Comparison

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader vs StarNFC

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

Head to head
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/

About

StarNFC

This tool allows you to read, write, and manage NFC tags on your iPhone. Create smart tags for daily use, automate actions with iOS Shortcuts, and share information like Wi-Fi details or contact cards easily.

Highlights
  • NFC Tag Reader
  • NFC Tag Writer
  • Tag Management
  • iOS Shortcuts Automation
  • Wi-Fi Information Tags
  • Media & Smart Links
Read full description

StarNFC – NFC Reader & Writer StarNFC is a simple, powerful, and privacy-friendly NFC tool for reading, writing, and managing NFC tags on your iPhone. Whether you want to scan NFC tags, create smart tags for daily use, manage NDEF records, or build automation with iOS Shortcuts, StarNFC helps you handle NFC tasks quickly and clearly. Key Features NFC Tag Reader Scan NFC tags and view detailed tag information, including chip type, NDEF records, text, links, Wi-Fi data, contact cards, media links, and more. NFC Tag Writer Create and write common NFC records such as text, URLs, Wi-Fi information, contact details, app links, shortcuts, and custom tag content. Tag Management Save, edit, reuse, and organize your NFC tag records. Quickly rewrite frequently used content without starting from scratch. iOS Shortcuts Automation Use NFC tags with iOS Shortcuts to trigger actions, open apps, launch workflows, or create simple automation scenarios. Wi-Fi Information Tags Create NFC tags that store Wi-Fi network information, making it easier to share network details with supported devices and workflows. Media & Smart Links Read and create NFC tags for music, websites, app links, location links, notes, and other smart actions. Local & Private StarNFC works locally on your device. No account is required, and your NFC tag content is not uploaded to a server. Why Choose StarNFC? • Clean and easy-to-use interface • Fast NFC scanning and clear tag parsing • Supports common NDEF record types • Useful for daily users, developers, events, offices, and smart home scenarios • Privacy-friendly design with local processing • Flexible upgrade options for advanced features Perfect For • Reading and writing NFC tags • Creating smart NFC shortcuts • Sharing links, text, Wi-Fi information, and contact cards • Testing NFC and NDEF records • Event check-in and information tags • Office labels, asset tags, and automation workflows • Personal productivity and smart home actions Important Note Due to iOS system limitations, some encrypted access cards, bank cards, transit cards, hotel cards, and special NFC chips may not be readable, writable, or copyable. StarNFC is mainly designed for standard NFC and NDEF tags. Membership Options StarNFC offers optional membership plans to unlock advanced features. Available options may include: • Weekly Membership A flexible option for short-term use or quick NFC tasks. • Lifetime Membership A one-time purchase option for users who want long-term access to advanced features. Weekly Membership is a subscription. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription automatically renews unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings. Lifetime Membership is a one-time purchase and does not renew. Download StarNFC and make NFC simple, smart, and useful. Privacy Policy: https://hero2022.yuque.com/docs/share/523405cc-3f9c-4cd2-9ec1-42cd08f9b360 Terms of Service: https://hero2022.yuque.com/docs/share/e81eb627-6640-4476-8c17-d830a7570bc4 If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, feel free to contact us.

Screenshots

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader4 screens
StarNFC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader at 66% against StarNFC's 25%. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 and StarNFC sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader ships an update every 11 days, StarNFC every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader versus StarNFC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNFC.cool Tools Tag ReaderStarNFC
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (6.7K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews65.9% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings6.7K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 11 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size102 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNicolo Stanciu志红 刘

Customer experience

NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader

All ratings6,676 ratings
Positive86.5%
Neutral3.2%
Negative10.3%
Written reviews1,207 reviews
Positive65.9%
Neutral4.7%
Negative29.3%

StarNFC

Written reviews8 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%

Bugs and 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

StarNFC

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

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
4 purchases

StarNFC

Subscriptions3
  • StarNFC Weekly3 Days trial$1.997 Days
  • StarNFC Monthly Story3 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • StarNFC Annual Story$24.991 Year
One-time1
  • StarNFC Premium$12.99

Questions

Is NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader free?
NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is StarNFC free?
StarNFC is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader or StarNFC have ads?
Both NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader and StarNFC show ads.
Which is updated more often, NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader or StarNFC?
NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader ships an update every 11 days, and StarNFC every 2 weeks. Most recently, NFC.cool Tools Tag Reader was updated on September 24, 2026 and StarNFC on September 18, 2026.

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