NFC Tools vs StarThing
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.
StarThing
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StarThing makes device management more convenient A one-stop management platform for equipment, inventory, customers, and sales data makes equipment management more convenient and site operation simpler. Introduction: StarThing APP is an intelligent management platform designed for various categories of self-service devices, including entertainment, lifestyle, retail, and travel.With just one mobile phone, you can easily manage all your devices, monitor their status, real-time inventory, sales figures, and interact efficiently with your customers.Our goal is to significantly reduce merchants' operating costs, substantially improve management efficiency, and allow you to focus more time and money on business growth. - All-category equipment management - Multi-category support: It is perfectly compatible with various equipment types, such as entertainment machines, life service equipment, and retail vending machines, including claw machines, washing machines, self-service vending machines, and self-service coffee machines, and can be managed uniformly on one platform. - Real-time status monitoring:Remotely monitor equipment status and fault status, receive instant fault warnings and rapid response to ensure uninterrupted business operations and make things easier for merchants. - Remote control and settings: It supports remote operation and parameter adjustment of equipment, greatly increasing management efficiency. - Smart Inventory and Sales - Inventory is clearly displayed: Product inventory and equipment sales data are synchronized in real time and automatically deducted. - Clear data reports: By analyzing data and generating reports based on multiple dimensions such as store, time period, and equipment, operational results are readily apparent, aiding in precise decision-making. - Customer Interaction and Growth - Membership management tools: It supports marketing functions such as membership points, recharge discounts, and package deals, directly boosting revenue growth. - Mobile collaborative office - More convenient management: Breaking the limitations of time and space, bosses, store managers, and employees can handle business anytime, anywhere via their mobile phones. - Flexible role and permission configuration: It allows setting corresponding operating permissions for employees in different positions, making responsibilities clear and management more standardized. - Language barrier - StarThing offers multiple language versions, ensuring a seamless experience when using our services. - Privacy and Support - We highly value your data security and privacy; all data transmissions are encrypted. - For any assistance or valuable suggestions, please feel free to contact us through the in-app "Feedback" or official customer service channels. Every piece of feedback you provide is a driving force for our improvement. - Our mission: Make devices smarter and life better. For more information about StarThing, please visit: https://global.starthing.com
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StarThing at none against NFC Tools's 1. StarThing also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). NFC Tools's advantage is chart position (#156 vs unranked) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads 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
Both are free to download. NFC Tools sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. StarThing asks for nothing beyond the download.
NFC Tools ships an update every 3 weeks, StarThing every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | NFC Tools | StarThing |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (14K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 14K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 6 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | #156 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 11.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | wakdev | STARTHING PTE. LTD. |
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
StarThing
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
NFC Tools
- NFC Tools - Pro Edition$3.99
StarThing
No in-app purchases









