NTAG213 vs NTAG215 vs NTAG216: The Complete NFC Chip Guide for Metal Business Cards

Choosing the right NFC chip is one of the most important decisions when producing NFC metal business cards.

Although many buyers simply ask for “an NFC chip,” different chips behave like different storage sizes — similar to choosing between a small, medium, or large USB drive.

This guide explains NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216 in clear, practical terms, so even non-technical readers can understand the difference — while still meeting professional expectations.

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How NFC Chips Work (Simple Explanation)

An NFC chip stores information that a smartphone can read when the card is tapped. Most NFC business cards simply open a link (URL) to a digital profile, website, or contact page.

Because metal naturally blocks NFC signals, professional NFC metal business cards must be engineered with:

• Signal isolation layers
• Optimized antenna placement
• Chip-specific tuning

When these elements are designed correctly, NFC works reliably on both iOS and Android devices.

The Key Difference: Memory Capacity

The main difference between NTAG213, NTAG215, and NTAG216 is usable memory. More memory means more flexibility in how data is stored and used.

• NTAG213 – Small storage (best for one simple link)
• NTAG215 – Medium storage (most balanced and widely used)
• NTAG216 – Large storage (advanced or expandable use)

In real production, this memory difference directly affects cost, flexibility, and long-term usability.

NTAG213 vs NTAG215 vs NTAG216: Side-by-Side Comparison

The table below summarizes the practical differences between the three chips.

Feature	NTAG213	NTAG215	NTAG216
User memory	144 bytes	504 bytes	888 bytes
Typical use	Single URL	URL, vCard, digital profiles	Advanced systems
Industry usage	Basic	Most common	Premium / niche

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NTAG213: When a Simple Solution Is Enough

NTAG213 works well when the NFC card only needs to open one stable link, such as a website or LinkedIn profile.

• Cost-effective
• Fast tap-to-URL performance
• Limited expansion potential

Best for: basic NFC use without future changes.

NTAG215: The Most Practical Choice for Metal NFC Cards

NTAG215 is the most widely used NFC chip in professional NFC metal business cards. It offers a strong balance between memory, stability, and cost.

• Enough memory for most real-world business use
• Reliable performance in metal cards
• Excellent cost-to-performance ratio

Best for: most business and luxury NFC metal card projects.

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NTAG216: Maximum Flexibility for Advanced Projects

NTAG216 provides the largest memory capacity and is suitable for advanced or expandable NFC systems.

• Highest storage capacity
• Supports complex digital profiles
• Higher cost than NTAG215

Best for: advanced digital platforms or future-proof designs.

Which NFC Chip Should You Choose?

• Basic tap-to-URL: NTAG213
• Most professional projects: NTAG215
• Advanced systems: NTAG216

In practice, NTAG215 delivers the best balance for most NFC metal business cards, while NTAG216 remains a premium option for advanced use cases.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right NFC chip is only one part of creating a successful NFC metal business card. Engineering, materials, and finishing quality matter just as much.

If you are planning a premium NFC project, explore: NFC Metal Business Cards for Luxury Brands .