The 5 Best RFID Arduino Readers: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you having trouble finding the right Arduino RFID reader? Has shopping for an Arduino RFID reader left you stressed out, unclear about what to look for?

Just knowing that you have a support system can be a huge relief. Many folks have trouble locating RFID Arduino readers at all. Well, we want to help.

Always make sure you consult a reliable resource that provides a variety of possibilities before settling on a purchase.

To make things easier, we have compiled a list of the 5 best Arduino RFID reader products available on the market. Let’s take a look! 

Best RFID Arduino Readers

1. SunFounder Reader Module Kit Mifare RC522

The Soundfounder Mifare RC522 circuit card reader is simple to use and inexpensive. It can aid in user equipment development and the reading and creation of sophisticated applications.

You can directly load this module into several different reader modules. It has a voltage of 3.3V and the SPI interface communicates with other components with only a few wires. When the module is functioning as a distance card reader, it must be directly coupled with the motherboard of the central processing unit (CPU).

Technical Specifications

Operating current	13-26mA/DC 3.3V
Idle current	10-13mA/DC 3.3V
Sleep current	<80uA
Peak current	<30mA
Operating Frequency	13.56MHz
Read Range	0 ~ 35mm (mifare1 card)
Size	40mm×60mm
Environmental Operating temperature	-20-80 degrees Celsius
Environmental Storage Temperature	-40-85 degrees Celsius
Relative humidity	relative humidity 5% -95%
Module interfaces SPI	Data transfer rate maximum 10Mbit/s
Supported card types	Mifare1 S50, Mifare1 S70, MIFARE Ultralight, Mifare Pro, and MIFARE DESFire.

What We Like

• The RF IC Card module designs the card reading circuit by utilizing the Philips MFRC522 chip as the original component.
• It features a pin header and is simple to use. It is possible to load the module into any available reader molds immediately.
• Users who need to design or build RF card terminals can benefit from this software.

What We Don’t Like

• There is no explanation of the pin-out included with this item. If you browse through the reviews, you will discover three different pin-out guidelines to choose from.

To recap, the Mifare RC522 Module RFID Reader circuit card reader has a low cost and is simple to use. It can be used for user equipment development and the development of sophisticated applications. You can directly load this module into several different reader modules.

2. HiLetgo RFID Kit – Mifare RC522 RF IC Card Sensor Module

The HiLetgo MFRC522 is a highly integrated read and write chip that can operate at 13.56MHz and is suitable for contactless communications. It features a high level of integration.

It is a non-contact read and writer card chip. Because of its low voltage, low cost, and tiny size, it is a superior option for developing smart meters and portable handheld devices.

The MF522-AN module designs the circuit for reading cards by using the Philips MFRC522 chip in its original form. The module operates at a voltage of 3.3V. It can communicate with the user’s choice of CPU mainboard via numerous lines of SPI interface, provide a steady and reliable work environment, and extend the reading distance.

Technical Specifications

Operating current	13-26mA/DC 3.3V
Idle current	10-13mA/DC 3.3V
Sleep current	<80uA
Peak current	<30mA
Operating Frequency	13.56MHz
Supported card types	mifare1 S50, mifare1 S70 MIFARE Ultralight, mifare Pro, MIFARE DESFire
Product physical characteristics	size: 40mm×60mm
Environmental Operating temperature	-20-80 degrees Celsius
Environmental Storage Temperature	-40-85 degrees Celsius
Relative humidity	relative humidity 5% -95%

What We Like

• User-friendly, inexpensive, and relevant to developing equipment such as card readers, among other things.
• Users who need to design or build RF card terminals can benefit from this package.
• It is possible to load the module into any available reader molds immediately.

What We Don’t Like

• Sometimes the SPI connection can be a bit faulty and randomly disconnects.
• There multiple reported cases of no documentation in the package. 

The HiLetgo RFID Kit RC522 is a low-cost, simple-to-operate device that you may use in a wide variety of settings, such as creating new pieces of equipment or card readers.

3. HiLetgo PN532 NFC NXP RFID Module V3 Kit Near Field Communication Reader Module Kit

The HiLetgo PN532 NFC RFID Module is a highly integrated NFC transmission module. The mode switch lets you swap between I2C, SPI, and UART modes. The integrated level shifter provides 3.3V or 5V voltage. 

It supports RFID reading and writing and NFC function with Android phones, allowing for easy wireless connection. 

Features

• I2C, SPI, and HSU (High-Speed UART) support, with easy to switch modes
• Can be used in NFC and RFID reader/writer mode
• Integrated 3.3V voltage regulator provides 3.3V or 5V working voltage
• 3 cm maximum communication distance

When enabled, the PN532 transmission module can answer a reader/writer command according to FeltCa or IS014443 A / MIFARE® card interface mode. The PN532 generates the digital load-modulated signals, and in addition to an external circuit, you can send the answers back to the reader/writer. Complete card functionality is only possible with a secure memory IC. 

Additionally, the PN532 transmission module offers the possibility to communicate directly to a second NFCIP-1 device in the NFCIP-1 mode. The NFC-1 mode offers communication transfer speeds up to 424 kbit/s according to the ECMA 340 NFCIP-1 Standard. 

The digital part handles the complete NFCIP-1 framing and error detection. Transfer speeds on the RF interface above 424 kbit/s are supported by the digital part of the PN532 module. An external circuit has to do the modulation to transmit and the demodulation to receive data at transfer speeds.

