The ELLIPAL X Card and the Arculus Wallet are both hardware crypto wallets in a slim card form, but they take different approaches to keep your digital assets safe.
You will get a cold storage solution with each, meaning your private keys stay offline on a secure chip instead of on an internet-connected device. Today, these two have emerged as popular choices for storing Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, and thousands of other tokens.
The key question is, which one is better for you? In short, the ELLIPAL X Card offers more offline security from the start and broader coin support, while the Arculus Card provides a familiar three-factor authentication with a sleek metal design. Now, let’s break down each aspect so you can see exactly how they compare.
Key Takeaways:
- ELLIPAL X Card offers a fully offline setup with air-gapped security, giving you extra confidence compared to in-app seed phrase display on Arculus.
- ELLIPAL supports more blockchains (40+) and tokens, making it better for users with diverse crypto portfolios.
- The X Card offers a unique multi-card backup feature that lets you create up to 10 backup cards, so you can instantly recover without re-entering seed phrases.
- ELLIPAL has a lower price (≈ $69) than Arculus (≈ $99) while including more advanced features and an offline Starter device.
- The ELLIPAL app is a more feature-rich mobile app with staking, swaps, and DeFi access compared to the Arculus app, making it an all-in-one solution for active crypto users.
- The Arculus Wallet is built with a solid metal body that feels more premium and durable compared to the lightweight plastic design of the ELLIPAL X Card.
What is the ELLIPAL X Card?
ELLIPAL X Card is a credit‑card–sized cold wallet that stores your private keys inside a Common Criteria EAL6+ secure element. It comes as a set: the slim card has no screen or battery, and it relies on a small Starter device to generate seed phrases and duplicate backup cards. Transactions are signed via QR codes or NFC through the ELLIPAL mobile app. The current package price is around $69, which includes one card and the Starter.
Arculus Wallet Review
Arculus, launched by CompoSecure in 2021, also uses a metal NFC card with an EAL6+ secure chip. It pairs to your smartphone via NFC, and all management happens through the Arculus mobile app. Arculus promotes three‑factor authentication: something you are (biometrics on your phone), something you know (a 6‑digit PIN), and something you have (the card). An Arculus card costs about $99 in the US.
ELLIPAL X Card vs Arculus Wallet: Quick Overview
| Feature | ELLIPAL X Card | Arculus Wallet |
|---|---|---|
| Security Model | Fully air-gapped, CC EAL6+ secure chip | 3-factor authentication, CC EAL6+ secure chip |
| Setup Process | 100% offline with Starter device | In-app setup (seed phrase shown on phone) |
| Connectivity | NFC tap-to-sign, no cables or Bluetooth | NFC tap-to-sign, no cables or Bluetooth |
| Supported Blockchains | 40+ blockchains, 10,000+ tokens | 27 blockchains, 10,000+ tokens |
| Backup & Recovery | Seed phrase + multi-card backup (up to 10 cards) | Seed phrase only |
| App Features | Portfolio, swaps, staking, DeFi, NFT support | Portfolio, swaps, staking, NFT support |
| DeFi & dApp Access | WalletConnect & dApp browser built-in | WalletConnect support only |
| Design & Build | Lightweight plastic card, optional plain design | Premium metal card, single design option |
| Durability | Sturdy plastic, scratch-resistant | Strong metal, slightly heavier |
| Pricing (2025) | ≈ $69 (Starter included) | ≈ $99 |
| Target Users | Beginners + advanced users wanting full offline control | Users who prefer simple, app-based experience |
| Software Updates | Frequent firmware & app updates | Regular app updates, firmware less frequent |
| Battery / Power | No battery, no charging ever needed | No battery, no charging ever needed |
| Extra Features | Multi-card cloning, offline seed generation | Biometric unlock for convenience |
Build quality and design: card‑sized convenience on both sides
When you hold both wallets, you notice their minimalist approach. ELLIPAL X Card measures roughly 86 × 54 mm – the same as a standard bank card, and weighs around 10 g. It is made from durable plastic with a secure chip sealed inside.
The companion Starter device is a small rectangular block (about 100 × 38 × 11 mm) with its own screen and buttons. You keep the Starter at home or in a safe and only use it when generating or restoring your seed phrase.
