# Simply NFC vs Smart NFC Tools

The clearest difference is rating: Smart NFC Tools at 4.6 against Simply NFC's 4.1. Smart NFC Tools also leads on update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly). Simply NFC's advantage is review sentiment (47% vs 30%). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Smart NFC Tools holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 187 and 481 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 47% of Simply NFC's written reviews are positive against 30% of Smart NFC Tools's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Simply NFC ships an update fortnightly, Smart NFC Tools weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simply NFC | Smart NFC Tools |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (187 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-nfc-tag-writerreader/id1262550712/reviews) | **[4.6 (481 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-nfc-tools-read-and-write/id1527587931/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 187 | **481** |
| Positive reviews | **47.2% of reviews** | 30.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lakeside Llama LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/380892444) | [Arthur Eduardo Skaetta Alvarez Desenvolvimento de Software LTDA.](https://appshunter.io/developer/867175889) |

## 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


### Smart NFC Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-nfc-tools-read-and-write/id1527587931)

Easily read, inspect, and modify NFC tags with this intuitive tool. Write to tags in various formats to trigger actions like opening websites or making calls. Prioritizes user privacy by operating entirely offline.

**Highlights:** Read NFC tag content, Inspect and modify NFC tags, Erase, lock, and copy tags, Write NFC tags in various formats, Trigger phone calls or open websites, 100% offline operation

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NFC Tools Premium | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 💰 Reasonable price
- 🚀 Works great
- 👍 Very practical
- 👍 Excellent app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Does not work
- 👎 Waste of money
- 👎 Free version limited
- 👎 Scam and money taken
- 👎 Paid and no function

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't work to save contact card
- App glitches
- Doesn't work to read card and fob
- Paid for unlock, but restore doesn't work after iOS update
- Paid for ability to lock tags, but feature does not work

**Requested features**

- Add social media to chips
- Ability to add multiple items to card after paying


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simply NFC free?

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

### Is Smart NFC Tools free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Simply NFC or Smart NFC Tools?

Smart NFC Tools is rated higher. Simply NFC averages 4.1 out of 5 from 187 ratings, while Smart NFC Tools averages 4.6 from 481 ratings.

### Do Simply NFC or Smart NFC Tools have ads?

Neither Simply NFC nor Smart NFC Tools shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simply NFC or Smart NFC Tools?

Simply NFC ships an update fortnightly, and Smart NFC Tools weekly. Most recently, Simply NFC was updated on October 23, 2026 and Smart NFC Tools on October 27, 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.*