The Flipper Zero is a popular entry-level hacking device. It’s designed to emulate card readers, clone TV remotes, and allow users to listen in on electronic signals emitted by nearby devices.
A new competitor has emerged on the market, though. The Chameleon Ultra is an RFID card emulator and cracking device that is making waves in the hobbyist community.
But is it any good? How does it compare to the Flipper Zero, and what are the differences?
Today, we will be comparing the Flipper Zero and the Chameleon Ultra. These are two different devices, and while they overlap in many ways, they also have different functionalities.
Also Read: Best HackRF One Alternatives
Quick Summary
- The Flipper Zero is a multipurpose device that allows you to emulate RFID and NFC cards, iButton tags, TV remotes, garage door openers, and more. It also includes a virtual pet and features an LCD screen.
- The Chameleon Ultra is smaller but more expensive. It focuses mostly on emulating RFID and NFC tags, and it’s better at it than the Flipper Zero. It can even crack the secret keys to MIFARE Classic access cards!
- However, it doesn’t feature a virtual pet or screen, and it doesn’t provide the functionality to clone TV remotes, garage door openers, and iButton cards. There is also less development around it.
- If you only need RFID and NFC emulation, the Chameleon Ultra is the best choice. Otherwise, the Flipper Zero is better, as it can do a lot more.
Flipper Zero vs Chameleon – Main Use Cases and Target Audience
Flipper Zero
The Flipper Zero is designed to be a multipurpose hacking and emulation device. It can do a lot of things, such as cloning TV remotes, cloning a wide range of access cards and even car keys, and serving as a digital pet.
In general, its target audience is the amateur hacker. It’s not a magical tool that will allow you to break into any system, but it’s incredibly cool and will help you get your foot into the world of digital hacking.
Also Read: Flipper Zero vs Flipper One
Chameleon Ultra
The Chameleon Ultra, on the other hand, is an RFID emulator.
In terms of reading, identifying, cloning, cracking, and emulating RFID access cards and badges, the Chameleon Ultra is a lot better than the Flipper Zero.
It doesn’t have such a broad use case, because it’s focused on RFID emulation specifically, rather than things like being a virtual pet or serving as an infrared transceiver.
Check Out: Is Flipper Zero Legal?
Chameleon vs Flipper Zero – RFID Reading, Emulation, and Cracking
Flipper Zero
The Flipper Zero offers RFID and NFC emulation at both high and low frequencies.
A 125 kHz antenna attached to the bottom of the Flipper Zero allows you to read and clone low frequency proximity cards. These types of cards allow you to open doors by putting them in proximity to a card access control reader located on a door.
Meanwhile, the 13.56 MHz NFC reader allows you to read and clone NFC tags, which operate at a higher frequency.
A Flipper Zero can also share RFID card information with other Flipper Zeros remotely.
Explore: Pwnagotchi vs Flipper Zero
Chameleon Ultra
The Chameleon Ultra is better suited for RFID emulation than the Flipper Zero. It can do all of the following:
- Identify data from a card or badge, including its frequency, modulation, etc., and read data from the badge
- Emulate and clone multiple cards
- Write data to a new badge or clone one card from another one
- Crack a protected card to read its data, even if the keys are unknown
Both the Flipper Zero and Chameleon Ultra support high and low frequency reading and emulation. However, when it comes to cracking common chipsets, that is where the Chameleon Ultra shines.
For example, a common chipset found on access control cards is the MIFARE Classic. It is found on access control cards and tags and operates in the 13.56 MHz NFC range.
However, such cards are secure, so it’s not easy to crack them.
The Flipper Zero supports the Nested cracking algorithm to crack those cards. This is often successful, but not always so.
On the other hand, the Chameleon Ultra supports not only the Nested cracking algorithm but the following other attacks as well:
- Darkside
- StaticNested
- HardNested
The Darkside attack, for example, aims to exploit the pseudo-random generator on the MIFARE Classic card to recover a key.
It only takes a few seconds. While it’s not enough to crack the card because there is more than one key, the Nested attack can recover the other keys necessary to reveal the contents of the access control card in a few minutes.
The HardNested attack works against MIFARE Classic tags without AES, which is disabled by default, making it a useful attack.
It collects a few thousand nonces, analyzes them, and uses a brute force attack to crack the card.
However, none of these attacks will work against MIFARE cards with static (non-encrypted) nonces. That’s where the StaticNested attack comes in.
