Hardware Wallets with a Credit Card Form Factor
A number of hardware wallet manufacturers have adopted a unique approach. If they can't compete with the functional prowess of market leaders such as Ledger and Trezor, they can distinguish themselves in another area - the form factor. The convenience of a credit card-sized wallet over bulkier alternatives holds appeal for many.
Both CoolBitX and BitLox have chosen to capitalize on the credit card format. The former introduced a series of devices under the name CoolWallet, while the latter unveiled the BitLox Hardware Crypto Wallet. These manufacturers not only offer wallets with compact dimensions, but also have positioned their products with attractive price points - in the $100-$150 range. This competitive pricing allows them to contend with more budget-friendly models from Ledger and Trezor.
CoolWallet
A range of hardware wallets that provide users the ability to transfer, receive, and store a variety of cryptocurrencies. CoolBitX offers two versions of wallets. Their budget-friendly option is titled CoolWallet S, while the more sophisticated version is known as CoolWallet Pro. Crypto enthusiasts who prefer mobile wallets have not been overlooked by CoolBitX - a mobile app compatible with their hardware wallets is available on Google Play and the App Store. But let's delve into the hardware versions.
Credit card-sized hardware wallet versions from CoolBitX. Source: coolwallet.io
Both the Pro and S versions share many similarities. They sport the size of a standard bank card, with a thickness of just 8mm and a weight of 6 grams. These water-resistant gadgets come equipped with small screens, Bluetooth adapters, and support both Android and iOS. They facilitate standard and commonly used crypto asset transactions and can also connect to DeFi and dApps applications via WalletConnect.
The Pro model boasts a higher security standard certification of EAL 6+ (compared to the S model's EAL 5+) and supports 27 blockchains, along with over 12,000 crypto assets, including popular ones such as BTC, ETH, LTC, BNB, BUSD, XRP, ADA, SOL, MATIC, DOT, TRX, AVAX, APTOS, and more. While the CoolWallet S supports only 12 blockchains and over 10,000 crypto assets, it still efficiently stores all the most popular cryptocurrencies. Moreover, the CoolWallet Pro offers staking and storage capabilities for NFTs, thanks to its integration with popular marketplaces OpenSea and Rarible – a feature absent in the CoolWallet S.
The private key is stored on the CoolWallet itself, enhancing security and offering a convenient setup for the asset holder. All CoolWallet devices facilitate a seamless cryptocurrency exchange and conversion process due to their integration with the Joyso DEX exchange.
Users have the option to activate two-factor authentication (2FA). The S version is priced at $99, and the Pro version at $149.
CoolWallet also provides a paid add-on - a sturdy steel device for storing seed phrases. This item, impervious to rust or fire, is a bit on the pricy side for its class at $129. The hardware wallets also come in a variety of designs, ranging from vibrant background imagery to styles reflecting the colors of various well-known crypto exchanges, each with its respective name.
BitLox
The BitLox Ultimate is a compact hardware wallet that supports Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, and other Bitcoin forks. Previously, the company offered a more budget-friendly version called the Advanced for $98, but it is currently not available. Now, only the Ultimate model is up for sale, and it appears the Advanced version is being upgraded and will be available again on the manufacturer's website soon.
BitLox Ultimate hardware wallet. Source: bitlox.com
Similar to CoolWallet, the private key is stored directly on the device. As is standard advice for any wallet, it's recommended to store the seed phrase separately in a secure location. An additional PIN code can be set to enhance the device's security, safeguarding not only the hardware device but also all wallets and transactions contained within.
BitLox is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux-based TailsOS. However, BitLox Ultimate has a unique feature. It's the only hardware wallet in the world capable of functioning without connection to external devices. All other hardware wallets require some level of integration with gadgets, such as smartphones or desktop computers, whereas BitLox Ultimate operates fully independently.
Beyond its credit-card-like form factor of just 4mm thickness, BitLox Ultimate features a Bluetooth adapter, a compact two-inch display, and multi-language support. BitLox Ultimate can accommodate up to 100 wallets with millions of addresses for various crypto assets. Despite its light weight (25g), it boasts a sturdy, anti-shock metallic casing resistant to corrosion. Additionally, BitLox Ultimate fully complies with BIP32 and BIP39 standards, meaning the seed phrase can contain 12, 18, or even 24 words.
BitLox markets its wallet as the top gadget for the darknet, with an emphasis on privacy. The BitLox Ultimate can be used in TOR-based special access mode (BITLOX2twvzwbzpk.onion), as well as in the confidential I2P network (BITLOX.i2p). Additionally, the manufacturer points out its support for the secure TailsOS.
The BitLox Ultimate is priced at $148, and it comes with a complimentary leather case. On one hand, digital asset owners receive a fully autonomous hardware gadget capable of running for many days on a single charge and offering TOR compatibility. On the other hand, it only supports Bitcoin and its forks. Perhaps this is the exact device someone might need? The choice is yours!
