In the quest for the ultimate crypto hardware wallet, many have stumbled upon the CoolWallet S, a sleek and innovative solution for digital asset storage. This CoolWallet review aims to delve deep into the features and benefits of the CoolWallet S, providing a comprehensive analysis for potential users.
As we explore the intricacies of this unique crypto hardware wallet, we’ll uncover what sets the CoolWallet S apart from its competitors, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. So, let’s dive into the CoolWallet S review and discover the world of secure and convenient crypto management.
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| 📊 Pricing | CoolWallet S costs $99 for a single wallet, and $159 for two wallets, which is about $79 each. |
| 🔍 Features | – Instantly swapping currencies – 2+1 Factor Authentication – Can be managed from mobile device – Top-tier security – DeFi app support – Store over 5500 assets, install up to 100 apps simultaneously – SegWit and Bech32 address support – Clean and simple to use with a growing selection of supported cryptocurrencies – Transaction status and history with custom fiat portfolio balance and live market data – The CoolWallet S App has a 4.6-star rating after almost 500 reviews and 10k downloads. |
| 👍 Pros | – Very secure – Can be managed from mobile device – Supports more than 5500 cryptocurrencies – Top-tier security – DeFi app support – Store over 5500 assets, install up to 100 apps simultaneously – Multiple cryptocurrency support – SegWit and Bech32 address support – Clean and simple to use with a growing selection of supported cryptocurrencies – The CoolWallet S App has a 4.6-star rating after almost 500 reviews and 10k downloads – Instantly swapping currencies – Waterproof |
| 👎 Cons | – Lacking on its coin support compared to other alternatives – NFC payment is not yet working – Only supports Android or iOS devices that have Bluetooth – The only supported cryptocurrency so far is Bitcoin – The NFC payment is not yet working – No connection to other software, services or exchanges – The software is not open-source – Doesn’t surpass the established competition of TREZOR and Ledger in its design or user experience |
What you'll learn 👉
What is CoolWallet?
CoolWallet is a hardware wallet manufactured by CoolBitX (CoolBitx, founded by Michael Ou, aims to build the world’s best mobile wallet for digital assets.).
As you will see In this Cool Wallet S review, the wallet stands out because of its great design and its somewhat unusual size. This hardware wallet weighs just 5 grams and is very small at 86x54x0.8 mm. Is it worth buying it according to our Cool Wallet S Review? What type of user does the hardware wallet make the most sense for?
Btw. CoolWallet Pro is the latest hardware wallet from CoolBitX and CoolWallet S is discontinued since 2021.
Who is behind the CoolWallet S ?
Behind the CoolWallet S is the Taiwanese manufacturer CoolBitX. The company was founded in early 2014 as a small family business. Thanks to the already existing experience with smartcards and successful financing via IndieGoGo, the first devices were delivered to customers just one year later.
Driven by this success several investors joined the company in 2017. This meant that at one stroke there was enough capital available to develop a successor to the first CoolWallet.
With the feedback from the First Wallet Generation, an improved version, the CoolWallet S which is tested here, was released in early 2018. According to the manufacturer, over 150,000 units have been sold so far.
Is the CoolWallet S safe?
CoolBitX uses a CC EAL5+ certified security chip in its credit card-sized hardware wallet, which is also used for military purposes.
The complete processing of a transaction takes place within the microchip. Therefore only uncritical data is transmitted via Bluetooth connection.
Your private key never leaves this chip when used properly!
A Bluetooth connection to the CoolWallet S can only be established when the wallet is switched on and is secured with AES 256 encryption.
As an additional security feature, the microchip is sealed, making physical access to it virtually impossible. In other words, any attempt to dismantle it will irreversibly destroy the hardware.
An offline wallet, also known as a ‘cold wallet,’ is currently the most secure way to store your cryptocurrencies.
Read also:
- Is Ledger Nano X worth it?
- Is Ledger Nano S worth it?
- Is Ledger Nano S Plus worth it?
- Is Trezor T worth it?
- Ledger Nano X vs Nano S Plus – which is the better hardware wallet?
Secure transactions
In order to execute a transaction requested by the app, you have to press the button on the hardware wallet. In addition, all necessary information is also shown again on the E-Ink display for verification.
All in all, the CoolWallet S offers a very high level of security.
CoolWallet S review – Package contents
The CoolWallet S is delivered in a stylish black cardboard box that folds upwards. Immediately after opening, the hardware wallet shines at you securely packaged in the form of a bank or credit card.
The delivery includes the following items:
- CoolWallet S with E-Ink display in credit card format approx. 86 x 54 x 0.8 mm
- Charger with USB cable
- recovery seed card
- Sticker
How can I determine if I own an original CoolWallet S?
The packaging of the CoolWallet S is closed with a seal. However, this type of security is not the best. It is easy to reproduce the sticky labels.
Unfortunately, there is no other way to check the authenticity of your CoolWallet S. In this case, a Genuine function like the one on the Ledger Nano S would be nice.
If you want to be on the safe side, order the CoolWallet S directly from the manufacturer.
Set up the CoolWallet S easily in 4 steps
Setting up the hardware wallet is quick and easy. All you need is a mobile device with the latest Android or iOS version.
During the whole setup process, you should charge the CoolWallet S with the included charger.
Make sure you insert the card the right way round. The arrow of the charger must be on the front of the card. A red LED next to the display indicates the charging process.
- o pair the CoolWallet S with your mobile phone via Bluetooth
To pair the CoolWallet S, first install the CoolBitX app from the Apple or Google Play Store. Simply scan the QR code on the recovery seed card.
- Press the button of the CoolWallet S once and switch it on. The display will show “Please pair”.
