COLDCARD vs Tangem

How COLDCARD vs Tangem compare on our ratings, hardware wallet specs, funding, pros and cons.

VS
Tangem4.3/5
Feature
Ratings
Our score3.3/54.3/5
User ratingNo reviews yetNo reviews yet
Security3.54.5
Build & design4.54.5
Ease of use3.54.5
Coin support1.54.5
Value for money3.53.5
Specs
KYC required NoNot disclosed
Price from$219Not disclosed
ConnectivityUSB-C, NFC, QR code (air-gapped), microSDNFC
Secure element Yes Yes
FirmwareFully open sourcePartially open source
DisplayScreen + buttonsNo screen
Air-gapped signing Yes No
Bitcoin-only Yes No
Supported assets114,100
Battery Yes No
BIP39 passphrase Yes Yes
Multisig support YesNot disclosed
Companion appNo required companion appTangem app
Touchscreen No No
Backup optionsSeed words, Metal backup, Encrypted MicroSDTwo-card backup, Three-card backup, Optional recovery phrase
NFC Yes Yes
Company
Founded20122017
HeadquartersCanadaSwitzerland
InvestorsNot disclosedShima Capital, SBI Digital Asset Holdings
Strengths and weaknesses
Pros
  • Bitcoin-only design limits software scope
  • Air-gapped signing works without a required app
  • Dual secure elements use two chip vendors
  • Open, reproducible firmware supports independent checking
  • EAL6+ secure element from Samsung Semiconductors
  • Battery-free card design removes charging and cable failure points
  • Three-card sets provide two physical backups
  • Supports 14,100+ assets across 90+ blockchains
Cons
  • Supports Bitcoin only, excluding other networks and tokens
  • Q costs $319 USD and Mk5 costs $219 USD
  • 2026 flaw affected seed generation and requires migration
  • Air-gapped PSBT workflows add manual handling
  • Closed, factory-installed firmware cannot be updated
  • No screen for independently checking transaction details
  • Losing every linked card can remove wallet access
  • App services add provider and smart-contract exposure
Best forLong-term Bitcoin self-custody, Air-gapped Bitcoin signing, Multisig wallet setupsLong-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.

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