# NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader vs NFC21 Reader

The clearest difference is rating: NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader at 4.5 against NFC21 Reader's 3.0. NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader also leads on ratings volume (6.7K vs 4) and update cadence (every 11 days vs every 5 weeks). NFC21 Reader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 26) and ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader sells 26 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. NFC21 Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader has 6.7K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 66% of NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader's written reviews are positive against 71% of NFC21 Reader's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader ships an update every 11 days, NFC21 Reader every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and June 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader | NFC21 Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (6.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfccool-tools-tag-reader/id1249686798/reviews)** | [3.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc21-reader/id1293225257/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6.7K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 65.9% of reviews | **70.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 11 days** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 102 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nicolo Stanciu](https://appshunter.io/developer/930855677) | [NFC21 GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/787102532) |

## What reviewers say

### NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfccool-tools-tag-reader/id1249686798)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (26)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Monthly Special | $1.99 | per month |
| Business Cards Service Monthly | $2.49 | per month |
| Unlimited 3DT Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| NFC.cool Scanner Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| UnlimitedPro3DT Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Platinum Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Ultra3DT Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Unlimited3DT Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Mini3DT Yearly | $17.49 | per year |
| Mini7DT Yearly | $17.49 | per year |
| Unlimited Yearly Special | $19.00 | per year |
| Business Cards Service Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Unlimited 3DT Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Unlimited7DT Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| NFC.cool Scanner Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| UnlimitedPro7DT Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| UnlimitedPro3DT Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| Ultra3DT Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Ultra7DT Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Business Yearly | $99.99 | per year |
| Donut | $0.99 | one-time |
| Rainbow Dark Mode | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited QR-Code Widgets | $3.99 | one-time |
| Speech Synthesizer | $3.99 | one-time |
| Ad-free | $6.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💯 Excellent app
- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 User-friendly
- 🔥 Awesome features
- 🎉 Great tool

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 📢 Too many ads
- 🚫 Doesn't work on older devices
- 🤔 Confusing interface

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- 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


### NFC21 Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc21-reader/id1293225257)

Easily read and interact with NFC tags. Scan tags to preview content and immediately perform actions like opening websites, adding contacts, or connecting to Wi-Fi. Supports various tag types for seamless interaction.

**Highlights:** Scan NFC tags, Preview tag content, Directly execute actions, Supports URL, VCard, WiFi, Text, GEO, Phone, Mail, SMS, Continuous improvement and new features, Simple and usable interface

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader free?

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is NFC21 Reader free?

NFC21 Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader or NFC21 Reader?

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader is rated higher. NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader averages 4.5 out of 5 from 6.7K ratings, while NFC21 Reader averages 3.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader or NFC21 Reader have ads?

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader shows ads; NFC21 Reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader or NFC21 Reader?

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader ships an update every 11 days, and NFC21 Reader every 5 weeks. Most recently, NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader was updated on September 24, 2026 and NFC21 Reader on June 3, 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.*