Keeping your digital assets safe is a growing concern, especially as cryptocurrency continues to gain mainstream adoption. Traditional online wallets and exchanges are often vulnerable to hacking, leaving your hard-earned crypto at risk. The SafePal S1 hardware wallet offers unparalleled protection, putting you in complete control of your crypto.
In this comprehensive SafePal S1 review, you’ll get an inside look at this hardware wallet and learn why it’s the ultimate tool for securely managing your digital assets.
What Is SafePal S1?
Before we proceed with this SafePal S1 review, some context is in order. The SafePal S1 is a top-tier hardware cryptocurrency wallet introduced in 2018 by SafePal, a blockchain security company founded in Singapore and backed by Binance Labs. As I will later discuss in this SafePal S1 review, this hardware wallet boasts robust security features like an EAL5+ certified secure element, true random number generator, and 100% air-gapped offline transactions.
SafePal has since expanded its lineup with the S1 Pro and the ultra-compact X1 models, cementing its reputation as a leading provider of cutting-edge digital asset protection solutions. With its combination of ironclad security, user-friendly design, and competitive pricing, the SafePal S1 stands out as one of the best hardware wallets on the market for both crypto novices and seasoned investors looking to safeguard their digital wealth.
Read Also – SafePal S1 Pro Review
SafePal S1 Review: Design and Build Quality
As someone who prioritizes security and portability in my crypto hardware wallets, the SafePal S1 really impressed me right out of the box. At just the size of a standard credit card, this thing is impressively compact and lightweight – perfect for slipping into my pocket or bag whenever I need to manage my digital assets on the go.
Despite its small size, the SafePal S1 feels incredibly well-built. The matte black ABS and PVC casing has a nice heft to it, and I can tell it’s designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. The buttons have a satisfying, clicky feel, and the 1.3-inch full color display is sharp and easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
Security Features: Is SafePal S1 Safe?
Of course, the most important aspect of any hardware wallet is its security, and the SafePal S1 really shines in this department.
At its core is an EAL5+ certified secure element – the gold standard for tamper-resistant chips used in smart cards and other high-security applications. This means your private keys are stored in a virtually impenetrable fortress, with multiple layers of physical and digital security measures in place.
I was also impressed by the inclusion of a true random number generator. This helps ensure that the cryptographic keys generated for your wallet are completely unpredictable, adding an extra layer of protection against potential attacks.
Beyond the secure chip, the SafePal S1 wallet also features multi-layered security sensors that can detect any tampering or unauthorized access attempts. And if someone does try to physically compromise the device, an anti-tamper self-destruct mechanism will immediately wipe all sensitive data, rendering the wallet useless to attackers.
But perhaps the most unique security feature of the SafePal S1 is its 100% air-gapped signing mechanism. This means the device never connects to the internet or any other network – all transactions are signed offline, eliminating the risk of remote hacking or digital theft. This is what some users in other SafePal S1 reviews loved the most. It’s a level of security that gives me great peace of mind.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
The SafePal S1 hardware wallet supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, making it a versatile choice for managing your digital assets. In total, the S1 supports over 1,000 different coins and tokens, including major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and Dogecoin, as well as a vast array of altcoins and ERC-20 tokens.
This broad support ensures that you can securely store and manage the majority of the cryptocurrencies you’re likely to encounter, whether you’re a newcomer to the crypto space or a seasoned investor with a diverse portfolio. The wallet’s compatibility is regularly expanded as new cryptocurrencies emerge, giving you the confidence that your assets will be protected both now and in the future.
Usability and Connectivity
As an everyday crypto user, I really appreciate how user-friendly and intuitive the SafePal S1 is to operate. The 1.3-inch color display provides a clear, bright interface for navigating the wallet’s features, and the responsive D-pad makes it easy to scroll through menus and select options.
One of the standout design choices here is the complete lack of any wireless connectivity. No Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC – the SafePal S1 is a true “air-gapped” device, meaning it can only be accessed locally through the USB cable. This may seem limiting at first, but it’s a deliberate decision that prioritizes security by eliminating any potential remote attack vectors.
