# NFC21 Reader vs Smart NFC Tools

The clearest difference is rating: Smart NFC Tools at 4.6 against NFC21 Reader's 3.0. Smart NFC Tools also leads on ratings volume (476 vs 4) and update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks). NFC21 Reader's advantage is review sentiment (71% vs 30%) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Smart NFC Tools sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NFC21 Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Smart NFC Tools holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Smart NFC Tools has 476 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 71% of NFC21 Reader's written reviews are positive against 30% of Smart NFC Tools's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

NFC21 Reader ships an update every 5 weeks, Smart NFC Tools weekly. The most recent releases landed on June 3, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NFC21 Reader | Smart NFC Tools |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc21-reader/id1293225257/reviews) | **[4.6 (476 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-nfc-tools-read-and-write/id1527587931/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **476** |
| Positive reviews | **70.6% of reviews** | 30.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NFC21 GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/787102532) | [Arthur Eduardo Skaetta Alvarez Desenvolvimento de Software LTDA.](https://appshunter.io/developer/867175889) |

## What reviewers say

### NFC21 Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc21-reader/id1293225257)

Easily read and interact with NFC tags. Scan tags to preview content and immediately perform actions like opening websites, adding contacts, or connecting to Wi-Fi. Supports various tag types for seamless interaction.

**Highlights:** Scan NFC tags, Preview tag content, Directly execute actions, Supports URL, VCard, WiFi, Text, GEO, Phone, Mail, SMS, Continuous improvement and new features, Simple and usable interface

**In-app purchases:** none


### Smart NFC Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-nfc-tools-read-and-write/id1527587931)

Easily read, inspect, and modify NFC tags with this intuitive tool. Write to tags in various formats to trigger actions like opening websites or making calls. Prioritizes user privacy by operating entirely offline.

**Highlights:** Read NFC tag content, Inspect and modify NFC tags, Erase, lock, and copy tags, Write NFC tags in various formats, Trigger phone calls or open websites, 100% offline operation

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NFC Tools Premium | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 💰 Reasonable price
- 🚀 Works great
- 👍 Very practical
- 👍 Excellent app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Does not work
- 👎 Waste of money
- 👎 Free version limited
- 👎 Scam and money taken
- 👎 Paid and no function

**Reported bugs**

- Doesn't work to save contact card
- App glitches
- Doesn't work to read card and fob
- Paid for unlock, but restore doesn't work after iOS update
- Paid for ability to lock tags, but feature does not work

**Requested features**

- Add social media to chips
- Ability to add multiple items to card after paying


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NFC21 Reader free?

NFC21 Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Smart NFC Tools free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NFC21 Reader or Smart NFC Tools?

Smart NFC Tools is rated higher. NFC21 Reader averages 3.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Smart NFC Tools averages 4.6 from 476 ratings.

### Do NFC21 Reader or Smart NFC Tools have ads?

Neither NFC21 Reader nor Smart NFC Tools shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NFC21 Reader or Smart NFC Tools?

NFC21 Reader ships an update every 5 weeks, and Smart NFC Tools weekly. Most recently, NFC21 Reader was updated on June 3, 2026 and Smart NFC Tools on September 24, 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.*