I’ve been reviewing hardware wallets for years now, and every time a new one comes out, I get curious. The ELLIPAL X Card is the latest product, and it’s completely different from the usual hardware wallets we use. No touchscreen, no cables, no Bluetooth. Just a thin credit-card-style device that works fully air-gapped.
I wanted to see if a card-sized wallet could actually replace a traditional device for everyday crypto security. So, I spent the last few weeks testing the X Card with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a few other assets. In this ELLIPAL X Card review, I’ll break down everything, design, setup, security, supported coins, pros, and cons, so you can decide if it’s right for you.
What is the ELLIPAL X Card?
ELLIPAL X Card is a very small and thin cold wallet that looks like a normal credit card, but it is made to store crypto in a very secure way. It is built with a CC EAL6+ secure chip inside, so your private keys are generated and stay inside the card forever and never go online.
The setup is done offline by using a small starter device that comes with the card, and there is no WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB connection used at all. To make a transaction, you just tap the card on your phone with the ELLIPAL app, and it signs the transaction, but the key never leaves the card, so it keeps your funds safe.
This card has no battery, and no charging is needed, so it is easy to keep for many years without worrying about power. You can use a normal 12 or 24-word seed phrase to backup, and you can even make more cards with the same wallet if you want a backup card.
It can store 10,000+ coins and tokens using the app, and you can also use WalletConnect or MetaMask to connect to dApps. The idea of this card is to be very simple, safe, and easy to carry in your wallet while still being air-gapped.
My Quick Verdict on the ELLIPAL X Card
| Device type | Fully air‑gapped card‑shaped cold wallet |
| Security chip | Common Criteria EAL6+ secure element |
| Communication | NFC and QR code only; no USB, Bluetooth, or Wi‑Fi |
| Companion device | Requires the X Card Starter to set up and sign transactions |
| Dimensions | Approximately 86 × 54 mm (credit card size); The companion device is about 100 × 38 × 11 mm |
| Weight | X Card about 10 g; X Card Starter around 36 g |
| Supported assets | Over 40 blockchains and more than 10,000 tokens |
| Backup options | 12 or 24‑word seed phrase; can duplicate onto multiple cards for redundancy |
| Price | About US$79 for the card and starter kit |
| App compatibility | Works with the ELLIPAL mobile app (iOS and Android) |
What I Like About the ELLIPAL X Card
During my ELLIPAL X Card review, in many ways, the X Card impressed me more than I expected. It nails the core job of keeping your private keys safe while still being fairly easy to use. Here are the features that stood out to me during daily use.
Complete Air‑Gapped Security
The thing that convinced me to try the X Card in the first place was its fully air‑gapped design. Unlike many hardware wallets that connect via USB, Bluetooth, or even Wi‑Fi, the X Card communicates only through NFC.
Yes, there is no wired or wireless connection to the internet…
Your private keys are generated and stored inside an EAL6+ secure element, which is one of the highest security certifications available in consumer hardware wallets.
Slim Physical Design That Fits in Your Wallet
I love how portable the X Card is. It’s roughly the same dimensions as a standard credit card, about 86 × 54 mm, and it weighs around 10 grams. You can slip it into any regular card holder or even a small wallet.
The companion device is larger but still pocket‑friendly. Being able to carry a hardware wallet like you’d carry a MetroCard is kind of amazing. For me, traveling with bulky USB devices always felt awkward. With the X Card, I just put it next to my ID and forget it’s there until I need it.
Multiple Card Backups and Duplication
One feature I hadn’t seen before is built‑in card duplication. During setup, you can create multiple X Cards that share the same seed phrase. If you lose your primary card, you can grab a spare card and still access your funds without restoring from the seed.
You can duplicate up to 10 cards, which means you can keep one at home, one in a safe deposit box, and maybe another with a trusted family member. I created three copies: one for daily use, one backup stored in a secure location, and one reserved for emergencies. Because every card is protected by a PIN, no one can use your funds without your permission. I think this redundancy is a huge plus that many wallets overlook.
Wide Coin Support and App Ecosystem
The X Card supports over 40 blockchains and more than 10,000 tokens through the ELLIPAL app. This includes major networks like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Solana, Polygon, Avalanche, and more.
As someone who holds a mix of long‑term coins and smaller DeFi tokens, I appreciate not having to juggle different wallets. You can view your portfolio, receive tokens, and send them all from the same interface. The app organizes assets by blockchain and makes it easy to find what you need. While some tokens still require external wallets or manual steps, for most mainstream coins, the support is built in.
Design and Build Quality: Thin but Durable
The first thing you’ll notice about the ELLIPAL X Card is its size. It’s almost the exact dimensions of a standard credit card – 85.6mm x 54mm – and just about 1.5mm thick. That’s seriously thin compared to a regular hardware wallet like the Ledger Nano X or Trezor Safe 5.
