Crypto Hardware Wallets

Ledger Nano X vs Trezor Model T (2020) | Which 2nd-Generation Device Is Better?

Ledger Nano X vs Trezor Model T! In this comparison, we are going to do a head-to-head of two of the most competitive and popular new cryptocurrency hardware wallets in this edition of the hardware wallet roundups. In this comparison, I am going to dive into which of these 2nd-generation wallets is better. How big is your portfolio? Do you need mobile/wireless support? Do you use any 3rd party wallets for integration? Do you need web-based access instead of a required download? 

These are all questions you will need to consider when deciding which of these wallets will be best for you. At the end of the day, the coin support is one of the most important factors (besides security) when deciding which hardware wallet is best for you. Ultimately, if if doesn’t support the coins you want to store offline, it won’t work for your particular situation, so keep that in mind as we dive into what I consider to be the most important factors when making a such an important decision, such as choosing a cryptocurrency hardware wallet.

So, let’s get right into the battle of Ledger Nano X vs Trezor Model T!

 

Ledger Nano X: Overview

 

The Nano X comes beautifully packaged with the device itself, a USB-C cable, a set of instructions and recovery seed cards. The previous bulky buttons that were on top of the device are now seamlessly integrated on it in a way that’s even a bit hard to notice. All in all a beautiful design. The primary features of this device are the bluetooth connection which allows you to manage this device using your smartphone via the iOS and Android app.

Additionally, you can now hodl, store, or manage up to 100 cryptos simultaneously, all without access to your desktop or laptop computer. This is easily it’s best new features, but aside from the upgraded storage capacity and the wireless connectivity, the device itself is now larger, has an integrated 2-function button, and an overall larger screen for verifying transactions. With a trusted device and a more universal charging cable, this makes it much more compelling to spend the extra money to store more coins and one that you can easily take with you as you travel.

 

 

Ledger Nano X: Security

 

 

Ledger is at the forefront of developing the industry’s device security. How? And in what ways?

CC EAL5+ SECURE ELEMENT

 Only Ledger’s devices can claim the French cybersecurity agency ANSSI’s full certification.

The Nano X and Nano S both feature what is called a ‘secure element’. The chip seen below is the next generation chip that comes in the Nano X:

The secure chip meets the CC EAL5+ certification and run’s Ledger’s proprietary BOLOS operating system. 

 

According to Ledger:

A Secure Element is a secure chip that…embeds intrinsic countermeasures against many known attacks. This kind of chip is tamper-resistant and protects your device to a range of different attacks.”

 

Ledger Nano X: User Experience

 

ledger nano x

 

Honestly, the user experience is a massive upgrade from the Ledger Nano S. With that said, It has a few usability issues that I find to be quite difficult to overcome. Although this device is physically larger than its predecessor, it still has a fairly difficult to use early experience.

For example, the screen is still fairly small and still cannot accommodate a QR code for scanning. This may not seem like a big deal, but after using several hardware wallets, it really does make a big difference. Using a QR code is not only safer (because it removes the chance of error from manually typing in a wallet address), but it is incredibly faster and makes the entire of transacting offline, a much easier experience. 

Although this device has stepped up the quality considerably from it’s latest iteration, I still feel that utilizing an all new form factor could have been beneficial and a little more innovative than replicating their 1st generation device with a few small tweaks.

 

 

Ledger Nano X: Coin Support

 

The Ledger Nano X utilizes the “Ledger Live” dashboard which is a desktop application that allows you to manage all of your coins, portfolio, and potential trades in an easy to use application. You can use this on both an iOS or Android app as well as a desktop.

This app allows you to manage up to 1,100 coins that are supported by the device. However, only about 200 of them are “native” apps. This means that you can manage them directly within the Ledger Live app, without having to connect to a 3rd party wallet, such as MyEtherWallet or MyCrypto. I will leave a link HERE with a list of fully supported coins.

 

Trezor Model T: Overview

The Trezor Model T was ahead of its time (if you ask me) when it came out in early 2018 . It came with many ground-breaking features, such as a touch screen for added security, an SD card slot for signing transactions offline and having additional external storage, and increasing the size of the device while also adding a more universal USB-C port.

This device is a worthy upgrade from its predecessor and added a lot of additional features and security to the way the device is used on a regular basis by adding additional factors of authentication. Additionally, it added a plethora of new coins being supported and increased the RAM size to store a much larger portfolio of coins that you could easily expand and grow into if need be.

 

Trezor Model T: Security

 

I will briefly touch on this here as most of this was gone over in depth in my Trezor One Review. As mentioned above, the physical security measures and differences are pointed out in its physicality of it’s packaging, but I will point out that there is one feature that I particularly like that is available on the Trezor Model T.

Both have an option to set a “passphrase” or a 25th seed word when accessing your account. This means that if/when you have to use your recovery seed to restore your device, you not only need the 24 seed words in the correct order, but you will need to enter in the custom passphrase in order to fully restore your wallet.

Here is the main difference on the Trezor Model T. Because the device has a touch screen, both the PIN and the custom passphrase (if you enable it) will be entered in on the device itself, and not the web app. Why is this important? Well, in the event that your web app is compromised or you have a key logger on your computer, you have a separation from your device and what you enter on the web app to unlock or access your device.

The Trezor One requires you enter in your PIN on the web application with a number grid, since it does not have a physical touch screen that allows you to enter it in on the device. Pretty cool if you ask me.

Trezor Model T: User Experience

 

 

The touch screen is sleek and very bright, which is nice, but it is also very small. Even if you have average sized hands, you may have difficulty with entering in the pin-code and/or additional “25th seed phrase” as a password on the device. More on that later.

This is one of my biggest complaints as the device itself doesn’t look that good when you’re ready to use it and it has a sticky film when you hold it and un-plug and plug in your device. I will say that this is the worst of your worries as the device is pretty solid and has a lot to offer in terms of security and functionality. The final thing that I noticed this device upon opening it up is it has a very sleek SD card slot that can be used for signing transactions offline and import them.

 

Trezor Model T: Coin Support

 

I will leave a link to the official list of what Trezor has listed on their website HERE, but I will point out a few of the coins that this device supports that you don’t really see on other hardware wallets that stands out to me and is what I use on my device as well. The primary coins

NOTE: This device hold over 1,200 coins in total, but the majority of them have 3rd party wallets developed by either the development team for that coin specifically that can be connected, OR major third party wallets that hold hundreds of ERC-20 tokens, such as Mycelium and MyEtherWallet.

Just to name a few coins that are now supported on the beta wallet or (native app wallet) on the web app that is easy to manage and is unique to this hardware wallet is: HoloChain (HOT), Lunyr (LUN), Chainlink (LINK), and Polymath (POLY). They are adding Native support to new coins and tokens all the time, so make sure to keep your eye out for it!

 

 

Ledger Nano X vs Trezor Model T: Conclusion

 

Ultimately, it really depends on how large your portfolio is (or you plan for it to be) and what particular coins you want to hold. They both support over 1,100 coins on both devices, but the Ledger Nano X can only hold 100 assets on your device at once, and The Trezor T can hold much more at once (I have over 210 different coins on there, currently). Also, do you make transactions on the go? Do you need it be able to work without a computer and be able to use on a smart phone?

At the end of the day, I would only spring for the extra $50 price for the Trezor Model T if you needed to hold more than 100 coins on your device at once. They are both very good devices with amazing development teams and reputations, but if you’re fairly new to the game and want a device that will work with your smart phone, I would choose the Ledger Nano X, personally.

So there you have it! Ledger Nano X would be my choice if I had less than 100 assets and didn’t plan on expanding beyond that, but again, each person’s plans and situations are different, so make sure and weigh the pros and cons I’ve listed above in detail to make the right choice for you.

 

 

What do you think? Would you choose the KeepKey over the Ledger Nano X? Let us know down below in the comments!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

Ledger Nano X vs. Ellipal Titan (2020) | Which Wireless Hardware Wallet Is Better?

In this comparison, we are going to do a head-to-head of two of the most competitive and popular new cryptocurrency hardware wallets in this edition of the Ledger Nano X vs. Ellipal Titan. Which one is better? Which one is safer to use? Will it hold the coins I need? Stay tuned for the whole article to find out my final verdict.

I have been using these devices for several weeks now and I have been pleasantly surprised. It wasn’t that long ago when there were really only USB connected devices that we only had the option of in terms of using and managing our hardware wallets, so these innovations and user experience upgrades have been extremely nice to have. Especially with the Ellipal Titan.

As I’m sure you are aware, these are two of the most popular hardware wallets on the market and for good reason. The overall changes to not only the coin support, but the way we interact with these devices has changed dramatically over the last year and these are some of the most fun wireless devices I have used yet.

So, let’s get into some of the specifics of these wallets, and then see which one I would choose I had to only use one! Let’s start with the most popular brand first, The Ledger Nano X.

 

 

Ledger Nano X vs. Ellipal Titan: Overview

 

ledger nano x

 

The Nano X comes beautifully packaged with the device itself, a USB-C cable, a set of instructions and recovery seed cards. The previous bulky buttons that were on top of the device are now seamlessly integrated on it in a way that’s even a bit hard to notice. All in all a beautiful design. The primary features of this device are the bluetooth connection which allows you to manage this device using your smartphone via the iOS and Android app.

Additionally, you can now hodl, store, or manage up to 100 cryptos simultaneously, all without access to your desktop or laptop computer. This is easily it’s best new features, but aside from the upgraded storage capacity and the wireless connectivity, the device itself is now larger, has an integrated 2-function button, and an overall larger screen for verifying transactions. With a trusted device and a more universal charging cable, this makes it much more compelling to spend the extra money to store more coins and one that you can easily take with you as you travel.

 

Ledger Nano X: Security

 

 

Ledger is at the forefront of developing the industry’s device security. How? And in what ways?

CC EAL5+ SECURE ELEMENT

 

Only Ledger’s devices can claim the French cybersecurity agency ANSSI’s full certification.

The Nano X and Nano S both feature what is called a ‘secure element’. The chip seen below is the next generation chip that comes in the Nano X:

The secure chip meets the CC EAL5+ certification and run’s Ledger’s proprietary BOLOS operating system. 

 

According to Ledger:

A Secure Element is a secure chip that…embeds intrinsic countermeasures against many known attacks. This kind of chip is tamper-resistant and protects your device to a range of different attacks.”