Support for cracking the MIFARE Classic chipset with these attacks is built into the hardware of the Chameleon Ultra. The Flipper Zero doesn’t have that support by default, and while it’s possible to import the functionality by using this Flipper app from GitHub, it might not work very smoothly.
Another attack that the Chameleon Ultra supports is the relay attack for NFC cards with an ISO-14443A compliant chipset, which is a standard for NFC cards that encompasses more cards than the MIFARE Classic chipset.
A relay attack is similar to a man in the middle attack. It intercepts communication between the card reader and its intended destination (the access control system) to allow you to emulate the card.
The following table shows which chipsets can be cracked by the Chameleon Ultra at a high frequency:
Also Read: DIY Flipper Zero Ideas
Image via Lab401
If all of this went over your head, don’t worry! The bottom line is that the Chameleon Ultra does a better job at identifying and cracking RFID tags, particularly MIFARE Classic chipsets.
Flipper Zero Vs Chameleon – 1-Wire Protocol (iButton)
Flipper Zero
iButtons are an old type of technology that can be used for monitoring, tracking, and many other purposes, along with access control. When used on a key fob, it can allow access to cabinets, safes, and rooms.
The Flipper Zero contains a 1-Wire connector that can read iButton key fobs and clone them.
Chameleon Ultra
The Chameleon Ultra is not designed for this type of technology. iButtons are different from RFID technology in that they use a physical connection as opposed to communicating via RFID waves.
They don’t require authentication. Thus, they are not very secure, but they are still used because they are very durable and long-lasting compared to regular access cards.
Also Read: Flipper Zero vs HackRF
Flipper Zero Vs Chameleon – Infrared Transceiver
Flipper Zero
One of the Flipper Zero’s most touted features is the ability to clone TV remotes and even remotes for stereo or air conditioning systems.
This is achieved through the infrared transceiver built into the hardware of the Flipper. TV remotes usually communicate with TVs via infrared signals, among other technologies.
The Flipper Zero’s transceiver has a built-in library of signals used by common brands and devices. It can also receive and store new signals; there is a public library where users upload new signals as well.
You may have seen pranks in which people use the Flipper Zero to turn off or change the channel on TVs in bars, restaurants, airports, and other public places. The infrared transceiver is the reason it is possible.
Chameleon Ultra
The Chameleon Ultra focuses on RFID emulation. It is not designed to clone TV remotes but rather RFID and NFC access cards.
Flipper Zero Vs Chameleon – Sub- 1 GHz
Flipper Zero
The Flipper Zero contains a Sub-1 GHz transceiver in the following frequency ranges:
- 315 MHz
- 433 MHz
- 868 MHz
- 915 MHz
The Sub-1 GHz frequency range is popular for things like garage door openers and Internet of Things sensors (smart light bulbs sensors, for example).
433 MHz is a frequency commonly used around the world for this range, but others may be used in other regions. In Europe, 868 MHz is used, while 915 MHz is common in Australia.
In any case, Flipper Zero’s multi-band antenna can operate in this range. That allows you to use it to open your garage door, for example, in addition to everything else it can do.
Chameleon Ultra
Again, the Chameleon Ultra operates only in the low frequency RFID and high frequency NFC ranges. It does not work in the sub-1 GHZ range, so it won’t be useful for cloning garage door openers and IoT sensors.
Check Out: Best Flipper Zero Alternatives
Flipper Zero Vs Chameleon – LCD Screen and Virtual Pet
Flipper Zero
One of the things people like most about the Flipper Zero is its LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen, which allows you to interact with the device and the virtual pet built into it.
A virtual pet is a small, digital pet that you can take care of on a handheld device with a screen. The cyber dolphin on Flipper Zero grows and learns with you as you use the Flipper Zero to interact with various technologies.
It has moods; it gets excited when you hack things. It swims and codes when it’s happy but cries and gets mad when things don’t go its way.
It’s a lovely little companion that can brighten your day, and it’s a lot of fun. As you use your Flipper and earn points, it levels up, and its appearance changes.
Chameleon Ultra
The Chameleon Ultra has neither a screen nor a virtual pet built in.
Instead, you download the Chameleon software on your other device and connect it to your Chameleon Ultra via Bluetooth.
In other words, the Flipper Zero is more fun to play with. While the virtual pet and LCD screen might not add much in terms of functionality, it makes the device more versatile and enjoyable.
