Security is king when it comes to crypto.
In the last year alone, more than $2.2 billion has been stolen from exchanges due to hacks, phishing scams, and wallet breaches.
This is up by 21% from the previous year!
What you need now more than ever before, is a safe offline solution to storing your crypto.
Crypto Exchange Hacks
Stats provided by: Chainalysis
This is where cold wallets become vital for your crypto safekeeping.
At Material Bitcoin, we specialize in cold storage solutions and understand the importance of keeping crypto safe.
This is why we provide in-depth comparisons, expert insights, and top-of-the-line cold wallets to help you make the best decision for your digital assets.
Let’s jump right into the Arculus vs Tangem wallet dual and find out which hardware wallet is the better choice for your crypto.
Card-Based Wallets
Traditionally speaking, a hardware wallet (like either Ledger or Trezor) has been the go-to crypto wallet for many years.
The problem with these hardware wallets is that they use USB connectivity.
This is a big issue for many users for two main reasons.
1️⃣It’s an outdated approach for a mobile-driven world.
2️⃣Decives (including the hardware wallet itself) can be hacked or compromised with a virus or malware more easily.
So, what’s the solution?
Forward-thinking cold wallets like Arculus and Tangem that use alternative connection technologies.
These card-based wallets allow users to sign transactions by tapping their card to their smartphone with NFC.
Arculus vs Tangem: What’s the Difference?
Not all cold wallets are made the same.
While Arculus and Tangem are card-based and use NFC, they have major differences in security, usability, and crypto support.
What You Need to Consider When Buying a Secure Crypto Wallet
🛡️ Security Features: Does the wallet have multi-factor authentication? Is it vulnerable to hacks? Does it keep your private keys offline?
🛠️ Ease of Use: How easy or difficult is the setup process? Does it require a 24-word seed phrase for recovery?
🪙 Supported Cryptocurrencies: Does the wallet support Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins?
💲 Pricing: Is it cost-effective and/or is the price justified compared to competitors?
What Is Arculus Wallet?
Arculus is a card-based cold wallet designed to provide secure, mobile-first cryptocurrency storage, retailing at $99.
It was developed by CompoSecure, which is a leader in the card payment technology industry.
Arculus Wallet’s main objective is to provide crypto security on the go.
They aim to be different from traditional USB-like hardware wallets that rely on physical connection or Bluetooth connectivity.
The Arculus cold wallet therefore is air-gapped.
Key Features of the Arculus Wallet
📶 NFC Authentication
There is no need for cables or Bluetooth, instead, tap the card to your phone using NFC technology.
🚫 Air-Gapped: No Internet Connection
Arculus is considered a fully cold storage wallet.
Your private keys are generated and stored within the card.
🪙 Supported Cryptocurrencies
Arculus supports over 10,000 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, Ethereum, Litecoin, USD Coin, and many other stablecoins.
🔐 Three-Factor Authentication (3FA)
Security is taken a step further by implementing three-factor authentication (3FA):
- Something you have – The Arculus Card, which must be physically tapped to authenticate transactions.
- Something you know – A 6-digit PIN, preventing unauthorized access.
- Something you are – Biometric authentication (Face recognition or fingerprint).
Pros and Cons of Arculus Wallet
✅ Pros: Why Choose Arculus?
- High security with 3FA.
- Air-gapped cold storage.
- NFC connection (No cables or Bluetooth needed).
❌ Cons: Drawbacks of Using Arculus
- Hardware dependency – If you lose the card, you lose access. Implementing a backup cold wallet is vital for the prevention of lost crypto.
- Fewer supported cryptocurrencies (Other hardware wallets support larger tokens and coins).
- No multi-sig feature.
What Is Tangem Wallet?
Tangem is a unique crypto wallet that is Swiss-engineered.
It consists of a set of cards, ranging from 2 or 3, with a new option of a 2-card and ring set – a wearable hardware wallet.
Prices range from $49.41 to $144.
Different from other cold wallets that rely on seed phrases for recovery, the Tangem wallet is meant to be an independent wallet.
Like Arculus, it uses NFC technology and doesn’t rely on batteries, Bluetooth, or USB connections.
Key Features of the Tangem Wallet
🔑 No Backup Seed Phrase
Each card is its own wallet, generating multiple backup cards during setup.
This eliminates the need for other recovery cards.
🔄 Multi-Card Backup System
If one card is lost or damaged, another backup card can be used to access the funds.
Although not truly multi-sig, this is a unique way to share custody of crypto in business partnerships.
⚡ No Battery or Connectivity Required
The cards can be stored indefinitely without worrying about battery failure or firmware updates.
🪙 Supported Cryptocurrencies
Supports thousands of cryptocurrencies over 78 networks.
Includes big players like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as Solana, Polygon, Ripple, and Dogecoin.
Pros and Cons of Tangem Wallet
✅ Pros: Why Choose Tangem?
- Multi-card security system.
- Air-gapped.
- Long-lasting. No battery means Tangem can last decades if safely stored.
