# MasterKey vs NFC

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MasterKey at none against NFC's 2. MasterKey also leads on ads (none vs shown) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NFC sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month. MasterKey asks for nothing beyond the download.

MasterKey ships an update every 3 weeks, NFC fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MasterKey | NFC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.3 (95 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-reader-and-writer/id1527949024/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **95** |
| Positive reviews | — | 59.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 2 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [SMARTCHIP MICROELECTRONICS CORP.](https://appshunter.io/developer/872823142) | [Cameron Nazemi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1470818209) |

## What reviewers say

### MasterKey

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/masterkey/id1359619946)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### NFC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-reader-and-writer/id1527949024)

Easily read, write, and lock NFC tags with this utility app. It supports various tag types, allows writing text or URLs, and offers pre-built templates for common tasks like Wi-Fi logins and contact cards. You can also erase tags and set passwords.

**Highlights:** Read NFC tag data, Write text and URLs to NFC tags, Lock NFC tags to make them read-only, Pre-built templates for common NFC tasks, Set and remove NFC tag passwords, Erase NFC tags

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NFC Pro (Monthly) | $0.49 | per month |
| NFC Pro | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Perfect for reading NFC tags
- 🚀 Quick and easy to use
- 👍 Simple and intuitive
- 👍 Works well with NTAG213
- 👍 Good for basic read/write functions

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Text truncated when reading
- 🐛 Raw data field shows raw data
- 🐛 Application became unusable for some
- 🐛 Too many ads
- 🐛 Won't write to NFC tags

**Reported bugs**

- Full tag text truncated
- App became unusable
- Doesn't open URLs
- No read on iPhone 15 Pro
- Doesn't read NFC tags

**Requested features**

- Automatic scan on app open
- Dark mode icon
- Formatting NFC tag
- SSID WiFi option
- Ad-free version


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MasterKey free?

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

### Is NFC free?

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

### Do MasterKey or NFC have ads?

NFC shows ads; MasterKey does not.

### Which is updated more often, MasterKey or NFC?

MasterKey ships an update every 3 weeks, and NFC fortnightly. Most recently, MasterKey was updated on September 17, 2026 and NFC on September 22, 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.*