NFC Tap vs SmartKey
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
NFC Tap
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.
- 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
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The NFC Tap iOS App leverages on the NFC core feature of iOS supporting the read an write of NFC tags from iPhone 7 and later devices. It gives users a new experience based on the tag's NDEF content, making it easier and faster to perform recorded actions as described below. Main Features: • Support every STMicroelectronics ST25 Type5 & Type4A series tags. • App Clip based on URL https://www.myst25.com/clip • Read/Write user memory for Type5 tags. This allows user to read, write or update the content of any Type5 tags. • ISO15693/NFC Type5 commands list User Interface. This allows user to manage all ISO15693 commands. • ISO15693/NFC Type5 custom commands list User Interface • Fast Transfer Mode using STMicroelectronics ST25DV-I2C and ST25DVC tags. • PWM Control user interface for STMicroelectronics ST25DV-PWM tags. • Read/Write any kinds of NDEF Messages, NFC Forum compliant (URL, Text, SMS, email, Call, Map, VCard, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi®, Mime and Externals) • Universal Link with URL : https://www.myst25.com • Custom App URL Scheme “nfctap://”: - This allows user to open our iOS app from any other iOS app or from the safari browser using the custom URL scheme “nfctap://” In Details, the App features several functions enabled by the NFC tag content: - Connect to Wifi devices identified by its SSID, Key password and encryption type. - Connect to Bluetooth devices: Facilitates the pairing with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices. After tapping a tag with the phone, the NFC Tap iOS App will recognize any Bluetooth pairing NDEF record and connect the phone directly to the specified device. - Open a URL in a browser: Opens a web page to the URL contained in the tag's NDEF record. - Get contact information: Displays and saves contact information (including ID picture) by tapping a tag containing a business card(vCard) message. - Geolocalize a position: Opens Apple Maps to the GPS location stored in the tag being tapped. - Initiate an SMS or Email: Opens the relevant email or SMS application with information contained in the tag being tapped. The user can then choose to send the email/SMS or edit it before sending. Use cases include, but are not limited to, customer service information for warranty or loyalty programs. - Initiate a phone call: Opens the phone service to the number contained in the tag's NDEF message. - Read a Text: Displays the text message contained in the tag being tapped. - Mime NDEF exemples: MimeType = application/pdf / MimeData = userManual.pdf - External NDEF exemples: application = video ; type = mpeg ; Data = video.mov Additionally, the NFC Tap App application include Bluetooth pairing with a ST25DV discovery board.
SmartKey
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SmartKey is providing you with full control over multiple types of locks. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, this app offers unparalleled convenience and security. You can effortlessly manage your locks through Bluetooth control, allowing you to easily lock and unlock them with just a few taps on your phone. Whether it's a door lock, hotel room, or any other compatible lock, this app puts the power in your hands. Additionally, app offers remote control functionality, enabling you to access and control your locks from anywhere in the world. This feature is particularly useful when you need to grant temporary access to someone or monitor the status of your locks while you're away. The app also provides comprehensive management capabilities, allowing you to organize and customize your lock settings with ease. You can add and remove users, set access permissions, track lock activities for any suspicious or unauthorized access attempts. It is the ultimate companion for anyone seeking a secure and convenient way to manage their access system. Experience the freedom and control that this app brings to your fingertips.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: NFC Tap at every 2 months against SmartKey's every 5 months. SmartKey's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.6). On price, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
NFC Tap ships an update every 2 months, SmartKey every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | NFC Tap | SmartKey |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.2 (231 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 53.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 231 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 5 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 30 MB | 20 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | STMicroelectronics | SmartKey s.r.o. |
Bugs and requests
NFC Tap
Reported bugs
12 issues- 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
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- Error message: 'need to read a card on the main screen'
- App closes when scanning NXP Mifare
- Password protection bug on iOS (cannot enter password)
- CCFile Error with Type 5 chips on iPhone
- Required to scan tag before reading/writing memory
- Throws an error for CCFile
- Unable to read ST25 chips on iPhone
Requested features
6 requests- 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
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Remove automatic tag scan prompt on app open
SmartKey
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
NFC Tap
No in-app purchases
SmartKey
No in-app purchases









