A practical comparison of tap-to-share NFC cards and scan-to-open QR codes, and why most people want both.
How each one works
A QR code is a printed pattern that a phone camera reads and turns into a link. An NFC tag is a small chip that sends a link to a phone held close to it, usually within a few centimetres.
Compatibility
QR codes work on virtually every modern phone with a camera. NFC tag reading is supported by recent iPhones, which read tags in the background, and by most Android phones with NFC switched on. Older or low-end devices may not support it.
Cost and durability
A QR code costs nothing to print. NFC cards and tags cost money per unit and can fail if bent or damaged. Both can be replaced without changing your digital card, because both only carry a link.
Our recommendation
Use both. Put a QR code on everything printed, and add an NFC tag where a tap feels natural, such as a badge or a counter. Because both point to the same link, you can mix them freely and your card always shows your latest details.
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