Key takeaways
- Tangem Wallet is a sleek, card-based hardware wallet using NFC for secure, user-friendly crypto management.
- Priced at $54.90–$69.90, it offers excellent value with robust security and a 25-year warranty.
- No seed phrases required: Multi-card backups ensure convenience and accessibility.
- Supports 6,000+ cryptocurrencies and 78 networks with seamless DApp compatibility.
While the degens at Token2049 may want to hold your Ngrave Zero, play with the joystick on your Cypherock X1, or even write a concerned email to Ellipal about your Titan’s logo font, it’s unlikely they’ll have anything to say about your Tangem crypto hardware wallet.
It’s the understated choice. It won’t turn heads, but it will secure your assets.
With most hardware wallets costing double or triple the amount of the minimalist Tangem cards while offering the same level of security, it does make you wonder what the “clever” choice would be, especially when exchange hacking incidents are hitting all-time highs.
This article will dive into the Tangem Wallet, breaking down its security, setup, usability, build quality and pricing.
Overview of the Tangem Wallet
Tangem is a Switzerland-based company headquartered in Zug, known for its innovative hardware wallet introduced in late 2021.
Unlike traditional hardware wallets that come as a single bulky device with a touchscreen, the Tangem Wallet is unique in that it provides a set of multiple cards, typically two or three. Each card is identical in function, containing the same private key, and can be used interchangeably to access and manage your cryptocurrency assets.
This multi-card system serves as a backup mechanism: If one card is lost or damaged, the remaining card(s) ensure continued access to your wallet. These sleek, card-shaped wallets use near-field communication (NFC) technology for seamless interaction with smartphones.
The wallet has achieved Common Criteria EAL6+ certification for its chip and underwent independent audits by Kudelski Security and Riscure, ensuring high security standards. It supports over 6,000 cryptocurrencies and eliminates the need for seed phrases, offering backups through multiple cards for enhanced convenience.
With features like buying, selling and swapping assets directly in its app, Tangem provides a secure, user-friendly solution for managing digital assets.
It’s not only one of the most popular hardware wallets of 2025 but also one of the most affordable.
Did you know? Tangem was founded in 2017 by two Andreys: Andrey Kurennykh and Andrey Pantyukhin.
Security
Tangem Wallet employs a comprehensive security framework to ensure the protection of users’ digital assets.
- Private key storage: The wallet’s private keys are generated within the secure element of the card using a hardware random number generator, ensuring they remain non-extractable and confined to the card’s chip. This design classifies Tangem Wallet as a cold storage solution, as the private keys are never exposed online.
- Firmware security: Tangem utilizes proprietary firmware that is flashed onto the cards during manufacturing and not subject to updates, eliminating risks associated with firmware tampering. The firmware underwent independent audits by Kudelski Security in 2018 and Riscure in 2023, both confirming the absence of backdoors or vulnerabilities.
- Tamper resistance: The wallet’s hardware is certified with the Common Criteria EAL6+ standard, indicating robust protection against both physical and logical attacks. The monolithic chip design prevents physical modifications, and the card’s durability ensures resistance to environmental factors such as dust, water, extreme temperatures, electromagnetic pulses, electrostatic discharge and X-rays.
- Recovery options: Tangem offers a unique backup mechanism through the use of multiple cards. During wallet setup, users can create backups by securely transferring the encrypted private key to additional cards via a secure communication channel.
This method eliminates the need for traditional seed phrases, reducing the risk of loss or theft associated with written backups. Alternatively, users have the option to generate a seed phrase during wallet creation for recovery purposes.
Setup and usability
The Tangem Wallet offers a streamlined setup process and user-friendly experience, making it accessible even for those new to hardware wallets.
Unboxing experience
Upon unboxing, you’ll find that the Tangem Wallet package includes:
- Two or three credit card-sized devices, each embedded with a secure element chip and an NFC antenna.
- A “get started” card with setup instructions.
- Stickers featuring the Tangem logo.
These cards are designed to interact seamlessly with the Tangem mobile app, which can be installed on NFC-enabled smartphones.
Initial setup
- Download the app: Begin by downloading the official Tangem app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Launch and scan: Open the app and tap “Scan.” Place one of the Tangem cards near your phone’s NFC sensor to initiate the scanning process.