The Arculus card is slightly heavier because it is constructed from metal. It feels premium and fits easily in your wallet next to credit cards. There is no separate device; the card itself pairs to your phone and uses the app for setup and transactions.
For travelers who want a single item to carry, Arculus scores points for simplicity. But the heavier construction does not make it more secure – it simply adds to the feel.
From a portability standpoint, both cards slide into a wallet or card holder. The ELLIPAL set takes up more space because of the Starter, yet you only need to carry the card day to day. In exchange, you get multiple backup cards (up to ten) that you can store in different places. Arculus offers only a single card, so if you lose it and your seed phrase, you have no way to recover your funds.
Security architecture: air‑gapped isolation vs three‑factor authentication
Security is the main reason people choose a hardware wallet, and both devices rely on EAL6+ secure elements, which is one of the highest levels of consumer‑grade chip certification.
The ELLIPAL X Card takes security further by never connecting to the internet. It has no USB port, no Bluetooth, and no always‑on NFC. To sign a transaction, you enter the details in the ELLIPAL app, use a quick NFC tap, and then the card signs the transaction offline.
Because the card wakes up only when physically near your phone, attackers cannot push data to it remotely. ELLIPAL also implements a self‑destruct feature: after 10 incorrect PIN attempts, the card wipes all keys.
Arculus focuses on three‑factor authentication. You open the app with biometric authentication on your phone (Face ID or fingerprint), enter your 6‑digit PIN, and then tap the physical card to your phone. Only when all three factors match does the card sign a transaction.
This layered approach is robust, but it relies on the security of your smartphone’s operating system. The Arculus card is always woken up via NFC, and although the keys never leave the secure element, it does use the phone’s internet connection to broadcast transactions.
There is no self‑destruct mechanism; if someone guesses your PIN and has the card and your phone, your assets are at risk.
Both devices use BIP39 seed phrases for recovery. ELLIPAL allows 12‑ or 24‑word phrases generated offline by the Starter. Arculus also uses a 12‑word phrase displayed in the app.
The difference lies in backup flexibility: ELLIPAL can clone the same seed onto up to ten cards, each acting as an independent wallet, while Arculus cannot duplicate its card. If you lose the Arculus card and your seed phrase, your assets are gone. With ELLIPAL, losing one card is less critical because other duplicates or the seed phrase can restore your funds.
Winner: ELLIPAL X Card (due to 10 duplicate card support and self‑destruct feature)
Supported cryptocurrencies
ELLIPAL X Card supports over 10,000 tokens across 40 blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Tron, Avalanche, and Binance Smart Chain. This wide compatibility comes from the ELLIPAL app, which shares its coin library with the Titan series.
You can store almost any popular crypto asset, and the card integrates with WalletConnect for decentralized applications and NFT marketplaces. It even supports NFT viewing and transfers through the app.
Arculus also supports thousands of cryptocurrencies. Through Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain, it can store thousands of ERC‑20 and BEP‑20 tokens, which covers roughly 95% of the market cap.
Winner: Tie (Both are multi-crypto and multi-chain wallets)
Price and value: budget‑friendly vs mid‑tier cost
Cost is a significant factor when choosing between cold wallets. The ELLIPAL X Card + Starter bundle sells for around $69 (discounted from an earlier price of $79, use code: AIRGAP10).
Considering that it includes a secure chip, an air‑gapped architecture, the Starter device, and support for thousands of coins, the value proposition is strong. Replacement backup cards are available at reasonable prices, allowing you to spread your risk without spending a fortune.
The Arculus Wallet costs about $99, making it roughly 30% more expensive than the ELLIPAL bundle. You only get a single card, and there is no Starter device included.
The mobile app is free, but in‑app purchase and swap services may add third‑party fees of 2 – 5 %, which can erode your gains if you trade frequently. While $99 is still cheaper than high‑end devices from Ledger or Trezor, it doesn’t offer as much functionality or flexibility as the ELLIPAL package for the money.
Winner: ELLIPAL X Card is cheaper
Device compatibility: phone requirements and ecosystem support
To use either wallet, you need a smartphone with NFC for the card to wake up. The ELLIPAL app runs on iOS and Android, and the company supports most mainstream models.
The Arculus wallet also requires NFC. Without an NFC‑enabled device, you cannot use the wallet at all. There is no desktop compatibility, and while you could try third‑party NFC readers or emulators, doing so increases security risk. If your phone’s NFC hardware fails while traveling, you could be locked out until you replace the device.
