NTAG213 vs NTAG216

NTAG213 vs NTAG216: Small vs. Large in the NTAG Family

NTAG213 and NTAG216 sit at opposite ends of the NTAG21x memory ladder — the same silicon lineage, the same protocol, but a 6× difference in storage capacity. Choosing between them is almost entirely a function of payload size.

Overview

NTAG213 is NXP's lowest-capacity consumer NFC tagNFC tagPassive unpowered device storing data, powered by reader's RF fieldView full →, delivering 144 bytes of total memorytotal memoryComplete chip memory including configuration, UID, and reserved areasView full → (137 bytes usable). Its economy and near-universal smartphone compatibility have made it the default choice for simple applications where the tag merely launches a URL or presents a short text string.

NTAG216 is the flagship of the NTAG21x line, offering 888 bytes of total memory (872 bytes usable). With nearly 900 bytes available it can store complex NDEF payloads: full vCard contacts, multiple language variants of a message, Wi-Fi credentials, serialized product records, or small configuration blobs — all in a single tag.

Key Differences

• Memory: 144 bytes (NTAG213) vs 888 bytes (NTAG216) — a 6× difference. NTAG216 is the largest capacity chip in the NTAG21x family.
• Use-case scope: NTAG213 is purpose-built for the single-record use case. NTAG216 supports multi-record NDEF messages and richer structured data.
• Price: NTAG216 commands a modest premium — typically 15–30% above NTAG213 at equal volume — reflecting the additional memory.
• Protocol and security: Identical. Both are NFC Forum Type 2, NFC-A, 7-byte UID, password-protected (32-bit PWD + 16-bit PACK). Neither supports hardware-based cryptographic authenticationauthenticationIdentity verification of NFC tags/readers via passwords or cryptographyView full →.
• Form factorForm factorPhysical shape/packaging of NFC tags: stickers, cards, wristbandsView full →: Both are available in identical die sizes and inlay formats, so no antenna redesign is needed when switching between them.

Use Cases

Choose NTAG213 when: - Your NDEF recordNDEF recordSingle data element with TNF, type, ID, and payloadView full → is a URL under ~100 characters - Cost is the primary driver and you are producing millions of tags - The application is a minimal-interaction consumer experience (tap-to-open website)

Choose NTAG216 when: - The payload includes multiple NDEF records (e.g., URL + Wi-Fi credentials + text description) - You are encodingencodingData writing to NFC tags during manufacturing productionView full → a full vCard with multiple contact fields - The application stores device configuration, serialized sensor data, or product manifests - Future-proofing is important and you do not want to re-order chips after a payload expansion

Technical Comparison

Verdict

If your payload fits in 100 bytes, NTAG213 saves money with zero functional compromise. If you need more capacity — whether for richer data today or anticipated growth tomorrow — NTAG216 is the logical upgrade within the NTAG21x family. Neither chip provides cryptographic security; for that, look to NTAG 424 DNA or MIFARE DESFire EV3.