Ngrave Zero Review 2024: Is it a Reliable Hardware Wallet?
TL;DR
The Ngrave Zero review will explore all the features of the cold wallet. It stands out in the hardware wallet market for its exceptional security. It is a completely offline-only hardware wallet device that ensures military-grade protection for digital assets.
Regarding safety, it is considered one of the top next-generation hardware wallets. Despite its advanced security features, Ngrave needs to catch up regarding the variety of cryptocurrencies and features it supports.
For example, it lacks support for staking. However, it has unique capabilities, such as handling NFTs and its software platform.
What is Ngrave Zero wallet?
NGRAVE, a digital asset security company established in Belgium in 2018, was founded by Ruben Merre and Edouard Vanham.
They collaborated with esteemed institutions like the Interuniversity Microelectronics Center and the Computer Security and Industrial Cryptography research group to develop the Ngrave Zero device. Two years later, the Ngrave Zero was launched.
The Ngrave Zero hardware wallet is an excellent solution for safeguarding your cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Its sleek design and impressive qualifications make it highly desirable for individuals seeking secure storage that resembles a modern smartphone rather than a USB stick.
Distinguished as one of the few air-gapped hardware wallets available, the Ngrave Zero ensures the device remains entirely disconnected from any network. This crucial feature creates a formidable barrier against remote hackers or scams.
With its stylish black shell and color touch screen, the NGRAVE ZERO resembles a high-end mobile device. Unlike many other hardware wallets and popular wallets like Ledger and Trezor, it possesses a unique feature: a touch screen. This attribute enhances the appeal of most other hardware wallets and wallets, particularly for less tech-savvy investors.
With its larger size, the Ngrave Zero hardware wallet offers a comfortable and user-friendly experience. It features a rear camera for QR code scanning and exceptional attributes like a fingerprint sensor, a built-in light sensor with-in light sensor, and robust tamperproof, dustproof, and waterproof properties, ensuring high-level security.
Finally, the device’s operating system has achieved the world’s highest security assurance rating: Evaluation Assurance Level 7 (EAL7), making the Ngrave Zero a pioneer in hardcore security. The wallet’s a 1200 mAH battery and offers a USB-compatible battery charger.
How does it work?
The Ngrave Zero hardware wallet uses robust security measures to protect your digital assets from remote access, although it doesn’t directly store them. Instead, you set up wallets for your coins and NFTs on the NGRAVE LIQUID mobile app, with the ZERO hardware device used to verify transactions.
Interestingly, this setup ensures their actions are limited even if someone gains access to your NGRAVE wallet. They can only confirm transactions but not sign or initiate them without your phone, and vice versa.
To send funds from your Ngrave Zero wallet, you need to initiate the transaction on the LIQUID app. The app generates a QR code to sign transactions, and you use your fingerprint or PIN to sign in to the NGRAVE wallet. Align the wallet’s camera with the QR code to initiate transactions and compare the displayed transaction details with those on the app.
Verify the transaction details to match the transaction request’s amount and destination address. Once the transaction request and details are confirmed, select ‘confirm’ on the Ngrave Zero, and your assets will be transferred.
The air-gapped nature of the Ngrave Zero ensures that its software remains inaccessible. The only potential vulnerability is the mobile app. If someone infiltrates it, they could modify the destination address without your knowledge. That’s why it’s crucial to always verify the address before sending your assets.
Ngrave Zero Review: Who’s it for?
NGRAVE wallet is ideal for individuals seeking the highest security and convenience in storing and managing their Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, and other tokens. Here are compelling reasons to consider using the NGRAVE wallet:
Investors looking for offline and air-gapped protection
NGRAVE wallet operates entirely offline and air-gapped. It communicates through secure QR codes scanned by your smartphone or computer. It ensures that your crypto keys remain isolated from potential hackers or malware.
With the NGRAVE wallet, you benefit from biometric security through its fingerprint sensor and built-in light sensor. It adds an extra layer of protection for authentication and transaction signing.
While most hardware wallets rely on mobile phone operating systems, Ngrave Wallet’s custom operating system (OS) is also certified with EAL7, the highest security certification for financial products.
For beginners looking for easy digital asset management
NGRAVE wallet features a user-friendly 4-inch touchscreen, allowing you to effortlessly access and manage up to 100 accounts with simple swipes and taps.
You can conveniently view and transfer your ETH-based NFTs using the NGRAVE LIQUID smartphone app with your NGRAVE wallet.
Furthermore, the NGRAVE wallet supports over 1000 coins and tokens, including popular options like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Avalanche, Polygon, and MultiversX ESDT.
How to get started with Ngrave Zero Wallet?
To ensure a secure setup of the Ngrave Wallet, follow the steps below:
More details
Ngrave Wallet provides utmost security and a user-friendly experience. Its offline functionality, EAL7-certified OS, multi-crypto support, intuitive interface, and robust security make it a top choice for secure crypto asset management.
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Advanced security features.
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Interface with a 4-inch touchscreen.
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Over 1000 cryptocurrency support.
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Trusted certification (EAL7).