 

 

Ledger User Experience: UI

 

 

Honestly, the user experience is a massive upgrade from the Ledger Nano X. With that said, It has a few usability issues that I find to be quite difficult to overcome. Although this device is physically larger than it’s predecessor, it still has a fairly difficult to use early experience.

For example, the screen is still fairly small and still cannot accommodate a QR code for scanning. This may not seem like a big deal, but after using several hardware wallets, it really does make a big difference. Using a QR code is not only safer (because it removes the chance of error from manually typing in a wallet address), but it is incredibly faster and makes the entire of transacting offline, a much easier experience. Although this device has stepped up the quality considerably from it’s latest iteration, I still feel that utilizing an all new form factor could have been beneficial and a little more innovative than replicating their 1st generation device with a few small tweaks.

 

Ledger Nano X: Coin Support

 

The Ledger Nano X utilizes the “Ledger Live” dashboard which is a desktop application that allows you to manage all of your coins, portfolio, and potential trades in an easy to use application. You can use this on both an iOS or Android app as well as a desktop.

This app allows you to manage up to 1,100 coins that are supported by the device. However, only about 200 of them are “native” apps. This means that you can manage them directly within the Ledger Live app, without having to connect to a 3rd party wallet, such as MyEtherWallet or MyCrypto. I will leave a link HERE with a list of fully supported coins.

 

Ellipal Titan: Overview

 

ellipal titan

 

This is a really unique device and has a very robust form factor that has ratings that rival that of some high-end smartphones. What separates this hardware wallet from the majority of other popular wallets is it’s communication method. So, what do I mean by that? This device has NO: USB Connection, NFC Connection, WiFi Connection, Bluetooth Connection, or Cellular Connection. So, how do you use it? The short answer is: QR Codes.

 

 

Ellipal Titan: Security

 

 

This is a 100% air-gapped device, so ultimately it is more secure than any other way to interact with a hardware wallet. Period. The device has a tamper-resistant enclosure that includes a self-destruct mechanism for any potential way to access the internals of the device. 

It is built in such a way that if anyone tries to break the screen or drill a hole through to device in an attempt to open its internal layout, the private keys will be erased. This is extremely powerful and will ultimately deter people from trying to hack this completely wireless device.

 

Ellipal Titan: User Experience

 

This hardware wallet has a camera, a 4-inch full color display, and does not display any balances on the device itself. The portfolio management and execution of the device is managed via a companion iOS and Android app that is used to initiate transactions and allows you to utilize the camera from your smartphone to transfer funds securely to the cold wallet, and vice versa.

I have been using this device for several weeks now, and in my personal opinion, it has been super easy to use and also very secure. I like knowing that my device is essentially indestructible and does not require any other 3rd party connection in order for it to function. This not only makes it very convenient, but it also very secure and eliminates room for error when typing or copying pasting wallet addresses that you are trying to transact with.

 

 

Ellipal Titan: Coin Support

 

 

This is always the section I check the most when reviewing hardware wallets, because although functionality and security are important, none of that matters unless it supports the coins you want to store offline. So here is the current list of supported coins and the one that are currently in development listed in the below picture.

 

 

Ledger Nano X vs. Ellipal Titan Conclusion: Which One Should I Buy?

 

Overall, both of these wallets have their own unique features and selling points that make them a perfect choice to different people. But, which one should I buy? That unfortunately, is not a simple black and white answer. The questions you need to ask yourself are: “Does this hardware wallet support the coins I plan to hodl offline?” and “Is this wallet secure enough for my needs and does it fit within my budget?

Ultimately, you will need to make that decision yourself, but, I have used both of these wallets extensively, and I can absolutely say in my perspective that there is a clear winner. I personally use the Ellipal Titan over the Ledger Nano X. 

This is not to say that the Ledger Nano X is a bad device, because it is not, but overall the security, form factor, and overall ease of use is a clear indicator of which device is more likely to be used.

 

 

What do you think? Would you choose the Ledger Nano X over the Ellipal Titan? Let us know down below in the comments!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

Ledger Nano X Review (2020) | The “Best” NEXT-GEN Wireless Hardware Wallet?

In this review, we are going to dive deep into the newest hardware wallet from Ledger, the Ledger Nano X! Is it the best bluetooth hardware wallet out there? Is it much of an upgrade from the Ledger Nano S? Is there any other hardware wallet that is close to this one in terms of security and price that I should be considering? We are going to address all of these questions and more in this review, so stay tuned!

Ledger has always been a well-respected company in the crypto community and has been shipping hardware wallet products since early 2015. Their first flagship product, the Ledger Nano S, was a runaway hit and sold over a million units throughout 2017. The problem was though (at the beginning) is that you had to download a chrome app for each wallet and was a real pain to try and manage your assets.

Then, they came up with a desktop app called Ledger Live that unified all the apps in one easy-to manage-dashboard and supported many native apps, which was a much needed upgrade. So they solved the user experience issues they had and continued to innovate. As they started rolling out new coins and blockchains being supported, they had another hurdle they faced and that was the amount of space or apps that were supported on the Ledger Nano S (See full review HERE). You could only hold 3-4 coins at once on the device and users who wanted to expand their portfolios and use a hardware wallet that didn’t integrate with 3rd party wallets, like MyEtherWallet.

This is where the Ledger Nano X comes in, solving this problem and more! This device can support up to 100 apps (coins) simultaneously and solved a major usability complaint that many customers had. Mobility. People wanted to manage their crypto on the go and not be tethered to a computer to safely manage their assets. Out of this, the Ledger Nano X was born. Let’t take a look!

 

 

Ledger Nano X Design

 

 

The Nano X comes beautifully packaged with the device itself, a USB-C cable, a set of instructions and recovery seed cards. The previous bulky buttons that were on top of the device are now seamlessly integrated on it in a way that’s even a bit hard to notice. All in all a beautiful design. The primary features of this device are the bluetooth connection which allows you to manage this device using your smartphone via the iOS and Android app.

Additionally, you can now hodl, store, or manage up to 100 cryptos simultaneously, all without access to your desktop or laptop computer. This is easily it’s best new features, but aside from the upgraded storage capacity and the wireless connectivity, the device itself is now larger, has an integrated 2-function button, and an overall larger screen for verifying transactions. With a trusted device and a more universal charging cable, this makes it much more compelling to spend the extra money to store more coins and one that you can easily take with you as you travel.

 

 

Ledger Security

 

 

Ledger is at the forefront of developing the industry’s device security. How? And in what ways?

CC EAL5+ Secure Element

 

Only Ledger’s devices can claim the French cybersecurity agency ANSSI’s full certification.
The Nano X and Nano S both feature what is called a ‘secure element’. The chip seen below is the nest generation chip that comes in the Nano X:
The secure chip meets the CC EAL5+ certification and run’s Ledger’s proprietary BOLOS operating system. 
A Secure Element is a secure chip that…embeds intrinsic countermeasures against many known attacks. This kind of chip is tamper-resistant and protects your device to a range of different attacks.”
This secure chip differentiates the Ledger’s method of key storage from its competitors’ hardware wallets (with the exception of coldcard).

 

 

Ledger Live Update – App + ERC 20 Support

 

 

 

This was a MASSIVE upgrade from the chrome apps they were utilizing before. This new desktop app is very clean and seamless. They also have a new mobile app designed for use for the next generation product the Ledger Nano X (We will go over that in a future review) for wireless management. However, the desktop app is very clean and easy to navigate. The first thing once you connect and authenticate your device is a dashboard if you had already have an existing device, showing you your balances and charts on a single screen.

You can see your accounts on the left hand side, and you also see the “Ledger Manager” which is where you add and remove apps. When you perform any firmware upgrades, it requires you to delete the apps on your device (don’t worry your coins are safe) and you re-install them after it is done.

When you first plug in and install the app on your desktop, it will ask you if you want to setup a new device or if you have a device that is already setup and then have you authenticate with the PIN. It will then check for any updates or firmware upgrades that are necessary for you to view your account. Once you have access, it’s pretty easy to manage everything overall, and they have even introduced a way to “Buy Crypto” from such partners as “Coinmama” where you can purchase directly with a debit or credit card, and “Coinbase“, which you can do they same and also use your bank account directly via ACH.

There is also a pricing history dashboard built right in, thanks to an integration with “Kraken” and “Bitfinex“. This allows you to see trends and historical data, which may help you decide at-a-glance what you would like to do for managing your next transaction. Once you install an App, you can create multiple accounts and label them if need be, for managing and organizing your portfolio. The only one complaint I have with it, is if you do use a 3rd party wallet, like “MyEtherWallet“, you have to leave the app and manage your funds on a 3rd party site. Overall, all the native apps work beautifully, and they are adding new coins and assets all the time.

 

 

Ledger Nano S vs. Ledger Nano X

 

 

 

I’ll keep this section pretty straight to the point. Other than the price, the primary difference is two-fold. One, on the Ledger Nano S only holds about 3-4 apps (coins) at a time. This is ok if the you only plan to hold 3 or 4 total coins on your hardware wallet and you are ok with only working on a desktop computer to manage your crypto. The primary selling feature of using the Ledger Nano X is the wireless support and smart phone support for managing crypto on the go. The second is the fact that it can hold up to 100 apps simultaneously.

It really just boils down to how many coins you want to store securely offline on the device, and if you need to flexibility to use it when you’re on the go and do not have access to the computer. They both use the same ledger live app (mobile for Nano X and desktop for Nano S), although you can still use a cabled connection with the Nano X if need be. It also has a fairly large battery life.

 

 

 

Ledger Nano X Review Conclusion – Bottom Line

 

Overall, the Ledger Nano X is surely a nice upgrade from the Ledger Nano S that has been a top seller in the hardware wallet space for many years. By listening to it’s customers, it’s crafted a way for people who enjoy the software, coin support, and overall user experience of the first generation product and allow it to wirelessly connect to your smartphone and conduct safe transactions.

If you are someone who wants to use and store your cryptocurrency safely and completely unconnected in a way that is fairly satisfying. Is the user experience perfect? No, but they are continuously working out the bugs and adding consistent fixes to their user flow and adding new coin support and security upgrades on a continual basis. This is still much cheaper than it’s closest competitor (Trezor Model T) and now manages a lot more “Native” apps than it’s counterpart, which honestly is a huge plus. Native app support is a feature that many take for granted, but it significantly improves the user loyalty and experience using the branding and platform of any company or product.

