient tag management and automation.

**Highlights:** Read and write NFC tags, Supports text, URL, vCard, SMS, email, phone, app launch, custom URI, location, HomeKit, and Wi-Fi tags, Trigger HomeKit scenes, VoiceOver accessibility, Siri Shortcuts integration, Widget and iMessage extension, Export scanned history

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Version | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simplicity and minimalism
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Decent design for a utility app
- 👍 Works well for simple things like URLs
- 👍 Good for understanding NFC chips

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Wifi option does not work
- 🐛 Wifi record doesn't work
- 🐛 Not all functions available in free version
- 🐛 Paid version has limited URL schemes
- 🐛 Does not read certain NFC tags (e.g., Mifare ultralight)

**Reported bugs**

- Wifi joining option fails
- Phone does nothing when tapping Wifi tag
- App stops telling device to speak loudly after a few scans
- App does not read tags at all
- NFC tag not read after 5 minutes

**Requested features**

- Improve Wifi tag support
- Fix issue with 'speak loudly' feature stopping
- Preview Pro upgrade records
- Allow custom URL schemes in URI Record
- Long term tag save area for review, edit, and rewrite


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NFC Scanner free?

NFC Scanner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Simply NFC free?

Simply NFC is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, NFC Scanner or Simply NFC?

Simply NFC is rated higher. NFC Scanner averages 1.9 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Simply NFC averages 4.1 from 187 ratings.

### Do NFC Scanner or Simply NFC have ads?

Neither NFC Scanner nor Simply NFC shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NFC Scanner or Simply NFC?

NFC Scanner ships an update every 4 weeks, and Simply NFC fortnightly. Most recently, NFC Scanner was updated on October 24, 2026 and Simply NFC on October 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*