iCLASS Seos vs MIFARE Plus EV2

HID iCLASS Seos offers multi-tech (13.56 MHz + 125 kHz) with 8 KB Seos memory for migration scenarios. MIFARE Plus EV2 delivers EAL5+ security with 2-4 KB and AES-128 encryption.

Side-by-side specs

Frequency

iCLASS Seos: 13.56 MHz (Seos and iCLASS), 125 kHz (Prox)
MIFARE Plus EV2: 13.56 MHz

Protocol

iCLASS Seos: ISO/IEC 14443-A (Seos), ISO 15693 (iCLASS), ISO 11784/11785 (Prox)
MIFARE Plus EV2: ISO/IEC 14443-A Type A, ISO/IEC 14443-4, ISO/IEC 7816-4

Memory

iCLASS Seos: 8 KBytes (Seos), 2k bit or 32k bit (iCLASS), 512 bits (Prox)
MIFARE Plus EV2: 2 kB or 4 kB non-volatile memory organized in sectors with 16-byte blocks

Interface

iCLASS Seos: RF (contactless)
MIFARE Plus EV2: RF contactless (LA/LB antenna pads), 17 pF or 70 pF input capacitance variants

Temp Range

iCLASS Seos: -40°C to +70°C operating, -35°C to +50°C storage
MIFARE Plus EV2: -25°C to +85°C ambient, -55°C to +125°C storage

Form Factor

iCLASS Seos: ISO/IEC 7810 card, 54mm x 85mm x 0.8mm, composite 60% PVC / 40% PET laminated
MIFARE Plus EV2: 12-inch wafer (FFC, 120 µm thickness), MOA4 module, MOA8 module (SOT500-2, SOT500-4)

Security

iCLASS Seos: Extended Privacy Support (Seos), Static UID optional (Seos), multiple logical records and data groups, HID Global SIO Data Object Support
MIFARE Plus EV2: AES-128 authentication and encryption, 3DES, ECC-based NXP Originality Signature, Common Criteria EAL5+ certified, Transaction MAC (TMAC), anti-tearing, Random ID support

Spec	iCLASS Seos	MIFARE Plus EV2
Frequency	13.56 MHz (Seos and iCLASS), 125 kHz (Prox)	13.56 MHz
Protocol	ISO/IEC 14443-A (Seos), ISO 15693 (iCLASS), ISO 11784/11785 (Prox)	ISO/IEC 14443-A Type A, ISO/IEC 14443-4, ISO/IEC 7816-4
Memory	8 KBytes (Seos), 2k bit or 32k bit (iCLASS), 512 bits (Prox)	2 kB or 4 kB non-volatile memory organized in sectors with 16-byte blocks
Interface	RF (contactless)	RF contactless (LA/LB antenna pads), 17 pF or 70 pF input capacitance variants
Temp Range	-40°C to +70°C operating, -35°C to +50°C storage	-25°C to +85°C ambient, -55°C to +125°C storage
Form Factor	ISO/IEC 7810 card, 54mm x 85mm x 0.8mm, composite 60% PVC / 40% PET laminated	12-inch wafer (FFC, 120 µm thickness), MOA4 module, MOA8 module (SOT500-2, SOT500-4)
Security	Extended Privacy Support (Seos), Static UID optional (Seos), multiple logical records and data groups, HID Global SIO Data Object Support	AES-128 authentication and encryption, 3DES, ECC-based NXP Originality Signature, Common Criteria EAL5+ certified, Transaction MAC (TMAC), anti-tearing, Random ID support

Verdict

Choose iCLASS Seos if you need multi-technology support during credential migration or operate mixed infrastructures. The Seos platform operates at 13.56 MHz with ISO/IEC 14443-A compliance and provides 8 KB of memory, while simultaneously supporting legacy 125 kHz Prox (512 bits, ISO 11784/11785) and iCLASS (2048 or 32768 bits, ISO 15693) in a single credential. This multi-tech approach allows gradual reader upgrades without replacing all credentials simultaneously. Seos offers Extended Privacy Support with optional static UID, multiple logical records, and HID Global's proprietary SIO Data Object Support for managing secure identity objects. The architecture suits organizations with existing HID reader infrastructure or those requiring credential interoperability across facilities with different access control generations. Choose MIFARE Plus EV2 if you require the highest security certification and standardized encryption for payment, transit, or high-security access applications. It operates solely at 13.56 MHz with ISO/IEC 14443-A Type A, ISO/IEC 14443-4, and ISO/IEC 7816-4 compliance, offering 2 KB or 4 KB non-volatile memory organized in sectors with 16-byte blocks. Security features include AES-128 authentication and encryption, 3DES support, ECC-based NXP Originality Signature, Common Criteria EAL5+ certification, Transaction MAC for transaction integrity, anti-tearing protection, and Random ID support for privacy. The EAL5+ certification and TMAC functionality make it suitable for applications requiring auditable cryptographic operations and defense against relay attacks. MIFARE Plus EV2 provides broader ecosystem compatibility through standardized MIFARE infrastructure and offers antenna variants with 17 pF or 70 pF input capacitance for different form factors.

FAQ

Can iCLASS Seos work with legacy 125 kHz readers?

Yes, iCLASS Seos credentials include 125 kHz Prox support (ISO 11784/11785, 512 bits) alongside 13.56 MHz Seos and iCLASS, enabling backwards compatibility with legacy proximity readers during infrastructure upgrades.

What is the memory difference between MIFARE Plus EV2 and iCLASS Seos?

MIFARE Plus EV2 offers 2 KB or 4 KB organized in 16-byte blocks, while iCLASS Seos provides 8 KB in the Seos application. However, Seos is a multi-tech credential with separate memory allocations for each technology (2-32 Kbit for iCLASS, 512 bits for Prox).

Which chip has stronger security certification?

MIFARE Plus EV2 holds Common Criteria EAL5+ certification with AES-128, 3DES, Transaction MAC, and ECC-based Originality Signature. iCLASS Seos provides Extended Privacy Support and optional static UID but does not specify an equivalent EAL certification level.

Sourcing iCLASS Seos or MIFARE Plus EV2 in volume?

Roxtron builds custom RFID and NFC products around both iCLASS Seos and MIFARE Plus EV2. Tell us your project — quantities, form factor, timeline — and we'll come back within 24 hours with pricing and lead times.