It feels solid in hand, not flimsy at all. The card is made of a metal-plastic hybrid material, which gives it a premium touch and better durability. It’s totally flat, with a small NFC icon printed on the surface. No buttons, no ports, no screen. That might sound too minimal at first, but it’s part of the security model.
Well, the best part about this design is that you can keep it in your physical wallet next to your credit cards. It doesn’t take extra space, and nobody will even notice you’re carrying a hardware wallet.
Connectivity: NFC Tap-to-Sign Only
Unlike other wallets, the ELLIPAL X Card only uses NFC for communication. No cables, no Bluetooth pairing. You just tap and sign.
In my testing, the NFC connection was stable and quick. It usually signs transactions within 2–3 seconds. The only thing you need to remember is that your phone must support NFC (almost all modern smartphones do).
Look, if you hate plugging in cables or waiting for Bluetooth pairing, you’ll love how quick this is.
What I Don’t Like About the ELLIPAL X Card
Even though I’m generally happy with my X Card, there are a few aspects that may frustrate you. None of these are deal‑breakers, but I think it’s fair to share both sides. You deserve to know the slightest downsides before you can decide if a product is right for you.
Lack of Screen Can Be Inconvenient For Some
Because the X Card is about the size of a credit card, there’s no screen, no buttons, and no way to confirm details directly on the card.
Of course, that minimal design is what makes it portable, but it also means that you rely entirely on the companion device and the mobile app to confirm transactions. Unlike wallets with displays, you can’t visually verify the receiving address on the device itself.
To me, this felt strange at first. I’m used to double‑checking the address on the hardware wallet’s screen before approving. Here, you trust the app to handle that for you. ELLIPAL assures that the secure element and air‑gapped process keep your keys safe, and so far, I haven’t had any issues, but it’s a trade‑off worth noting.
X Card Pricing: How Much Does it Cost?
At around US$79 the X Card is less expensive than many premium wallets, but you still need to think about what you’re getting. Compared to the Ledger Nano X, which costs about US$149, the ELLIPAL X Card is indeed cheaper. It’s also cheaper than the Trezor Model T at around US$129.
However, the X Card lacks a screen and doesn’t support some advanced features like staking directly from the device. For long‑term storage and occasional transactions, the price feels fair to me.
Is the ELLIPAL X Card Worth It?
Deciding if the X Card is worth your money depends on your priorities. If you value security and privacy above all else, the air‑gapped design and EAL6+ chip are hard to beat.
The ability to back up your wallet across multiple cards adds peace of mind, and the price is reasonable compared to other premium wallets. For long‑term storage or large balances, the X Card provides strong protection with minimal hassle.
Ultimately, I think the X Card is ideal for people who want to cold‑store crypto for months or years while still having the option to move funds occasionally. It’s also a good fit for travelers who need a discreet way to carry large sums without attracting attention.
Pros and Cons of ELLIPAL X Card
Pros
- Ultra-portable: Credit-card size fits anywhere.
- Completely air-gapped: No ports, no cables, no Bluetooth.
- No charging needed: Works forever with NFC power.
- Supports 40+ blockchains: BTC, ETH, BNB, and many more.
- Fast setup: Only takes a few minutes.
- Affordable price: Much cheaper than high-end wallets.
Cons
- No screen: You rely 100% on the mobile app for transaction details.
- NFC-only: Not ideal if your phone doesn’t support NFC.
- Single-user experience: Not as good for multi-sig users
Comparison: X card vs. Titan 2.0 vs Tangem Wallet
| Criteria | ELLIPAL X Card | ELLIPAL Titan 2.0 | Tangem Wallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Credit-card style; slim NFC card | Handheld device with 4.0″ touchscreen | Card set (2-3 cards) and ring options |
| Connection / signing | NFC tap-to-sign with ELLIPAL app | QR code (camera) – fully air-gapped (no USB/Bluetooth) | NFC with Tangem app |
| Air-gapped claim | Setup with a separate, tamper-proof offline Starter; keys never touch the internet | 100% offline via QR; no Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/USB | Keys generated inside chip, but online |
| Secure element | CC EAL6+ | CC EAL5+ | CC EAL6+ (Samsung co-developed) |
| Screen | No | Yes – 4.0″ IPS color | No |
| Battery / charging | None; no charging | 1400 mAh; USB-C charging (cable in box) | None; no charging |
| Firmware updates | None required (card itself) | Via microSD card | Firmware audited; non-updatable (design choice) |
| Seed / recovery | Works with/imports 12/15/18/24-word seed & passphrase; PIN; can duplicate up to 10 cards | 24-word seed + passphrase; supports seed/private-key recovery | Seedless by default; optional seed import; backup by linking multiple cards; access code protection |
| Mobile OS | iOS & Android (ELLIPAL app) | iOS & Android (ELLIPAL app) | iOS & Android (Tangem app) |
| dApp connectivity | Via MetaMask & WalletConnect in app | Via MetaMask & WalletConnect in app | Limited |
| Asset support | 40+ blockchains, 10,000+ tokens, NFTs; staking via app | 40+ blockchains, 10,000+ tokens, NFTs; staking via app | Thousands of coins/tokens |
| Materials / build | Card; no battery; “no maintenance” | Fully metal-sealed, anti-tamper body | Monolithic card; IP68 dust/water; extreme temp resistant; 25-year warranty |
| Dimensions / weight | Credit-card size (not listed) | 118 × 66 × 9.7 mm; 140 g | Card-sized (~bank card) |
| Box / pack options | Single or 3-card pack | Device + Type-C cable + SD card + recovery sheets | 2-card / 3-card sets; Ring + 2 cards bundle |
| Price (as listed today) | $79 (Standard card) | $169 | From $54.90 |
Read my in-depth ELLIPAL X Card vs Tangem Wallet comparison…
Final Verdict: ELLIPAL X Card Review
To sum up the ELLIPAL X Card wallet review, after using the ELLIPAL X Card for two weeks, I can confidently say it’s one of the easiest and most convenient wallets I’ve tested. It’s small, secure, and perfect for people who prefer a no-fuss experience.
