Low: short-to-low read range (100-500 kHz) is relatively inexpensive and has a low reading speed. It is often used for access and inventory control, animal tagging, and car-theft purposes.
Intermediate: short-to-medium read range (10-15 MHz) can also be inexpensive, but possesses a faster reading speed. Here, the velocity of the reading speed is a factor in cost. It can be used for higher volume access control and in smart cards.
High: long-range, high-speed (850-950 MHz or 2.4-5.8 GHz) is more expensive and requires a clear line of sight to work. It is often used for railroad car monitoring and toll collection.