Also Read: Best Flipper Zero Firmware
Flipper Zero Vs Chameleon – Desktop and Mobile Apps
Flipper Zero
Flipper Zero has a desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The app lets you update the firmware, control the Flipper Zero remotely, and more.
There are also apps available from both the Android and iOS app stores. The mobile apps allow you to update the firmware, control the Flipper, and share files online.
Most importantly, the Flipper Zero mobile app allows you to search through a large database of apps for Flipper Zero. Apps allow you to install additional games or add certain functionality, like certain attacks not available by default.
For all download links, check the Flipper Zero downloads page.
Chameleon Ultra
The Chameleon Ultra GUI (Graphical User Interface) allows you to control your Chameleon device on your desktop or phone. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, but not yet for iOS.
You can access all download links for the GUI here.
The official method to control the Chameleon, however, is through the CLI (Command Line Interface) tool. You can access download links for Windows, macOS, and Linux here.
Unlike a Graphical User Interface, a Command Line Interface features no graphics. Instead, you control the device through text commands, which require greater precision, as small spelling mistakes could lead to errors.
Flipper Zero Vs Chameleon – Documentation and Development
Flipper Zero
The Flipper Zero has been around longer, and it has lots of apps and games developed for it, especially by the open source developer community. There is also extensive documentation on the official site.
Chameleon Ultra
The Chameleon Ultra has less development around it. It still has a long way to go before catching up to the Flipper Zero.
Besides, it doesn’t have a screen, so it’s not like you can play games on it.
There is documentation on the GitHub page, but Flipper Zero wins in terms of documentation.
Flipper Zero vs Chameleon: Hardware Comparisons
Battery Consumption
The Flipper Zero has a stated battery life of around one month, but with heavy use, it could last only one week or so.
Bringing it to a full charge should take around two hours.
The Chameleon Ultra has a much longer battery life: it can last up to six months on a single charge! That’s because it doesn’t have a screen and uses minimal power.
Size
The Flipper Zero is a lot bigger than the Chameleon Ultra. The picture above, posted by Reddit user RJ01988 on the Flipper Zero subreddit, shows how the two compare in size.
Both can fit in your pocket, but the Chameleon Ultra is a lot smaller, and you can probably even put it in your wallet.
MicroSD Card Slot
The Flipper Zero features a microSD card slot, which you can use to load apps. It can also store logs, signal databases, remote codes, and lots of other data.
The Chameleon Ultra, on the other hand, does not have a microSD card slot.
Flipper Zero Vs Chameleon – Pros and Cons
Flipper Zero
Pros
- Easy for beginners to use
- Fun to use and play with
- Has a microSD card
- Can play games
- Lots of apps and games from the community
- Plenty of documentation
Cons
- Not as useful for cracking MIFARE Classic chipsets and other cards
- Has a shorter battery life
- More expensive
Chameleon Ultra
Pros
- Better for RFID emulation
- Better at cracking access card keys
- Small and easy to carry around
- Long battery life
Cons
- No screen
- No iOS app
- Focused only on RFID and NFC
- Not enough documentation and development
- Harder for beginners to use
Flipper Zero vs Chameleon Ultra Comparison Table
| Flipper Zero | Chameleon Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| RFID | ✓ | ✓ |
| NFC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cracking Attacks | Nested | Nested, StaticNested, HardNested, Darkside, Relay |
| Sub-1 GHZ | ✓ | ✗ |
| iButton | ✓ | ✗ |
| Infrared | ✓ | ✗ |
| LCD Screen | ✓ | ✗ |
| Virtual Pet | ✓ | ✗ |
| microSD Slot | ✓ | ✗ |
| Games | ✓ | ✗ |
| Apps | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Battery Life | 1–4 weeks | 6 months |
Conclusion: Should You Get the Flipper Zero or Chameleon?
The decision to get a Chameleon or Flipper Zero is no easy one.
For RFID and NFC emulation and cracking, I recommend the Chameleon Ultra, especially if you are more tech-savvy.
However, if you simply want an entry-level hacking device, or if you want to clone garage door openers, TV remotes, and other common devices, the Flipper Zero is a better choice.
You can purchase the Flipper Zero from the online Flipper Zero shop. Authorized resellers for the Chameleon Ultra include Hacker Warehouse and Proxgrind on AliExpress.
Enjoyed the post?