Additionally, it allows for a more “unified” experience that doesn’t require additional 3rd parties to ultimately control the support you need and pay for. It’s inclusive. Personally, this still has an advantage over the Trezor Model T, but if you want another competitor that will surely give this device a run for it’s money that matches all of it’s features and more (although at a higher price), I would check out the Ellipal Titan. If you’re interested in learning about that product’s unique features, you can read the full review I recently wrote HERE.

The Ledger Nano X is a sleek, powerful, and very competent device that includes the wireless functionality that most end users need these days to properly manage and secure their crypto!

 

What do you think? Is this a new contender for mid-level hardware wallets? Let us know what you think down below!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

Ellipal TITAN Review (2020) | Best Air-Gapped Crypto Hardware Wallet?

Is the new Ellipal Titan crypto hardware wallet all hype? Or is it the real deal? How secure is it? Why is it different than the Ledger Nano X or the Trezor Model T? Well, buckle up, because this wallet is far different than anyone I’ve used in a while and in a very good way. In fact, I would go as far as to say that this is probably my favorite hardware wallet of 2019. But why? What makes is so special? I am going to dive into that below in detail and what makes it so securely different than the original and most popular wallets out there today.

Before I jump into the nitty-gritty details of this wallet, I want to point out that in the week or so that I’ve used this wallet, I have actively moved over a handful of my larger holdings from other hardware wallets over to this one. This is for the obvious security advantages and wireless method in which you manage it, which I will explain below. With this cold wallet, you no longer need a computer to manage your offline holdings, and in a predominantly wireless world, this is becoming more and more important. Details will follow below, you will NOT be disappointed.

Let’s get right into the Ellipal Titan Review!

 

 

 

 

ELLIPAL TITAN: WHATS IN THE BOX?

 

 

The Ellipal Titan device comes with the same items in the box as the Ellipal 2.0, with the only difference being that there is a magnetic adapter that connects to the bottom of the device. This adapter includes the charging port and SD card slot port for updating firmware and signing offline transactions. The Ellipal 2.0 device has these on the device itself, whereas the Titan has no ports or openings on it whatsoever, making it stronger and more secure.

 

Box includes:

  • ELLIPAL Titan Cold Wallet
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Charging cable
  • Mnemonics card
  • Warranty card
  • User manual

 

 

 

HOW DO YOU SET UP THIS AIR-GAPPED DEVICE?

 

 

This is very simple. It pairs with a mobile app that is available for iOS and Android. This helps you initialize and setup the device and generate all QR codes needed to transfer your funds from the hot wallet app, onto the cold storage device. This process is identical to the Ellipal 2.0 process, however, you now have access to longer PIN’s and extra security features. Additionally, since the device has a camera, transferring funds off of the device and back onto a mobile wallet is very secure and convenient as well.

The entire process only took me about 7-10 minutes from start to finish, including writing down your mnemonic phrase.

There is a full step-by-step setup guide for both Ellipal devices HERE.

 

 

 

WHAT COINS ARE SUPPORTED?

 

This is always the section I check the most when reviewing hardware wallets, because although functionality and security are important, none of that matters unless it supports the coins you want to store offline. So here is the current list of supported coins and the one that are currently in development listed in the below picture.

 

 

This is the only wallet that supports over 26 different blockchains. With multiple tokens on the EOS, TRX, BNB, and of course ETH blockchain, there is plenty of room for expansion. Some of the unique coins that are supported on this hardware wallet NATIVELY that you won’t find on any other hardware wallet out there include: Cardano (ADA), Decred (DCR), Cyber Miles (CMT), and Smart Cash (SMART).

There are some oldies, but goodies (coins) that are currently in development that technically will work with 3rd party integration with wallets like Ledger and Trezor. I can’t express enough how important (and convenient) having native coin support on a hardware wallet is, especially a wallet as secure as this one. Some of my favorite coins that are coming soon are: Monero (XMR), Tezos (XTZ), SiaCoin (SC), and Nano (NANO). As I mentioned, some of these have 3rd party wallet integration currently elsewhere, but I’m personally waiting for these to be released here to move them over for easier management.

According to their website, they are also adding new coins every month and have consistent firmware upgrades, which is administered from a magnetic puck that is completely disconnected and attaches to the bottom and also has an SD card slot for signing transactions offline. This attachment is also how the device is charged as well. I have used this device for a little over a week now and I have yet to charge it yet.

 

 

 

DECENTRALIZED EXCHANGE + FEATURES

 

 

I will briefly touch on this as it’s definitely worth mentioning. This feature allows you  to not only have direct coin to coin conversion, but it also allows for staking, for instance on the upcoming Tezos support and other POS coins. This is all done in the app and you can swap them offline once you authenticate. Additionally, you can now earn interest on your USDT, for up to 7% annualized when you cold stake it your wallet. You never give up your private keys, so there is no risk. It’s honestly a win-win situation if you have USDT if you have it sitting on your cold wallet.

It connects to Binance DEX, which is a decentralized exchange and looks very promising. Additionally, you will be able to earn interest and manage your staking rewards offline in future firmware upgrades, which is a HUGE selling point for me.

 

 

 

ELLIPAL TITAN – CONCLUSION

 

 

Overall, after using this wallet for only about a week, it’s been my favorite and most secure wallet I’ve used EVER. Now, I still use the KeepKey for trading and offline portfolio management for day to day transactions, and I still love that device (you can read the in-depth review HERE, if you haven’t already). However, I’ve moved a lot of my private keys over to this wallet due to it’s more secure secure nature and bull-proof form factor. The user experience is done exceptionally well, and supports some really unique coins and blockchains that you won’t find anywhere else.

The closest wallet to this in terms of security and form factor is the Cobo Vault, but this is 3X cheaper and holds a lot more coins. The outer shell is IP65 rated and can withstand drops and even getting wet via a splash or even the rain. It’d constructed in a VERY durable way, and feels extremely solid and well built when you hold it in your hand. It’s very satisfying.

Don’t get my wrong, convenience is also important, but Ellipal really brought a unique form of security to the table here by having a very rugged and durable device that has ZERO online connections. You can transfer your crypto funds between its companion hot wallet and vice versa anytime, but the cold wallet never goes online, which is really nice and gives me peace of mind.

For a limited time, you can also get their mnemonic metal recovery seed (a $49 value)  for only $29 when you bundle it with the Ellipal Titan. That means you can secure your crypto and your recovery seed backup for under $200 all in. This is a STEAL, as this is something I practice myself and believe it is absolutely NECESSARY for any person who takes their crypto seriously.

I also wrote a review recently on the Ellipal Mnemonic Metal recovery seed backup device HERE, if you want to educate yourself on why they are so important. I will leave the special referral link below to get this device, and I for one am VERY excited to use it and see how “durable” it really is.

 

 

What do you guys think? Have you ever used a device more secure than this for your crypto? Let me know below!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

SecuX V20 Review (2020) | INSANE! Approach To A Bluetooth Hardware Wallet

In this review, we are going to deep-dive into the new hardware wallet by SecuX! Does the SecuX V20 a better user experience than the Ledger Nano X? Does It work with Bluetooth? How secure is this relatively new wallet? Does it provide a better hardware wallet experience than the main competitors? We are going to answer all of these questions and more in this in-depth review, so stay tuned!

Now, let’s get into the final of 3 reviews of the SecuX hardware wallets. You can find the review of the SecuX W10 device HERE. Starting from this one, (their top-tier device) all the way to their entry-level device the SecuX W10. Let’s get right to it!

 

 

SecuX V20 – First Impression

 

 

After unboxing and looking at the SecuX V20 device, I was pleasantly surprised that the overall quality and screen size was much larger than other mid-tier devices in this price range, such as the Ledger Nano X and the Trezor Model T. Now, those devices are classic and original devices, but they are tiny and made of a somewhat flimsy, plastic form-factor.

This device has a beautiful brushed aluminum reinforced hardware wallet. It has a clean flat display and the back has a durable padding rubber-like backing that is built for abuse and stability. I would have no qualms with dropping this device as it’s built very solidly and feels heavy in your hand, unlike their entry-level devices. The SecuX V20 has only one MicroUSB port and one button for activating the device and for 2FA. 

The SecuX V20 device is the only one with a unique form factor and octagon design that is very sleek and very durable. This device is connected by bluetooth! That means it has wireless support and can be managed with full functionality by the SecuX app for iOS and Android. It also has a USB cable, so it can be managed online with a web wallet as well, hence, why it’s considered a “Cross-Platform” device.

The unique and notable coins that are natively supported on these devices is Groestlcoin (GRS) and Ripple (XRP). Not many hardware wallets support these coins natively, however, almost all hardware wallets support an array of ERC-20 tokens and your main-stream coins, like BTC and ETH.

 

 

Features & Price

 

This device comes in at an entry price of $149 and is a USB connected device that does connect to a web application that allows you to fully manage the device. With a 2.8 inch color touch screen, you can use to manage and authorize transactions.

The picture below showcases the key features of this device, is the “Cross-Platform Support”, which means it can be managed via desktop, laptop, and mobile. Now, as I mentioned this device CAN conduct transactions via the mobile app, but also the Secux W20 can too, as they are bluetooth enabled. 

This truly is one of the first multiple platform devices that you can manage on the big desktop screen, as well as wirelessly on the go. It has a 600mAH battery which can be charged from an empty battery within 30 minutes on the second charge

 

Security

 

 

The SecuX V20  is placed with a CC EAL 5+ Certified Security Element (SE) which always ensures that stored private keys, as well as the device PIN code, are perfectly protected against any form of attack. Other significant security features include:

 

  • Pre-installed tamper-resistant firmware as well as an upgrade system
  • Physical confirmation for every transaction
  • A one-time password or custom PIN code for controlling device access or the wallet apps
  • Anti-tamper packaging
  • Randomized digital keyboard for preventing consequences of keystrokes


Also, the wallet complies with the BIP32, BIP39 and BIP44 standards which allow the user to generate passwords of 12, 18 and 24 words for funds recovery.

