# Simply NFC vs NFC21 Reader

The clearest difference is rating: Simply NFC at 4.1 against NFC21 Reader's 3.0. Simply NFC also leads on ratings volume (183 vs 4) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 weeks). NFC21 Reader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (71% vs 47%). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Simply NFC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NFC21 Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simply NFC holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simply NFC has 183 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 47% of Simply NFC'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.

Simply NFC ships an update fortnightly, NFC21 Reader every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 17, 2026 and June 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simply NFC | NFC21 Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (183 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-nfc-tag-writerreader/id1262550712/reviews)** | [3.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc21-reader/id1293225257/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **183** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 47.2% of reviews | **70.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lakeside Llama LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/380892444) | [NFC21 GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/787102532) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### 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 Simply NFC free?

Simply NFC 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, Simply NFC or NFC21 Reader?

Simply NFC is rated higher. Simply NFC averages 4.1 out of 5 from 183 ratings, while NFC21 Reader averages 3.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Simply NFC or NFC21 Reader have ads?

Neither Simply NFC nor NFC21 Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simply NFC or NFC21 Reader?

Simply NFC ships an update fortnightly, and NFC21 Reader every 5 weeks. Most recently, Simply NFC was updated on August 17, 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.*