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Limited support for decentralized finance (DeFi).
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Higher price range compared to other wallets.
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Lack of Bluetooth and NFC connectivity.
Step 1: Visit the Ngrave Website
First off, visit the Ngrave website. Click the [Buy Now] button.
Step 2: Select Zero wallet
After that, select the Ngrave Zero wallet and click [Add To Cart].
Step 3: Checkout
After selecting the Ngrave Zero wallet, go to your card and click [Check Out].
Step 4: Enter details and finalize the purchase
Next, enter your shipping details and click [Continue To Shipping] to finalize the payment.
Ngrave Zero Review: Key Features & Perks
Let’s explore some notable features that set Ngrave Zero Wallet apart from other crypto hardware wallets in the market.
Fully offline device
The Ngrave Zero wallet is fully offline and air-gapped. It operates independently without relying on network connections or USB cables for communication. Instead, it uses transparent QR codes scanned by the Ngrave Liquid app on your smartphone or computer.
This unique approach ensures that all private key generation processes and protection activity occur in an isolated environment, shielded from potential hackers or malware.
Outstanding safety features with EAL7 certification
Security is a top priority for the Ngrave Zero wallet, demonstrated by its exceptional safety features. The wallet’s custom operating system (OS) has earned the prestigious EAL7 certification, the highest security certification for financial products.
This certification validates that the OS has undergone rigorous testing and verification to ensure it is resilient against vulnerabilities and backdoors.
In addition, the Ngrave Zero wallet is designed to be water and dust resistant, featuring a stainless steel backup solution, further safeguarding your digital assets. It incorporates anti-tampering measures that thwart unauthorized access attempts, enhancing overall security.
Impressive 4-inch display with Interactive UI
The Ngrave Zero wallet offers a remarkable 4-inch touchscreen display that combines functionality and ease of use.
With high pixel density and 480 x 800 pixels resolution, the screen provides excellent clarity for managing or analyzing cryptocurrencies. The intuitive user interface (UI) enables seamless navigation and interaction with the wallet’s features.
You can handle up to 100 accounts effortlessly and perform tasks such as creating, importing, exporting, deleting, renaming, and hiding accounts, all with simple swipes and taps.
Fees and costs
When considering the Ngrave Zero wallet, evaluating the associated fees and costs is essential. The wallet is priced at €399 (excluding VAT), approximately $450, providing a competitive value for its advanced security features and functionality.
Additionally, the Ngrave team offers a combo pack that includes the Ngrave Graphene backup solution for your keys, available for €549 (excluding VAT), approximately $620. Various cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, CRO, USDC, and DOGE are accepted to facilitate payments.
If you choose Crypto.com as your payment method, you can receive cashback in CRO. It’s important to note that while no additional fees or subscriptions are required to use the Ngrave Zero wallet, standard network fees may apply for blockchain transactions.
Built-in camera and fingerprint scanner
The Ngrave Zero wallet integrates a built-in camera and fingerprint scanner, further enhancing its security. The camera, equipped with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, is specifically designed for scanning QR codes displayed on your smartphone or computer.
Besides that, this feature ensures seamless communication between the cold wallet and external devices during transaction verification.
Additionally, the camera includes a light sensor that automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient lighting conditions, optimizing visibility and usability.
Usability and intuitiveness
Ngrave Zero wallet offers a user-friendly experience with its 4-inch touchscreen. You can effortlessly manage up to 100 accounts by swiping and tapping on the screen. With a high pixel density and 480 x 800 pixels resolution, the display ensures clear visibility and easy navigation.
The intuitive user interface (UI) enables you to perform various actions like creating, importing, exporting, deleting, renaming, and hiding all your accounts. Additionally, the built-in camera allows you to scan QR codes from your smartphone or computer using the Ngrave Liquid app.
For enhanced security, the Ngrave Zero wallet includes a fingerprint scanner. Your fingerprint and an 8-digit PIN code are unique variables for creating your Perfect Key, unlocking the device, and signing transactions.
Supported cryptocurrencies
Ngrave Zero wallet keeps over 1000 supported coins and tokens, including popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Binance Coin (BNB), Ripple (XRP), Dogecoin (DOGE), and more.
It also supports all Ethereum (ERC20 tokens) tokens and the MultiversX network (ESDT tokens). Additionally, you can securely store your Ethereum-based non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the Ngrave Zero wallet and visualize them using the Ngrave Liquid app.
Supported Blockchains
Ngrave Zero wallet is compatible with various blockchains that power the supported coins and tokens. It includes the Bitcoin blockchain, Ethereum blockchain, Binance Smart Chain, MultiversX blockchain, Solana blockchain, Stellar blockchain, Polygon blockchain, and Avalanche blockchain.
The wallet facilitates cross-chain crypto transactions between blockchains using bridges or swaps, enabling seamless asset transfers and interoperability with other crypto wallet transactions.
Ngrave Zero Review: Advantages of using the wallet
Ngrave Zero wallet offers several advantages, making it a compelling choice for secure cryptocurrency storage. Let’s explore some of these:
Stylish design and finish
The Ngrave Zero wallet stands out with its stylish and modern design, reminiscent of a sleek smartphone rather than a conventional USB stick.
