Tangem

Overview

Tangem is a hardware-first crypto wallet built to make self-custody accessible, durable, and secure. The product is centered on a thin, card-like device (or ring) that contains a certified secure microchip. During activation the chip generates a truly random, non-extractable private key and stores it inside the secure element, ensuring private keys never leave the device. Paired with a feature-rich mobile app, Tangem enables on-the-go management of thousands of tokens, including buying, selling, swapping, staking and portfolio tracking.

Core Capabilities

1. Secure element with EAL6+ certification: Tangem cards include a Samsung S3D232A secure chip and meet the EAL6+ security standard. The device defends against invasive and non-invasive attacks and resists tampering, X-rays, EMP and electrostatic discharge.

2. Non-extractable private key & smart backup: The chip uses a True Random Number Generator (TRNG) to generate keys that are stored inside the chip and cannot be extracted. Tangem’s multi-card approach allows a single wallet to be accessed by multiple cards (2–3 cards or ring + cards) for flexible backup and recovery without exposing keys.

3. Simple, fast setup and use: Configuration takes 1–3 minutes and requires no wiring or charging. The card is tapped to a smartphone using NFC; the phone acts as a user interface only — it does not hold secret keys.

4. Mobile app with integrated services: The Tangem companion app provides price tracking, token analysis, in-app swap, buy and sell flows, and staking capabilities through third-party providers. The app is open source and undergoes community verification to increase transparency.

5. Durability and longevity: Tangem hardware is engineered to last (monolithic chip design, IP-grade resistance), is resistant to environmental hazards, and is backed by a 25-year warranty.

Security and Audits

Tangem emphasizes a defense-in-depth approach. The secure element prevents extraction of keys and the device implements anti-counterfeit measures and firmware attestation to confirm authenticity. Tangem’s firmware has undergone independent audits (Kudelski Security in 2018 and Riscure in 2023) that reported no backdoors or vulnerabilities. Tangem also clarifies that crypto transaction services (buy/sell/swap) are provided by third-party providers and the company is not a custodian or regulated exchange.

Why choose Tangem?

1. Rapid setup and everyday convenience — no batteries, cables, or bulky hardware to manage. The device is as slim as a bank card and easy to carry.

2. Strong hardware security — EAL6+ certified chip, physical anti-tamper measures, and non-extractable private keys reduce the attack surface compared with many traditional wallets.

3. Flexible recovery options — the multi-card model provides a seedless, shareable backup method while still offering optional seed-phrase import if users want it.

4. Comprehensive app features — from real-time price tracking and token analytics to integrated buy/sell/swap and staking interfaces, Tangem offers a full user experience without central custody.

5. Longevity and trust — independent audits, open-source app components, and a 25-year warranty support a long-term self-custody strategy.

Recommended use cases

• Users who want a compact, highly portable hardware wallet for daily signing and travel.
• People who prefer a seedless, multi-card backup model to distribute access safely across family members or custodians.
• Crypto users who value device-level security with a modern mobile interface and integrated trading/DeFi actions via trusted providers.

Conclusion

Tangem blends a hardened secure element, simple NFC-based usability, and a capable mobile app to present a pragmatic solution for both newcomers and advanced crypto users. It focuses on minimizing complexity while maximizing security and durability, making it a strong choice for users seeking a portable, audited, and long-lasting self-custody option.