Qual é a diferença entre NFC e RFID?

Índice

NFC and RFID: Key Differences, Applications & Which to Choose (2025 Guide)

RFID and NFC technologies are transforming how we interact with data in everyday life and business operations.

From inventory tracking to contactless payments, these wireless communication methods are helping industries automate processes, reduce errors, and enhance security.

This guide breaks down the difference between RFID and NFC, how they work, their applications, and which one suits your needs best in 2025.

NFC e RFID

O que são RFID e NFC?

RFID (Identificação por radiofrequência)

RFID uses radio waves to automatically identify and track objects through RFID tags and RFID readers. It’s commonly used across industries such as logistics, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare to track assets and streamline supply chain operations.

  • Frequency Bands: Low (LF), High (HF), and Ultra-High (UHF)
  • Read Range: Up to 100 meters (active tags)
  • Tags: Passive (no battery) or Active (battery-powered)
  • Use Cases: Inventory management, asset tracking, access control

NFC (Near-Field Communication)

NFC is a specialized subset of RFID, operating at 13.56 MHz (HF). Unlike general RFID, NFC enables two-way communication between devices at very close range—typically under 4 cm. It is widely used for secure, fast data exchange, such as mobile payments or digital business cards.

  • Frequency Band: High Frequency (13.56 MHz)
  • Range: Within a few centimeters
  • Interactivity: Supports two-way communication
  • Use Cases: Contactless payments, smartphone pairing, public transit

NFC vs RFID: What’s the Difference?

The difference between RFID and NFC lies in range, interactivity, power, and applications. Here’s a quick comparison table:

RecursoRFIDNFC
Banda de frequênciaBaixa frequência, alta frequência, UHFHF (13,56 MHz)
Faixa de leituraAté 100 metrosDentro de alguns centímetros
ComunicaçãoMão única (principalmente)Bidirecional
Fonte de energiaPassive or activeNormalmente passivo
AplicaçõesInventory, supply chain, access controlMobile payments, data sharing
InteratividadeBaixoHigh (user-device interaction)
  • “RFID is ideal for large-scale asset tracking, while NFC is designed for secure, short-range interactions like mobile payments.”

Como funciona a tecnologia RFID

An RFID system relies on three core components:

  • RFID Tags: Store item information (can be read-only or read/write).
  • RFID Reader: Emits a signal to power passive tags and retrieve data.
  • Software System: Interprets and manages collected data.

Tipos de etiquetas RFID

  • Passive RFID Tags: No internal battery, powered by the RFID reader signal.
  • Active RFID Tags: Have their own power source for longer range and frequent data updates.

RFID and NFC readers are available in handheld and fixed formats, depending on the application.

How NFC Works

NFC technology allows close-range communication between two NFC-enabled devices or a device and an NFC tag.

Vantagens do NFC:

  • Tap-and-Go Simplicity: No pairing or scanning required.
  • High Security: Ideal for contactless financial transactions.
  • Two-Way Communication: Unlike most RFID systems, data can flow in both directions.

NFC and RFID Reader devices are increasingly integrated into smartphones, POS terminals, and transit gates for fast, reliable, and secure interactions.

Aplicações de RFID

RFID and NFC both power diverse applications, but RFID’s long range and flexibility make it ideal for:

Gestão de inventário

  • Real-time updates
  • Automated tracking across warehouses

Rastreamento de ativos

  • Monitor medical equipment, tools, or vehicles
  • Boost efficiency in logistics and healthcare

Controle de acesso

  • Use RFID key cards, fobs, or badges
  • Control entry to secure buildings or zones

Aplicações do NFC

NFC’s secure and short-range capabilities shine in personal and public-facing applications:

Pagamentos Móveis

  • Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay.
  • Secure transactions in seconds.

Smart Devices & Marketing

  • Tap to launch apps or share contact info.
  • Smart tags for product info or check-ins.

Sistemas de Transporte

  • Contactless transit cards.
  • Easy boarding in metro the and bus networks.
NFC e RFID

NFC vs RFID: Which One Should You Use?

Caso de usoMelhor Tecnologia
Rastreamento de longo alcanceRFID
Inventory or supply chain opsRFID
Secure, personal transactionsNFC
Mobile payments & IDNFC
IoT smart automationAmbos

If you’re managing thousands of assets, RFID is your go-to. For individual, secure interactions—like tapping your phone—NFC is the clear choice.