- Create wallet: Select ‘Create wallet” within the app and scan the card again. This action generates the cryptographic keys within the card’s secure element.
- Backup (optional but recommended): The app will prompt you to create backups using the additional cards provided. To do this, tap “Add a backup card” and scan each additional card. Once all backups are added, finalize the process.
- Set access code: Establish an access code to protect your wallet. Enter and confirm your chosen code, then scan each card again to complete the setup.
The entire setup process is user-friendly, with clear instructions provided by the Tangem app.
Documentation and support
Tangem provides comprehensive support through its Help Center and blog, offering detailed guides, tutorials and troubleshooting articles.
Users can access step-by-step instructions on various topics, ensuring a smooth experience.
Additionally, Tangem maintains an active community presence across platforms like Twitter, Telegram, Discord, Reddit and more.
Asset support and compatibility
Tangem Wallet supports a wide array of cryptocurrencies and tokens across 78 networks, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Litecoin (LTC), BNB (BNB), Polygon (MATIC), Avalanche (AVAX), Cosmos Hub (ATOM), Fantom (FTM) and Solana (SOL). It is compatible with various token standards, such as ERC-20 and BEP-20, enabling users to manage numerous tokens within the wallet.
Through a WalletConnect integration, Tangem allows interaction with decentralized applications (DApps) on EVM-compatible networks like Ethereum, Polygon and BNB Smart Chain, facilitating activities such as staking and lending.
Design and build quality
The Tangem Wallet has a sleek, credit card-sized design, measuring 85.6 mm in length, 54 mm in height and just 1 mm in thickness, while weighing a mere 6 grams.
Constructed with a monolithic design, the wallet is highly durable, offering full resistance to dust, water, extreme temperatures, X-rays, electromagnetic pulses and electrostatic discharge.
The absence of batteries, screens or moving parts further contributes to its robustness and longevity, with an expected lifespan of at least 25 years under proper care.
Did you know? Tangem has expanded its hardware wallet lineup to include the Tangem Ring, the world’s first ring-shaped crypto hardware wallet. This innovative device offers the same security features as Tangem’s traditional card-based wallets but in a sleek, wearable form factor.
Pricing
Tangem offers its hardware wallet in two configurations:
- 2-card set: Priced at $54.90, this set includes two Tangem cards, providing a primary card and one backup for secure cryptocurrency storage.
- 3-card set: Available for $69.90, this option includes three cards.
Each Tangem Wallet comes with a 25-year warranty.
Did you know? Tangem’s warranty is based on the minimum lifespan of the embedded chip, which is designed to operate effectively between –25 C (-13 F) and 50 C (122 F) and is resistant to environmental factors such as dust and water.
FAQs
1. Can the Tangem Wallet be hacked?
Tangem Wallet is designed with advanced security features, including a secure element chip certified with Common Criteria EAL6+, tamper-resistant hardware, and private key storage that is never exposed online.
While no system is 100% hack-proof, Tangem’s robust design and lack of firmware updates significantly minimize vulnerabilities.
2. Is the Tangem Wallet compatible with specific cryptocurrencies?
Tangem Wallet supports over 6,000 cryptocurrencies and tokens across 78 networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Litecoin, BNB, Polygon, Avalanche, Cosmos Hub, Fantom and Solana.
It also works with token standards like ERC-20 and BEP-20. You can check compatibility for specific cryptocurrencies on the Tangem website or app.
3. How do I recover my funds if I lose the wallet?
Tangem uses a multi-card system where backup cards contain the same private key as the primary card.
If one card is lost, you can access your funds using the backup cards. Additionally, users can optionally generate a seed phrase during wallet setup for recovery purposes.
4. Does it support staking or other advanced features?
Yes, Tangem Wallet supports staking and interaction with DApps via WalletConnect on EVM-compatible networks such as Ethereum, Polygon and BNB Smart Chain.
This allows users to stake assets, lend cryptocurrencies and more directly from the wallet.
5. Where can I purchase the Tangem Wallet?
Tangem Wallet is available for purchase on the official Tangem website and select authorized retailers. Ensure you buy from verified sources to guarantee the authenticity and security of your wallet.
Written by Bradley Peak
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