Its metal case adds an aesthetic appeal and exceptional durability, making it resistant to shocks, collisions, and accidental falls. The 4-inch color touchscreen enhances the user experience, offering a visually pleasing and intuitive interface.
Offline and air-gapped security
One of the significant advantages of the Ngrave Zero wallet is its complete offline and air-gapped security. Unlike most hardware wallets that rely on network connectivity or USB cables, the Ngrave Zero wallet operates independently, eliminating potential security vulnerabilities often associated with online connections.
It means your private keys and transactions remain isolated from the internet, ensuring protection against remote hacking and malware threats.
Cold storage for your assets
The Ngrave Zero wallet provides the convenience of cold storage for your digital assets. Keeping your keys and transactions cold safeguards them against online risks and vulnerabilities.
Generating and securing your keys offline with the Ngrave Zero wallet is made possible through biometric sensor authentication and a personal identification number (PIN) code.
Similarly, signing transactions completely offline using QR codes establishes a completely secure and tamper-resistant method of communication with your smartphone or computer.
Complete ownership of your digital assets
The Ngrave Zero wallet gives you full ownership and control over your digital assets. The wallet allows you to generate your own unique and computationally unbreakable Perfect Key or seed phrase offline, ensuring exclusive access to your funds.
It means that even Ngrave, the company behind the secure wallet, cannot access or retrieve your private keys. The Ngrave Zero wallet also supports over 1000 coins and tokens, allowing you to securely store and manage various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and NFTs.
Drawbacks of Ngrave Zero
Despite its advantages, the Ngrave Zero wallet has a few drawbacks.
Lacks DeFi support
One of the drawbacks of the Ngrave Zero wallet is that it does not support decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols or dApps.
DeFi has gained significant popularity in crypto, allowing users to engage in various financial activities without relying on intermediaries or centralized platforms.
With Ngrave Zero Wallet’s limited DeFi support, users may need to use alternative wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet to access and participate in DeFi services such as lending, borrowing, trading, and earning interest.
Premium price range
Ngrave Zero Wallet falls in a higher price range than other crypto hardware wallets. Priced at €399 (excluding VAT) on the official website, which is approximately $450, it is considered a more expensive option.
A combo pack that includes Ngrave Graphene, a backup solution for keys, is available for €549 (excluding VAT), around $620. Compared to other popular wallets like Ledger Nano X or Trezor Model T are priced from $120 to $170. The cost of the Ngrave Zero wallet may be considered relatively high.
However, it is essential to note that the advanced security features and enhanced functionality of the Ngrave Zero wallet can justify the higher price.
Lack of credibility among enthusiasts
As a relatively new product, the Ngrave Zero wallet was launched in 2020 following a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.
While Ngrave Zero is new to the market, it needs more testing, reviews, and user feedback. This limited exposure could affect its credibility among potential buyers.
Additionally, its real-world resilience and reliability remain unproven without significant security breaches or incidents.
Ngrave Zero Review: Our Verdict
Ngrave Wallet is the first crypto hardware wallet to prioritize security, usability, and compatibility. With its sleek design, durable build, and intuitive touchscreen interface, the Ngrave Zero wallet offers a premium experience for managing multiple accounts.
Its offline and air-gapped functionality ensures protection against hackers and malware, while the EAL7-certified custom operating system adds an extra layer of security.
Supporting over 1000 coins and tokens, including popular cryptocurrencies and NFTs, the Ngrave Zero wallet caters to diverse user needs. However, it lacks support for DeFi liquidity protocols.
Despite being a newer product, Ngrave Zero Wallet has gained credibility through positive endorsements and no reported security breaches. With its focus on security and user-friendliness, Ngrave Wallet provides a reliable solution for individuals seeking a secure and convenient way to manage their digital assets.
Coins supported by Ngrave Zero include Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Dash (DSH), Zcash (ZEC), Litecoin (LTC), Binance Coin (BNB), XRP, Dogecoin (DOGE), Tezos (XTZ), and many more.
No, Ngrave Zero is not open-source software. It utilizes its custom operating system, which has undergone rigorous security testing and holds the highest security certification (EAL7).
The safest cold crypto wallet is subjective, but popular options known for their security include hardware wallets like Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T. These wallets store private keys offline, away from potential online threats.
The safest hot wallet for cryptocurrency also depends on individual preferences, but some well-regarded options include Exodus, Electrum, and MetaMask. These best hardware wallets prioritize user security and provide additional measures like solid encryption and multi-factor authentication. Choosing a reputable and secure hardware wallet and following best security practices is essential.
Susan Oh
Susan Oh is a leading figure in the integration of AI and blockchain for social good, serving as the CMO for BeOmni by Beyond Imagination and a civic technologist dedicated to creating scalable solutions. She is a board member of the Blockchain Commission For Sustainable Development supported by the UN GA Office of Partnerships, and a member of the Global Sustainability Network, a joint initiative by the Vatican and the Church of England to combat human trafficking. Recognized with the...
