Simply NFC vs NFC Controller
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Simply NFC
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.
- 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
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Simply NFC is a powerful, accessible, and easy-to-use NFC reader and writer for iPhone. Scan NFC tags instantly, create programmable tags, trigger HomeKit scenes, automate workflows, and create spoken text tags for visually impaired users, all without external hardware. Built with accessibility in mind: * Full VoiceOver support throughout the app * Spoken text tags that read aloud when scanned * Great for labeling household items, storage, medication, equipment, and more * Accessible scanning and writing workflows for blind and visually impaired users Features: * Scan NFC tags instantly * Read raw tag information * Save scan history automatically * Multi-tag scanning * Apple Watch remote scanning support Write and program NFC tags directly from your iPhone: * Text tags * Text-to-Voice tags * URL tags * HomeKit scene tags * Wi-Fi setup tags * Contact cards (vCard) * Email, SMS, phone, and FaceTime tags * Custom URI and app-launch tags * Location tags Advanced NFC features: * Import tag records * Configure write passwords * Edit and rewrite compatible tags * Export history as CSV or tab-delimited text * Integrate scans with your own web services HomeKit support: * Trigger HomeKit scenes from NFC tags * Background NFC support on compatible devices * Great for smart home and accessibility automations Siri Shortcuts and integrations: * Start scanning with Siri * Launch single or multi-scan modes * iMessage extension for sharing scan history Developer features: * URI scheme support: simplynfc://reader simplynfc://scan simplynfc://multiscan simplynfc://writer * Callback support for apps and websites * Send scanned tag data directly to your server * Build NFC workflows into your own apps and services Simply tap “Read NFC” and hold your iPhone near a tag. It’s that simple. Simply NFC is designed for beginners, power users, accessibility needs, smart homes, inventory systems, and NFC development workflows. We love hearing from our customers, so feel free to contact us with questions, concerns, issues, bugs, suggestions, or feature requests. We are always looking for ways to improve Simply NFC.
NFC Controller
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Welcome to NFC Controller, which is an innovative app that changes the way you think about mobile apps! No longer a traditional app, NFC Controller will be the ultimate control tool in your life. Whether you are a casual user or a tech enthusiast, this app will bring you more surprises and convenience than ever before. The NFC Controller is rich and versatile, giving you the ability to fully control NFC technology. With simple touches and scans, you open the door to endless possibilities. Whether it's managing your smart home devices, setting up timed tasks, creating personalized tabs, or sharing contact information with friends, the NFC Controller makes it easy for you to do so. We know that everyone has different needs and preferences, so NFC Controller offers flexible customization options. You are free to create and manage your own NFC tags, giving them features that are relevant to your life. Imagine being able to automatically switch your phone to work mode, open your favorite playlist, and even unlock car doors with a simple touch! The NFC Controller is designed with an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use. Without any programming skills, you are free to create and edit your NFC tags, and add personalized ICONS and names to each tag to make it obvious in your app list. We care about user privacy and security, and the NFC Controller uses the highest level of encryption during data transmission. You can use this app with confidence and enjoy a convenient and secure NFC experience. NFC Controller is not only a practical tool, but also a way to entertain and create. You can share your tags and ideas with friends and explore the possibilities of NFC technology. Whether it's a family gathering, a travel adventure, or a creative project, NFC Controller will be your go-to guy. If you're looking for total control, convenience and innovation, then NFC Controller is for you! Download NFC Controller now to unlock the new potential of your phone and start your smart life journey! Supported NFC Tags This NFC reader only supports reading NDEF records. It does not support reading sectors off of MIFARE cards (the type usually used for transit passes and key cards).
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NFC Controller at none against Simply NFC's 1. Simply NFC's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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. Simply NFC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NFC Controller asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | Simply NFC | NFC Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.1 (183 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 47.2% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 183 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | — |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 19 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lakeside Llama LLC | Ninesharp Technology Co., Ltd |
Bugs and requests
Simply NFC
Reported bugs
13 issues- 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
Show 8 moreShow fewer
- Fails with different brand NFC tags
- Privacy policy not updated
- Error connecting or too much information when writing tags
- HomeKit scenes do not work, redirect to developer's website with 404 error
- White buttons on white background (visibility issue)
- Pro version not working for some users
- Restore purchase feature does not work
- App states it won't work with specific iPhone models despite being listed as compatible
Requested features
9 requests- 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
Show 4 moreShow fewer
- Add more languages (e.g., Russian)
- Improve VoiceOver support for tag selection and reading results
- Support writing HomeKit enabled tags on iPhone
- Add dark mode option for better visibility
NFC Controller
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Simply NFC
- Pro Version$4.99
NFC Controller
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Simply NFC free?
Is NFC Controller free?
Do Simply NFC or NFC Controller have ads?
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