In a world where technology plays an integral role in networking and communication, smart business cards have emerged as a convenient and versatile tool for sharing information. Among the various technologies available, QR codes and NFC tags stand out as popular choices. There’s so much information out there around smart business cards that seems biased promoting one over the other as superior. Bottom line, both do almost the same thing, but they each have their advantages and disadvantages. They both have multiple ways of accomplishing similar tasks.
What do I mean by “they both have multiple ways of accomplishing similar tasks.”
Well, for example, if you need to travel a mile then you could walk, run, ride a bike, or drive. Regardless of the vehicle you end up at the same result, your destination. And to obscure things further, after you choose a method of travel you decide the route… Do you go in a straight line, make some stops, or take the scenic route? So how do these examples apply? Well, while QR codes and NFC tags work very differently they both accomplish the same or similar results. It just comes down to what services, products, apps, etc. you use to create, manage, and track them.
A simple explanation of how QR codes and NFC tags function and handle information:
Both QR Codes and NFC tags contain data. NFC tags are directly writable, similar to a USB thumb drive. Except rather than plugging it in information is transferred by tapping or being close to it. Conversely, QR codes are generated more similarly to how you would type out information and print it on a piece of paper. Once printed that QR code can not be altered (aside from scribbling on it) unless it first links to a location like a website or app where it can be redirected or the information at the destination changes. However that’s just an example, keep in mind QR codes don’t need to redirect to a location, they can contain information other than a website like simple text or contact information. QR codes are like a written language made of squares and dots. NFC tags on the other hand can be directly written and rewritten using an app, like putting files or data on a physical memory drive that can execute when scanned.
Versatility and Applications
Both QR codes and NFC tags offer a wide range of applications in personal and professional settings. They can facilitate tasks such as contactless payments, sharing contact information, sending documents and pictures, linking to websites and apps, and enabling access control systems. Additionally, they can be used for asset tracking, mobile payments, promotional activities, and more.
Here’s a full list of things both can do with a brief example on activities that need it:
- Contactless Payments
- Sending a phone number
- Sending pictures
- Sending documents
- Sending directions with Google Maps
- Starting an app on another device
- Bluetooth pairing
- Access control system (hotel room keys, event passes, etc.)
- Asset tracking
- Contactless and mobile payments during checkout
- Bitcoin payments
- Enabling WiFi access
- Sharing PDFs
- Sharing app store links
- Sharing social media links
- Sharing video, image, and sound files
- Connecting users with website links
- Automatic event registration and ticketing
- Collecting feedback and ratings
- Sending text messages, plain text, and emails
- Creating digital coupons
- Location sharing with Google Maps
- Customer surveys
- Coupons
- Giveaways
- Promotional items
The main advantages and disadvantages that I see when comparing QR codes and NFC tags pertains to security, proximity, ease of use, and cost.
Security:
QR codes: To the best of my knowledge, it is generally challenging to directly hack QR codes unless someone intentionally creates a malicious QR code, prints it on a sticker, and overlays it onto another QR code. This deceptive practice can potentially execute malicious code or redirect you to unintended locations upon scanning. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and only scan QR codes from trusted sources. For instance, QR codes printed on brochures, business materials from reputable individuals or organizations, or promotional cards given by restaurant staff can generally be deemed trustworthy. Conversely, QR code stickers randomly affixed to park benches or haphazardly placed on gas station pumps should be approached with skepticism.
NFC tags: Have the capability to be directly rewritten by anyone with an appropriate app, unless they have been specifically “blocked” from such modifications. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the NFC tag programmer, essentially anyone with a smartphone, to ensure that the tag is not left vulnerable to unwanted rewriting or tampering. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that a quick search on the topic “Can NFC tags be hacked” reveals instances where hacking of NFC tags has been reported.
Proximity:
QR codes: Have the advantage of being scannable from a distance, making them suitable for applications like signage. However, when considering business cards specifically, this aspect is less relevant since scanning business cards typically requires closer proximity.
NFC tags: Require close contact to be scanned. Your receiving device must be in direct contact with the tag for scanning to occur.
Ease of use:
When it comes to ease of use, QR codes and NFC tags are fairly comparable, with a few considerations. Most modern smartphones can scan QR codes or read NFC tags without any issues. However, for certain functionalities, additional applications may be necessary.
Cost:
QR codes: Generating a QR code is typically free when using a free QR code generator, akin to translating text into another language. However, there may be fees involved when using third-party service providers for creating and managing dynamic QR codes due to the added functionalities they offer. Nonetheless, printing these codes on business cards usually does not incur any extra cost.
NFC tags: While there are free apps available for programming NFC tags, it is necessary to purchase the NFC tags themselves. One option is to obtain blank rewritable NFC cards with built-in tags, which are reasonably priced. However, it is important to note that these NFC tags may not be as budget-friendly as regular printed business cards, which could discourage giving them away freely. There are also printers like VistaPrint that will print the cards for you with the NFC tag built in as well as companies like GetCard that offer business card landing pages with an NFC business card.
To sum things up, QR codes and NFC tags are versatile and efficient tools for personal and professional use. Both offer a wide range of applications and can accomplish similar tasks, but they also have their advantages and disadvantages. QR codes have the advantage of being scannable from a distance, while NFC tags require close proximity. QR codes are typically free to generate, but NFC tags require a purchase of the tag itself. Both QR codes and NFC tags are generally safe to use, but users should exercise caution when scanning codes from untrusted sources. Ultimately, the choice between QR codes and NFC tags depends on the specific functionalities and applications required.
