Linq and Dot both sell the idea of a modern card that opens a digital profile. The practical choice depends on whether you want a broader app and product ecosystem or a simpler Dot device connected to a browser profile.
Quick answer
Choose Linq if you want a digital business card app with multiple physical product types and app based profile management. Choose Dot if you want a simple NFC or QR device that opens a Dot profile in the browser. Choose Zapped if you want one editable profile that works across QR, NFC, direct links, WhatsApp, email signatures, and team cards.
Key takeaways
- Linq is more app and product ecosystem oriented.
- Dot is simpler and profile/device oriented.
- Both can support NFC and QR style sharing.
- Teams should compare admin controls, templates, and analytics before choosing either.
- Zapped fits buyers who want the digital card workflow to be central, not the hardware brand.
Linq vs Dot at a glance
| Category | Linq | Dot |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Digital card app and physical products | Dot device plus Dot profile |
| Physical products | Cards, badges, hubs, mini cards, depending on current shop | Dot cards and devices |
| Recipient app needed | Test current sharing flow | Dot says recipient does not need app |
| Profile updates | App/profile based | Browser profile based |
| QR sharing | Yes | Yes |
| NFC sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Team fit | Check current team tools | Check current team tools |
Both solve the paper card problem. The bigger question is who owns the profile workflow over time.
When Linq makes more sense
Linq makes more sense when you like the app and hardware catalog.
Consider Linq if you want:
- Several physical sharing products.
- App based profile management.
- A card, badge, hub, or mini card form factor.
- A networking profile tied to the Linq ecosystem.
Before buying, confirm current app limits, paid plan requirements, and whether your preferred hardware includes everything you need.
As of July 2026, Linq's public site shows physical sharing products such as digital cards, hubs, badges, and mini cards. That makes it useful for buyers who want several form factors from the same vendor.
When Dot makes more sense
Dot makes more sense when you want a simple device and profile.
Consider Dot if you want:
- A straightforward NFC card.
- QR code backup.
- Browser based profile sharing.
- No recipient app requirement.
- A simple profile for contact and social links.
Dot's strength is clarity. It is easy to explain: tap or scan, open the profile, save the contact.
As of July 2026, Dot's card product pages still emphasize browser based profile sharing, QR codes, NFC tapping, and a recipient experience that does not require a recipient app.
Pricing and product notes
Linq and Dot are both NFC oriented, but they are not always bought for the same reason.
Compare:
- The initial card or hardware cost.
- Whether you need a badge, hub, or mini card.
- Whether the app experience feels simple enough.
- Whether the profile can be updated without reprinting anything.
- Whether there are plan limits beyond the hardware purchase.
- Whether the recipient can open the profile in a normal mobile browser.
- Whether a team admin can manage multiple employee profiles.
For solo networking, the simplest card may win. For a team, central profile management usually matters more than the card style.
When Zapped belongs in the comparison
Use Zapped when the page needs to help someone save and use your business contact details, not just browse a list of links. Link in bio and smart card tools can be useful in their own lanes, but Zapped is built around the contact handoff from QR, NFC, email, direct links, and team profiles.
That makes it worth comparing when booking, saved contacts, follow up links, and brand consistency matter more than maintaining another social landing page.
Best choice by use case
Choose Linq if you like Linq's app and want access to its physical product lineup.
Choose Dot if you want a simple tap and share card with a straightforward personal profile.
Choose Zapped if you want a flexible digital business card profile that works through QR codes, NFC cards, direct links, save contact actions, and team rollout.
What to compare before buying
Use this checklist:
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Can I update my profile after printing? | Prevents stale cards |
| Does the recipient need an app? | Reduces friction |
| Can QR and NFC point to one profile? | Keeps sharing consistent |
| Are analytics included? | Helps with follow up |
| Can a team admin manage cards? | Matters for companies |
| Is pricing clear for my use case? | Avoids surprise upgrade needs |
If you are buying for a team, do not choose only by card style. Choose by the workflow after someone taps.
FAQs
Is Linq better than Dot?
Linq is better if you want its app and physical product catalog. Dot is better if you want a simpler NFC/QR card tied to a browser profile.
Does Dot require an app?
Dot's current product language says recipients do not need an app to view a Dot profile. Check the current setup flow before buying.
Does Linq require an app?
Linq has iOS and Android apps. Recipients may be able to open shared profiles without installing Linq, but test the current flow before ordering cards.
Which is better for teams?
For teams, compare templates, admin controls, analytics, CRM workflows, and offboarding. Zapped is worth considering if those workflows matter.
Can I use Zapped with another NFC card?
Yes, if the NFC card can be written to a URL, it can point to a Zapped profile. That lets the card open an editable digital business card.
Sources
-
Linq official site: Used for current Linq product and hardware context.
-
Linq Google Play listing: Used for current app positioning.
-
Dot cards product page: Used for Dot profile, NFC, QR, and recipient app language.
-
Dot cards homepage: Used for Dot profile positioning.
-
NFC Forum, NFC technology: Used for NFC card context.
-
Apple Support, scan QR codes with iPhone Camera: Used for QR scanning context.
-
Android, how to scan QR codes: Used for Android QR scanning context.