 

Coins Supported

 

 

This is usually the most important factor when considering the hardware that you choose. This entry level wallet from SecuX has support for the following coins as of this writing: BTC, ETH, XRP, BCH, GRS and LTC. It also supports all ERC-20 tokens as well.

Luckily, they update the firmware frequently and they plan on adding more coins as well in the near future. If you are new to “HODLing” and you do not need any specific coins outside of these top market cap coins and ERC-20 Ethereum-based tokens to start, then this is a good option.

 

 

Secux V20 – Conclusion

 

Overall, the SecuX V20 is a robust, and very secure wallet. For the price point, features and capabilities, the only thing that is comparable is the Ledger Nano X, which is also a bluetooth and wireless crypto wallet using the same security chip.

With the Ledger Nano X, it comes in a little cheaper at $119, and it also allows you to hold 100 apps (or different cryptocurrencies simultaneously), but it comes in a cheap and somewhat flimsy plastic enclosure that has a very tiny screen. Personally, I prefer a larger display and I’ve used almost all (if not all) hardware wallets out there, and confirming the address you’re sending to is MUCH easier to do on a large, bright, full color display. Additionally, this device has QR code support, which makes it easier when sending funds from a mobile wallet directly to your hardware wallet.

The one thing I did NOT like about the SecuX V20 is the lack of coin support with only 6 coins supported natively, and a handful of more coins to be supported in the future. If you plan on only “HODLing” the top 5 market-cap coins and perhaps a few ERC-20 tokens, I would probably say this is a better option and has a much cleaner and larger display for managing and verifying transactions.

With my discount, (Code: BITCOINLOCKUP), it will take the price to around $134 and free shipping. When compared to other entry level wallets, you can’t beat the sturdiness and large screen (which is more important than you think), when managing your assets offline.

 

 

What do you think? Is this a new contender for top-tier level hardware wallets? Let us know what you think down below!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

SecuX W20 Review (2020) | Cross-Platform Hardware Wallet

In this review, we are going to deep-dive into the new hardware wallet by SecuX! Does the SecuX W20 a better user experience than the Ledger Nano X? Does It work with Bluetooth? How secure is this relatively new wallet? Does it provide a better hardware wallet experience than the main competitors? We are going to answer all of these questions and more in this in-depth review, so stay tuned!

Now, let’s get into the second of 3 reviews of the SecuX hardware wallets. You can find the review of the SecuX W10 device HERE. Starting from this one, (their mid-level device) all the way to their flagship device the SecuX V20. Let’s get right to it!

 

 

SecuX W20 – First Impression

 

 

After unboxing and looking at the SecuX W20 device, I was pleasantly surprised that the overall quality and screen size was much larger than other mid-tier devices in this price range, such as the Ledger Nano X and the Trezor Model T. Now, those devices are classic and original devices, but they are tiny and made of a somewhat flimsy, plastic form-factor.

This device is also plastic, but it feels different. Kind of like a sturdier or more robust quality of more dense plastic that feels solid, yet lightweight when you hold it. The device has only one MicroUSB port and one button for activating the device and for 2FA. 

The device has the same form factor as the SecuX W10, but with one key difference. This device can connected by bluetooth! That means it has wireless support and can be managed with full functionality by the SecuX app for iOS and Android. It also has a USB cable, so it can be managed online with a web wallet as well, hence, why it’s considered a “Cross-Platform” device.

The unique and notable coins that are natively supported on these devices is Groestlcoin (GRS) and Ripple (XRP). Not many hardware wallets support these coins natively, however, almost all hardware wallets support an array of ERC-20 tokens and your main-stream coins, like BTC and ETH.

 

 

Features & Price

 

 

This device comes in at an entry price of $129 and is a USB connected device that does connect to a web application that allows you to fully manage the device. With a 2.8 inch color touch screen, you can use to manage and authorize transactions.

The picture below showcases the key features of this device, is the “Cross-Platform Support”, which means it can be managed via desktop, laptop, and mobile. Now, as I mentioned this device CAN conduct transactions via the mobile app, but also the Secux V20 can too, as they are both bluetooth enabled. 

This truly is one of the first multiple platform devices that you can manage on the big desktop screen, as well as wirelessly on the go. It has a 600mAH battery which can be charged from an empty battery within 30 minutes on a single charge. The device usually lasts all-day on a full charge so you can easily take it on the go and never have to worry about running out of battery when you need it most.

 

 

 

 

Security

 

 

The SecuX W20 is placed with a CC EAL 5+ (Same As Ledger Nano X) Certified Security Element (SE) which always ensures that stored private keys, as well as the device PIN code, are perfectly protected against any form of attack. Other significant security features include:

 

  • Pre-installed tamper-resistant firmware as well as an upgrade system
  • Physical confirmation for every transaction
  • A one-time password or custom PIN code for controlling device access or the wallet apps
  • Anti-tamper packaging
  • Randomized digital keyboard for preventing consequences of keystrokes


Also, the wallet complies with the BIP32, BIP39 and BIP44 standards which allow the user to generate passwords of 12, 18 and 24 words for funds recovery.

 

 

Coins Supported

 

 

This is usually the most important factor when considering the hardware that you choose. This entry level wallet from SecuX has support for the following coins as of this writing: BTC, ETH, XRP, BCH, GRS and LTC. It also supports all ERC-20 tokens as well.

Luckily, they update the firmware frequently and they plan on adding more coins as well in the near future. If you are new to “HODLing” and you do not need any specific coins outside of these top market cap coins and ERC-20 Ethereum-based tokens to start, then this is a good option.

 

 

 

Secux W20 – Conclusion

 

Overall, this is a robust, and very secure wallet. For the price point, features and capabilities, the only thing that is comparable is the Ledger Nano X, which is also a bluetooth and wireless crypto wallet using the same security chip.

With the Ledger Nano X, it comes in a little more expensive at $119, and it also allows you to hold 100 apps (or different cryptocurrencies simultaneously), but it comes in a cheap and somewhat flimsy plastic enclosure that has a very tiny screen. Personally, I prefer a larger display and I’ve used almost all (if not all) hardware wallets out there, and confirming the address you’re sending to is MUCH easier to do on a large, bright, full color display. Additionally, they have QR code support, which makes it easier when sending funds from a mobile wallet directly to your hardware wallet.

The one thing I did NOT like about the SecuX W20 is the lack of coin support with only 6 coins supported natively, and a handful of more coins to be supported in the future. If you plan on only “HODLing” the top 5 market-cap coins and perhaps a few ERC-20 tokens, I would probably say this is a better option and has a much cleaner and larger display for managing and verifying transactions.

With my discount, (Code: BITCOINLOCKUP), it will take the price to around $116 and free shipping. When compared to other entry level wallets, you can’t beat the sturdiness and large screen (which is more important than you think), when managing your assets offline.

 

 

What do you think? Is this a new contender for entry level hardware wallets? Let us know what you think down below!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

SecuX W10 Review (2020) | Best (XRP) Ripple Hardware Wallet?

In this review, we are going to deep-dive into the new hardware wallet by SecuX! Does the SecuX W10 a better user experience than the Ledger Nano X? Does It work with Bluetooth? How secure is this relatively new wallet? Does it provide a better Ripple (XRP) hardware wallet experience? We are going to answer all of these questions and more in this in-depth review, so stay tuned!

If you are also looking for ways to obtain free bitcoin while shopping online, be sure to check out my recent review of Lolli!

Now, let’s get into the first of 3 reviews of the SecuX hardware wallets starting from this one (their entry-level device) all the way to their flagship device the SecuX V20. Let’s get right to it!

 

SecuX W10 – First Impression

 

 

 After unboxing and looking at this entry-level device, I was pleasantly surprised that the overall quality and screen size was much larger than other entry level devices in this price range, such as the Ledger Nano S and the Trezor One. Now, those devices are classic and original devices, but they are tiny and made of somewhat flimsy, plastic form-factor.

This device is also plastic, but it feels different. Kind of like a sturdier or more robust quality of more dense plastic that feels solid, yet lightweight when you hold it. The device has only one MicroUSB port and one button for activating the device and for 2FA.

The unique and notable coins that are natively supported on these devices is Groestlcoin (GRS) and Ripple (XRP). Not many hardware wallets support these coins natively, however, almost all hardware wallets support an array of ERC-20 tokens and your main-stream coins, like BTC and ETH.

 

 

 

Features & Price

 

 

 

This device comes in at an entry price of $99 and is a USB connected device that does connect to a web application that allows you to fully manage the device. With a 2.8 inch color touch screen, you can use to manage and authorize transactions.

The picture below showcases the key features of this device, is the “Cross-Platform Support”, which means it can be managed via desktop, laptop, and mobile. Now, as I mentioned this device cannot conduct transactions via the mobile app, but the SecuX W20 and Secux V20 can, as they are bluetooth enabled. 

However, you can still view your assets with this device in a view only state if you need to check your portfolio on the go.

 

 

Security

 

 

The SecuX W10  is placed with a CC EAL 5+ Certified Security Element (SE) which always ensures that stored private keys, as well as the device PIN code, are perfectly protected against any form of attack. Other significant security features include:

 

  • Pre-installed tamper-resistant firmware as well as an upgrade system
  • Physical confirmation for every transaction
  • A one-time password or custom PIN code for controlling device access or the wallet apps
  • Anti-tamper packaging
  • Randomized digital keyboard for preventing consequences of keystrokes

 

Also, the wallet complies with the BIP32, BIP39 and BIP44 standards which allow the user to generate passwords of 12, 18 and 24 words for funds recovery.

 

Coins Supported

 

 

This is usually the most important factor when considering the hardware that you choose. This entry level wallet from SecuX has support for the following coins as of this writing: BTC, ETH, XRP, BCH, BNB, GRS and LTC. It also supports all ERC-20 tokens as well.

Luckily, they update the firmware frequently and they plan on adding more coins as well in the near future. If you are new to “HODLing” and you do not need any specific coins outside of these top market cap coins and ERC-20 Ethereum-based tokens to start, then this is a good option.

 

 

 

Secux W10 – Conclusion

 

Overall, this is a robust, and very secure wallet. For the price point, features and capabilities, the only thing that is comparable is the Ledger Nano X, which is also a bluetooth and wireless crypto wallet using the same security chip.

