PN532 vs PN7160 vs ST25R3916 is the practical selection guide for the main ELECHOUSE NFC reader families. If you are deciding between easy Arduino integration, Linux / Android readiness, or maximum read performance, this page gives the shortest correct answer.
Quick Recommendation
- Choose PN532 if you want the easiest path for Arduino, hobby projects, broad examples, and classic NFC / RFID tasks.
- Choose PN7160 if you want an I2C NFC controller with native Linux / Android style NCI 2.0 workflow.
- Choose ST25R3916 if you want stronger high-performance reading, especially on ISO 15693 and demanding reader applications.
At a Glance
| Module Family | Best For | Main Interface | Software Style | Typical Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PN532 | Arduino, makers, general-purpose NFC | I2C / SPI / HSU | Direct library use | Easy to start, many examples |
| PN7160 | Raspberry Pi, Linux, Android, embedded NFC controller designs | I2C | NCI 2.0 / linux_libnfc-nci | System integration workflow |
| ST25R3916 | Performance-focused reader projects | SPI | MCU-side driver / sample code | Longer range and broad reader performance |
Core Differences
1) Ease of Use
- PN532 is the easiest family for quick bring-up. It works well for Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and learning / prototyping.
- PN7160 is easier when your real target is Linux / Android style NFC controller integration rather than simple MCU sketches.
- ST25R3916 is not the first choice for the easiest setup, but it is attractive when reader performance matters more than beginner simplicity.
2) Host Interface Model
- PN532: flexible — I2C, SPI, or HSU depending on board version.
- PN7160: fixed I2C board design with NCI 2.0 controller workflow.
- ST25R3916: SPI reader platform.
3) Performance and Tag Coverage
- PN532 is balanced and practical for common MIFARE / NFC work.
- PN7160 is more about software architecture and NFC controller integration than raw maximum reading range.
- ST25R3916 stands out for stronger reader behavior and especially good ISO 15693 distance.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Question | PN532 | PN7160 | ST25R3916 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Arduino? | Yes — best first choice | Possible, but not the main reason to buy it | Possible, especially for SPI projects |
| Best for Raspberry Pi / Linux? | Possible, but more manual | Yes — strong fit | Possible via SPI |
| Best for Android / NCI workflow? | No | Yes | No |
| Best for high reader performance? | Good | Good system-level NFC controller | Best of the three for performance-focused reading |
| Typical easy entry point? | Library examples | Quick guide + driver stack | SPI sample code + MCU test workflow |
Which One Should You Buy?
If you are building with Arduino or ESP32
Start with PN532 V4. It has the shortest path from wiring to a working demo, and ELECHOUSE provides multiple PN532 form factors if you later need a USB version, external antenna, or longer-range variant.
If you are building on Raspberry Pi or embedded Linux
Choose PN7160 unless your application specifically needs Apple ECP, in which case choose PN7161.
If you need stronger reader performance or ISO 15693 focus
Choose ST25R3916. It is the better fit for demanding reader-side applications, longer ISO 15693 range, and more performance-oriented NFC designs.
What We Do Not Recommend
- Do not choose PN7160 just because it sounds newer than PN532 if your real goal is simply “make NFC work on Arduino fast.”
- Do not choose ST25R3916 for a beginner project if you mainly value the easiest getting-started experience.
- Do not choose PN532 Evolution V1 if you need ISO 14443B tag support; that long-range antenna setup is not the right tool for that job.
Related Product Pages
Related Docs
FAQ
- Which one is best for a beginner?
- PN532, especially PN532 V4.
- Which one is best for Raspberry Pi?
- PN7160 is usually the best fit, with PN7161 when Apple ECP matters.
- Which one has the strongest read performance?
- ST25R3916 is the strongest choice among these three for performance-focused reader work.
Need Help Choosing?
If you are unsure, contact ELECHOUSE with your target host platform, tag type, and required reading distance.