QR Code Vs NFC Tags: Why QR Codes Are the Better Choice

In our fast-changing digital world, new technologies spring up every day, allowing novel interplay between businesses and consumers to share information equally. NFC (Near Field Communication) and QR codes (Quick Response Codes) are two technologies that reign in the mobile domain. They enable contactless communications that allow the user to access websites, make payments, and engage objects in the physical world using mobile phones with ease.

While similar in some ways, NFC tags and QR codes are worlds apart regarding functionality, use cases, and user experience. This blog aims to contrast NFC and QR codes so you can have an image of what each technology is all about, where it is being used, and which is best for your purpose.

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What is NFC, and How Do You Use It?

The technology stands for Near Field Communication (NFC); it is one way for devices to communicate wirelessly in very close proximity (generally between 15 centimetres and 4 cm, or just over 1 inch). It is mostly used in contactless payments, ticketing, and smartphone-device sharing apps, payment cards, and smartwatches, which are for easy and secure transmission. However, NFC operates at a higher frequency than RFID Radio Frequency Identification, which allows two-way communication.

NFC is only used when both devices are in close proximity to each other and normally involves physically tapping or laying their devices near one another. NFC is used primarily for mobile payments (the way you tap your card or smartphone at checkout to complete a purchase). It is quick and easy, but it has some restrictions.

An advantageous NFC is the simplicity of the instant connection. A device user must bring their NFC-enabled device to the tag or another NFC-enabled device. The application of this method makes it suitable for contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Wallet, ticket reservation systems, and access controls.

Features of NFC:

• Quick and smooth transmission:  NFC transfers take less than a second.
• Secure:  Because NFC tags work at close distances, its chances of transferring unauthorized data are very low.
• Hands-Free Experience:  NFC facilitates effortless communications, which do not require scanning or typing.

What Exactly is a QR Code?

A two-dimensional barcode called a QR Code that stores information like URLs, texts, or some other data codes (Quick Response Codes) can be scanned horizontally and vertically, which translates to much larger storage than regular barcodes. QR codes can store up to 4,296 characters of alphanumeric information.

QR codes are used widely in many industries, from retail and marketing to healthcare and event services. QR Codes flexibility: These can be printed out anywhere from business cards to billboards and all the way into digital platforms. A QR code is used when the user scans the code using a smartphone camera or through a QR code scanner application. When checked, the information within is displayed immediately on the screen (usually will navigate to a website or open a digital document).

With IMQRScan, companies can create dynamic QR codes on the fly, monitor user engagements and update links in real time with a single click. QR codes are simple and work perfectly on their versatility. Instead, they are immediately scanned with the camera on your smartphone, so they are much more convenient than NFC tags,which need specialized devices. This brings us to why QR codes are the better choice for businesses looking for greater digital engagement.

QR code benefits:

• Affordably beneficial:
• Making QR codes does not call for any considerable expense. They can be printed on virtually anything from product packaging to, at the very least, billboards.
• Universally usable:
• Who does not own a smartphone nowadays? Hardly any smartphone lacks a reader for QR codes, making it easy for people to view information.
• Versatile data storage:
• QR codes can hold a prominent variety of data, from links to projects to contact information to text entries.

Curious about how to create your own? Check out our step-by-step guide to creating a QR Code!

NFC vs QR Code: The Major Differences

NFC and QR codes allow mobile interaction, but communication mechanisms and use cases differ significantly. Here, we will compare the two based on key differences, such as usability, security, data storage, etc.

User-Friendly

NFC: To use NFC, the user must only bring the phone or device near the NFC-containing object or another device. There is no fuss about scanning or application use.

QR Code: QR codes require a smartphone with a QR code reader or camera; upon scanning the code, the information is displayed on the screen.

Swiftness

NFC: NFC is a fast mode of transaction; the transaction is usually completed in less than a second.

QR Code: In other words, QR codes are quick, but scanning and presenting the information takes longer than NFC interaction, especially in low signal strength areas.

Security

NFC: Due to its limited range of operation, unauthorized data interception is brutal. Therefore, NFC is generally considered a more secure option than QR codes.

QR Code: QR codes are not secure by default, and malicious QR codes can direct users to phishing websites or download malware installations with careless clicking.

Data Storage and Functionality

NFC: This can hold only limited data and is mainly used to pass payment information, control access, or perform simple linking.

QR Code: In contrast, QR codes can store more data than NFC, such as links, text, or multimedia content.

NFC tags vs QR Code for Payments: Which is Faster and Safer?

NFC might offer convenience in some places, but QR has multiple benefits that have made them the winners for businesses.

No Physical Contact Required:

QR codes are an advantage in that they do not require a contact. On the contrary, there is NFC, which must align two devices at a distance of about 4 cm. This means, however, a necessity to tap with a cell phone or a card into the reader, which at this point becomes quite inconvenient or even unhygienic because of the post-pandemic state of affairs.

IMQRSscan's dynamic and static QR codes can provide a more hygienic-sounding customer experience for scanning QR codes from billboards, product packaging, or on a website without touching any physical devices; that's all it takes. This simplifies the whole experience and lends further to an utterly touch-free experience.

Wider Accessibilities:

Both devices must be NFC-enabled to use NFC technology, sometimes limiting accessibility. This has not been a problem for most modern smartphones as they support NFC, but it may be an issue for old and low-cost smartphones. The business has to invest in setting up an NFC reader to accept NFC payments; however, it can also be expensive and complicated.

QR codes are available on every smartphone with a camera, which is prevalent today. Many smartphones can scan QR codes by default, so you don't need to purchase additional hardware or apps. With IMQRScan, you can quickly generate QR codes that anyone can scan with a smartphone. This makes QR codes a perfect solution to touch all your consumers on many platforms.

Versatility and Flexibility

• NFC is Very Limited Use:
• NFC is typically used for mobile payment, ticketing, and data transfer but is generally restricted to embedded space, i.e. retail stores and payment terminals
• Various Use Cases for QR Codes:
• Like phone taps, QR codes can now be used in multiple contexts, from marketing campaigns to contactless payments, event registrations, and social media promotions.
• Dynamic QR Codes (IMQRScan):
• Businesses can issue and monitor dynamic QR codes with various functionalities (e.g., discount coupons, redirect URLs, and payment links) on the same code using IMQRScan.

Cost-Effectiveness

NFC technology has an expensive setup. Each device must have an NFC tag or chip, but not all devices are NFC-capable. This makes it expensive, especially for smaller and medium-sized businesses that may not have a budget to bring NFC into all their touchpoints.

On the contrary, QR codes can be created without spending a dime and installed easily. There are no hardware requirements besides a simple printer or digital display. Using IMQRScan, the highly customizable and dynamic QR code can be created for up to a hundred customisable charges at an easy process for any business.

Get the Full Potential of QR Codes with IMQRScan

NFC is great for some niche industries (contactless payments, access control, etc.). Still, for most businesses, QR codes take the crown due to their ubiquity (virtually any digital device can read them), low price and ease of use. Suppose you are the business owner of a small or large enterprise. In this case of NFC vs QR code, choosing QR codes with IMQRScan are super helpful for engaging customers, buying more quickly and easily, and promoting your content with minimal cost.

Begin today using QR Codes and benefit from the true capabilities of contactless for your business.