To charge the Safepal S1 wallet, you simply plug it into any standard USB port using the included cable. The built-in 400mAh battery is rated for up to 20 days of usage on a single charge, so you don’t have to worry about constantly having to tether it to a power source.
SafePal S1’s capabilities
Beyond just securely storing your cryptocurrencies, there are a few key features and capabilities of the SafePal S1 hardware wallet that you should know.
Earning Crypto Rewards
The SafePal S1 hardware wallet provides unique opportunities to help you grow your crypto wealth through various earning programs. By leveraging the SafePal ecosystem, you can generate passive income through rewards and accelerate your overall APY (annual percentage yield). The wallet seamlessly integrates these earning mechanisms, making it easy to maximize the earning potential of your digital assets.
Effortless Trading and DApp Interaction
In addition to safeguarding your cryptocurrency, the SafePal S1 also serves as a gateway to the rapidly expanding world of decentralized applications (DApps) and decentralized finance (DeFi). Through the wallet’s broad asset support and cross-chain compatibility, you can easily buy, sell, and trade a wide range of digital assets, including non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The wallet also allows you to securely interact with various DeFi projects, from yield farming to liquidity mining, all while keeping your private keys offline and protected.
What’s Included in the Box?
When you first open up the SafePal S1 packaging, you’ll find a compact and tidy array of contents that cover everything you need to get started. The hardware wallet itself is the star of the show, of course – a sleek, credit card-sized device that exudes premium quality.
Alongside the wallet, you’ll also find a USB charging cable, which allows you to power up the device’s built-in battery. A cleaning cloth is included as well, to help keep the SafePal S1’s display and exterior looking pristine.
But perhaps the most important supplementary items are the backup materials. SafePal provides not one, but three mnemonic phrase cards, which you can use to securely write down the recovery seed words for your wallet. This redundancy is a thoughtful touch that ensures you have multiple copies of this critical backup information.
There are also a couple of SafePal-branded stickers included, which you can use to personalize your device or laptop if you wish. And lastly, you’ll find a concise user manual that walks you through the setup and usage of the SafePal S1 in clear, easy-to-understand steps.
Performance and Battery Life
One of the key advantages of the SafePal S1’s compact, minimalist design is its impressive battery life. The device packs a 400mAh battery that SafePal claims can power the wallet for up to 20 days on a single charge, based on around 10 minutes of daily use.
In my real-world testing, I found this battery life estimate to be quite accurate. Even with fairly frequent use for sending and receiving crypto transactions, checking balances, and managing my portfolio, I was able to go well over a week between charges. This means I don’t have to constantly worry about keeping the SafePal S1 tethered to a power source, freeing me up to use it on the go without interruption.
And when it does come time to recharge, the process is quick and painless. Simply plug the included USB cable into any standard power source, and the SafePal S1 will juice up in a matter of hours, ready for more secure crypto management.
The device’s overall performance has also been stellar in my experience. The user interface is zippy and responsive, with no noticeable lag when navigating menus or executing transactions. And the high-quality color display provides a crisp, clear view of your wallet information at all times.
Pricing
The flagship SafePal S1 hardware wallet retails for just $49.99, excluding VAT and duties – a highly competitive price point considering its robust EAL5+ certified secure element, 100% air-gapped design, and suite of advanced security features.
When it comes to the SafePal lineup, the company has struck an impressive balance between security, features, and affordability.
So for users seeking even greater capabilities, SafePal offers the S1 Pro model at $89.99, which boasts enhanced specifications and functionality. And for those seeking the ultimate in compact, portable crypto management, the $69.99 SafePal X1 provides the same ironclad security as the S1 in an even smaller, credit card-sized form factor.
Pros and Cons of the SafePal S1
Its now time to turn a new page on this SafePal S1 review and tell you what I like and dislike about this hardware wallet.
