# MBL ESS vs NFC Tools

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MBL ESS at none against NFC Tools's 2. MBL ESS also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence 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. MBL ESS asks for nothing beyond the download.

MBL ESS ships an update every 3 weeks, NFC Tools monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MBL ESS | 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 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 29 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Solutions time](https://appshunter.io/developer/1483325864) | [Victor Bujanivskiy](https://appshunter.io/developer/942482576) |

## What reviewers say

### MBL ESS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mbl-ess/id6502590777)

**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 MBL ESS free?

MBL ESS 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 MBL ESS or NFC Tools have ads?

NFC Tools shows ads; MBL ESS does not.

### Which is updated more often, MBL ESS or NFC Tools?

MBL ESS ships an update every 3 weeks, and NFC Tools monthly. Most recently, MBL ESS was updated on September 28, 2026 and NFC Tools on October 11, 2026.

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