NFC Chip Types

An NFC is implemented by one of several chip types; each with its own tag types and standards, appropriate uses cases, features, limitations, availability and costs. Unless there is a specific technical reason to use an uncommon NFC chip type, it is best to use a recommended NFC chip type.

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NFC Chip Type Comparison

The following is a comparison of the commonly used NFC chip types for Connected Things projects. There are additional NFC chip types available, but they are old, uncommon or not often used for Connected Things projects.

NFC ChipTypeUser MemoryNDEF FormatFeaturesNotes
NTAG210Type 248 bytesPre-NDEF Formatted7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; UID mirroringNDEF formatted version of Ultralight EV1; small user memory
NXP NTAG210µ (micro)Type 248 bytesPre-NDEF Formatted7 byte UID; lockable; originality signatureNXP’s least expensive NFC chip type; small user memory
NXP NTAG212Type 2128 bytesPre-NDEF Formatted7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; UID mirroringLarger memory version of NTAG210; use only when additional memory is required
NXP NTAG213Type 2144 bytesPre-NDEF Formatted7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; UID mirroring; counterPopular NFC chip type
NXP NTAG213 TTType 2144 bytesPre-NDEF Formatted7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; UID mirroring; counter; Tag TamperTag Tamper version of NTAG213
NXP NTAG215Type 2504 bytesPre-NDEF Formatted7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; UID mirroring; counterPopular in gaming; larger memory version of NTAG213; use only when additional memory is required
NXP NTAG216Type 2888 bytesPre-NDEF Formatted7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; UID mirroring; counterLarger memory version of NTAG213; use only when additional memory is required
NXP NTAG203Type 2144 bytesPre-NDEF Formatted7 byte UID; lockable; counterOriginal product in NTAG2xx series; replaced by NTAG213
NXP MIFARE Ultralight (MF0ICU1)Type 248 bytesNDEF Formattable4 byte UID; lockableOld; insecure; limited availability; do not use unless required
NXP MIFARE Ultralight C
(MF0ICU2)
Type 2144 bytesNDEF Formattable7 byte UID; lockable; counter; authenticationOld; insecure; limited availability; do not use unless required
NXP MIFARE Ultralight EV1
(MF0ULx1)
Type 248 bytesNDEF Formattable7 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protectionModern version of Ultralight
ST ST25TN512Type 2160 bytesNDEF Formattable7 byte UID; lockable; TruST25 digital signature; 3-digit unique tap codePopular NFC chip type
ST ST25TN01KType 2160 bytesNDEF Formattable7 byte UID; lockable; TruST25 digital signature; 3-digit unique tap codeMore efficient version of the ST25TN512
NXP ICODE SLI
(SL2ICS20)
Type 5112 bytesNDEF Formattable8 byte UID; lockable; password protectionLonger range when used with applicable device; First NXP Type 5 Chip Type
NXP ICODE SLIX
(SL2S2002, SL2S2102)
Type 5112 bytesNDEF Formattable8 byte UID; lockable; password protectionLonger range when used with applicable device
NXP ICODE SLIX2 (SL2S2602)Type 5316 bytesNDEF Formattable8 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protectionModern version of SLIX; longer range when used with applicable device
EM EM4425V10Type 5256 bytesNDEF Formattable8 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; counterDual NFC and UHF chip; a pre-initialized version of EM4425V12
EM EM4425V12Type 5256 bytesNDEF Formattable8 byte UID; lockable; originality signature; password protection; counterDual NFC and UHF chip; must be initialized before use
ST ST25TV512Type 564 bytesNDEF Formattable8 byte UID; lockable; TruST25 digital signature; kill/untraceable modesA performant and securable NFC chip with consumer privacy features
ST ST25TV02KType 5256 bytesNDEF Formattable8 byte UID; lockable; TruST25 digital signature; kill/untraceable modesLarger memory version of the ST25TV512
ST ST25TV02KCType 5320 bytesNDEF Formattable8 byte UID; lockable; TruST25 digital signature; Augmented NDEF supportLarger memory and more efficient version of the ST25TV02K
NXP MIFARE Classic 1k
(MF1S503)
Not NFC Forum1024 bytesNot NFC Forum4 byte non-unique UIDOld; not NFC Forum; not for Connected Things
NXP MIFARE Classic EV1 1k
(MF1S500)
Not NFC Forum1024 bytesNot NFC Forum7 byte UIDOld; not NFC Forum; not for Connected Things
NXP MIFARE Classic 4k
(MF1S703)
Not NFC Forum4096 bytesNot NFC Forum4 byte non-unique UIDOld; not NFC Forum; not for Connected Things
NXP MIFARE Classic EV1 4k
(MF1S700)
Not NFC Forum4096 bytesNot NFC Forum7 byte UIDOld; not NFC Forum; not for Connected Things