Comparison

Smartcard Reader vs NFC Commander

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

Head to head
About

Smartcard Reader

Features
Read full description

The new App named iReader App which supports all Feitian mobile readers on iOS, here is a list: iR301, bR301, bR301BLE, bR500 https://www.ftsafe.com/Products/reader iReader App support to communication with this reader with your card, contactless and contact card. also, it takes private functions for readers, like get the serial number, reader ID, Bluetooth ID, reader name, model name, manufacturer and so on. The iReader App is a reference App, which shows you how to use our API through reader do communication with your card and get your data from the card. based on this reference App, you can be based on our code to write your own App, for example, you can integrate card reader with your solution, to do payment, authentication, identification, and private network access. Technical reminder: iR301 and bR301 reader using the same SDK under iOS, since they are both accordances with iAP1 and iAP2 protocol which made by Apple, both using the External Accessory Framework. So you will need to add below protocol string into your App. External Accessory Protocol: - com.ftsafe.iR301 - com.ftsafe.bR301 bR301BLE and bR500 using Bluetooth Smart technology, apply Bluetooth 4.0 interface as a communication channel to connect with Phones. You can find the source code from Github, link below: https://github.com/FeitianSmartcardReader/FEITIAN_MOBILE_READERS Other comments: 1. The iReader App only support one reader 2. Auto Pair only work for bR301BLE and bR500, since these device using Bluetooth Smart technology 3. To export the App log, please using iTunes export the log, the log will help us to check your issues with your reader and cards.

About

NFC Commander

This utility app allows you to read and write data to NFC cards. It supports multiple data reads and writes, various data types, and specific formats for auto-recognition on newer iPhones. An advanced version offers additional features.

Highlights
  • Read NFC card data
  • Write data to NFC cards
  • Multiple data reads/writes
  • Support for multiple data types
  • Specific format writing for auto-recognition
  • Dark mode support
Read full description

Efficient NFC tool. * Read NFC card data, also supports multiple data reads in one card. * Write data to NFC cards, also supports writing multiple data at the same time, supports multiple data types. * More features are available in the advanced version, which supports subsequent advanced feature updates. * User-friendly experience with nice dark mode. * Provides data writing help, such as writing data in specific formats to support auto-recognition for iPhone XS and above.

Screenshots

Smartcard Reader4 screens
NFC Commander4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Smartcard Reader at none against NFC Commander's 1. Smartcard Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 38 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0). On price, ads and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Smartcard Reader ships an update every 2 months, NFC Commander every 38 months. The most recent releases landed on June 9, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Smartcard Reader versus NFC Commander: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmartcard ReaderNFC Commander
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.8 (5 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—5 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 38 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFEITIAN Technologies Co.,Ltd.袁杰 张

In-app purchases

None

Smartcard Reader

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

NFC Commander

One-time1
  • Premium Edition$0.99

Questions

Is Smartcard Reader free?
Smartcard Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is NFC Commander free?
NFC Commander is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Smartcard Reader or NFC Commander have ads?
Neither Smartcard Reader nor NFC Commander shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Smartcard Reader or NFC Commander?
Smartcard Reader ships an update every 2 months, and NFC Commander every 38 months. Most recently, Smartcard Reader was updated on June 9, 2026 and NFC Commander on September 19, 2026.

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