Overview
What Is It?
Blockstream Jade is a Bitcoin-only hardware wallet that provides advanced security features, ease of use, and an affordable price. It features a QR code scanner for fully airgapped transactions, singlesig and multisig suport, and a full-color 1.14-inch screen. The wallet is open source and manageable via the Blockstream Green companion app.
Pros & Cons
Things To Know
Key Benefits & Features
Security
Blockstream Jade offers a variety of security features to protect your Bitcoin. Based on their website, these features include a fully airgapped design, meaning it is not connected to the internet. It also has a self-destructing PIN feature, which will erase all data after three incorrect attempts, ensuring that your funds are protected even if the device is lost or stolen.
Furthermore, it's open-source which means that the code is available for public scrutiny, making it less susceptible to vulnerabilities or exploits. However, since the wallet is not as popular as something like Ledger, it might not get the same amount of testing. The device also supports multisig where you can require multiple signatures to complete a transaction.
Another security feature is the ability to create multiple wallets on the same device, including spoof wallets. This means that users can create fake wallets to deter attackers and give them a false sense of security. When it comes to the wallet's companion app, Blockstream Green, it offers native Tor support if you wish to hide your IP address.
Security Features List:
What's In The Box?
Online Reviews
The main concern from people on Reddit, Amazon, Trust Pilot, and other online review sites is that the mobile app can be buggy since it's relatively new. The positives say that it's easy to use and an excellent price. Here are some of the most helpful reviews I gathered:
While there are some concerns with the mobile app's usability, most of the online reviews are positive. The Blockstream Jade has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon and the iOS app has a 4.7-star rating across 278 ratings.
Who Is This Wallet For?
Ultimately, the Blockstream Jade is for anyone wanting to secure their Bitcoin offline on a Bitcoin-only wallet for an affordable price. It's small, easy to use, and has various security features.
However, if you want the ability to store altcoins, you can get more popular wallets at a similar price point like the Trezor Model One. And if you want to spend more money, you can look for nicer features like a touchscreen. For example, the Keystone Pro gives you a 4-inch touchscreen and built-in camera for $169 and has a Bitcoin-only firmware option as well.
Blockstream Jade Alternatives
With dozens of hardware wallets on the market, you can find one with the features you want most whether that's a touchscreen display, NFT storage, or ease of use. However, every brand has a unique design and security protocol. In light of the Ledger controversy, it's vital to take personal responsibility for your keys and research every brand for yourself.
Some other well-reviewed Bitcoin-only wallets include the BitBox02, Passport Hardware Wallet and ColdCard.
If you want a touchscreen wallet with all the bells and whistles, the Keystone Pro is a $169 air-gapped hardware wallet that features a 4-inch touchscreen, fingerprint sensor, and QR code scanner. During set up, you have the option to install a Bitcoin-only firmware or one that supports 5,500+ digital assets.
Another alternative is the Trezor Model T. At $69, it's affordable like the Blockstream Jade and has been securing investors digital assets for over 10 years. It has over 1 million customers, open-source firmware, and is also easy to use like the Jade. However, like Ledger devices, Trezor is not without controversy. Apparently, it can be physically hacked using specialized software, so make sure to do your own research.
Overall: Final Review
The Blockstream Jade is an affordable Bitcoin wallet that is simple and compact. Here is the summary:
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