What We Like

• 80051 microcontroller core with 40 kbyte ROM and 1 byte RAM 
• Highly integrated analog circuitry to demodulate and decode responses 
• Buffered output drivers to connect an antenna with minimum number of external components 
• Integrated RF Level detector and Integrated data mode detector
• Supports ISO 14443A / MIFARE 
• Supports ISO 14443B in reader/writer mode only 
• A typical operating distance in reader/writer mode for communication to an IS014443A/MIFARE, IS014443B, or FeliCant card of up to 50 mm, depending on the antenna size and tuning 
• A typical operating distance in NFCIP-1 mode of up to 50 mm, depending on the antenna size, tuning, and power supply 
• A typical operating distance in IS014443A / MIFARE® card or FeliCam” card interface mode of about 100 mm depending on the antenna size and tuning and the external field strength 
• Supports MIFARE Classic encryption in readerNidter mode and MIFARE higher transfer speed communication at 212 kbit/s and 424 kbit/s 
• Supports contactless communication according to the FeIiCaTM scheme at 212 kbaud and 424 kbaud. Integrated RF interface for NFCIP-1 up to 424 kBaud 
• Possibility to communicate on the RF interface above 424 kbaud using external analog circuitry

What We Don’t Like

• Some users complained that they have significantly less range than others. They do not work well with glass tube NFC implants at all.
• Some users complained that, in the manufacturing process, two resistors were 10K instead of 100Ohm.

4. Qunqi 5Pcs RC522 IC Card Module

With its low price and ease of use, the Qunqi 5Pcs RC522 IC card reader is a great choice. You can use it for user equipment development, reader creation, and the development of complex applications.

What We Like

• The RC522 chip
• “Three Tables” application launch of a low-voltage, low-cost, small size, and non-contact card reader chip
• Supports 14443A compatible transponder signals
• Digital part handles ISO14443A framing and error detection
• Supports fast CRYPTO1 encryption algorithms and terminology validation MIFARE products
• MFRC522 supports MIFARE Series higher speed non-contact communication and two-way data transfer rates up to 424kbit/s
• As a highly integrated 13.56MHz card reader, a part of the MF RC522, MF RC500, and MF RC530 family of chips

What We Don’t Like

• A reviewer noticed that the board is relatively limited. For one thing, it doesn’t interface directly with other active NFC devices (like a phone, another RC522 board, or the card scanner at work), only with passive ones like the fob and card that come with it.
• Using a phone-based NFC system to write to the devices that come with the board will render them unable to work with it.

5. DaFuRui 5Pack RC522 RFID Module

This module is directly compatible with a range of reader molds. The module operates at 3.3V, can be linked to virtually any CPU board with just a few lines of code, and guarantees a steady and dependable connection regardless of the reader’s distance.

Technical Specifications

Operating current	13-26mA/DC 3.3V
Idle current	10-13mA/DC 3.3V
Sleep current	<80uA
Peak current	<30mA
Operating Frequency	13.56MHz
Read Range	0 ~ 35mm (mifare1 card)
Size	40mm×60mm
Module interfaces SPI	Data transfer rate maximum 10Mbit/s

What We Like

• MF522-AN module is easy to use, low cost, suitable for equipment development, development of advanced applications such as reader users, and the need for RF card terminal design/production of the user.
• You can directly load this module into the various reader molds.
• Applicable for the users who need to design or manufacture the RF card terminal.The development of access controls, electronic door locks or terminals for the time recording.

What We Don’t Like

• Several users have noted that their range is noticeably shorter than those of competitors. Implants made of glass tubes are incompatible with near-field communication technology.
• Many users have complained that the package contains inadequate or no documentation.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying an RFID Arduino Reader

The Value of a Brand

Why would you choose to spend your money on a less expensive brand if it cannot live up to your standards? A well-known brand will prioritize the maintenance of its reputation above all other considerations. There is a greater possibility that it will not be dependable.

Because of their extraordinary qualities, brands such as HiLetgo and SunFounder stand out among their contemporaries. If you look through our list, you should be able to locate a product that satisfies your requirements.

Detailed Specifications

You will have a greater idea of a product’s ability to perform if you have the relevant numbers at your disposal. So, when possible, examine and compare the specs. Your goal should be to find items that deliver more value than the industry standard.

Customer Evaluations and Rankings

When a product has a high number of ratings, this indicates that many customers were pleased with the service they received from the company.

Customer Reviews

This is connected to the last point in some way. You can get a realistic idea of which Arduino RFID reader to purchase by reading reviews from other customers.

Position Among the Best Sellers

The fact that the number of people who use the product continues to expand is evidence that it is successful. The ability of manufacturers to deliver better quality after-sales support increases as the number of customers who buy their products increases.

Sometimes You Get What You Pay For

It is often never a good idea to purchase something simply because it has the lowest price. You need to figure out what you expect to gain in exchange for the money you spend. You might jump at an unbelievably low price and end up with an unsatisfactory product. 

Brands

SunFounder

SunFounder is a company focused on STEAM education with products like Open-source robots, Arduino and Raspberry Pi Kits, Display screens, and smart devices.

HiLetgo

HiLetgo is located in China. They are a Big & Professional Electronics Modules, Sensors, and Robort Parts Manufacturer; they have their Brand “HiLetgo,” products including Develop Boards like Uno, MEGA, Pro mini, Nano, ESP8266, ESP32, Power & Drive modules, Sensors, Breadboards, Connectors, and Jumper Wires, etc. They are committing themselves to providing the Newest products with High quality and competitive prices to people worldwide!

Wrap Up

When working with RFID Arduino readers, a reliable support system is essential. Arduino RFID readers come in a wide range of sizes, so finding the right one for you is vital. Alternate options are available to you if you find that you require less from your RFID reader. 

An Arduino RFID reader is intended to be a companion for a long time. You get quicker service, more quality, and a better vantage point when you pay more. While seeking out a good value, remember that you’re also making an investment that you want to last.