NTAG213 vs NTAG215 vs NTAG216
NTAG213, NTAG215 and NTAG216 are the three NFC chips most sold in NFC cards, stickers and tags. All three are made by NXP, read the same way on iPhone and Android, and differ mainly in memory. This guide explains what that means and which chip to choose.
NTAG213 vs NTAG215 vs NTAG216: the quick comparison
| NTAG213 | NTAG215 | NTAG216 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| User memory | 144 bytes | 504 bytes | 888 bytes |
| Total memory | 180 bytes | 540 bytes | 924 bytes |
| Fits | One URL or short text | A full vCard or several records | Large vCards, multiple records |
| Standard | ISO/IEC 14443A · NFC Forum Type 2 | ISO/IEC 14443A · NFC Forum Type 2 | ISO/IEC 14443A · NFC Forum Type 2 |
| UID | 7 bytes | 7 bytes | 7 bytes |
| Write cycles / retention | 100,000 / 10 years | 100,000 / 10 years | 100,000 / 10 years |
| Our products | Inlays, anti-metal tags, keychains, bands, standees | PVC, wooden and metal cards, 25 mm stickers | Not stocked |
Memory is counted in bytes. A short web address uses under 100 bytes, so NTAG213 is enough for most link-based uses. A contact card (vCard) with several numbers, an email and a company name needs more, which is where NTAG215 is used.
What all three chips have in common
- Same standard: ISO/IEC 14443A and NFC Forum Type 2, so every NFC phone can read them.
- Same identity: a 7-byte unique ID (UID) set by NXP at manufacture.
- Same durability figures: 100,000 write cycles and 10 years of data retention, as specified by NXP.
- Same reading experience: a tap on the back of the phone, with no app needed on iPhone XS and newer or on NFC Android phones.
Which NTAG chip should you choose?
Choose NTAG213 for links and simple actions
A website, Google review page, WhatsApp chat, menu or social profile is one short link, and NTAG213 stores it comfortably. It is also the lowest-cost option. Our NTAG213 products include wet inlays, anti-metal stickers and epoxy tags, keychains, wristbands, standees and desk plates.
Choose NTAG215 for digital business cards
With 504 bytes you can store a full contact card directly on the chip, so the contact saves even without internet. NTAG215 is the standard chip in blank NFC cards and is also popular for NFC stickers. See our NTAG215 products.
Choose NTAG216 for large records
NTAG216 has the most memory (888 bytes) and suits cases where a lot of data is stored on the tag itself. Most businesses never need it, because a link to a profile page carries any amount of information. We do not stock NTAG216.
Common questions about NTAG chips
Does NTAG215 work on iPhone?
Yes. iPhone XS and newer read NTAG213, NTAG215 and NTAG216 tags, and NFC Android phones read them all.
Is a bigger chip faster or does it read from further away?
No. Read range and speed depend on the antenna size and the phone, not on the memory size of the chip.
Can I write to an NTAG chip more than once?
Yes, up to 100,000 times, until you lock it. Locking is permanent.
How do I know a chip is genuine NXP?
Check it with the free NXP TagInfo app. Read our guide on genuine vs fake NTAG chips.
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