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Which NFC Chip Do You Need?
InteractiveAnswer a few questions and we tell you which chip to buy
Use CaseData SizeSurfacePriorityResult
Step 1 of 5
Q1Select one
What will you use the NFC tags for?
The Problem
There are a dozen NFC chip types with different memory sizes, security levels, and phone compatibility. Pick the wrong one and your URL won't fit, or your tags won't scan on iPhones, or you overpay for memory you don't need.
Who This Is For
- First-time NFC buyers unsure which chip to choose
- Developers building NFC-enabled applications
- Businesses planning bulk NFC deployments
- Anyone upgrading from generic/unknown chips
Quick Decision Rules
- 1URL length under 100 charactersNTAG213 (144 bytes) is sufficient
- 2URL length 100-400 charactersNTAG215 (504 bytes) recommended
- 3URL length over 400 characters or vCard storageNTAG216 (888 bytes)
- 4Need guaranteed compatibilityChoose NXP genuine chips
- 5Budget-conscious bulk ordersCompatible chips work fine for simple URLs
- 6Tamper detection neededNTAG213 TT or DNA series
- 7High-security applicationsDESFire or ICODE SLIX2
Long-Form NFC Lessons
Video Explanations For Chip Selection
Use these deep dives to validate chip choice, card format, and the quality tradeoffs before purchasing.
Which NFC Tag is Right for You? Easy Guide to Pick the Best One!
Decision framework for choosing tag form factors and chip types correctly.
Watch on YouTubeCommon Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying generic chips without knowing the memory size
- Assuming all NFC chips work the same way
- Not accounting for NDEF overhead in memory calculations
- Choosing chips based only on price, ignoring compatibility
- Using non-NXP chips for applications requiring high read reliability
Recommended Products
Frequently Asked Questions
NXP chips are genuine chips from the original manufacturer with guaranteed specs and quality control. Compatible chips are third-party chips that follow the same protocol but may have variations in read range, memory organization, or reliability.