Published on February 24, 2026
NFC vs QR vs facial recognition: which clock-in method to choose?
We compare the three most popular clock-in methods: NFC, QR, and facial recognition. Pros, cons, and which is the best option for your company.
Three methods, three approaches
The market primarily offers three technologies for employee clock-in: NFC (near field communication), QR codes, and facial recognition. Each has advantages and disadvantages in security, cost, ease of use, and regulatory compliance. Choosing the right one depends on your work environment, budget, and legal requirements.
NFC clock-in: fast and secure
NFC clock-in works by proximity: the employee taps their phone on an NFC base installed in the office. The main advantage is security: the NFC signal has a range of just a few centimeters, making it virtually impossible to clock in without being physically present. No need to open apps or enter passwords. It's the fastest method with the least friction for employees.
QR clock-in: flexible but vulnerable
QR clock-in involves scanning a code with a mobile phone. It's easy to implement and doesn't require special hardware. However, it has a significant weakness: a QR code can be photographed and shared, allowing someone to clock in from outside the office. To mitigate this, some systems rotate the QR periodically, but this adds complexity.
Facial recognition: legal issues
Facial recognition offers biometric verification, but presents significant legal problems in Spain and the EU. The new digital time registration regulation explicitly excludes biometric data as a clock-in method. Additionally, GDPR classifies biometric data as a special category, requiring explicit consent and impact assessment. For most companies, the legal risk isn't worth it.
Our recommendation: NFC
For most companies, NFC clock-in offers the best balance of security, ease of use, and regulatory compliance. It's fast (under 2 seconds), secure (requires physical presence), compliant with regulations (doesn't use biometric data), and convenient for employees. Ficha.Work offers NFC bases for €35 per unit, with one-time payment and no subscription.
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