What's the differences between NFC readers and RFID readers?

There are the following differences between NFC readers and RFID readers:

Operating frequency

• The operating frequency of NFC readers is generally 13.56MHz. This frequency enables fast and secure data transmission within a short distance (usually less than 10 cm).

• RFID readers have a variety of operating frequencies, including low frequency (125 - 134.2KHz), high frequency (13.56MHz) and ultra-high frequency (860 - 960MHz). Low frequency has a short reading distance, while ultra-high frequency has a longer reading distance, which can reach several meters.

Communication distance

• The communication distance of NFC readers is relatively short, generally around 4 cm. Such a short distance can ensure high security and is suitable for close-range data interaction scenarios, such as mobile payment and access control systems.

• The communication distance of RFID readers varies depending on the frequency. The communication distance of low frequency is usually less than 1 meter, the communication distance of high frequency can reach about 1 meter, and the communication distance of ultra-high frequency is farther, some can reach about 10 meters, which is suitable for scenarios such as long-distance tracking of goods in logistics management.

Communication protocol

• The protocol used by NFC readers is based on standards such as ISO/IEC 18092. These protocols have detailed provisions in terms of device pairing, security mechanisms, etc., and can support a variety of complex application scenarios.

• The protocols of RFID readers include ISO/IEC 14443 (high frequency), ISO/IEC 18000-6 (ultra-high frequency), and other protocols. Different protocols are used in different frequency bands and application scenarios.

Application scenarios

• NFC readers are mainly used in scenarios closely related to people's daily lives, such as mobile payment, access control, and bus card reading, focusing on user experience and security.

• RFID readers are more used in commercial and industrial fields such as logistics management, inventory counting, and asset tracking, focusing on the rapid identification and data collection of a large number of items.

Data transmission rate

• The data transmission rate of NFC readers is relatively low, generally around 424Kbps, which can meet the needs of short-distance and small data volume interactions.

• The data transmission rate of RFID readers varies depending on the frequency and protocol. UHF RFID readers have a higher data transmission rate and can process large amounts of data faster.