Comparison

Spool Programmer vs Spool Master

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

Spool Master

Manage your 3D printing filament stock with NFC tag reading/writing, inventory tracking, and smart shopping lists. Optimize expenses and reduce waste for hobbyists and professionals.

Highlights
  • NFC reading and writing for spool tags
  • Complete inventory management
  • Detailed statistics and value tracking
  • Automatic low stock alerts
  • Smart shopping list generation
  • Print settings configuration
  • Multi-device synchronization
Features
Read full description

Spool Master - The complete app to manage your 3D printing filament stock MAIN FEATURES NFC Reading and Writing • Read NFC chips from Anycubic, Bambu Lab, Prusa and Creality spools • Write your own custom NFC tags • Clone NFC tags for reuse • Compatible with all NFC tag formats Complete Inventory Management • Add spools by NFC scan or manually • Track remaining weight of each spool • Manage prices and calculate total value • Organize by brand, material and color • Automatic low stock alerts Detailed Statistics • Overview of your inventory • Total value of your stock • Number of materials, colors and brands • Automatic shopping list Smart Shopping List • Automatic addition of low stock spools • Mark ordered filaments • Add manually or by NFC scan Advanced Color Picker • Full palette with RGB sliders • Opacity support • Real-time preview Print Settings • Extruder temperatures (min/max) • Bed temperatures (min/max) • Filament diameter • Spool length COMPATIBILITY • Anycubic: Full reading and writing • Bambu Lab: RFID tag reading and writing • Prusa: OpenPrintTag reading and writing (NFC-V) • Creality CFS: Tag reading and writing • Generic NFC tags: Custom writing • Support for 22 filament brands • Support for 25 material types (PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, etc.) MULTILINGUAL App available in 40 languages SYNCHRONIZATION • Multi-device synchronization • Offline mode available UNITS AND CURRENCIES • Multiple currency support • Metric or imperial units • Automatic conversion MODERN INTERFACE • Dark and light mode • Sleek design • Intuitive navigation • Visual statistics SECURITY AND PRIVACY • Your data remains private • Secure local storage PREMIUM VERSION AVAILABLE • Cloud synchronization • Ad-free • Priority support Whether you're a hobby maker or a professional 3D printer, Spool Master helps you optimize your filament management, reduce waste and control your expenses. Download now and take control of your filament inventory! https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Spool Programmer2 screens
Spool Master4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Spool Programmer at none against Spool Master's 2. Spool Programmer also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence 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. Spool Master sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Spool Programmer asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Spool Programmer against 5.0 for Spool Master. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Spool Programmer ships an update every 5 days, Spool Master every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Spool Programmer versus Spool Master: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpool ProgrammerSpool Master
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings3 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 5 daysEvery 4 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB39 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMartin BogomolniSebastien Girod

Customer experience

Spool Programmer

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Spool Master

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Spool Programmer

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Spool Master

Subscriptions2
  • Spool Master Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Spool Master Yearly$9.991 Year

Questions

Is Spool Programmer free?
Spool Programmer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Spool Master free?
Spool Master is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Spool Programmer or Spool Master?
Spool Programmer and Spool Master are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do Spool Programmer or Spool Master have ads?
Spool Master shows ads; Spool Programmer does not.
Which is updated more often, Spool Programmer or Spool Master?
Spool Programmer ships an update every 5 days, and Spool Master every 4 days. Most recently, Spool Programmer was updated on September 18, 2026 and Spool Master on September 13, 2026.

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