Blockstream Jade Review: The Compact and Affordable Hardware Wallet
Petar Jovanović
The world of cryptocurrencies has seen a surge in hardware wallets, with many options available for users to secure their digital assets.
Among these, Blockstream Jade has emerged as a viable contender. This compact and affordable hardware wallet, developed by leading blockchain development company Blockstream, offers a unique blend of features that sets it apart from its competitors.
| 📝 Section | 📚 Summary |
|---|---|
| 📦 What is Blockstream Jade? | Blockstream Jade is a compact and affordable hardware wallet designed to protect Bitcoin and Liquid Network assets. It relies on open-source code and a remote secure element for security. |
| 🎯 Key Features | The wallet is user-friendly, supports Bitcoin and Liquid Network assets, and uses the Blockstream Green interface. It also has a compact design and a large display for easy reading and address verification. |
| 🛠️ Setup | The setup involves charging the device, connecting it to a smartphone, and setting up a new wallet with a recovery phrase and a six-digit PIN. |
| 🆚 Comparison with Other Wallets | Blockstream Jade is more affordable compared to other popular hardware wallets like Coldcard, Ledger Nano S Plus, Trezor One, Ledger Nano X, and Trezor Model T. |
| 🔒 Security | The wallet offers several security measures, including offline key storage, a hardware-based secure element, Multisig Shield technology, and a camera for fully air-gapped transactions. |
| 🥊 Blockstream Jade vs Ledger | Blockstream Jade stands out with its fully open-source nature and the ability to perform fully air-gapped transactions using its built-in camera. It is also more affordable than Ledger. |
| 👍 Pros | Affordability, compact and user-friendly design, open-source software, support for Bitcoin and Liquid Network assets, and advanced security features. |
| 👎 Cons | Limited cryptocurrency support, reliance on a remote secure element, and compatibility only with Android. |
| 🏁 Verdict | Blockstream Jade is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and compact hardware wallet that supports Bitcoin and Liquid Network assets. However, its limited cryptocurrency support may not appeal to all users. |
What you'll learn 👉
What is Blockstream Jade?
Blockstream Jade is a hardware wallet designed to protect your Bitcoin (BTC) and Liquid Network assets. It’s an affordable option that relies on open-source code and a remote secure element for security. The wallet is priced at $64.99, making it one of the most affordable options in the market.
Key Features of Blockstream Jade
Compact and User-friendly Design
Blockstream Jade is compact, measuring 60 mm long, 24 mm wide, and 17 mm thick. It features a matte black body with a 29 mm IPS LCD display, which is larger than most similarly sized wallets. This makes it easy to read and convenient for verifying addresses.
Open Source Software
The code used to design Blockstream Jade is open-source, which allows for transparency and community-driven improvements.
Support for Bitcoin and Liquid Network Assets
Blockstream Jade primarily supports Bitcoin (BTC). However, it’s also compatible with the Liquid Network, a Bitcoin network sidechain. This means it can store the private keys to any Liquid assets, including Liquid Bitcoin (L-BTC) and Liquid-based Tether (USDt).
Blockstream Green Wallet Interface
Blockstream Jade uses the Blockstream Green interface, available for both mobile and desktop devices. This interface offers features like Singlesig and Multisig support, fee control, Tor integration, and multi-wallet support.
Blockstream Jade Wallet Setup
Here’s how to get your Blockstream Jade wallet up and running:
- Activating Your Device: Begin by charging your Blockstream Jade for a minimum of two hours using the included USB cable. Once charged, connect the device to your smartphone via the USB cable and power it on. Your smartphone should automatically launch the Blockstream Green app upon recognizing the Blockstream Jade connection.
- Setting Up Your Jade Device: On the Blockstream Jade display, choose ‘New’ to establish a new wallet. Follow the verification procedure to ensure you’ve accurately recorded all the words in the recovery phrase. It’s crucial to keep this recovery phrase in a secure location that you won’t forget. Next, establish a six-digit PIN. This PIN will be required each time you access your wallet.
- Transacting with Coins: To transact with Bitcoin using Blockstream Jade, you’ll need to either input addresses (for sending) or generate them (for receiving). Thanks to Jade’s large display, QR codes can be used to streamline and secure this process.
Please note that Blockstream Jade exclusively supports Bitcoin and assets issued on Blockstream’s Bitcoin sidechain, ‘Liquid’. This includes assets like L-BTC, USDt, L-CAD, and JPYS. Currently, the device is only compatible with Android.
Comparing Blockstream Jade with Other Wallets
When compared to other popular hardware wallets, Blockstream Jade stands out due to its affordability. Here’s how it stacks up against other top wallets:
| Wallet | GBP | EUR | USD |
| Coldcard | £117 | €131 | $145 |
| Ledger Nano S Plus | £69 | €79 | $79 |
| Trezor One | £62 | €69 | $69 |
| Ledger Nano X | £136 | €149 | $149 |
| Trezor Model T | £195 | €219 | $219 |
Security of Blockstream Jade
Blockstream Jade employs several security measures to ensure the safety of your digital assets. Firstly, it allows you to keep the keys to your Bitcoin and Liquid assets safely offline, reducing the risk of online threats.
Additionally, it features a hardware-based secure element, which provides an extra layer of security. This unique security model allows the device to remain fully open-source without compromising on security.
Moreover, Blockstream Jade offers a feature called Multisig Shield technology, which provides an additional layer of security. It also has a camera for fully air-gapped transactions, allowing you to scan and display QR codes directly on Jade to send Bitcoin and verify addresses without requiring a USB or Bluetooth connection.
Blockstream Jade vs Ledger
When comparing Blockstream Jade to Ledger, a popular alternative, several differences become apparent. Both wallets offer robust security features, but Blockstream Jade stands out with its fully open-source nature and the ability to perform fully air-gapped transactions using its built-in camera.
In terms of price, Blockstream Jade is more affordable than Ledger, making it a more accessible option for many users. However, it’s important to note that both wallets have their unique strengths, and the choice between the two will largely depend on individual user needs and preferences.
In conclusion, Blockstream Jade is a powerful, user-friendly, and secure hardware wallet. Its open-source nature, advanced security features, and affordability make it a strong contender in the hardware wallet market. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto investor or a beginner, Blockstream Jade offers a secure and convenient solution for managing your digital assets.
The Verdict
Blockstream Jade is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and compact hardware wallet. Its open-source software, support for Bitcoin and Liquid Network assets, and user-friendly interface make it a worthy contender in the market. However, its reliance on a remote secure element and limited cryptocurrency support may not appeal to all users.
Whether Blockstream Jade is the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a wallet that supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, you might want to consider other options. But if you’re primarily dealing with Bitcoin and Liquid Network assets and value affordability and compactness, Blockstream Jade could be an excellent choice.
