Quick Response (QR) Codes and Near Field Communication (NFC) Tags have become synonymous with modern-day convenience. They facilitate fast data transfer and allow contactless transactions by giving you the power to do everything from sharing contact information to making payments using devices like smartphones.
But how do these technologies work? Where can they be applied? And how do you choose the right option for your needs? Read on for an in-depth comparison of QR Codes and NFC Tags to better understand which technology is ideal for your business.
Understanding QR Codes
QR Codes are two-dimensional barcodes used to encode information that’d typically be too much for printed paper. Think of them as tools that bridge the gap between print and digital media. They can store numerous data types, including Japanese Kanji numbers, alphanumeric characters, and numeric data.
QR Codes were created out of necessity after Denso Wave, a Japanese automotive company, realized the one-dimensional barcodes they used were inefficient, as they couldn’t hold much information.
Pharmaceutical and food companies later adopted them as well because they allowed a high degree of traceability. QR Codes later crossed over to other industries. Their popularity grew with the invention of the smartphone camera, as it provided a means for people to scan them conveniently, and the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people looked for contactless solutions.
There are two types of QR Codes: Static and Dynamic. Static QR codes encode information directly into the code and can’t be edited once generated. Dynamic QR Codes store data in an online server, making them editable.
Both types of codes are handy in numerous applications, including marketing, ticketing, and product tracking—in part because they’re easy to make.
Understanding NFC Tags
NFC is a series of communication protocols that allow devices to share information when brought within a few inches of each other. This technology allows you to make payments by passing your smartphone over a payment terminal. If you’ve ever used mobile payments like Apple Pay, you’re already acquainted with NFC technology.
NFC is a subset of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology created to allow short-range communication. It was first introduced in the early 2000s by Philips, Nokia, and Sony. Its popularity grew in 2011 when Google added NFC chips to its Android smartphones—this brought on Google Pay, which eventually influenced the iPhone’s Apple Pay. Today, many devices act as NFC Tags or readers, allowing seamless information sharing between devices.
People use NFC technology to share contact information, control access in sensitive areas, and much more.
NFC vs. QR Codes: What’s the difference?
Both technologies are impressive—as they’ve made information sharing more convenient than ever—but this is as far as their similarities go.
QR Codes and NFC Tags provide varying user experiences. Below, we’ll dive into the specific differences between the two.
Ease of use
Both QR Codes and NFC Tags are relatively easy to use.
Most smartphones allow QR Code scanning through their cameras. You only need to point your camera at a QR Code, and a prompt or link will appear, directing you to the encoded information.
With NFC technology, you only need to bring your NFC-enabled device near an NFC tag to activate information sharing or contactless payment. The tap-and-go experience is convenient since it eliminates the need to navigate lengthy menus to transfer information.
Range and accessibility
QR Codes have the upper hand when it comes to range. You can scan a QR Code from up to 40 centimeters to 8 meters (approximately 16 inches to 26 feet) away and still access the embedded information, as long as you have a clear view.
NFC Tags are designed to facilitate information sharing in close proximity—you’ll need to be within 4 centimeters of an NFC-enabled device.
QR Codes are also more accessible. Most smartphones can decode QR Codes using their camera apps, as they have in-built scanners. If yours doesn’t, you can easily download a third-party scanner app to read QR Codes.
NFC technology isn’t as accessible—a device must have an NFC chip to use the technology. Unfortunately, not all devices have NFC capabilities.
Cost and deployment
QR Codes are cheaper because they’re basically images you print on your desired canvas. You can create Dynamic QR Codes for a fraction of the cost you’d incur with an NFC chip and design Static Codes for free. You only need a reliable QR Code generator, a printer, and a printing surface.
NFC Tags are more expensive because they’re physical products that are manufactured and embedded in other products. Suppose you plan to embed the technology on your business cards. You’ll need to invest in NFC chips and business cards and get a professional’s help to ensure product effectiveness—this can be financially challenging for businesses or individuals with limited resources.
QR Code use cases
QR Codes have seen wide adoption because of their convenience and ease of use. You can find them in everything from marketing campaigns to event payment systems. Here are common ways people use QR Codes:
Marketing and advertising
Modern marketing campaigns include QR Codes to make it easy for target audiences to access additional information about brands, products, and services. QR Codes are included on everything from business cards to billboards and digital displays.
