Comparison

GoToTags vs NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

GoToTags

This utility app reads various NFC tag types and scans popular barcode formats. It allows users to perform actions like opening URLs, displaying text, or copying content. Optimized for newer iPhones, it offers automated reading and scanning features.

Highlights
  • Read all NFC chip types
  • Scan QR Codes, Data Matrix, Code 128, UPC
  • Open URLs in browser
  • Copy text to clipboard
  • Search text on Google
  • Automated tag reading/barcode scanning
Features
Read full description

NFC • Supports all NFC chip types; Type 1 - Type 5 (NXP NTAG, Mifare Ultralight, SLI-X...) • Read NDEF records from NFC tags • NFC tags must be NDEF encoded to be read by an iOS device; blank (unencoded) NFC tags will not work (see help for details) BARCODES • Scan all popular barcode formats; QR Codes, Data Matrix, Code 128, UPC and more ACTIONS • Open url in browser • Display text • Copy text to clipboard; setting to automate • Search on Google for text; setting to automate TAGS • 3D touch for easy reading of NFC tags and barcodes • Setting to auto-read NFC tag or scan barcode SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS • Reading NFC tags is only possible on an iPhone 7 or newer with iOS 11 installed! • Barcode scanning will work on all devices • See help site for details NFC TAGS The GoToTags Store is the largest worldwide supplier for NFC tags. GoToTags can encode NFC tags for customers so the can be read by iOS.

About

NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer

This utility app allows users to scan and read data from NFC tags. It provides a straightforward interface for accessing raw information and exporting it. The application is free to use and does not display advertisements.

Highlights
  • Scan NFC tags
  • Read NFC tag data
  • Export RAW data
  • Simple interface
  • No advertisements
Features
Read full description

Hold your iPhone near a tag and see what's inside. Then edit it, copy it to another tag, or wipe it clean. Version 2.0 is a full rewrite with a new design and many new features. FREE, NO ADS Reading, erasing and export are free forever. No ads, no subscriptions, no sign-up. READ & ERASE • Tag type, exact chip model, ID, memory size and lock status • Text, links and other NDEF records in plain, readable form • Raw memory dump with a HEX view for non-NDEF tags • Copy any value with one tap • Export a scan as clean JSON • Erase a tag back to blank PRO (ONE-TIME PURCHASE) • Write text or a link: web, email, phone, SMS or location • Clone a tag to a blank tag in a few taps • Write files or several records at once • Edit records as JSON, or raw memory in a hex editor • Write to and erase password-protected NTAG21x tags • Permanent lock (can't be undone) Your first 3 writes are free, clones included. Pay once, keep it forever. No subscription. GOOD TO KNOW • Bank cards, transit passes and encrypted access cards are protected by design. iOS doesn't allow copying or editing them, so the app shows only their ID and basic info. • Works offline. No data collection. • You need an iPhone with NFC. Made by one independent developer: me. Question or an idea? Use the support link, I read every message.

Screenshots

GoToTags4 screens
NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: GoToTags at 67% against NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer's 33%. GoToTags also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 100 months) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 18.5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GoToTags ships an update monthly, NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer every 100 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
GoToTags versus NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoToTagsNFC Scanner, Reader & Writer
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (23 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews — better33.3% of reviews
Number of ratings23 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 100 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS10.0 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGoToTagsAleksandr Balyberdin

Customer experience

GoToTags

All ratings23 ratings
Positive65.2%
Neutral8.7%
Negative26.1%
Written reviews18 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral11.1%
Negative22.2%

NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer

Written reviews6 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative66.7%

In-app purchases

None

GoToTags

No in-app purchases

None

NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GoToTags free?
GoToTags is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer free?
NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GoToTags or NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer have ads?
Neither GoToTags nor NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, GoToTags or NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer?
GoToTags ships an update monthly, and NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer every 100 months. Most recently, GoToTags was updated on September 24, 2026 and NFC Scanner, Reader & Writer on October 10, 2026.

Other comparisons