QR code is a way of storing data in the form of two-dimensional representation. It is also a form of a barcode. Developed in 1994, the QR code is scanned by a QR scanner to get the information it represents. It stores data horizontally as well as vertically.
QR Code that scans to www.geeksforgeeks.org
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a relatively newer technology developed in 2002. It was developed for communication between two devices using inductive coupling. It offers a low-speed connection to devices within 4 cm. It is very simple to set up the NFC technology. It is widely used in cashless payouts.
NFC on a speaker 
Difference between QR Code and NFC:
| QR code | NFC |
|---|
| It was developed in 1994. | It was developed in 2002. |
| It was developed by Masahiro Hara. | It was developed by Franz Amtmann and Philippe Mangars. |
| It is only of 1 type. | It is only of 1 type. |
| It is a type of 2D barcode or printed representation of data that can be scanned for data retrieval. | It is a communication protocol for communication between devices (electronic) within a distance of 4cm. |
| It is used in supermarkets, hospitals, cinema or by individuals etc. for transfer of data (sharing contacts, photos, videos and other documents). | It is used as identity cards, as key cards and as a method of contactless payments and mobile payments in various sectors such as retail, automobile, cinema etc. |
| It is based on Morse Code technology. | It is based on inductive coupling between antennas of the devices. |
| It requires line of sight. | It requires proximity (distance between the devices must be less than 4 centimetres, hence the name, Near field). |
| Only one QR code is examined at once. | Only one NFC is examined at once. |
| Less secure than NFC. | More secure than QR code. |