Both NFC and QR code menus open the same digital menu on your customer's phone — the difference is how they trigger it. QR codes are scanned with the camera; NFC cards are tapped. Both work. The best choice for your restaurant depends on your customer base and the experience you want to create.
How QR Code Menus Work
A QR code is a printed black-and-white square that encodes your menu URL. Customers open their camera app (no separate app needed on modern phones), point at the code, and tap the notification. The menu opens in their browser.
How NFC Menus Work
An NFC (Near Field Communication) card or sticker contains a tiny chip. When a customer taps their phone to it, the phone reads the chip and opens your menu URL automatically — no camera, no scanning required. Works on iPhone 7+ and most Android phones from 2018 onwards.
NFC vs QR Code: Head-to-Head
| QR Code | NFC Card | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Camera scan | Phone tap |
| Device compatibility | All smartphones | iPhone 7+, Android 2018+ |
| Customer effort | Open camera, scan, tap | Just tap |
| Works on older phones | Yes | No (no NFC chip) |
| Print/material cost | ₹5–₹50 (printed sticker) | ₹50–₹200 per card |
| Durability | Can fade/get damaged | Very durable (plastic card) |
| Premium feel | Standard | More premium, modern |
| Works if dirty/wet | No (camera can't scan) | Yes (NFC still works) |
Which Is Right for Your Restaurant?
- Use QR codes if your customer base includes older customers or budget phones without NFC
- Use NFC cards for a more premium, modern dining experience (fine dining, cafes targeting young customers)
- Use both: an optional NFC + QR sticker at ₹30 each beside the QR code you print yourself
What vsite Provides
With vsite the QR code is free to download and print on tables, standees or stickers. An optional NFC + QR sticker costs ₹30 each and is ordered separately from the QR Codes page, so you can offer both access methods.
The QR code is free. The NFC + QR sticker is optional at ₹30 each.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NFC and QR code for restaurant menus?
A QR code menu requires the customer to open their camera app and scan a printed code. An NFC menu opens when the customer taps their phone on a small NFC card or sticker — no camera needed. Both open the same digital menu.
Which is better for Indian restaurants — NFC or QR code?
Both work well. QR codes have near-universal device support and are cheaper to print. NFC cards feel more premium and require no camera. With vsite the QR code is free to print. An optional NFC + QR sticker is ₹30 each.