# Simply NFC vs NFC Reader

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Simply NFC at 47% against NFC Reader's 0%. Simply NFC also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.1 vs 3.7). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Simply NFC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and NFC Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Simply NFC holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 183 and 43 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of Simply NFC's written reviews are positive against 0% of NFC Reader's.

Simply NFC ships an update fortnightly, NFC Reader every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on August 17, 2026 and July 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simply NFC | NFC Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (183 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-nfc-tag-writerreader/id1262550712/reviews)** | [3.7 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-reader-tag-scanner/id1324286598/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **183** | 43 |
| Positive reviews | **47.2% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lakeside Llama LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/380892444) | [Julien Millau](https://appshunter.io/developer/1324286597) |

## 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


### NFC Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-reader-tag-scanner/id1324286598)

Instantly read NFC and RFID tags without an account or internet connection. It supports various tag types, including business cards, Wi-Fi credentials, and location data, with features like multi-scan and a detailed history.

**Highlights:** Read NFC/RFID tags instantly, Offline functionality, Supports multiple tag types (vCard, Wi-Fi, URL), Scan history and multi-scan, Hexadecimal data view, Share tag content, Privacy-focused, no account needed

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simply NFC free?

Simply NFC is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is NFC Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Simply NFC or NFC Reader?

Simply NFC is rated higher. Simply NFC averages 4.1 out of 5 from 183 ratings, while NFC Reader averages 3.7 from 43 ratings.

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

NFC Reader shows ads; Simply NFC does not.

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

Simply NFC ships an update fortnightly, and NFC Reader every 2 months. Most recently, Simply NFC was updated on August 17, 2026 and NFC Reader on July 7, 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.*