With the Ledger Nano X, it comes in a little more expensive at $119, and it also allows you to hold 110 apps (or different cryptocurrencies simultaneously), but it comes in a cheap and somewhat flimsy plastic enclosure that has a very tiny screen.

The one thing I did NOT like about the SecuX W10 is the lack of coin support with only 6 coins supported natively, and a handful of more coins to be supported in the future. If you plan on only “HODLing” the top 5 market-cap coins and perhaps a few ERC-20 tokens, I would probably say this is a better option and has a much cleaner and larger display for managing and verifying transactions.

With my discount, (Code: BITCOINLOCKUP), it will take the price to around $89 and free shipping. When compared to other entry level wallets, you can’t beat the sturdiness and large screen (which is more important than you think), when managing your assets offline.

 

 

What do you think? Is this a new contender for entry level hardware wallets? Let us know what you think down below!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

D’CENT Wallet Review (2020) | The ONLY Biometric Crypto Hardware Wallet

In this review, we are going to deep-dive into the new hardware wallet by D’CENT! Does the D’CENT Wallet have a better user experience than the Ledger Nano X? Does It work with Bluetooth? How secure is this relatively new wallet? Does it provide a better hardware wallet experience than the main competitors? We are going to answer all of these questions and more in this in-depth review, so stay tuned!

If you are new to cryptocurrency hardware wallets and you want to compare which wallet is going to be best for you, you may want to check out the “Product Reviews” tab HERE.

But, since you are here for the D’CENT wallet review, let’s take a look at these details on the first biometric hardware wallet on the market. Let’s go!

 

D’CENT Wallet – Overview

 

 

 

The D’CENT is a mobile and bluetooth connected wireless hardware wallet device. With additional biometric security and the ease of use, this is a contender for the easiest to use mobile and wireless wallet. So how is it different than Ledger Nano X or other bluetooth devices? The Biometric security is a large differentiator here. It’s super convenient and makes it easy to sign and authenticate transactions on the go.

This means if you want to move your crypto from cold storage to a hot wallet, it can be done quickly and easily. A common scenario here would be if you are trying to pay a friend or you’re shopping and want to pay for a product in store very seamlessly. Let’s take a look at the security, features, and price below to go into a little more detail.

 

 

Features & Price

 

 

One of the main features I like here is the option to generate a valid QR code on the large OLED screen of this device as a way to send funds directly from your smartphone to your D’CENT wallet. This is super convenient and truly makes this a wireless and independent device that can be used on the go via the D’CENT app, which also includes a market price section and of course all of your wallets and current fiat amount stored within each one.

The PRICE is the nice part. Normally, this device is $159 USD, but for my readers, I am able to offer a special discount down to $140 (UPDATE: Until 11/28/19, You can get this device for only $106), when using code “bitcoinlockup” at checkout. This will ensure you will save some money in the process and will be more in line with the prices of other top-tier bluetooth hardware wallets.

What’s also nice, is you no longer need to backup and restore this device for firmware upgrades like you do with other devices (although you can, since this device can also support bluetooth and USB connectivity if you choose). This makes this a very convenient choice when considering the ease of use and security when choosing how to secure your private keys.

 

 

Security

 

 

The flagship feature of D’CENT is hands down the biometric security feature of the fingerprint sensor. There are some other hardware wallets that communicate with mobile, and can utilize Face ID or Touch ID for extra authentication with their mobile app, but this gives your authentication on the physical device as well. This is a unique and very secure feature that is not used by any other hardware wallet currently on the market.

The hardware wallet features a built-in fingerprint scanner that manages access to the hardware wallet. This security process improves the convenience for the users and enhances the security during access control. It also provides the wallet with fast transaction signing.

 

  • Multi-IC architecture design
  • Bank grade EAL 5+ Secure Element (This is the same security chip used in the Ledger Nano X)
  • Secure OS embedded on microprocessor

 

 

Additionally, you have multiple authentication methods, with the option to have a PIN and/or fingerprint sensor to authorize changes and sign transaction, so you will 2-step authentication built in.

 

 

Coins Supported

 

The coin support is varied. The D’CENT can store and support Bitcoin, Ethereum, ERC20 tokens, RSK, RRC20 (RSK tokens), Ripple (XRP), and MONACOIN. To many, this may not seem like it is very much, however, a majority of the major tokens are ERC-20 tokens and all can be supported natively on this device, which is good. I have not come across a hardware wallet yet that supports RSK and RRC20 tokens yet natively, so that definitely makes this an exclusive hardware wallet first for the D’CENT wallet!

 

 

D’CENT Wallet – Conclusion

 

Overall, the D’CENT has some unique coin support choices, has a quality look and feel in your hands (even though it’s made of plastic), and kind of resembles a key fob for a very high end car. It feels very nice in the hand. As mentioned above, this is the first biometric hardware wallet with a fingerprint sensor built in to the device. It supports enough coins for the average user and it always plans to add more.

This device really feels like the first flexible wireless hardware wallet that is easy to use in a quick scenario on the go and doesn’t require additional steps to update the device and access all of its features. If you are looking for something that feels good in your hand, is super secure, and is easy to use, then this might be your best option for a premium hardware wallet.

 

 

What do you think? Would you rather have use the Ledger Nano X or try this new contender for wireless security? Let us know in the comments below!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

SafePal S1 Review (2020) | Binance’s “Unique” Entry Level Hardware Wallet

In this review, we are going to deep dive into what makes the Safepal S1 hardware wallet unique. Why is it any better than Trezor or Ledger? Why is the price so much lower? How secure is this new and fairly unknown hardware wallet maker? Is it backed by Binance? Stay tuned for this article to get all of these questions answered and more!

This device was originally created by Binance Labs division and wanted to have a unique approach to a hardware wallet that was cheap enough for the average user, but also supported the Binance chain and added support for their internal projects. This really is a unique entry level hardware wallet, that greatly differs in terms of design, functionality, and overall user experience.

I will also link to the full reviews for the Trezor One hardware wallet, and the Ledger Nano S hardware wallet, HERE and HERE, respectively for comparison. Also, if you have any questions that were not answered here, leave a comment down below and I will personally answer them for you.

Now, onto the Safepal S1 hardware wallet. Let’s go!

 

,

SafePal S1 – What Makes It Unique?

 

 

The Safepal hardware wallet is first and foremost an entry level hardware wallet competing directly with Trezor One and Ledger Nano S, in terms of pricing and functionality. However, although this wallet does not support anywhere near as many coins as the Trezor and Ledger (more on that bellow), but it’s truly a wireless, disconnected and unencumbered security device.

This device is 100% completely offline. This is not true of the two other wallets mentioned here. So how does this device work, then? Two words for you: QR Codes. The device has a camera installed on the back and has a 1.3 color LCD screen to verify transactions, which has the ability to display a QR code for you to make transactions directly from your smartphones mobile wallet, directly to the Safepal.

The Safepal S1 hardware wallet is built with dual chip architect. Embedded with financial grade EAL5+ crypto chip, S1 keeps your private key in top security. It has multiple layers of sensor detects any possible software or hardware attacks, and once a malicious attack is detected, the device will activate self-destroy and key-erasing mechanism, preventing anyone from stealing your money.

This is most likely why thy don’t ship the box with any anti-tampering mechanisms, much like Ledger.

 

 

What’s In The Box?

 

 

This device has everything you need to get setup right out of the box (minus the Safepal App for your smartphone). Recovery seed cards, user manual, stickers, and more.

• SafePal S1
• User Manual
• USB Cable (Charging Only)
• Mnemonic Recovery Card (x3)
• SafePal Stickers (x2)
• Cleaning Cloth

There isn’t anything else you need, except either a charging adapter, or your computer to power up your device on the only button on the side of the device. However, my device came with a little juice already on it when I pulled it out of the box.

 

Features & Price

 

 

This can be considered one of the most attractive features of the device as it’s only $39.99 for this hardware wallet. Yes, you read that right. But why is it so cheap? Well, even though it looks like a very sleek and expensive device, its is made of plastic coating and a very small camera module that is used to transact at a very low resolution.l It’s obvious that they built this as cheaply as they could, while still remaining secure.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but you also get what you pay for. One of the key features that sets this device apart from most other competing hardware wallets is the fact that there is NO:

  • NFC
  • BLUETOOTH
  • USB
  • CELLULAR
  • EXTERNAL DEVICE CONNECTIONS

This gives it extra security, but it also makes it easier to use, as there are no extra devices necessary for this to operate, other than your smartphone. All you need right out of the box is a charger that supports USB-A to charge the device and a smartphone to download the Safepal App to setup and initialize the device.

Additionally, this is the first and only device to support the Binance DEX (decentralized exchange) for ERC-20 and BNB tokens for trading offline. Pretty sweet.

 

 

Coins Supported

 

This is the one weal point of this product is the lack of coin support, as it only supports: Bitcoin, Ether (and ERC-20 Tokens), BNB, Litecoin, Dash, and Bitcoin Cash. However, they have mentioned that there is Ripple (XRP) and Tron (TRX) coming very shortly. They truly are attempting to add more coins, and over time, if they don’t raise their price, this option will be a slam dunk for most users.

Additionally, I will add that the Binance Chain Coins (BEP2) tokens are also supported as this is a Binance hardware wallet after all. Below Is a full list of coins currently supported.

 

 

 

Safepal – Conclusion

 

 

Overall, this is a pretty solid introductory hardware wallet. It’s unique from it’s direct competitors and its simple and easy to use. As mentioned above, it has no connection weaknesses and cannot be hacked by any radio frequency or directly connected internet device. It’s truly a unique wireless hardware wallet that can be used on the go and is one of only a few hardware wallets that are “truly wireless” with no dependence on other devices. Oh, and did I mentioned it’s under $50?

There are higher quality and more durable devices that use a similar method of communication, such as the Cobo Vault and The Ellipal 2.0 (and upcoming Ellipal Titan), however those devices are much more expensive. Personally, If I mainly only wanted to secure Bitcoin, Ethereum, and only a handful of ERC-20 tokens, then I would definitely go with this device over the Ledger Nano S, or even the Trezor.

Not because the above are bad in any way (because they are not), but because for the price and no dependence on other devices, this is truly a contender for the best “entry-level” hardware wallet.

