NFCore vs NFC Forge
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
NFCore
This app allows you to read, write, and manage NFC tags on your iPhone. It offers advanced tools for developers and professionals, including tag inspection, memory editing, and batch writing. Organize and export your tag data with ease, all while prioritizing your privacy.
- Read NFC tag details (type, UID, memory)
- Write text, URLs, contacts, WiFi, and more
- Advanced tools: Tag Inspector, Memory Dump, Command Console
- Clone and batch write to multiple tags
- Organize tags with folders and search
- Export tags as JSON or CSV
- Siri Shortcuts for hands-free scanning
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NFCore gives you everything you need to work with NFC tags on your iPhone. SCAN & READ Instantly read any NFC tag — NDEF records, tag type, UID, memory size, and technology details. Tags are auto-saved to your library for easy access later. WRITE Write text, URLs, WiFi credentials, contacts (vCard), phone numbers, email links, and more. Use built-in templates or create your own custom templates for repeat use. PRO TOOLS • Tag Inspector — Deep dive into tag metadata and full technical specs • Memory Dump — View and edit raw tag memory byte-by-byte • Command Console — Send raw ISO 7816, ISO 15693, and NFC-A commands directly • Clone Tag — Copy one tag's data to another • Batch Write — Write the same data to multiple tags in sequence • Tag Lock — Permanently or soft-lock tags to prevent modification • Emergency Info — Write medical and emergency contact info to an NFC tag TAG LIBRARY Every scan is auto-saved. Organize with folders, search by name, type, or UID. Export tags as JSON or CSV. View scan history with timestamps and tag details at a glance. TEMPLATES Start from pre-built templates for WiFi sharing, contact cards, website links, phone calls, SMS messages, email links, and more. Save your own custom templates for repeat use. Perfect for writing the same data to multiple tags quickly. DESIGNED FOR iOS Native app built for iPhone. Supports Dynamic Type for adjustable text sizes, full VoiceOver accessibility, dark mode, and Siri Shortcuts. Localized in 35 languages including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, and many more. NFCore Pro is a one-time purchase that unlocks all pro tools, unlimited tag saves, and unlimited templates. No subscriptions. Pay once, own it forever. COMPATIBILITY Works with all NFC tag types supported by iPhone: NDEF (Types 1–5), NTAG, Ultralight, DESFire, ISO 14443, ISO 15693, and FeliCa. Supports iPhone 7 and later running iOS 17.6 or newer. SIRI SHORTCUTS Scan tags hands-free with Siri. Just say "Scan an NFC tag with NFCore" to start a scan instantly. Also supports viewing your saved tag library via Siri. PRIVACY FIRST All tag data stays on your device. No accounts required, no cloud sync, no analytics, no tracking. Your NFC data is yours and never leaves your iPhone. PERFECT FOR • Developers testing and debugging NFC implementations • IT professionals managing access badges and credentials • Home automation enthusiasts programming smart tags and stickers • Small businesses creating tap-to-connect cards and smart packaging • Hobbyists and makers exploring NFC technology • Event organizers creating interactive NFC experiences One app. Every NFC tool you need. EXPORT & SHARE Export saved tags as JSON or CSV. Share data with teammates, back up your library, or transfer tag information between devices. Great for documenting tag configurations and sharing with your team. WRITE VERIFICATION Reads back every tag after writing to confirm data integrity. Toggle this on or off in settings. Never wonder if a write actually worked. TAG COMPATIBILITY GUIDE Built-in reference showing which tag types support which features — memory capacity, lock support, password protection, and supported commands — so you always pick the right tag for the job. WHAT'S INCLUDED FREE • Scan and read any NFC tag • Save up to 3 tags to your library • Write text and URL records • Tag compatibility guide • Full localization in 35 languages • Siri Shortcuts support WHAT PRO UNLOCKS • Unlimited tag saves • All write types (WiFi, vCard, Phone, Email, SMS) • Tag Inspector, Memory Dump, Command Console • Clone, Batch Write, Tag Lock, Emergency Info • Export (JSON/CSV) and unlimited templates Built with care for NFC professionals and enthusiasts alike. We are always working to improve NFCore and add new features based on your feedback. Questions or feedback? Visit nfcore.app/support or email support@nfcore.app
NFC Forge
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NFC Forge is an open-source toolkit for reading, writing, duplicating, and managing NFC tags with your iPhone. No ads, no accounts, no trackers, and no cloud. Everything stays on your device. READ • Identify the chip family and decode NDEF records • Inspect lock status and security configuration • View the raw memory of supported tags and export a full .bin dump WRITE • Web links, plain text, phone numbers, email, locations, and FaceTime or WhatsApp shortcuts • Contact cards (vCard), calendar events, App Store links, and social profiles • Payment links (Venmo, PayPal, Cash App), Wi-Fi network tokens, and Bluetooth pairing records • Small embedded files and custom raw NDEF records • Stage several records and write them together as one multi-record NDEF message, with a capacity check against NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216 DUPLICATE • Scan a source tag, save it to your on-device library, and write it to one or more blank tags TOOLS • Erase and format tags • Lock tags permanently to make them read-only • Password-protect supported NTAG tags • Byte-level memory editor, .bin backup and restore, and a raw command console for advanced users • Optionally use your iPhone as an NFC reader for your Mac over your local Wi-Fi network SAFETY FIRST NFC Forge protects lock bytes, capability containers, and password pages during normal writes to help prevent accidentally bricking a tag, and it warns you before any permanent action. SUPPORTED TAGS • Full read and write: NTAG213/215/216, MIFARE Ultralight, and ISO 15693 (ICODE SLIX and others) • NDEF and command passthrough: ISO 7816 Type 4 tags, DESFire, and FeliCa • MIFARE Classic: UID detection only PRIVACY NFC Forge collects no data. Tags you choose to save stay in the app's on-device storage. The source code is available on GitHub under the MIT License. Requires an iPhone with NFC. Some record types, such as Wi-Fi, write a text token that other apps can scan; iOS does not automatically join a network from an NFC tag.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NFC Forge at none against NFCore's 1. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. NFCore sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NFC Forge asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | NFCore | NFC Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Echo Persona LLC | Susan Hamilton |
In-app purchases
NFCore
- NFCore Pro$6.99
NFC Forge
No in-app purchases









