RFID Explorer vs HID Reader Manager
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
HID Reader Manager
This app simplifies the management of compatible HID readers. It allows administrators to configure settings, update firmware, and export reader status. Users can also upgrade readers to support Bluetooth and OSDP.
- Configure reader settings
- Upgrade reader firmware
- Inspect and export reader status
- Enable Bluetooth support
- Enable OSDP support
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HID Reader Manager streamlines management of compatible HID Signo, iCLASS SE® and multiCLASS SE readers in the field. Administrators can easily adjust configuration settings, upgrade firmware, inspect and export current reader status, and upgrade compatible readers to support Bluetooth and/or OSDP. -Bluetooth is used to communicate with the reader hardware. If Bluetooth is not enabled communication to readers will not function. -Calendar is used to log the error/information. If Calendar is not enabled logging will not function. -Location is used to obtain the location of the Reader for administration purpose and improving user experience. If Location is not enabled communication to readers will not function.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: RFID Explorer at 50% against HID Reader Manager's 13%. RFID Explorer also leads on rating (3.0 vs 2.6). HID Reader Manager's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (26 vs 5). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
RFID Explorer holds the better App Store score, 3.0 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HID Reader Manager has 26 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of RFID Explorer's written reviews are positive against 13% of HID Reader Manager's.
RFID Explorer ships an update every 6 months, HID Reader Manager every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on June 7, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RFID Explorer | HID Reader Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (5 ratings) — better | 2.6 (26 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better | 12.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 5 | 26 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 10 MB | 174 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Technology Solutions (UK) Ltd | HID Global |
Customer experience
RFID Explorer
HID Reader Manager
In-app purchases
RFID Explorer
No in-app purchases
HID Reader Manager
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is RFID Explorer free?
Is HID Reader Manager free?
Which has better reviews, RFID Explorer or HID Reader Manager?
Do RFID Explorer or HID Reader Manager have ads?
Which is updated more often, RFID Explorer or HID Reader Manager?
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