Sure, the lack of a screen might be a deal-breaker for some, but for me, the simplicity and portability won me over. At $79, it’s a pretty great deal and an excellent backup wallet, even if you already own a bigger hardware wallet.
If you’re looking for a minimal, air-gapped crypto wallet you can carry anywhere, the ELLIPAL X Card is worth checking out.
FAQs
What is the ELLIPAL X Card, and how does it differ from other cold wallets?
The ELLIPAL X Card is a cold wallet in the shape and size of a credit card, made to securely store crypto private keys offline. Its standout feature is a fully air-gapped setup: you use a separate device (“Starter”), which has no WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB data connection to initialize the wallet and recover it.
Unlike many other cold wallets that require some kind of online or wired connection (e.g., via phone, USB, or Bluetooth) even in setup, the X Card ensures that your seed phrase and private keys never touch the internet. After setup, only NFC is used for signing via a secure chip, greatly reducing attack surfaces.
Is the ELLIPAL X Card truly air-gapped and secure for long-term crypto storage?
Yes, the X Card is genuinely air-gapped for all critical operations and is built with hardware protections that make it suitable for long-term storage.
Its Starter device handles seed generation and wallet recovery entirely offline, and the card itself uses a CC EAL6+ secure element chip, hardened against tampering, while also having a self-wipe feature after multiple incorrect PIN attempts.
Can I recover my wallet using a seed phrase on the ELLIPAL X Card?
Yes, you can recover your wallet using a seed phrase. During setup, you can generate a new seed phrase or import an existing one.
If your card is lost, damaged, or reset, you can use the same seed phrase (and passphrase if used) on a new X Card (or compatible device) to restore full control over your funds. Your transaction history returns, too, since that is recorded on the blockchain rather than on the card itself.
What happens if I reset my ELLIPAL X Card – will I lose my wallet history?
If you reset your X Card, the wallet account gets removed from the Ellipal app when you link the card again. However, you do not permanently lose transaction history or your assets, provided you recover using your seed phrase (and passphrase if applicable), because the blockchain holds that history.
Resetting wipes the card’s data but does not erase what’s on-chain. The balance and past transactions reappear once the wallet is restored.
Does the ELLIPAL X Card support passphrases for enhanced wallet security?
Yes, it supports passphrases. If you choose to use one, you enable the passphrase feature during setup using the Starter device (or when importing your wallet).
The passphrase acts like an additional word or secret beyond the seed phrase, creating a hidden or extra layer of security.
How many backup copies of the same wallet can I create?
You can duplicate a wallet onto up to 10 additional X Cards during creation or recovery, so altogether you could have up to 11 cards (the original plus 10 backups).
Each duplicate uses the same seed (and passphrase if used) and the same PIN, letting you distribute backups across different physical locations so the risk of total loss is reduced.
Is the ELLIPAL X Card suitable for beginners in crypto?
Yes, it is built with beginner friendliness in mind. The setup process is straightforward: the Starter walks you through generating or importing your seed, setting a PIN, and optionally duplicating cards.
The fact that much of the complexity is abstracted, the lack of wires or Bluetooth to worry about, and the mobile app interface for managing transactions, make it easier for new users.
Does the ELLIPAL X Card support NFT storage or viewing?
No, it does not support native viewing or management of NFTs on the card itself. The card and app focus on coins, tokens, and blockchain asset balances.
Since the card lacks a screen or built-in interface to display images and metadata of NFTs, the functionality for NFT galleries or previews is not part of its feature set. You may use external services or other wallets for seeing NFT media, but the X Card does not manage that aspect directly.
Read more: Best cold storage wallets