 

 

What do you think? Is there a better deal for an entry level hardware wallet? Sound off below!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

Ellipal Titan Pre-Order Extends To 9/15! [SPECIAL OFFER BELOW]

The Ellipal Titan Pre-Order has been officially extended until September 15th, 2019! This can be considered bad news by some, but for people that are still wanting to get a great deal on the wallet, it’s a fantastic opportunity. This device has a lot of upgraded features from the previous generation wallet (Elllipal 2.0) and has been built like a tank. This completely air-gapped crypto hardware wallet is very exciting and I look forward to having a detailed review on it as soon as I receive one.

I received a notification that my pre-order which was originally scheduled to be sent out by August 15th, has had a small delay, so I thought this would be a good opportunity for people to get a great deal on this device as the demand is heating up. And if you don’t pick one up until after the September launch date, you may be waiting a long while as there appears to be some significant demand, and therefore, some extra delays.

I recently wrote an in-depth first look of this device and you can find it HERE. As you can see in the image below, you can now get the Ellipal Titan Pre-Order for only $149 ($20 off) AND you’ll get a FREE metal mnemonics plate for an indestructible recovery seed solution. This device is very similar to that of CryptoSteel and CryptoTag, which can cost anywhere from $89-$215 just for the metal recovery seed device, let alone the hardware wallet itself, so it really is an AMAZING value.

 

Ellipal Titan Pre-Order

 

 

Ellipal Titan Pre-Order – Overview

 

 

I go into detail with this device over on this article, but I wanted to go over the primary benefits to this upcoming device that you will be hard-pressed to find with any other crypto hardware wallet currently available.

  1. This device has ZERO connections to the internet. This means no, WIFI, BLUETOOTH, CELLULAR, NFC or USB. This means that itis not subject to any network or remote attacks or any kind.
  2. This device is built like a tank. Seriously, this is the world’s first metal, fully sealed (ZERO PORTS) air-gapped security device. Most devices have at least a port for USB for charging, but this device cleverly uses a connector for charging the device that is magnetic, so it is literally air tight.
  3. The device is set to self destruct if it attempts to be tampered with. What does that mean? The device internals will self-destruct if you attempt to open it to extract any private keys or any other sensitive data.
  4. The Ellipal Titan is specifically designed to prevent evil maid attacks and supply chain attacks, which have been prevalent in other types of wallets.

Additionally, this device has received an upgraded user experience from the previous generation Ellipal 2.0 cold wallet. Some new features include: New dark mode, finance function and exchanges have been updated and is now connected to the Binance DEX (Decentralized Exchange), and easier backup and recovery.

 

 

Existing Users get 50% Off – See Below

 

During this pre-order period up to September 15th, 2019, you can purchase the Ellipal Titan Pre-Order for 50% off  if you currently have a the Ellipal 2.0 device. This is a special incentive for people that have already purchased the original Ellipal 2.0 device at any period of time. This is an excellent deal if you’re looking for a massive upgrade or if you just want to add a secondary wallet to your arsenal.

 

Conclusion

 

All in all, this is one of the hardware wallets I’m very excited for in 2019. This is very similar to the Cobo Vault wallet, (which I will leave a review for HERE), but this is a much cheaper option for a lot of the same functionality, security, and durability. I would say this is the closest device to that one in terms of comparison. These are very robust devices and are built for the above average crypto user. This is also for someone that takes their security VERY seriously and wants to “HODL” long term in the safest way possible.

I will say, that if you plan on using these devices on a regular basis (i.e. trading, daily transactions, etc…), this probably isn’t the best wallet for you. Why? This has many steps to authorize and sign transactions, which is great from a security standpoint, but is really not ideal for the heavy daily user. For me? I use the KeepKey device as my daily user wallet, as they just launched a very user friendly new platform that makes it super easy to trade and manage your portfolio.

With KeepKey, you don’t even have to KYC in order to use the hardware wallet and make transactions, but if you want to trade and still keep your private keys in your possession, I would highly recommend it as your “daily use” crypto hardware wallet, as that’s what I currently use on a day-to-day basis.

 

 

What do you think? Are you excited for the Ellipal Titan cryptocurrency hardware wallet? Let us know down below in the comments!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

ELLIPAL 2.0 Cold Wallet Review (2020) – Most Secure Bitcoin Wallet?

In this review, we are going to dive deep into the Ellipal 2.0 crypto hardware wallet. Is it really as secure as they claim? Is it better than Ledger or any other mainstream competitors? Stay tuned for the whole article to find out!

This device is very unique to say the least! Until recently, this was the first 100% air-gapped device of it’s kind, which is super compelling for security enthusiasts. We all have heard of the numerous exchange hacks over the years and it’s becoming more and more apparent that you need to keep your private keys offline, and on a hardware wallet. So, is this the right one for you? Let’s take a look down below.

One thing I will say before we dive in to the details is, in regards to the the major providers in this space, the one thing that I don’t like about Ellipal is that their device isn’t open source. In my opinion that is a crucial function. Not only for transparency, but also for security. When holding a large amount of funds on the device, it is good to know that an active community is reviewing the code on a continual basis. That is really my only “gripe” with this wallet.

Having said that, it’s very impressive, and my experience with it was very good and the steps involved made me feel very secure about my choice as the security of this device is top notch! Let’s take a look below.

 

What’s In The Box?

 

To preface this device, It has zero: Wifi Connections, Bluetooth Connections, 4G connections, or any wired connections to any other device!

This device comes with everything you need to get started with using, minus the iOS and Android app, which you will need to download to begin using. All hardware and components are listed below.

-Ellipal Hardware Wallet

-Charging Cable

-User Manual

-Mnemonics Recovery Seed Card

-Warranty Card

 

 

How To Setup The Device

 

So this is where this device separates itself from the likes of KeepKey, Ledger, or Trezor. The three mainstream heavy hitters in terms of the hardware wallet market. How does a device that claims to have no internet access whatsoever work? The short answer, QR codes. This hardware wallet interfaces with the Ellipal mobile app and allows you to have both a mobile (hot) wallet and a wallet that displays on the hardware device as well.

The Ellipal has a camera on the air-gapped device so that between you smart phone and the hardware wallet, you can scan QR codes to transfer funds and still be kept completely offline. This creates an extra step for management, but for the most paranoid among us, this is actually a comforting process.

It essentially is a 3-step verification process for managing your funds and requires an SD card for managing firmware upgrades. This is a pretty arduous process, even for those that are pretty tech savvy. Again, this could be interpreted as more secure, but also makes managing funds and your device to be a bit cumbersome for the average user.

 

What Coins Are Supported?

 

Instead of manually writing this out, I will include a chart with all existing coins that are supported. They are additionally developing apps on certain coins that I will list in writing here:

BCN, NANO, XEM, XTZ, ZEC, LSK, QTUM, ONT, BTS, STEEM, WAVES, XAVES, XVG, SC, NEO, IOTA, ELA. The current coins supported are listed below.

 

 

Ellipal 2.0 Vs. Ellipal Titan Vs. Ledger

 

Ellipal Titan has a self destruct mechanism in place, so that if the screen is tampered with or crushed or broken in an attempt to gain access to it’s internals, it will break a special circuit board that holds all your private keys. This is powerful. Additionally, it’s very sturdy, so not only is it IP65 rated for dust and water resistance, but its made out of a very strong single piece of metal that houses and encompasses the entire device.

The Ellipal Titan is specifically designed against evil maid of supply chain attacks so nothing can be imported or inserted as there are no open access ports on the device.

The Ellipal 2.0 is still a very strong and secure device, but it doesn’t have a durable exterior that is built for abuse, and it also has an SD card slot for updating it’s firmware on the device and also has a charging cable port, so there are 2 entry points. Again, still very secure, but the Ellipal Titan is really a massive upgrade.

In terms of other mainstream competitors, like Ledger, it’s like comparing apples and oranges. This device is much more expensive at $149 and is completely air-gapped. This means there is no USB connection to any online interface and does not have access to any where near as many apps or coins that are supported on Ledger.

The Ellipal is more for the paranoid users that do NOT want to risk having anything interface with online devices. The user experience is much more complicated and not as easy to use as the Ledger, not to mention Ledger is only $59, and is currently the cheapest “mainstream” hardware wallet, but can only support 3-4 coins at once.

 

https://youtu.be/3NYIiPdFg2w

Ellipal – Conclusion

 

This is a really unique and secure hardware wallet. The only other wallet that is remotely close to this one that is currently available at the time of this writing is the Cobo Vault wallet. You can read an in-depth review of that device HERE. That wallet is very durable and is more in line with the upcoming successor to this wallet, the Ellipal Titan, in terms of durability, however that device has less than 10 coins currently supported and has a much heftier price tag at $479. It’s more of a niche device in my opinion.

Having said that, if you are on the fence with this device, the upcoming Ellipal Titan is currently available of pre-order at the same price of $149, and is slated to start shipping around August 15th, 2019. I my personal opinion, I would go with that, as it’s a massive upgrade from this device. However, if you choose this device, you still can’t go wrong. Both devices will have the same coin support and will continue to expand in terms of functionality and coin support, as the firmware is going to be compatible.

If you want to purchase this device, it will be supported for years to come. Click the button below to jump to their site and make the jump to a unique form of crypto security!

 

 

What do you think? Is there a more secure hardware wallet for a comparable price you would choose over this? Let us know in the comments below!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

 

Cool Wallet S REVIEW [2020] – Wireless Hardware/Software Wallet In One!

In this review, I am going to dive deep into the Cool Wallet S, which is a credit-card shaped cryptocurrency hardware wallet. Is it secure? How does it work? How many coins are supported? Stay tuned because we are going to address all of these questions and more!

When I first picked up my Cool Wallet S, it was a very professional package and one of the only bluetooth hardware wallets on the market. Until recently, there haven’t been any other wireless hardware wallets that are on the market (Now, there is the Ledger Nano X). I was enthralled because I always wanted a secure way to use a hardware wallet with my mobile device that didn’t require me to be tethered to my laptop or other USB device in order to sign transactions.

This wallet takes all the ease of use of a software wallet on your phone and merges it directly with the security of a hardware cold storage wallet, hence the name “Cool Wallet” (Hot Wallet + Cold Wallet = Cool Wallet). When I first opened it up, it was pretty straight forward, and actually resembles a basic plastic credit card, except the texture is a bit different and has an e-ink screen to verify transactions. I will go into detail below for the user experience and design of the product and what my thoughts were when comparing it to other hardware wallets I’ve reviewed.

