What’s the Difference Between NFC & RFID? | GS1 US (2024)

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between NFC & RFID? | GS1 US? ›

Which is better, NFC or RFID? The real answer to which is better depends on what you want to use it for. RAIN RFID is best for inventory management and asset tracking because it offers a broad-spectrum solution to your problem with long-range capabilities. NFC is best for single communication over small distances.

The main difference lies in the range of communication. While RFID can be used to receive and transmit radio waves over distances of 100 metres or more (for active tags, equipped with their own battery), NFC is limited to no more than 20 cm in the best cases. In reality, NFC's range is more like 0 to 5 cm.

RFID operates at different frequencies, such as 125 kHz or 13.56 MHz. If you have access to a specialized RFID reader, you can check the frequency of the card. NFC typically operates at 13.56 MHz.

NFC operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, which falls under the high-frequency range for RFID bands. Consequently, an NFC reader can successfully read HF RFID tags that operate at this frequency. However, it is unable to read low-frequency or ultra-high-frequency RFID tags.

There is very little difference in price between an NFC tag vs RFID tag. Both types can cost less than $0.10. Active RFID tags are more expensive because they have their own built-in power source.

That's because contactless credit card payments are enabled by a type of RFID technology called near-field communication, or NFC. When you wave your credit card or phone's digital wallet in front of a contactless reader for a few seconds, the NFC technology is activated, allowing the payment to be processed.

The mobile device that can pair with an RFID sled is dependent on the make and model of the sled itself. Some RFID sled products can pair with almost any commercially available device, such as an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet.

If you see a symbol on your card that looks like a radio signal, that means your card has an RFID chip. Designed to facilitate contactless payments, this technology enables you to wave your card at a payment terminal and complete your transaction through the use of RFID signals.

Contactless smart cards contain read-only RFID called CSN (Card Serial Number) or UID, and a re-writeable smart card microchip that can be transcribed via radio waves.

RFID labels may look exactly like barcode labels or price stickers. What kind of information does an RFID label or tag contain? If it's used for a product (like in retail), it may have the product SKU number or similar information identifying the product as, say, Levi's jeans, size 34 in indigo blue.

Are key fobs RFID or NFC? ›

NFC-based access control systems also consist of tags, a tag reader, and an access control panel. NFC tags include key cards, key fobs, and smartphones.

Yes, an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) card can be used as an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag. NFC is a subset of RFID technology that operates within short-range wireless communication.

Since RFID tags have no power source, they rely on an RFID scanner in close proximity to power them. Batteries power BLE tags and hence have their own power source. Therefore, for applications that require the tag to be working continuously, like in wearable technology, BLE is the better option when compared to RFID.

While NFC isn't free from security weaknesses, it's more difficult for hackers to access than many other types of RFID because NFC sends information through magnetic field induction, and the field fades faster. However, NFC's short range can be a disadvantage in various use cases.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology uses radio waves to identify people or objects. There is a device that reads information contained in a wireless device or “tag” from a distance without making any physical contact or requiring a line of sight.

When you use Apple Pay in stores that accept contactless payments, Apple Pay uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology between your device and the payment terminal. NFC is an industry-standard, contactless technology that's designed to work only across short distances.

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology allows users to make secure transactions, exchange digital content, and connect electronic devices with a touch. NFC transmissions are short range (from a touch to a few centimetres) and require the devices to be in close proximity.