Comparison

Spool Programmer vs Sc4nR

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

Head to head
About

Spool Programmer

This app allows users to program RFID tags for 3D printing filament spools. It supports various filament types and spool sizes, offering features like reading existing tags, checking memory, and custom color selection. All processing is done on-device for privacy and security.

Highlights
  • Write filament data to NTAG215/216 tags
  • 18 pre-configured filament profiles
  • Read and verify existing tags
  • Check tag status and memory
  • Format tags for programming
  • Custom color selection
  • Support for various spool sizes
Features
Read full description

Transform your 3D printing workflow with Spool Programmer, the essential tool for programming RFID tags on your filament spools. Whether you're using Anycubic printers or building your own filament management system, this app makes tag programming simple, fast, and reliable. POWERFUL FEATURES • Write complete filament data to NTAG215/216 tags in seconds • 18 pre-configured profiles covering all major filament types • Read existing tags to verify or clone configurations • Check tag status and memory layout • Format tags for fresh programming • Custom color selection with RGB sliders and 16 presets • Support for 500g, 1kg, and 2kg spool sizes • Configurable print temperatures (nozzle, bed, chamber) FILAMENT TYPES SUPPORTED PLA, PLA+, PLA Matte, PLA Silk, PETG, ABS, TPU, Nylon, ASA, PC, PVA, HIPS, and BVOH. Each profile includes optimized default temperatures that you can customize. INTUITIVE INTERFACE Beautiful card-based design that guides you through every step. Select your filament type, choose a color, adjust temperatures, and write—all in a clean, modern interface that follows Apple's design guidelines. SMART & SAFE • Automatic detection of write-protected tags • Clear error messages with helpful guidance • Validates tag compatibility before writing • Preview data before committing to tag • No account required, no tracking, no ads PERFECT FOR • Makers managing multiple filament spools • 3D printing enthusiasts with Anycubic printers • Anyone building custom filament management systems • Hackerspaces and makerspaces • Professional print farms TECHNICAL DETAILS Supports standard NTAG215 and NTAG216 NFC tags with 144-byte user memory. Uses the same data format as the ACE-RFID project, ensuring compatibility with existing ecosystems. All processing happens on-device—your data never leaves your iPhone. REQUIREMENTS iPhone 7 or later with NFC capability running iOS 16.0 or later. You'll need blank NTAG215 or NTAG216 tags (widely available online). Note: Pre-programmed manufacturer tags may be write-protected. FREE & OPEN Based on the community-driven ACE-RFID project. No subscriptions, no in-app purchases, no data collection. Built by makers, for makers. Start programming your filament tags today and take control of your 3D printing workflow!

About

Sc4nR

Features
Read full description

Sc4nR is your all-in-one scanning solution. Scan QR codes, barcodes, NFC tags, and extract text from images - all in one privacy-focused app. Key Features QR Code & Barcode Scanner: Supports QR, EAN, UPC, Code 128, Aztec, PDF417, Data Matrix, and more NFC Tag Reader: Instantly read NFC tags and cards Live Text Recognition: Extract text from any surface in real-time Advanced Camera Controls: Switch lenses, adjust zoom, manual focus for small codes Complete History: Search, filter, favorite, and export your scans Code Regeneration: View scanned QR codes and barcodes as images Privacy First 100% Offline: Works without internet connection No Data Collection: Your scans never leave your device No Accounts: No sign-up required No Ads: Clean, distraction-free experience Export & Share Export your scan history in CSV, JSON, or text format. Filter by date and scan type. Share individual scans or export multiple items at once. Designed for Everyone Clean, intuitive interface with full support for Light and Dark mode. Available in English and Japanese. Download Sc4nR and take control of your scanning needs.

Screenshots

Spool Programmer2 screens
Sc4nR4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Spool Programmer at every 5 days against Sc4nR's every 9 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Spool Programmer ships an update every 5 days, Sc4nR every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Spool Programmer versus Sc4nR: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpool ProgrammerSc4nR
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 9 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMartin BogomolniKyotoTech LLC

In-app purchases

None

Spool Programmer

No in-app purchases

None

Sc4nR

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Spool Programmer free?
Spool Programmer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Sc4nR free?
Sc4nR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Spool Programmer or Sc4nR have ads?
Neither Spool Programmer nor Sc4nR shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Spool Programmer or Sc4nR?
Spool Programmer ships an update every 5 days, and Sc4nR every 9 months. Most recently, Spool Programmer was updated on September 18, 2026 and Sc4nR on September 12, 2026.

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