RFID vs NFC vs QR: choosing the right tag technology
Every tag technology trades off cost, range and read speed differently. This guide breaks down when to use each — and how to mix them across one asset register.
1. The basics
Line-of-sight, range and bulk-read capability separate the three technologies.
| Tech | Range | Bulk read | Cost | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | QR / Barcode | Contact | No | $ | | NFC | ~4cm | No | $$ | | UHF-RFID | Up to 10m | Yes | $$$ |
2. QR and barcode
Cheapest to deploy, camera-readable, best for general low-value assets. See Tagging for how Asetavo commissions QR tags, and the QR code asset tracking definition.
3. NFC
Tap-to-identify with tamper-evident tags — good for keys and high-touch items. See our key management use case.
4. UHF-RFID
The only technology that supports bulk, no-line-of-sight reads at range — the foundation for Zones & Alerts. Read the EPC and zone-exit alert definitions to go deeper.
5. Choosing for your assets
Match the tag to the asset's value, environment and how you need to read it. Metal assets need on-metal tags; outdoor assets need durable, UV-resistant labels.
6. Mixing tag types
Most fleets mix all three: QR on furniture, RFID on high-value equipment, NFC on keys. Asetavo's register supports all of it at once, so you can tag pragmatically instead of standardizing on one technology.