BitBox vs Tangem: Screen vs NFC Card Wallets
Built by Zurich-based Shift Crypto, BitBox pairs a physical screen with dual chips and microSD card backups, offering dedicated Bitcoin-only or multi-asset editions. Tangem, based in Zug, uses screenless, battery-free NFC cards powered by a Samsung EAL6+ secure element, relying on extra physical cards for backup instead of paper seed phrases.
Users confirm transaction details directly on BitBox's built-in screen before signing; BitBox02 connects by USB, while BitBox02 Nova also supports Bluetooth. Because Tangem has no display, details must be verified on a smartphone before tapping the card. Tangem counters with support for 14,100+ assets across 90+ blockchains, whereas BitBox focuses on Bitcoin and Ethereum with fully open-source firmware audited by Census Labs.
Quick verdict
The choice between BitBox and Tangem rests on whether you require an on-device screen for independent transaction verification or prioritize broad multi-chain support in a card format. BitBox confirms addresses on hardware you control, pairing fully open-source firmware with microSD backups. Tangem removes moving parts and batteries entirely, but signing without an on-device screen shifts verification trust to your mobile device.
Choose BitBox if you want an on-device screen to verify transactions, prefer open-source firmware audited by Census Labs, or seek a dedicated Bitcoin-only edition with microSD backups.
Choose Tangem if you hold diverse assets across 90+ blockchains, prefer tapping a card to an NFC-enabled phone, and want physical backup cards without managing handwritten recovery phrases.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Security | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Build & design | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Coin support | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Value for money | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| Specs | ||
| Connectivity | Not disclosed | NFC |
| Secure element | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware | Fully open source | Partially open source |
| Display | Screen + buttons | No screen |
| Air-gapped signing | Not disclosed | No |
| Bitcoin-only | Yes | No |
| Supported assets | Not disclosed | 14,100 |
| Battery | Not disclosed | No |
| BIP39 passphrase | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Companion app | BitBoxApp | Tangem app |
| Touchscreen | Not disclosed | No |
| Backup options | microSD card, Recovery words | Two-card backup, Three-card backup, Optional recovery phrase |
| NFC | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2015 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Switzerland | Switzerland |
| Investors | Not disclosed | Shima Capital, SBI Digital Asset Holdings |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Best for | Long-term Bitcoin self-custody, Open-source wallet users, iPhone and iPad owners | Long-term self-custody, Seedless wallet backups, NFC phone users |
Highlighted cells show the stronger value in each row. Data comes from each provider's site and public sources; check details before you sign up.
FAQ
Does BitBox or Tangem have a screen?
BitBox has a built-in display, while Tangem has no screen. BitBox shows addresses and transaction amounts directly on the hardware before you sign, whereas Tangem requires viewing all transaction details on your phone screen.
How do backups differ between BitBox and Tangem?
BitBox creates a backup on an included microSD card, and recovery words are also available. Tangem relies on a seedless setup by default, copying your private keys across a set of two or three physical cards, though it also supports an optional recovery phrase.
Which wallet supports more cryptocurrencies?
Tangem supports far more assets, covering over 14,100 tokens across 90+ blockchains such as Solana, Cardano, and XRP. BitBox lists Bitcoin and Ethereum support on its Multi editions, alongside separate Bitcoin-only hardware models.
Is BitBox or Tangem open source?
BitBox features fully open-source firmware and companion software that anyone can audit. Tangem publishes partially open-source code, but its factory-installed card firmware is closed and cannot be updated after production.