Comparison

RFID Explorer vs SerialMagic Keys

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

Head to head
About

RFID Explorer

This application allows users to explore the capabilities of a specific Bluetooth UHF RFID reader. It facilitates inventory management, reading and writing data to RFID tags, and locating specific tags with visual and audio cues. A TSL Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader is required to access its full functionality.

Highlights
  • Inventory management of nearby transponders
  • Read and write data to RFID tags
  • Inspect tag memory banks
  • Locate specific tags with signal strength indicators
  • Execute and view ASCII protocol commands
  • Query reader for firmware and hardware versions
Read full description

RFID Explorer will help you explore the performance, functionality and versatility of Technology Solutions’ high performance 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader. Please note that to explore the full capabilities of RFID Explorer requires a TSL Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader.   Technology Solutions (UK) Ltd (TSL) specialises in the design, development and manufacture of Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) and other multi-technology mobile device peripherals that are used to track products, assets, data or personnel. RFID devices are typically used in transport logistics, stock inventory control, and collection of personal data and attendance.   RFID Explorer uses TSL's sophisticated, parameterised, ASCII protocol which provides developers with a powerful set of commands to carry out complex UHF RFID transponder operations in a simple, easy to grasp way. Using these simple pre-configured ASCII commands, the 1128 UHF RFID reader can be rapidly integrated into applications resulting in un-paralleled levels of productivity. Features:  ▪ Inventory - Rapidly generate a list of unique, nearby transponders (tags) and review a summary of scan operations ▪ Read/Write - Inspect information stored in the memory banks of a chosen tag. Create customised tags by writing new information to a chosen tag memory bank. Use the Transcript to discover the underlying ASCII protocol command parameters that power these operations.  ▪ Commands - See the reader execute a wide selection of ASCII Commands while viewing all the detail of the data packets sent and received from the device. Query the reader for information such as firmware and hardware versions, region information, battery level and scan 1D and 2D barcodes (requires antenna with 2D imager option to be fitted). Use the in-built Command descriptions to understand the power and flexibility of TSL's unique ASCII Protocol. ▪ Find-a-tag - Locate a specific tag with the handheld reader aided by the audible and graphical representations of tag signal strength levels.

About

SerialMagic Keys

This app enables wireless RFID GEN2 UHF, NFC, and barcode readers, along with other devices, to send data directly into iOS applications. It supports a wide range of Bluetooth scanners and sensors, making it ideal for inventory, asset tracking, and data collection tasks.

Highlights
  • Connects wireless RFID GEN2 UHF, NFC, and barcode readers
  • Integrates with sensors, scales, and other wireless devices
  • Sends data directly into iOS apps
  • Supports a wide range of Bluetooth scanner models
  • Enables data input for inventory, asset tracking, and more
  • Reads and writes NDEF data
  • Simulates keyboard input for data posting
Features
Read full description

SerialMagic Keys provides a simple yet powerful way to connect wireless RFID GEN2 UHF, NFC & barcode readers, meters, sensors, scales, and other wireless devices to easily get data into iOS apps. Why not just use Bluetooth HID (keyboard mode) devices? Many Bluetooth devices are not supported on iOS, and when they are apps must be updated to work. For example use BLE and MFi devices like idChamp® RFID & NFC readers like NF4, RS4, RS3, 1862, 1128, Allflex RS420, LPR, GPR+ Livestock & readers and countless other models with ALL iOS apps that take typed input, e.g. FileMaker Go. RFID-NFC and barcode enable web apps and native apps for inventory, cycle counting, asset tracking, book scouting, package tracking, medical apps - all apps can be RFID, NFC, Barcode, Sensor enabled with SerialMagic Keys. Supports more Bluetooth scanner models than any product of its kind. Scanfob®, idChamp®, BlueSnap caBLE(tm) Bluetooth to RS232 (BLE) dongles. Bluetooth CaBLE can iOS enable virtually any RS-232 device to iOS. Scanfob® 3002i 2D barcode scanner, Scanfob® 2006 laser barcode scanner, Koamtac KDC Scanners, Socket CHS Scanners, 8Qi, Honeywell, Symbol, and hundreds more. Also works with Bluetooth UHF GEN2 RFID readers like Scanfob® Ultra-BB2, Scanfob® Qid, idChamp EUB 4-port, EUA 1-port embedded Gen2 UHF RFID readers CipherLab 1862, TSL 1128 and NFC readers like Scanfob® NFC-BB2. Read & write NDEF data using idChamp® NF4 & RS4. Keyboard simulation can post NDEF data to any app that can accept keystrokes. Read HID Corporate 1000 cards, iClass, Seos, PROX, HID Mobile Access BLE credentials, Apple Student ID, and more using idChamp NF4, and RS4 for high security applications. Write UHF GEN2 EPC and user memory tags with Scanfob® Ultra-BB2, idChamp 1862, idChamp 1128, and more. Measure distance with Leica Disto E7100i, E7500i, etc. and post Keyboard simulation post measurements to all apps that accepts keystrokes. Use measurement rounding feature for simplified use e.g. round to nearest fraction of foot, meter, inch. Post PosiTector 6000 probe coating thickness measurements to any iOS app. Note when using app with non-genuine scanner, registration code may be needed.

Screenshots

RFID Explorer4 screens
SerialMagic Keys4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: RFID Explorer at none against SerialMagic Keys's 9. SerialMagic Keys's advantage is review sentiment (83% vs 50%) and update cadence (monthly vs every 6 months). On price, ads, monetization model 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. SerialMagic Keys sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. RFID Explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RFID Explorer ships an update every 6 months, SerialMagic Keys monthly. The most recent releases landed on June 7, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
RFID Explorer versus SerialMagic Keys: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRFID ExplorerSerialMagic Keys
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews83.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.6
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTechnology Solutions (UK) LtdSerialio Ltd.

Customer experience

RFID Explorer

All ratings5 ratings
Positive40.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative60.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

SerialMagic Keys

Written reviews6 reviews
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%

In-app purchases

None

RFID Explorer

No in-app purchases

9 purchases

SerialMagic Keys

One-time9
  • Enable RFID-NFC User Data Reading & Writing$19.99
  • Built-in NFC reading$19.99
  • Allow Special Key(s)$19.99
Show 6 more
  • Enable Data Handling$24.99
  • More supported scanners$29.99
  • Laser Measurer support$49.99
  • S3 Scale Head support$79.99
  • PosiTector 6000 support$89.99
  • Advanced Posting Mode$99.99

Questions

Is RFID Explorer free?
RFID Explorer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SerialMagic Keys free?
SerialMagic Keys is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do RFID Explorer or SerialMagic Keys have ads?
Neither RFID Explorer nor SerialMagic Keys shows ads.
Which is updated more often, RFID Explorer or SerialMagic Keys?
RFID Explorer ships an update every 6 months, and SerialMagic Keys monthly. Most recently, RFID Explorer was updated on June 7, 2026 and SerialMagic Keys on September 14, 2026.

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