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
Robust EAL5+ security chip |
Limited connectivity (USB only) |
100% air-gapped, offline design |
No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi |
Compact, credit card-sized form factor |
Lacks third-party app support |
Long-lasting 400mAh battery |
No OLED display like some competitors |
Affordable $49.99 price point |
|
Supports over 1,000 cryptocurrencies |
|
Seamless integration with DApps and DeFi |
Comparison to Other Hardware Wallets
When it comes to choosing a secure hardware wallet, there are a few popular options on the market besides the SafePal S1 to consider. Let’s take a closer look at how it stacks up against some leading competitors:
Feature |
SafePal S1 |
Ledger Nano S |
Trezor One |
Tangem Wallet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$49.99 |
$79.00 |
$69.00 |
$54.90 |
Size |
Credit card-sized |
21g |
12g |
Credit card-sized |
Security Chip |
EAL5+ |
Certified Secure Element (CC EAL6+) |
Open-source security and design |
EAL6+ Certification |
Air-Gapped |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Connectivity |
USB only |
USB, Bluetooth |
USB |
NFC |
Display |
1.3″ color |
128×64 pixel OLED |
128×64 pixel OLED |
E Ink |
Battery |
400mAh (20 days) |
N/A (USB powered) |
N/A (USB powered) |
N/A (NFC powered) |
Looking at this comparison, it’s clear that the SafePal S1 stands out in a few key areas. Its robust EAL5+ security chip, 100% air-gapped offline design, and impressive battery life give it a clear edge over the competition in terms of security and usability.
The Ledger Nano S and Trezor One also boast impressive security credentials, with their Certified Secure Element (CC EAL6+) and open-source security and design, respectively. The Trezor One’s small 12g form factor and PIN & passphrase protection are also noteworthy features.
Meanwhile, the Tangem Wallet matches the SafePal S1’s credit card-sized portability and air-gapped design, while featuring an even higher EAL6+ security certification.
As mentioned earlier in this Safepal S1 review, I believe this hardware wallet is an excellent balance of security, features, and value. Its rock-solid EAL5+ data protection, streamlined interface, and affordable $49.99 price tag make it a compelling choice for anybody looking for a dependable hardware wallet.
Read also: SafePal S1 vs SafePal S1 Pro
How to Use the SafePal S1 Hardware Wallet
This is where my SafePal S1 review gets practical. Using the SafePal S1 hardware wallet is a simple process that helps keep your cryptocurrency secure. Let’s go through the steps:
Using the SafePal S1 hardware wallet involves several steps, from setting it up to sending and receiving cryptocurrencies. Here’s the steps:
1. Unbox and Prepare the Wallet
- Open the package and ensure all items (the wallet, cables, and recovery cards) are included.
- Charge the wallet using the provided cable until it is fully powered.
2. Initialize the Wallet
- Turn It On: Press and hold the power button until the screen lights up.
- Language Selection: Choose your preferred language.
- Create or Recover Wallet:
- If you are creating a new wallet, select “Create Wallet.”
- If restoring an old wallet, choose “Recover Wallet” and input your recovery phrase.
3. Back Up Your Recovery Phrase
- Write down the 12, 18, or 24-word recovery phrase displayed on the screen onto the recovery card provided.
- Double-check your spelling carefully. This phrase is your key to recovering funds if the wallet is lost or damaged.
- Important: Never share or store the recovery phrase online.
4. Set Up the SafePal App
- Download: Install the SafePal app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Pair the Wallet:
- Open the app and choose “Hardware Wallet.”
- Follow the prompts to scan QR codes displayed on the wallet and the app for pairing.
5. Receiving Cryptocurrency
- Get a Receiving Address:
- Open the SafePal App, select your hardware wallet, and choose the cryptocurrency you want to receive.
- Tap “Receive” to generate a receiving address.
- Share the Address:
- Use the wallet screen to display the QR code or copy the address to share with the sender.
- Verify:
- Ensure the address matches exactly before accepting funds.
6. Sending Cryptocurrency
- Open the App:
- Select the cryptocurrency and tap “Send.”
- Input Details:
- Enter the recipient’s address and the amount to send. Use the wallet’s camera to scan the QR code for accuracy.
- Sign the Transaction:
- The wallet will generate a QR code.
- Use the S1 wallet’s camera to scan the code for offline signing.
- Broadcast:
- The app will display another QR code.
- Scan this code with the wallet to complete and broadcast the transaction.
Following these steps ensures your crypto stays secure while allowing smooth transactions. For additional guidance, refer to SafePal’s official help guide.
