Maintenance by Socket Mobile vs NFC Master
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Maintenance by Socket Mobile
This utility app allows users to upgrade the firmware on Socket Mobile Bluetooth LE NFC readers and barcode scanners. It provides information on current and available firmware, device statistics, and configuration settings. Designed for advanced users, it facilitates essential maintenance for compatible hardware.
- Firmware upgrade
- Display firmware information
- Device statistics
- Device configuration
- Identify reader
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Maintenance by Socket Mobile implements the user interface to upgrade firmware of Socket Mobile Bluetooth LE NFC reader/writer, barcode scanners and perform other maintenance functions. Supported Functionality 1. Display operating firmware (GATT information) 2. Display firmware available for download 3. Perform firmware upgrade (download and flash instructions) 4. Display device statistics (no user information is shared) 5. Display device configuration information 6. Identify this reader This app is intended for advanced users. For questions and help, please contact support@socketmobile.com The Socket NFC readers which combines the latest 13.56 MHz contactless technology with Bluetooth 5 connectivity. They supports ISO 14443 Type A and B smart cards, ISO 15693 tags, MIFARE®, FeliCa®, and most NFC tags and devices compliant with ISO 18092 standard. The Countertop product supports two Bluetooth profiles: HID Keyboard Emulation (for native App support) and App Mode (for custom App development using our CaptureSDK). Please visit https://www.socketmobile.com for additional product information. CaptureSDK information is available at https://www.socketmobile.com/developers
NFC Master
This app allows users to read, write, and manage NFC tags with various data types. It offers features like tag security, counter management, and activity logging for an intuitive NFC experience.
- Read and write multiple data types to NFC tags
- Manage tag security with passwords and locking
- Utilize unique tag counter features
- Save and import frequently used records
- Log NFC read activity
- Supports popular MiFare and HCE tags
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NFC Master is the ultimate all-in-one NFC tag reader and writer for iPhone. Read, write, and manage NFC tags with support for 12 different data types — more than any other NFC app. WRITE ANY DATA TYPE • Text — Store notes, instructions, or messages • URL — Link to websites, portfolios, or social profiles • Phone — Initiate calls with a single tap • Email — Pre-compose emails with subject and body • Message — Send SMS or WhatsApp messages instantly • WiFi — Share network credentials for seamless guest access • Contact — Encode digital business cards (vCard) • Location — Share precise coordinates for Maps navigation • Social — Link to Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more • Video — Direct users to YouTube videos or channels • Bluetooth — Automate pairing with hardware devices • Application — Deep link to app store listings PREMIUM TOOLS • Lock NFC Tags — Permanently lock tags to prevent overwriting • Password Protection — Set 4-digit PIN protection on tags • Erase & Reuse — Wipe tags clean for new data • Copy Tags — Duplicate tags, or copy to multiple tags in batch • Edit Existing Tags — Read, modify, and rewrite without losing data • QR Code Import — Scan QR codes and write their data to NFC tags • Activity Log — Track every tag you've read or written BEAUTIFUL DESIGN Experience the Tactile Glass UI — a premium dark-themed glassmorphism interface designed for clarity and delight. Smooth animations, haptic feedback, and intuitive navigation make NFC Master a joy to use. PRIVACY FIRST NFC Master works entirely on-device. No accounts, no tracking, no data collection. Your NFC data stays yours. Premium features unlocked with a single one-time purchase — no subscriptions. Download NFC Master and transform your iPhone into a powerful NFC tool.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Maintenance by Socket Mobile at 5.0 against NFC Master's 3.0. Maintenance by Socket Mobile also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). NFC Master's advantage is update cadence (every 8 months vs every 21 months). On price, ratings volume, ads 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
Both are free to download. NFC Master sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Maintenance by Socket Mobile asks for nothing beyond the download.
Maintenance by Socket Mobile holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.
Maintenance by Socket Mobile ships an update every 21 months, NFC Master every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Maintenance by Socket Mobile | NFC Master |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 3.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 21 months | Every 8 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.5 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 24 MB | 54 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Socket Mobile | Muhammad Rizwan Hassan |
Customer experience
Maintenance by Socket Mobile
NFC Master
In-app purchases
Maintenance by Socket Mobile
No in-app purchases
NFC Master
- Remove Ads$1.99
Questions
Is Maintenance by Socket Mobile free?
Is NFC Master free?
Which has better reviews, Maintenance by Socket Mobile or NFC Master?
Do Maintenance by Socket Mobile or NFC Master have ads?
Which is updated more often, Maintenance by Socket Mobile or NFC Master?
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