# Barcode Essentials vs NFC Tools

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Barcode Essentials at none against NFC Tools's 2. Barcode Essentials also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). NFC Tools's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 6 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NFC Tools sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Barcode Essentials asks for nothing beyond the download.

Barcode Essentials ships an update every 6 months, NFC Tools monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Barcode Essentials | NFC Tools |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (113 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-tools-reader-scanner-tag/id6747112040/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **113** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 12 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BARCODE ESSENTIALS PTY LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1452014319) | [Victor Bujanivskiy](https://appshunter.io/developer/942482576) |

## What reviewers say

### Barcode Essentials

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barcode-essentials/id518202117)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### NFC Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nfc-tools-reader-scanner-tag/id6747112040)

This app allows you to read, write, and copy data to NFC tags. Secure your tags by locking them or setting passwords. It supports various tag types and keeps a history of your interactions.

**Highlights:** Read NFC tag data, Write various information to tags, Copy tag contents, Lock tags for permanent write protection, Set passwords for tag security, View tag history

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Access | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Barcode Essentials free?

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

### Is NFC Tools free?

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

### Do Barcode Essentials or NFC Tools have ads?

NFC Tools shows ads; Barcode Essentials does not.

### Which is updated more often, Barcode Essentials or NFC Tools?

Barcode Essentials ships an update every 6 months, and NFC Tools monthly. Most recently, Barcode Essentials was updated on October 3, 2026 and NFC Tools on October 11, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*