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If you own crypto, you already know security matters. Leaving your funds on an exchange is risky. Hacks, scams, and bankruptcies have caused billions in losses. That’s why self-custody wallets are so important.
The Tangem Wallet takes a different approach. Instead of a USB-like device, it looks and works like a card. Using NFC, you tap the card on your phone to send or receive crypto. It’s designed to be simple, portable, and beginner-friendly.
But here’s the big question: Is Tangem just convenient, or is it truly secure? That’s where the debate begins, convenience vs. security.
We’ll explore Tangem in detail. And we’ll also compare it with Cypherock X1, a hardware wallet built for long-term safety, inheritance, and maximum independence.
Tangem Wallet is not a usual hardware wallet. Instead of a bulky device, it comes as smart card. You can choose a 2-card pack, a 3-card pack, or a set that includes rings.
Each card has a secure EAL6+ chip, the same grade used in passports and banking. The card generates private keys inside the chip, and they never leave. That means hackers can’t copy them.
To use Tangem, you need your phone. The wallet connects through NFC (Near Field Communication). Tap your card on your phone, open the Tangem app, and approve transactions. There are no cables, no charging, and no writing down recovery phrases.
With Tangem, you can do much more than just store crypto. You can:
Traditional wallets like Ledger and Trezor rely on seed phrases. You must write down 12–24 words and store them securely. Many people lose them or get hacked through phishing.
Tangem avoids this. Instead of seed phrases, you get backup cards. With a 2-card pack, you have one backup. With a 3-card pack, you have two. If your main card is lost, the backups still give you access.
The risk? If you lose multiple cards, recovery becomes difficult. That’s why keeping them safe in different locations is critical.
Tangem’s security is strong. Each card contains an EAL6+ certified chip, one of the highest security levels. It is the same certification used in biometric passports and secure payment systems.
The chip has been tested by independent security firms. Kudelski Security audited Tangem in 2018, while Riscure checked it in 2023. Both confirmed there are no backdoors or hidden weaknesses.
Even if someone steals your card, the chip is tamper-resistant. Extracting private keys is nearly impossible. Keys never leave the chip, making it safer than hot wallets.
With Tangem, you don’t need cables. You don’t need to charge the wallet. NFC makes it simple. Just tap the card on your phone to approve a transaction.
This is a big win for convenience. It feels like using contactless payments. Beginners find it easy, and the setup takes just a few minutes.
But there’s a tradeoff. Because Tangem relies on your phone, you must trust your phone’s security. If your phone is hacked or infected with malware, there is more risk.
Tangem’s multi-card backup is its standout feature. When you buy the wallet, you get two or three cards. All cards are synchronized. If one card is damaged or lost, you can still use the others.
This eliminates the hassle of storing seed phrases. Many people have lost their crypto due to poor seed phrase management. Tangem solves this problem with a card system.
But there’s still a limitation. If you lose all cards, you lose access forever.
Cypherock X1 spreads key shares across five parts. Even if one or two cards are lost, your crypto remains secure. It’s built for resilience and inheritance planning.
Tangem’s security record is clean. Over 4 million cards have been distributed, with no reported hacks.
Private keys are created inside the EAL6+ chip using a True Random Number Generator. They never leave the card. There are no backups, no duplicates, and no cloud storage.
NFC adds another layer. Since it only works when tapped, it avoids remote hacking risks common in online wallets.
Tangem’s firmware is open-source and audited. Independent reviews confirm there are no backdoors or vulnerabilities.
While Tangem is strong, Cypherock X1 takes it further. Its decentralised design removes NFC and mobile dependence. Keys are split across cards, which eliminates single-point failure risks.
Tangem supports more than 16,000 tokens across 85 blockchains. Popular chains include:
It works in over 150 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe.
Restricted countries include Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, and Venezuela.
Cypherock supports all major assets, too, but focuses on long-term holders rather than active traders. It’s designed for Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, NFTs, and future-proof storage.
Tangem itself doesn’t charge fees. You only pay network gas fees.
But when buying, selling, or swapping inside the app, third-party providers charge extra. These fees can be high, sometimes over $50 per $1,000 transaction.
Step 1: Download the Tangem app from the App Store or Google Play.
Step 2: Tap a card on your phone to create your wallet.
Step 3: Scan your backup cards to activate them.
Step 4: Create an access code or enable biometric login.
Step 5: Your wallet is ready. Store your backup cards safely.
Cypherock generates and splits your private key across multiple cards and the wallet. You never write down a seed phrase or depend on a mobile app.
You can buy crypto directly through the Tangem app using providers like Mercuryo. Or you can transfer crypto from an exchange into your Tangem wallet.
Through Tangem’s MoonPay integration, you can sell crypto directly to your bank card or IBAN account.
Tangem integrates Tangem Express, an aggregator using 1inch and ChangeNow. It charges 0.35% fees + gas. This is convenient but adds costs.
Yes, Tangem is legit. It has millions of users, top-level security chips, open-source audits, and global reach.
But there are risks:
Cypherock avoids these issues. It’s built for inheritance, long-term wealth storage, and resilience.
Both Tangem Wallet and Cypherock X1 are seed-phrase-free wallets designed to make crypto storage easier and safer. But while Tangem focuses on convenience with NFC cards, Cypherock X1 delivers enterprise-grade security and long-term resilience.
Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Tangem Wallet | Cypherock X1 |
| Seed Phrase Backup | No seed phrase; recovery through backup cards | No seed phrase needed; keys split into secure parts (no paper backup) |
| Key Storage | Stored inside secure EAL6+ chip | Decentralized key storage across wallet + 4 cards |
| Security Level | EAL6+ certified chip | EAL6+ certified chip + decentralized storage, stronger than metal backups |
| Inheritance | Not available | Yes – built-in inheritance feature for seamless transfer to heirs |
| Funds Secured | Not disclosed | $60M+ in assets secured by users |
| Supported Assets | ~16,000+ coins and tokens | 19,000+ coins and tokens |
| Wallet Management | Single wallet per set | Up to 4 wallets in one system |
| Backup System | 2 or 3 backup cards | Multi-card Shamir Secret Sharing redundancy |
| User Experience | Tap-and-go with NFC app | Screen verification, fully offline, air-gapped |
| Open Source | Mobile app partially open source | Yes – fully open source, verifiable by anyone |
| Industry Trust | Audited, growing adoption | Backed by leading firms, top-rated by CoinBureau, listed on Bitcoin.org |
| Durability | 25-year warranty, waterproof, tamper-resistant cards | Hardware wallet + cards built for long-term storage and security |
Tangem Wallet is one of the most convenient wallets on the market. It’s sleek, affordable, and beginner-friendly. If you value speed and ease, Tangem is a great choice.
But convenience comes at a cost. Tangem lacks a display, depends on your phone, and has limits on privacy and advanced control.
Cypherock X1 is different. It’s not about convenience, it’s about total control and long-term safety. If you plan to hold large amounts or pass crypto to the next generation, Cypherock is the stronger choice.
Start securing your crypto journey today—visit Cypherock X1 to learn more.
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