 

What’s In The Box?

 

-Cool Wallet S Device

-Recovery Seed Card

-Cool Wallet Sticker

-Charging Pad With USB Cable

 

The above are the contents of the sleek, black, minimalist box, however this is only half of the equation. The device itself interfaces with the CoolBitX app which you can get from the iOS app store or Google Play store to setup the device. The app is where you will go through setup, initialization, and ultimately processing transactions, with the hardware wallet by it’s side.

 

Design And Setup

 

When you pull the device out of the box, it will have at least a partial charge so you can set it up right away. Powering up the device is easy and straight forward, so all you will need to do is make sure you’ve downloaded the app and activate it before you can walk through the setup process. First, after the app is setup and you allow notifications and such, it will ask you to securely pair your device to the bluetooth connection to your phone and will ask you to allow the connection.

Secondly, once the app confirms the device is connected, it will ask you if you want to recover a wallet or create a new one. You will most likely create a new one if this is your first experience with the device.

Thirdly, it will prompt you to set your recovery seed length in either 12, 18, or 24 seed words, and once you select, it will show up on the screen with the words in the correct order. It will ask you to write these words down on your recovery seed card sheet (recommended) or get a metal recovery seed backup, like CryptoTag or Bill Fodl.

NOTE: The app will ask you if you want to save your recovery seed phrase as an image file. DO NOT DO THIS. My one issue with the process is asking if you want to save your recovery seed card as an image, which defeats the entire process. I strongly recommend writing it down on paper, or better yet, use one links above to get a metal recovery seed backup. I will leave a link to a review HERE if you’re unsure why it’s important.

That’s it! Once you do this process and verify the recovery words (it will ask you to verify them, so make sure they are at least temporarily written down) and will allow you to create your wallet. You are now able to begin using the wallet and send and receive crypto!

 

 

How To Send/Receive

 

This is a fairly simple and straightforward interface for sending your crypto of choice. There is a tab at the top that allows you to “Send” or “Changelly” (More on this later, it allows you to swap different coins within the app). For example, if you want to start receiving bitcoin on your phone from a friends mobile wallet, you can click on the icon for the QR code for them to scan (recommended) or they can copy/paste the address and you can manually input it in the address field.

This is the first step of using the mobile app wallet interface to begin receiving your bitcoins, but the next part (which we will cover in the section below) will address the multi-factor authentication step for you to securely add your new loot onto the hardware wallet (wirelessly) from the app on your phone, so your private keys remain offline, where they belong.

 

Security

Image result for CoolWallet S security

Of course, Security, the most important factor when choosing a hardware wallet. You are after all, investing in a secure device that is not only easy to use, but securely keep your private keys offline and in your possession at all times. This device finds a nice, happy medium of convenience and security when using the device. I know, I know, you are probably wondering “How secure is this thing if you are connecting via bluetooth? I’ve heard this is not a secure method of transmission.”

From my personal experience, it’s rock solid. There is a 3-step authentication process for each transaction you process, including biometric authentication, ala Face ID or Touch ID to confirm transactions on top of the other 2 authentication steps. I will list below an outline from their website that outlines their security details in a much clearer way than I could. After what I read below, I am convinced. This device is VERY secure.

 

“Secure Element

Your private key is stored safely in a CC EAL5+ certified S.E. Chipset which is equivalent to FIPS complied security level,  similar to the US military’s requirements, and the private key never leaves the CoolWallet S.  This chip calculates all the necessary algorithms and transmits only the calculated results (non-sensitive data) out to the phone via Bluetooth.

Encrypted Bluetooth

The Bluetooth connection can only be initialized when the wallet is turned on within a proximity of 10 meters. The design of our product uses an AES256 Encryption to communicate between a CoolWallet S and your phone along with a dedicated pairing passcode. Thus, any unauthorized devices are prohibited to communicate with the card for data retrieval.

2+1 Factor Authentication

The CoolWallet S and our app uses a sequence of biometric verification steps as well as a visual check and a physical confirmation button push on the device itself to ensure that you are in control of your CoolWallet S and that the transaction is indeed correct and valid.

Tamper-proof Technology

Cool Wallet S uses a patented “Cold Compression” process which makes it impossible for hackers to install intercepting devices that can alter the transaction details. The Cool Wallet S is wafer-thin and there is not extra space on its circuit board. With an adhesive layer that cannot be removed (even with a heat gun- the Wallet.Fail team tried) without visual damage, any alteration or tampering will be immediately visible on the CoolWallet. In any case, the Secure Element will still protect your private keys.”

 

Advantages/Disadvantages

 

Advantages:

 

  1. Very unique design. You won’t find ANY form factor or design of a hardware wallet like this one. It’s simplicity and security in the design, makes this device a no brainer for the every day crypto spender.
  2. Ease of use. This device only took a handful of minutes to setup and start using. Between activating the app, pairing the device, and recovery seed words, I was already making secure trandsactions in less than 10 minutes.
  3. The device is always “Cold”. This means that even though it interfaces with a “Hot Wallet”, the card is completely separate and your private keys never leave the secure element unless physically authorized by you after secure authentication.
  4. Easy to Read. The E-ink display was a good choice for not only being durable and long lasting, but allows you to confirm the send/receive address on the app AND the E-ink display for extra security when performing and authorizing transactions.

 

Disadvantages:

 

  1. Not open-source. This is kind of a big one, as having a community reviewing the security, reporting bugs, and overall being “transparent” with everything going on in the firmware and security features is a powerful tool. Not only does it provide transparency, but it brings the community together, which helps with user-engagement.
  2. Coins Supported. Now, I am going to go easy on this one, because this is the most portable hardware wallet I’ve ever used, so it stands to reason it can’t hold as many coins as a wallet like Ledger or Trezor. However, this appears to be a topic CoolBitX is working on expanding, so there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Here is a list of the current coins supported, which is still fairly solid, but if you use lots of different coins and plan on HODL’ing them for a while, this might not be the best wallet for you.

Image result for Coins/Tokens Supported By CoolWallet S

 

https://youtu.be/WRnzFXuhQ3A

Cool Wallet S – Conclusion

 

Overall, this is one of the easiest and most convenient hardware wallet solutions. It can literally fit right in with your other cards in your fiat wallet (which is still relevant, for now) and is very easy to use and only needs a charge about once a month as BLE is very low energy and efficient.

Having a wireless, secure hardware wallet is VERY nice to have, especially when you’re on the go and you want to make sure your assets are securely offline. Having said that, there is only one other option you can choose that is even remotely close to this one and that is the Ledger Nano X. The Cool Wallet S is cheaper (and sleeker) for only $99, and the Ledger Nano X is a larger and bulkier device and starts at about $120.

Which one should I choose? Well, that depends on your use case. If you want something you can fit in your wallet and you don’t need to carry in your pocket at all times, I would recommend the Cool Wallet S, to be honest. The overall user experience was cleaner and easier than the Ledger Nano X. I would only recommend the Ledger Nano X, in the event you need more coins accessible on the go, which is typically not needed as much for spending and such, plus it’s going to cost more.

Bottomline: If you want a unique, sleek, and easy to use wireless hardware wallet that is under $100 you can use on the go with you in an every day situation? Get the CoolWallet S.

 

 

What do you think? Is there a better wireless hardware wallet that you’ve used for a better price? Let us know in the comments below!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

Cobo VAULT Review | The “Self-Destructing” Crypto Hardware Wallet? (2020)

Is the Cobo Vault the best unbreakable crypto hardware wallet of 2019? Is it as tough and inpenetrable as they claim? Stay tuned for the whole Cobo Vault Review to find out! I recently wrote an article on an upcoming device that appears to be directly competing with this product called the Ellipal Titan. If you want to read that review after this one to get kind of a side-by-side comparison, you can check out the in-depth first look of that device HERE.

Overall, my first impression of this device was very good. It appears to be targeting an entirely different segment of the cold storage crypto wallet market, which is something I obviously follow quite closely. They are marketing this as a “Military Grade Durability and Security” device, which is definitely the case as it has all the proper ratings a certifications to protect against impact, water resistance, and shock resistance to ensure it is as rugged as humanly possible.

If you are new to cryptocurrency security in general, please check out my free e-book HERE. This dives in deep on the basic (and some advanced) security tips on how to best manage your cryptocurrency by learning from my mistakes. I guarantee you will learn something new and it will help you on your crypto journey! So, let’s get to why you are here and jump right into the Cobo Vault Review. Let’s do this!

What’s In The Box?

 

There’s a lot of bang for your buck here and certainly attempts to justify it’s current price tag of $479. This is no ordinary crypto hardware wallet, this thing is very different than Ledger, Trezor, and KeepKey as there are no active ports or USB connectors to allow you to interface with this product. I will get more into this in the next section, but needless to say this is a unique device!

 

Here’s what comes in the box:

 

-Cobo Vault Hardware Wallet (4 inch touchscreen)

-The Cobo “Vault” (Houses The Device)

-A Removable 1540 mAH Battery

-Charging Dock

-USB-C Cable (For Charging)

-Mnemonic Steel Recovery Seed Device

-Steel Tiles For Recovery Seed Phrase

-Small Screwdriver

-Instruction Booklet

 

The box is very large and feels heavy when you get it because of the steel grade quality of all of the components. There is an unboxing video below that will explain how this all works and gives you a visual cue of everything that is included and what each piece is used for.

The most “compelling” piece to me here is the steel mnemonic tablet that is used to secure your 24 word seed phrase. This is TYPICALLY used by other providers by writing it down on paper, which is vulnerable to the elements. These devices can cost upwards of $300 by itself, so this is a HUGE value add and absolutely necessary for anyone that takes their cryptocurrency security seriously.

If you are not familiar with what this and why it’s needed, you can read an in-depth review of the best standalone titanium recovery seed backup HERE.

 

 

Setup And Use

 

This device has NONE of the following connections:

 

WIFI

USB 

BLUETOOTH

NFC

CELLULAR

 

This means that it is completely off the grid. So how do you use it and set it up? QR Codes. The device has a 5-MP camera for scanning QR codes on Cobo’s website and then the companion app for managing assets from their hot wallet over to the offline device.