❌ Cons: Potential Drawbacks
- Recovery issues if all cards are lost.
- Fewer multi-factor authentication features than Arculus. Lacks PIN or biometric security.
- More expensive compared to other hardware wallets.
The Battle Rounds 🥊💥Arculus vs Tangem Wallet
Now that you have an overview of each wallet, let’s break down their features and compare.
Arculus vs Tangem: Security
Both Arculus and Tangem are cold storage wallets but they have different approaches:
Arculus vs. Tangem
| Feature | Arculus | Tangem |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication |
|
|
| Recovery |
|
|
| Hacking Risks |
|
|
| Extra Redundancy |
|
|
Our Verdict?🏆
Arculus wins in multi-factor authentication, with its PIN and biometrics features.
Especially if paired with a seed phrase recovery wallet, like Material DIY, it is a winning combo for a multi-crypto cold wallet.
Arculus vs Tangem: Ease of Use and Setup
Both wallets have easy-to-follow instructions for setup and use, however, certain security features may be more difficult to implement than others for some users.
Arculus Setup
1. Buy the card.
2. Install the Arculus Wallet App.
3. Link the wallet with NFC.
4. Set up 3FA (PIN, biometrics, and card authentication).
5. Generate and store your recovery phrase.
Tangem Setup
1. Buy a set of multiple cards and/or card with ring.
2. Install the Tangem app and scan the card via NFC.
3. No seed phrase is required.
Which is Easier?🏆
Tangem has a simpler setup, as Arculus Wallet has extra security steps.
Both apps and user interfaces are easy to manage.
Arculus vs Tangem: Pricing and Value
| Feature | Arculus | Tangem |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 per card | $49.41 2 card set $62.91 3 card set $144 2 card set + ring |
| Backup Costs |
|
|
| Long-Term Value |
|
|
Which Has a Better Value?🏆
Tangem wins on affordability. It’s cheaper and includes multiple cards.
An Alternative for Long-Term Crypto Storage
If you’re looking for a cold storage solution that combines simplicity and durability, Material Bitcoin is a great alternative to Arculus and Tangem.
Similar to these wallets, Material Bitcoin is a card-based, air-gapped crypto wallet that keeps your private keys completely offline.
But there are important differences to consider between these cold wallets.
What Makes Material Bitcoin Different?
Indestructible Design: Unlike Arculus and Tangem, which are plastic-based, Material Bitcoin is made of stainless steel, making it fireproof, waterproof, and resistant to physical damage.
This makes it the best option for long-term storage since it won’t degrade over time.
No Setup or App Required: There’s no app installation, no NFC, and no setup process. Your Bitcoin private key is laser-engraved onto the stainless steel card, making it perfect for beginners and new users who aren’t so tech-savvy.
True Cold Storage: While Arculus and Tangem use NFC to interact with smartphones, and an app to manage assets, Material Bitcoin doesn’t connect to any third-party system or platform.
The Only Downside?
Single-crypto support.
Material Bitcoin is dedicated to Bitcoin only.
There are Material Tether and Material USDT options available, but if you’re looking for one wallet to manage all of your multi-crypto assets, then you are better off with Arculus or Tengem Wallet.
STANDARD
The Bitcoin wallet not only for geeks
$89
MATERIAL ETHER
Ethereum ERC-20 / EVM
$89
MATERIAL USDT
Tether ERC-20 / EVM
$89
Which is Better: Arculus Wallet vs Tangem Wallet?
Choosing between the Arculus and Tangem wallets comes down to what matters most to you.
Arculus is great for those who want high security for on-the-go accessibility.
Tangem is ideal for users who want multi-crypto support, with no seed phrase management and a multi-card backup system.
Material Bitcoin is perfect if you’re looking for a simple, straightforward, and durable storage solution.
There is no setup, no apps, and no tech knowledge needed.
It’s ultra-secure and damage-proof, giving you peace of mind for a long-term hodl of your Bitcoin.
Each one of these wallets serves a specific purpose and appeals to a type of crypto user.
So, pick the one that best matches your needs and crypto goals!
FAQs
Which is more secure, Arculus or Tangem?
- Arculus has 3FA security (Card + PIN + Biometrics), while Tangem relies on multi-card backups instead of a seed phrase. Both are secure but prioritize different aspects.
How do Arculus and Tangem wallets set up?
- Arculus requires app installation, NFC linking, 3FA setup, and a recovery phrase, while Tangem is simpler: just tap the card, set up backups, and no seed phrase is needed.
What are the costs?
- Arculus costs $99 per card, while Tangem is $50-$144 for a set of 2 or 3 cards + ring.
Which is better for mobile users?
- Both use NFC.
Are these wallets safe from hacks?
- Yes, both are air-gapped cold wallets, however, since they rely on third-party apps and platforms there are loopholes for cyber attacks.
How is Material Bitcoin different?
- Material Bitcoin is stainless steel, damage-proof, and requires no setup or app, making it ideal for long-term Bitcoin storage.
0 Comments