When scanned, they lead consumers to websites, promotional videos, social media platforms, and more. You can link your QR Code to virtually anything that provides detailed information on your products.
Product tracking and authentication
QR Codes are implemented throughout the supply chain by manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to ensure product safety. They show which stage of the supply chain products are in, facilitating easy traceability. They also provide product information, like batch numbers, allowing distributors and retailers to verify their authenticity before selling them.
Inventory management
QR Codes are added to products to enable easy tracking. They allow businesses to scan products as they come and leave their premises, facilitating better decision-making. Knowing which products you have and in what quantities can prevent stockouts and overstocks.
Access control and security
QR Codes can contain identifying information, like name, date of birth, and occupation. When linked to such information, they can act as access control tools, allowing security personnel to verify someone’s identity before granting them access to secure facilities. QR Codes can be helpful when printed on employee IDs or private event tags.
Event registration and ticketing
QR Codes make it easy for attendees to purchase event tickets. Rather than browse an event’s page looking for a ticket checkout option, someone can scan the designated QR Code to access the payment page and enter their payment details. This enables fast ticket processing, enhancing attendees’ convenience.
NFC Tag use cases
NFC Tags also have a broad reach. They’ve been adopted in numerous environments, including restaurants, retail stores, and public transportation. Let’s take a look at some NFC Tag use cases:
Contactless payments
NFC Tags allow individuals to pay for items and services digitally. You can complete a transaction by holding your NFC-enabled smartphone or credit card over a payment terminal. Not only is this a fast way to pay, but it’s also convenient because it minimizes physical contact between customers and money. After the pandemic, any solution that prevents unnecessary contact is undoubtedly welcome.
Access control
NFC Tags can also promote security by controlling access to buildings or events. One way to do so is by pairing authorized persons’ NFC Tags with your security system. This way, team members only need to tap their smartphones or NFC readers over your security device to gain access to controlled areas.
Public transportation
You’re likely familiar with NFC Tags if you use a subway or bus card during commutes. NFC Tags have been adopted in public transportation because they facilitate seamless and quick travel. Travelers only need to tap their cards or smartphones over payment systems for automatic fare calculation and processing.
Loyalty programs
NFC Tags are a hidden marketing ally for businesses looking to boost customer loyalty. Clients can tap NFC-enabled devices to collect points for their purchases, redeem rewards, and access customized offers. NFC technology is a popular option for loyalty programs because it’s fast and easy to use—you don’t have to worry about long queues during busy seasons.
Sharing information
NFC Tags allow people to share small amounts of information across devices quickly. They can seamlessly share photos and contact information by holding their devices close to each other to enable NFC connections. People can also use NFC technology to access Wi-Fi networks, eliminating the need for manual password inputs.
Which two-dimensional barcode is right for you?
While both types of barcodes are excellent solutions, QR Codes have the upper hand in terms of accessibility, functionality, cost, and flexibility. Most smartphone devices have in-built QR Code scanners, making information accessible to a broader audience. QR Codes can also be utilized for numerous purposes, from marketing to event planning. Plus, they’re cheaper and can handle longer ranges than NFC Tags.
QR Codes also take the crown when it comes to security. NFC Tags are susceptible to various security threats like payment processing fraud, eavesdropping, and cloning, which can lead to financial losses and information leaks. With QR Codes, you don’t have to worry about signal interceptions that could put your information at risk.
QR Codes simplified with Bitly
QR Codes and NFC Tags are revolutionizing how we share information, pay for items, and promote security. But they do so differently. With QR Codes, you scan the relevant barcode with your smartphone to access the encoded data. Meanwhile, with NFC Tags, you tap your device over an NFC-enabled system to transfer or receive information.
Bitly offers QR Code generation solutions for all types of businesses and purposes. You get access to fully customizable QR Codes, guaranteed to make sharing information easier. You can also use Bitly’s analytics to monitor your QR Codes’ performance and assess their effectiveness—making it easier to iterate and make data-driven marketing decisions.
Ready to leverage the power of QR Codes? Sign up to get started today!