- Now open the CoolBitX App and press the “Connect” button.
- You will see a message to confirm the connection by entering the Bluetooth password. The required password will be shown on the display of the CoolWallet S.
- update the CoolWallet S firmware
- Immediately after pairing, the app checks for a firmware update for the CoolWallet S and installs it if necessary. For security reasons, I recommend that you always use the latest firmware.
Caution:
If you have already set up your CoolWallet S, you will need your recovery seed to restore it. The wallet will be completely deleted during the firmware update!
- x create a new wallet
- After you confirm the successful firmware update, the CoolWallet S will restart. To reconnect, press the “Connect” button in the app and the button on the hardware wallet.
- Now you can continue with the creation of a new wallet account. Press the “Create” button to continue.
- create CoolWallet S recovery seed
- The CoolWallet S gives you several ways to select the length and location of your recovery seed. I recommend you to select 24 words or more precisely number sequences that will be displayed on the wallet’s e-ink display.
- Once you have made your selection, you can press the button on the CoolWallet S to display the next number combination in the row.
- Write all 24 number sequences on a piece of paper or better on stainless steel, non-destructible notepad, such as a Cryptosteel.
- Once you have written down all the number sequences, you must verify your wallet backup to complete the setup.
Important:
To verify the recovery seed, you must sum up all the numbers in sequence. The result is then entered into the input mask of the app.
Example:
Recovery-Phrase Sum up numbers Result for
Verification
11111; 22222; …
= 1+1+1+1+1+2+2+2+2+2
= 15
I personally had my problems with this verification method and had to add up all the numbers several times to get the correct result. After all, you have to enter 120 characters in a row correctly into the calculator!
I would definitely prefer a query of individual seed phrase with direct confirmation!
Recovery-Seed with numbers?
CoolBitX has decided to use a sequence of numbers instead of words for its wallet to make it easier for non-English speaking users.
The technique behind it is the same. If you prefer to work with the known words, you can use a table to convert the sequence of numbers back.
CoolBitX App for iOS and Android
“Mobile First” is the name of the game here. The CoolWallet S is completely set up and managed via an Android or iOS app.
The structure of the app is similar to other mobile wallets and gives an overview of your entire portfolio. You can exchange coins directly within the wallet quickly and easily with the built-in Changelly function.
The application is clean and straightforward.
During my test I found no crashes or errors with the iOS.
You can adjust the various settings in the options. For example, you can change the displayed currency to Euro or activate the support of additional coins.
Unfortunately, as so often in the crypto world, the software is currently only available in English.
Which coins are supported by the CoolWallet S ?
Unfortunately, the CoolWallet S does not support as many currencies and tokens as for example the ledger Nano S. But it is still possible to manage the most important coins in my opinion:
- Bitcoin(BTC)
- Ethereum(ETH)
- Litecoin(LTC)
- Tether(USDT)
- Ripple(XRP)
- Bitcoin Cash(BCH)
- Binance Coin (NBB)
- Zencash (ZEN)
- ERC-20 tokens (1000+)
- MakerDAO (DAI)
- Metal (MTL)
- TrueUSD (TUSD)
- ZeroX (ZRX)
- New feature TokenSwap
- Other crypto assets will be added over time by CoolBitX.
TokenSwap – easy, decentralized way to swap tokens through CoolWallet
As of recently, the CoolWallet S offers its users a new feature called TokenSwap.
TokenSwap allows you to exchange Ethereum-based ERC20 tokens directly, securely, and conveniently with other CoolWallet S users via the 0x backend protocol. By using this function, you can avoid risky intermediaries such as crypto exchanges and hot wallets when exchanging tokens.
You can define all the necessary conditions for the exchange yourself in the CoolBitX app. Simply select the token you want to sell from and define the quantity, fee, price, exchange pair, and time period.
Once you have created an offer, you can share it with your personal contacts or social media via QR code.
Anyone interested can then simply scan the QR code to view your order details and accept them if they like them. Both you and your trading partner can enjoy the security that a hardware crypto wallet offers.
Fees and charges
You set the limit for transaction fees (gas) yourself with your TokenSwap offer.
Once you have created the offer, no further fees are charged during the closing process. The order taker will only be charged if the token the provider is trading with has never been activated. In this case, a service fee will be charged.
CoolWallet review – conclusion
The CoolWallet S with its credit card format and mobile interface can be described as a revolution in the mobile hardware wallet market. The built-in battery is large enough to use the CoolWallet S for several weeks without having to recharge it.
The app looks clean and is well programmed. The integration of Changelly makes it possible to switch between assets quickly and easily, anywhere in the world – as long as an Internet connection is available.
The setup process is very easy. What I personally did not like so much is the verification of the recovery seed. The Wallet offers the possibility to work with fewer number sequences or to use the app for creation, but this is at the expense of security.
Unfortunately, CoolBitX does not have an operating system so new features can only be added by a firmware update. There is always the danger that you have to restore your wallet with a recovery seed after a firmware update.
The CoolWallet S combines the advantages of a hardware wallet with the benefits of a mobile wallet while eliminating the weaknesses of both.
Unfortunately, however, one also encounters a general problem very quickly: There are still too few crypto acceptance points to really use the CoolWallet S.
All in all, it’s a very cool feeling to have your Bitcoins available at all times and to have them stored really safely.
With its CoolWallet S, the manufacturer CoolBitX is certainly making a contribution to the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies. The first step has been taken, and with a more simplified backup of the wallet and more points of acceptance, I see a lot of potential for the future.
And if Coolwallet S adds support for Bitcoin’s Lightning Network to the mix … A dream would come true.
You can find more hardware wallet tests in my big hardware wallet comparison.
