NFC Tools vs StarNFC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
NFC Tools
Easily read and write data to NFC tags using a straightforward interface. Interact with tag content, view detailed information, and record standard data like contacts, URLs, and WiFi configurations.
- Read NFC tag data
- Write standard information to tags
- Store VCARDs and URLs
- Share contact details
- Save tag contents
- Configure WiFi and Bluetooth
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NFC Tools can read and write your NFC tags with a simple and lightweight user interface. By passing your device near an NFC chip, you can read the data it contains and interact with the content. The "Read" section allows you to see data such as: - the maker of the tag - the type of tag (ex : Mifare Ultralight, NTAG213) - the norm of the tag (ex : NFC Forum Type 2) - the available technology (ex: NFC A) - its serial number (ex : 04:85:c8:5a:40:2b:80) - the size of the tag and of the data on it - if you can write on the tag - all the data on the tag (NDEF format) NFC Tools can record standard information on your tags which will be compatible with any NFC device. For instance, you can store a VCARD to share your contact details easily, open an URL, share a phone number or even a geolocation. The "Write" section let you record standardised data such as: - a simple text - a link to a website - an email - a contact - a phone number - a predefined text message - an address or geolocation - a WiFi or Bluetooth configuration - personalised data - and more... The write function allows you to add as much data as you wish. This way you can record large quantities of information on your tag. The app also allows you to save the contents of your chip for later access. NFC Tools has been tested with the following NFC tags: - NTAG 203, 210, 210u, 212, 213, 213TT, 215, 216, 413 DNA, 424 DNA - Ultralight, Ultralight C, Ultralight EV1 - ICODE SLI, SLI-S, SLIX, SLIX-S, SLIX-L, SLIX2, DNA - DESFire EV1, EV2, EV3 - ST25TV, ST25TA - Felica If you encounter any problem, don’t hesitate to contact us. Notes: - Compatible from iPhone 7. - Use the "compatibility" mode to read/write Mifare Classic tags.
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.
- NFC Tag Reader
- NFC Tag Writer
- Tag Management
- iOS Shortcuts Automation
- Wi-Fi Information Tags
- Media & Smart Links
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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
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: NFC Tools at none against StarNFC's shown. NFC Tools also leads on review sentiment (50% vs 25%) and chart position (#109 vs unranked). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
Both are free to download. NFC Tools sells 1 one-off in-app purchase 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.
NFC Tools ships an update every 3 weeks, StarNFC every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | NFC Tools | StarNFC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (14K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.3% of reviews — better | 25.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 14K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #109 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 30 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | wakdev | 志红 刘 |
Customer experience
NFC Tools
StarNFC
Bugs and requests
NFC Tools
Reported bugs
4 issues- Cannot unlock NFC tags after locking them
- Contacts and WiFi records not working as expected
- Inconsistent behavior when reading/writing tags
- Restore purchase feature not functioning properly
Requested features
5 requests- Add ability to bulk write NFC tags
- Improve compatibility with wpa2 enterprise WiFi settings
- Implement file explorer for loading custom tag data
- Add option to write data to Apple Wallet
- Provide emulator functionality for testing without tags
StarNFC
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
NFC Tools
- NFC Tools - Pro Edition$3.99
StarNFC
- StarNFC Weekly3 Days trial$1.997 Days
- StarNFC Monthly Story3 Days trial$3.991 Month
- StarNFC Annual Story$24.991 Year
- StarNFC Premium$12.99
Questions
Is NFC Tools free?
Is StarNFC free?
Do NFC Tools or StarNFC have ads?
Which is updated more often, NFC Tools or StarNFC?
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