NFC and RFID in IoT (Internet of Things)

RFID and NFC are foundational to IoT ecosystems, enabling physical objects to “talk” to digital systems.

  • RFID in IoT: Monitors goods across supply chains and manufacturing floors.
  • NFC in IoT: Enables secure device pairing, smart home access, and real-time control via smartphones.
    “The combination of NFC and RFID tags is transforming IoT by connecting physical assets to the cloud.”

The Role of Frequency in NFC and RFID Performance

Understanding frequency helps in choosing the right system:

  • LF (125–134 kHz) – Short range, used in access control
  • HF (13,56 MHz) – Used by both RFID and NFC
  • UHF (860-960 MHz) – Long range, ideal for supply chains

Each frequency supports different ranges and read speeds, making RFID and NFC Reader selection important for system performance.

Perguntas frequentes sobre NFC e RFID

Qual é a principal diferença entre RFID e NFC?

NFC is a subset of RFID. While RFID supports longer range and one-way communication, NFC is designed for two-way, short-range interactions.

Not always. NFC operates at HF only, while RFID can use LF, HF, or UHF. NFC tags work only with NFC readers, not all RFID readers.

Passive RFID tags can be vulnerable without encryption. NFC offers more built-in security, especially for financial transactions.

It’s a device used to read RFID or NFC tags. Many modern smartphones act as NFC readers for contactless actions.

Devices use NFC to transmit encrypted payment info wirelessly to compatible terminals — no physical contact required.

Retail, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing use RFID for automation and visibility.

Considerações finais

Both RFID and NFC offer significant value—whether you’re tracking pallets or making payments with your smartphone. Your choice should align with your operational needs:

  • For broad, automated tracking, choose RFID.
  • For secure, short-range interactions, go with NFC.

As RFID and NFC Tags evolve with IoT, now is the perfect time to integrate them into your workflow.

Need help choosing the right NFC or RFID system for your business?

Contate-nos today or explore our full range of NFC and RFID Readers and Tags.

Imagem de Ray Zhou
Raio Zhou

Este artigo foi escrito por Ray Zhou, um especialista em tecnologia RFID com mais de 10 anos de experiência no sector.

Comentários

Produtos quentes

Gestão de Resíduos RFID

What Is RFID Waste Management

Imagine a city where every trash bin speaks — not literally — but through a tiny chip that tells the system when it’s full, when it’s emptied, and where it went. That’s what RFID waste management is doing today.

Ler mais »
Pulseiras RFID para eventos

Pulseiras RFID para eventos: Guia de compra a granel para organizadores

As pulseiras RFID para eventos estão a tornar-se a solução ideal para os organizadores que necessitam de entradas mais rápidas, prevenção de fraudes e pagamentos sem dinheiro em concertos, festivais e recintos desportivos. Ao contrário dos bilhetes em papel ou dos códigos QR, estas pulseiras inteligentes utilizam chips incorporados para agilizar o acesso, proteger as transacções e melhorar a experiência dos convidados.

Ler mais »
Etiqueta de linho RFID

As vantagens das etiquetas RFID para roupa de cama na lavandaria comercial

Gerir a lavandaria em hospitais, hotéis ou grandes serviços de lavandaria é uma tarefa importante. Todos os dias, milhares de lençóis, toalhas e uniformes são lavados, separados e enviados de volta. Mas problemas como lençóis perdidos, erros de separação e contagem manual podem custar muito dinheiro às empresas. Por exemplo, os hotéis de média dimensão podem perder mais de $200.000 por ano devido à falta de roupa de cama.
É aí que entram as etiquetas RFID para roupa de cama.

Ler mais »

BLOGS RELACIONADOS

Gestão de Resíduos RFID

What Is RFID Waste Management

Imagine a city where every trash bin speaks — not literally — but through a tiny chip that tells the system when it’s full, when it’s emptied, and where it went. That’s what RFID waste management is doing today.

Ler mais »

CONSULTE AGORA

Preencha o formulário abaixo e entraremos em contato em 20 minutos.

CONSULTE AGORA

Preencha o formulário abaixo e entraremos em contato em 20 minutos.

CONSULTE AGORA

Preencha o formulário abaixo e entraremos em contato em 20 minutos.