# Simply NFC vs Pool Notes

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Pool Notes at 100% against Simply NFC's 47%. Pool Notes also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Simply NFC's advantage is ratings volume (187 vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

Pool Notes holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simply NFC has 187 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of Simply NFC's written reviews are positive against 100% of Pool Notes's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simply NFC | Pool Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (187 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-nfc-tag-writerreader/id1262550712/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pool-notes-pool-care/id6788173453/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **187** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 47.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lakeside Llama LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/380892444) | [JONATHON TIMOTHY MORTON](https://appshunter.io/developer/6783081553) |

## 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


### Pool Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pool-notes-pool-care/id6788173453)

This app simplifies pool maintenance by converting water test readings into precise chemical dosage instructions. It automatically adjusts targets based on stabilizer levels and offers guided algae treatment. All data is stored locally on your device for privacy.

**Highlights:** Precise chemical dosage instructions, Automatic chlorine target adjustment, Trend tracking over time, Test reminders, Guided algae treatment, Local data storage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simply NFC free?

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

### Is Pool Notes free?

Pool Notes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Simply NFC or Pool Notes?

Pool Notes is rated higher. Simply NFC averages 4.1 out of 5 from 187 ratings, while Pool Notes averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Simply NFC or Pool Notes have ads?

Neither Simply NFC nor Pool Notes shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simply NFC or Pool Notes?

Simply NFC ships an update fortnightly, and Pool Notes fortnightly. Most recently, Simply NFC was updated on November 2, 2026 and Pool Notes on October 31, 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.*