# NFC Tap vs Universal Code Scanner

The clearest difference is rating: Universal Code Scanner at 5.0 against NFC Tap's 4.2. Universal Code Scanner also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (71% vs 55%). NFC Tap's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (229 vs 1). On price, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Universal Code Scanner sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. NFC Tap asks for nothing beyond the download.

Universal Code Scanner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NFC Tap has 229 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of NFC Tap's written reviews are positive against 71% of Universal Code Scanner's.

NFC Tap ships an update every 2 months, Universal Code Scanner every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NFC Tap | Universal Code Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (229 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-tap/id1278913597/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **229** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 55.3% of reviews | **71.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 29 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [STMicroelectronics](https://appshunter.io/developer/1801774735) | [Marcus Pleintinger](https://appshunter.io/developer/938374594) |

## What reviewers say

### NFC Tap

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-tap/id1278913597)

This app allows users to read and write NFC tags, supporting various tag types and NDEF message formats. It enables quick actions like connecting to Wi-Fi, pairing Bluetooth devices, opening URLs, and initiating calls or messages directly from NFC tags.

**Highlights:** Read/Write NFC tags, Support ST25 Type5 & Type4A tags, Read/Write NDEF Messages (URL, Text, SMS, etc.), Connect to Wi-Fi devices, Pair Bluetooth devices, Initiate calls, SMS, and emails, Control ISO15693 commands

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 💡 Handy for development
- 🚀 Works as intended (initially)
- 👍 Great color scheme
- 👍 Simple navigation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Does not work anymore
- 🐛 Unable to write to tags
- 🐛 Error messages
- 🐛 Not user friendly
- 🐛 Hard to navigate

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to write to tags
- Error indicating need to read tag first
- No longer works
- Cannot read, edit, or write back memory to 15693 tag
- Crashing when scanning NXP Mifare

**Requested features**

- Display NDEF record in HEX
- Fix password protection bug on iOS
- Allow importing bin files
- Improve user-friendliness for beginners
- Connect Digimon Vital Bracelet with VB Lab


### Universal Code Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universal-code-scanner/id1597726866)

This app quickly scans and decodes various 2D barcodes and QR codes. It offers enhanced security by checking URLs for phishing and can convert specific payment codes into usable links. The application prioritizes user privacy with no tracking or ads.

**Highlights:** Scans QR, EAN, Aztec, DataMatrix, and more, Checks URLs against phishing (Quishing), Converts EPC QR codes to bank/payto URLs, Shares decoded data via Airdrop, No user tracking or analytics, Ad-free and no in-app purchases

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Donation | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mid Donation | $2.99 | one-time |
| Big Donation | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NFC Tap free?

NFC Tap is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Universal Code Scanner free?

Universal Code Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, NFC Tap or Universal Code Scanner?

Universal Code Scanner is rated higher. NFC Tap averages 4.2 out of 5 from 229 ratings, while Universal Code Scanner averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do NFC Tap or Universal Code Scanner have ads?

Neither NFC Tap nor Universal Code Scanner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NFC Tap or Universal Code Scanner?

NFC Tap ships an update every 2 months, and Universal Code Scanner every 3 weeks. Most recently, NFC Tap was updated on October 1, 2026 and Universal Code Scanner on September 25, 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.*