This is a very prolonged and arduous process. In terms of security, this is a VERY good thing. It’s like having a 7-step authentication system. However, for ease of use, it’s a killer, and most wallets try to strike a balance between ease of use and security. Cobo does not appear to care about what it’s competition is doing in this regard, since it’s breaking out into it’s own little sub-niche of cold wallet security. Here are the steps I had to follow to setup and use the device:

 

1.) Download the “Cobo” mobile app

2.) Power on the Cobo Vault device

3.) Go through the recovery seed phrase process. This includes writing it down and verifying it through the touch screen

4.)  Set a custom passphrase that has stringent requirements including multiple special characters and at least 10 characters minimum.

5.) Scan the QR code on Cobo’s website to authenticate the firmware and authenticity of the device.

6.) Once authenticated, you scan a dynamic and ever-changing QR code on the companion mobile app to initiate transactions

7.) If you want to receive any payment directly on the device, you just generate a QR code and your sender can scan the code to initiate. If you want to send a transaction, follow the steps 2-6 above and repeat the process.

 

Features: What Makes It Inpenetrable?

 

 

So, in addition to having a water resistant, shock resistant, and using “Military Grade” materials and configuration, it also has a “Self-Destruct” mechanism if it expects foul play. Let me explain. The device cannot be hacked through any ports or any wireless type connections. However, if someone tries to extract the private keys manually, the chip will have a timer initiate a countdown. If the screen is broken or if the device is opened up internally in any way, it will completely wipe the device.

If this happens, the only way to restore this is through your recovery seed phrase that you now have in stainless steel thanks to having it included in the box. This can be imported to any BIP-32, 39, 44 wallet to restore your funds with this seed phrase.

Additionally, if someone tries to steal the device and initiate a transfer of the funds through their own Cobo Vault, they will not be able to, as during your initial setup it is coded to the QR code you scanned on your app that is unique on your mobile phone. This device is really the Fort-Knox of crypto wallets. It took me about 30-40 minutes from start to finish when I unboxed, setup, and made my first transaction on the device. As I mentioned above, this DOES make it very secure, but for ease of use, it’s kind of nightmare. There are no trade-offs here.

 

Cobo Vault Coins Supported

 

This device claims to have a lot more coins that will be supported on their road map, but this is definitely one of the “cons” of this device as it is of the utmost quality, but also is VERY lacking in the coins that are supported. Below is a picture of all the coins that are currently supported as of this writing.

For those that are not familiar with all of these coins or brands, I will list them here: Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Ethereum Classic (ETC), Tron (TRX), Eos (EOS), Litecoin (LTC), and Dash (DASH).

 

Price

 

This is a premium device and the price reflects that. It’s $479 USD to get this device and may have some shipping costs associated with it if you are outside of the U.S. As this is a higher-end device, you get what you pay for. I have not come across a more durable and secure device yet, but the Ellipal Titan appears to be a cheaper option that is going to be competing with this directly when it is released to the public in late August 2019. You can check out my review/first look HERE.

 

 

Cobo Vault Review: Conclusion

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKbiyf5fJmo

Overall, the Cobo Vault device is probably the strongest and highest quality device physically, that I’ve ever used in a hardware wallet. It feels solid, and I know that if I drop it, get it wet, or otherwise try to damage this, it will stand the test of time. In terms of security, I have yet to personally test a device that compares to this one.

I had several steps and verifications in order to just set it up, let alone make a transaction. I believe this device is designed to be used VERY sparingly and is not used in a daily setting. This is a long-term “HODL”er device, which is good, but if you frequently transact, it is a hassle.

Also, it only supports 8 coins currently. It claims to be supporting more coins soon, but it has mentioned that since it’s launched and have not seen any announcements of movement on that front for several months.

Finally, we have to consider the price. $479 is no cheap price for a hardware wallet and this is a premium and high end device, so I personally use it as a backup and long term device. I do not use this for frequent trading and transacting for obvious reasons described above, but I like having it for my long term stash.

So what’s the bottomline?

If you are new and are looking for your very first hardware wallet, I would personally recommend getting a KeepKey device. It is very nice quality and just launched a brand new platform that integrates trading and is the only one that allows you to keep your private keys offline and in your personal possession the entire time. It’s my go-to wallet for daily use. You can get that HERE.

If you are looking for a secondary or longer term wallet to diversify, then I would ABSOLUTELY recommend this wallet, as it is probably the most secure wallet you can get and the quality is unmatched. I have only used mine twice, but that also means it’s safe and sound and I have no second thoughts about someone being able to crack it, even if they get it in their hands. I feel very comforted knowing that this is literally unbreakable. You can get the COBO Vault hardware wallet below and check out some reviews on their site below

 

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

Ellipal Titan – Crypto Hardware Wallet (2020 Updated) – FIRST LOOK!

Is the new Ellipal Titan crypto hardware wallet all hype? Or is it the real deal? In this article we are going to take a FIRST LOOK at the mobile hardware wallet. So, the Ellipal Titan appears to be a very unique and interesting cold storage hardware wallet and is the second generation wallet after the Ellipal 2.0 wallet and is unlike any other hardware wallet on the market.

This device is currently available for pre-order and should start shipping it’s first units by mid-August of this year, so make sure to check out the bonuses for pre-ordering with the special referral links I will have below. This is known as the only “True” offline hardware wallet.

Ellipal Titan

It has zero ports, USB connections, Wifi connections, Bluetooth connections,  Cellular connections and NFC connections. This thing is built like fort knox! It has a form factor similar to that of Cobo Vault, but I will have a written review for that device HERE.

So how do you use it if you can’t connect it? QR codes. The device has a camera and a 4-inch full touchscreen and resembles a small android smartphone. It connects with a smartphone app where you can transfer funds between the hot wallet to the air-gapped device almost instantly through scanning the QR code. Very cool.

Before we dive deeper into the details of this device and how it differs from other crypto hardware wallets out there, I want to make sure you get the free download of my e-book “5 Best Ways To Secure Your Cryptocurrency“. This a comprehensive guide to how to best manage and secure any cryptocurrency you currently have, whether you are a beginner or a crypto veteran! Let’s get right down to the Ellipal Titan!

Ellipal Titan: Whats In The Box?

 

The Ellipal Titan device comes with the same items in the box as the Ellipal 2.0, with the only difference being that there is a magnetic adapter that connects to the bottom of the device. This adapter includes the charging port and SD card slot port for updating firmware and signing offline transactions. The Ellipal 2.0 device has these on the device itself, whereas the titan has no ports or openings on it whatsoever, making it stronger and more secure.

Box includes:

  • ELLIPAL Titan Cold Wallet
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Charging cable
  • Mnemonics card
  • Warranty card
  • User manual

 

Ellipal 2.0 Vs. Ellipal Titan

 

So this device is similar in it’s form factor to the Ellipal 2.0 device, with some key differences. Firstly, this device built for Anti-Tampering, Anti-Disassembly, and Anti-Theft protection. What does that all mean? Well, to put it simply, this thing is cannot be pried open with any tools like a screwdriver, hammer, etc…

Ellipal Titan has a self destruct mechanism in place, so that if the screen is tampered with or crushed or broken in an attempt to gain access to it’s internals, it will break a special circuit board that holds all your private keys. This is powerful. Additionally, it’s very sturdy, so not only is it IP65 rated for dust and water resistance, but its made out of a very strong single piece of metal that houses and encompasses the entire device.

The Ellipal Titan is specifically designed against evil maid of supply chain attacks so nothing can be imported or inserted as there are no open access ports on the device.

The Ellipal 2.0 is still a very strong and secure device, but it does have a durable exterior that is built for abuse, and it also has an SD card slot for updating it’s firmware on the device and also has a charging cable port, so there are 2 entry points. Again, still very secure, but the Ellipal Titan is really a massive upgrade.

 

 

How Do You Set Up An Air-Gapped Device?

 

This is very simple. It pairs with a mobile app that is available for iOS and Android. This helps you initialize and setup the device and generate all QR codes needed to transfer your funds from the hot wallet app, onto the cold storage device. This process is identical to the Ellipal 2.0 process, however, you now have access to longer PIN’s and extra security features.

There is a full step-by-step setup guide for both Ellipal devices HERE

What Coins Are Supported?

 

This is always the section I check the most when reviewing hardware wallets, because although functionality and security are important, none of that matters unless it supports the coins you want to store offline. So here is the current list of supported coins and the one that are currently in development.

Currently, all coins will be supported fully by both devices. They are also developing new coin support as well with frequent firmware updates. This includes: Tezos (XTZ), Zcash (ZEC), NANO (NANO), STEEM( STEEM), and NEO (NEO) just to name a few.

 

 

Decentralized Exchange Support

 

I will briefly touch on this as it’s definitely worth mentioning. This feature allows you  to not only have direct coin to coin conversion, but it also allows for staking, for instance on the upcoming Tezos support and other POS coins.

It connects to Binance DEX, which is a decentralized exchange and looks very promising. Additionally, you will be able to earn interest and manage your staking rewards offline in future firmware upgrades, which is a HUGE selling point for me.

 

Conclusion

 

Overall, I’m very excited to get this device in my hands and write an in depth review on it. I already pre-ordered the device for $149 and I expect to receive it 3-5 weeks when it’s released. This appears to be a truly unique and air-gapped hardware wallet experience and security is really what it comes down to.

Don’t get my wrong, convenience is also important, but Ellipal really brought a unique form of security to the table here by having a very rugged and durable device that has ZERO online connections. You can transfer your crypto funds between its companion hot wallet and vice versa anytime, but the cold wallet never goes online, which is really cool.

For a limited time, you can also get a FREE mnemonic metal recovery seed (a $49 value) when you pre-order the device. This is a STEAL, as this is something I practice myself and believe it is absolutely NECESSARY for any person who takes their crypto seriously.

I also wrote a review recently on a few metal recovery seed wallets and my favorite one HERE, if you want to educate yourself on why they are so important. I will leave the special referral link below to get this device, and I for one am VERY excited to use it and see how “durable” it really is.

 

 

What do you guys think? Have you ever used a device more secure than this for your crypto? Let me know below!

 

Cheers,

 

The Crypto Renegade

 

NOTE: This post may contain affiliate links. This adds no cost to you but it helps me focus on giving as much value as possible in every single post by being compensated for recommending products that help people succeed.

 

 

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