Comparison

Chip Detector vs NFC Utils

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Chip Detector

Features
Read full description

Chip Detector is an organizer and manager for NFC tag data. The app allows you to scan NFC tags and view the NDEF data stored on them. You can save scanned records to local storage for later use and manage your collection of NFC tag data. The app also lets you write NDEF data to compatible NFC tags directly from your device. Features: * Scan NFC tags and read NDEF records * View and analyze tag data * Save scanned data locally * Write NDEF data to NFC tags * Manage your saved NFC records More features are coming soon.

About

NFC Utils

Features
Read full description

Put your ACS Bluetooth reader to work. NFC Utils connects the ACR1555U and ACR1255U-J1 to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac so you can read, write, and configure supported NFC tags without a cable. It’s free, with no ads, no account, and no cloud service. Choose your reader in Settings, pick a tool, and present a tag. NFC Utils remembers the reader and reconnects when it’s available. Leave it on your workbench while you work through a stack of cards, or take it along with your iPad. On iPhone, you can also use the built-in NFC antenna. Compatible USB CCID readers give you a wired option. Write a link to your menu, put instructions on an equipment label, or update the details on a contact card. Load From Tag brings an existing message into the editor so you can change it and write it back. Each tool gives you the fields for that job and a clear result when it finishes. When a tag won’t cooperate, start with a read. NFC Utils identifies the chip and shows its stored records, memory, and protection state. Full Scan adds a memory map with lock markers. On supported chips, you can check NXP’s factory signature or read a TagTamper seal’s status. Copy the result as text or JSON, share a scan, or return to it in History. ePassport Read holder details, the photo, and any signature image from an ICAO 9303 passport chip. Enter the document number, birth date, and expiry from the printed machine readable zone (MRZ), or paste the MRZ. Access uses BAC or PACE. Data Genuine checks the files against the issuer's signed hashes. Chip Original tests whether the chip holds its private key when the app supports the offered check. Signer checks the certificate chain against bundled country roots. These checks do not replace a border check. The app cannot read fingerprints. Passport data and remembered unlock fields stay on your device. The master list is refreshed per release. The tools go deeper when you need them. NTAG 21x β€’ Write and edit records on NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216. β€’ Set or remove password protection, keep a public link readable while restricting writes, and put the UID or read counter into a URL. β€’ Permanent locks are available when the tag is ready to stay as it is. NTAG 424 DNA β€’ Check and change AES-128 keys, manage file access, and configure Secure Dynamic Messaging. β€’ Generate URLs with changing counters, authentication values, and optional encrypted data, then use Decode SDM URL to inspect a read and check its CMAC. ICODE SLIX2 β€’ Manage passwords and protected memory regions, set AFI and DSFID identifiers, and test or change the EAS alarm response. β€’ Related ICODE chips get the tools their hardware supports. Raw Commands lets you inspect the exchange yourself. Start with a read-only preset such as Get Version, then see the sent bytes, received response, and decoded fields where supported. On Mac, the chip readout sits beside the records, with tools in a sidebar and an adjustable interface size. An external reader brings NFC to your Mac or iPad. There are no advertising interruptions and no analytics tracking your scans. Tag data and keys stay on your device. You decide what to copy, export, or share. The NFC Utils guide explains the tools, settings, and permanent changes. Read our privacy policy.

Screenshots

Chip Detector4 screens
NFC Utils4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NFC Utils at none against Chip Detector's 1. NFC Utils also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 5 days) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. Chip Detector sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NFC Utils asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Chip Detector ships an update every 5 days, NFC Utils daily. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences Β· 2 level
Chip Detector versus NFC Utils: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChip DetectorNFC Utils
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 5 daysDaily β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo β€” better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, Mac β€” better
Requires iOS18.016.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size11 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPetr MakarovThe NFC Mint LLC

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Chip Detector

One-time1
  • Pro Version$1.99
None

NFC Utils

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Chip Detector free?
Chip Detector is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is NFC Utils free?
NFC Utils is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Chip Detector or NFC Utils have ads?
Neither Chip Detector nor NFC Utils shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Chip Detector or NFC Utils?
Chip Detector ships an update every 5 days, and NFC Utils daily. Most recently, Chip Detector was updated on September 23, 2026 and NFC Utils on September 28, 2026.

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