The key thing to remember is that the SafePal S1 is a fully “air-gapped” device, meaning it never connects to the internet. This provides an extra layer of security by ensuring your private keys are never exposed to potential online threats. All transactions are signed offline on the device before being broadcast to the blockchain.
Where to Buy the SafePal S1
The best place to purchase the SafePal S1 hardware wallet is directly from the manufacturer’s website, SafePal.com. This ensures you’re getting a genuine, untampered device straight from the source.
SafePal also offers some great deals and incentives for buying directly from them. For example, if you purchase two or more SafePal devices (including the S1, S1 Pro, X1, or Cypher models), you’ll get free global shipping. This is a fantastic offer that can save you money, especially if you’re buying multiple hardware wallets for yourself or to give as gifts.
Additionally, SafePal provides a 1-year warranty on all their products, and their customer support is available 24/7 to assist you if you have any questions or issues. Buying directly from SafePal.com gives you the peace of mind of knowing you’re getting a secure, reliable hardware wallet backed by excellent customer service and support.
Accessories for the SafePal S1
If you are also looking to take your crypto security to the next level, SafePal offers some essential accessories to complement the S1 hardware wallet.
SafePal Cypher
The first is the SafePal Cypher, a rugged storage solution designed to protect your all-important recovery seed phrases. Made from durable, fireproof materials, the Cypher can withstand water, heat, and physical damage, ensuring your backup words remain intact even in the most extreme circumstances. At just $44.99, it’s an affordable way to add an extra layer of protection for your crypto assets.
SafePal Leather Case
Another useful accessory is the SafePal Leather Case. This premium carrying case provides physical protection for your S1 hardware wallet, shielding it from scratches, bumps, and other everyday wear and tear. The high-quality leather construction gives the case a sleek, professional look, while the snug fit ensures your device stays securely in place. At only $9.99, the Leather Case is a small investment that can give you greater peace of mind when transporting your SafePal S1.
By investing in these complementary products, you can further reinforce the already formidable safeguards of the S1 hardware wallet, ensuring your digital wealth remains safe and sound.
SafePal S1 Hardware Wallet Review – Conclusion
Hopefully, my SafePal S1 review gave you a comprehensive picture of this hardware wallet’s strengths and weaknesses. With its unwavering commitment to security, user-friendly design, and remarkable value proposition, the SafePal S1 emerges as a standout choice in the crowded hardware wallet market.
Whether you’re a cryptocurrency newcomer or a seasoned digital asset investor, the S1’s uncompromising protection and ease of use make it an exceptional tool for safeguarding your financial future. For those seeking the ultimate in portable, offline crypto storage, the SafePal S1 is an absolute must-have.
Read also ↓
SafePal S1 vs. Ledger Nano S Plus
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the SafePal S1 wallet safe?
Yes, the SafePal S1 is an extremely secure hardware wallet. It features an EAL5+ certified secure element, true random number generation, and a 100% air-gapped design that keeps your private keys isolated from any internet connection.
- How does the SafePal S1 work?
The SafePal S1 is a standalone, offline device used to manage your cryptocurrency. You can use it to create a new wallet, import an existing one, and perform secure transactions by signing them directly on the device. All sensitive data, like your private keys, remains isolated within the S1’s secure element.
- How do I transfer crypto to the SafePal S1 wallet?
To transfer cryptocurrencies to your SafePal S1, you’ll first need to set up a wallet on the device. Once that’s done, you can share your wallet’s receive address with the sender, who can then transfer funds to the S1. Alternatively, you can scan a QR code on the device’s screen to initiate the transfer.
- What happens if I lose my SafePal S1?
If you ever lose or damage your SafePal S1, you can easily recover access to your cryptocurrencies by using the 24-word recovery seed phrase you were prompted to write down during setup. This seed phrase allows you to restore your wallet on a new SafePal device or other compatible wallet software.
- How do I update the SafePal S1 hardware wallet?
SafePal regularly releases firmware updates to enhance the security and functionality of the S1. To update your device, simply connect it to your computer, open the SafePal mobile app, and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest firmware version.