Pros and cons: balanced comparison
ELLIPAL X Card pros
- Extensive coin support: Over 10,000 tokens across 40 + blockchains means you can hold nearly any asset you want.
- Air‑gapped security: No USB, Bluetooth, or always‑on NFC reduces remote attack surfaces.
- Multiple backup cards: Up to 10 duplicates let you spread risk across locations and enhance redundancy.
- Affordable price: The bundle costs around $69, offering great value for the features.
- Self‑destruct protection: The card wipes itself after 10 incorrect PIN entries, deterring brute‑force attacks.
ELLIPAL X Card cons
- No built‑in display: You must trust the mobile app to show transaction details, which could be problematic if your phone is compromised.
- No desktop app: Like many modern wallets, X Card only works with mobile devices.
Arculus Wallet pros
- Sleek metal design: The card feels premium and slides easily into any wallet.
- Three‑factor authentication: Combining biometrics, PIN, and the card adds another security layer.
- Quick transactions: Signing a transaction takes under 30 seconds with tap‑to‑sign.
- NFT and DeFi support: Integrated with WalletConnect and supports Ethereum and Polygon NFTs.
Arculus Wallet cons
- No backup cards: Losing the card plus the seed phrase means lost funds.
- Higher price: $99 for a single card is more costly than the ELLIPAL bundle.
- App‑dependent security: All operations rely on your smartphone’s integrity; there is no offline seed generation.
Who should choose the ELLIPAL X Card?
If you manage a diverse portfolio across multiple blockchains, value offline isolation, and want backup flexibility, the ELLIPAL X Card is the stronger choice.
The ability to create up to 10 backup cards makes it ideal for families, long‑term investors, or anyone who travels frequently. Its lower cost and broad coin support make it appealing for both beginners and seasoned crypto enthusiasts.
Who might prefer the Arculus Wallet?
The Arculus Wallet is well-suited to users who hold mainly Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a few stablecoins and who appreciate speed and simplicity.
If you rarely interact with less common blockchains and want a straightforward setup without dealing with extra hardware, Arculus provides a clean user experience. The three‑factor authentication adds a sense of security, especially if you already rely on your phone’s biometrics.
However, you need to be diligent about safeguarding the single seed phrase, and you must ensure your phone’s NFC hardware stays functional.
Final verdict: ELLIPAL X Card emerges as the better choice in 2025
Looking at build quality, security, coin support, user experience, backup options, and cost, the ELLIPAL X Card stands out as the better card‑style cold wallet in 2025. It delivers deeper token compatibility, more robust backup possibilities, and air‑gapped security at a lower price than Arculus.
While Arculus’s three‑factor authentication and metal card design may appeal to some users, these benefits are outweighed by the limitations in coin support, the absence of backup cards, and the higher cost.
By choosing the ELLIPAL X Card, you get a future‑proof cold wallet that protects your assets while remaining portable and user‑friendly. As long as you learn how to use the NFC signing process and store your backup cards wisely, it offers everything you need to keep your crypto safe in 2025 and beyond.
ELLIPAL vs Arculus: FAQs
What happens if I lose my ELLIPAL X Card?
You can restore your wallet using one of your backup cards or by entering the seed phrase into a new card. Because you can create up to 10 backup cards, losing a single card does not mean losing access to your funds.
Does the ELLIPAL X Card support NFTs?
Yes. Through the ELLIPAL app and WalletConnect integration, you can view, send, and receive NFTs across multiple blockchains, including Ethereum and Polygon.
Can I use the Arculus card on a desktop computer?
No. Arculus operates exclusively through its mobile app on NFC‑enabled smartphones. There is no official desktop software.
Which card has better security certifications?
Both ELLIPAL and Arculus use EAL6+ certified secure elements, which is one of the highest security levels available for consumer hardware wallets. The implementation differs: ELLIPAL focuses on full offline isolation, while Arculus relies on three‑factor authentication.
Is it worth paying extra for Arculus?
For most users, the additional cost of around $30 brings little benefit or may be no benefit. Unless you strongly prefer the metal feel and the three‑factor tap‑to‑sign convenience, the ELLIPAL X Card provides more features and better value for less money.
Read more: Best cold storage crypto wallets
