XZEN website describes its hardware wallet as a “Hybrid cybersecurity system” that “Combines hardware, software, and services” in guaranteeing maximum security, transparency, and the highest levels of user experience. It was designed and developed by an Estonian Virtual currency wallet and exchange services provider, XZEN EST Ltd, and launched in 2018. It is the native wallet for the XZEN exchange and features a mobile app companion that hosts such interactive services as the crypto exchange and payment service processor.
According to XZEN founder Dmitry Laptev, this highly innovative and versatile Crypto was born of the need to change the security architecture around hardware wallets. It is especially aimed at eliminating the chances of losing your digital assets because of a forgotten PIN or lost backup seed. It is also one of the few hardware wallets that support fiat currencies.
This review will be vetting the hardware wallet to determine if it is as secure and easy to use as advertised. We will outline its key operational and security features, provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to set up and use XZEN wallet, check the number of supported currencies, and compare it with other hardware wallets.
XZEN Wallet key features
On-device screen: XZEN hardware wallet features a 2.4-inch high-resolution LCD screen that is large enough to fit the entire wallet address.
Mobile compatibility: The hardware wallet has a mobile (Android/iOS) and desktop (Windows/macOS/Linux) app companions that host most of XZEN’s interactive features such as the crypto exchange and portfolio tracking tools.
Inbuilt exchange: XZEN hardware wallet users also interact with the XZEN decentralized exchange hosted on the mobile and desktop apps. The wallet is hybrid and supports both crypto-to-crypto as well as fiat-to-crypto exchanges. Also, it allows you to buy Crypto virtually via any credit/debit card.
Instant transfers: Cryptocurrency transfers on the XZEN platform are instantaneous. Moreover, transfers within the wallet’s ecosystem (from one XZEN wallet to another) do not attract additional charges or commissions.
Contactless payments: Embedded in the XZEN hardware wallet device is an NFC chip that powers contactless payments. It allows you to pay for goods and services in millions of stores worldwide without necessarily connecting your device to the store’s hardware. The chip is also attributed to one of the wallet’s coolest features – wireless charging.
Wireless connections: Just like you don’t need to physically connect an XZEN hardware device to a store’s systems to pay for goods, you also don’t need to connect it to your computer or mobile phone to transfer coins. It is fitted with the Bluetooth 4.2 technology used to communicate with its app companion via a highly secure and AES encrypted channel.
Steel case: The XZEN wallet components are protected by an airtight steel casing that is both dust and waterproof.
Security features
PIN Code + Touch ID: XZEN hardware wallet embraces a multilayered security feature that constitutes both a PIN Code and Touch ID.
Encrypted CPU: The hardware wallet will also feature a highly encrypted CPYU/secure element on which your private keys are stored.
Cold storage: XZEN hardware wallet maintains that the private keys for digital assets are always kept in a 100% offline device and never leave the wallet.
Two-factor authentication: All transfers out of your XZEN wallet must be subjected to two-factor authentication. While you can initiate the outbound transaction via the mobile or desktop app, it must be authorized by the hardware device.
Licensed: XZEN EST Limited is a licensed virtual currency wallet and exchange services provider, authorized and regulated by Estonia’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
How to set and activate the XZEN wallet
Step 1: Start by ordering the XZEN hardware device from the XZEN wallet’s official website.
Step 2: Open the XZEN wallet official website. Click on the “APP” page. Download the wallet app that is compatible with your phone or computer.
Step 3: Install and launch the app.
Step 4: Choose a username and create a unique multi-character password for the wallet app.
Step 5: Turn on the XZEN hardware wallet and pair it to the phone app via Bluetooth or the USB cable.
Step 6: Once paired, the hardware wallet will request you to create a PIN code and set up the fingerprint ID.
Step 7: It will then provide you with a 12-word recovery seed
Step 8: The wallet will now generate a wallet address that you can use to add/receive funds
How to add/receive Crypto into your XZEN wallet
Step 1: Log into your XZEN crypto wallet app and click on the “Receive” button.
Step 2: Copy the wallet address or QR code provided and send them to the individual sending you coins.
Step 3: Wait for the funds to reflect on your wallet.
How to send Crypto from your XZEN wallet
Step 1: Log in to your XZEN crypto wallet app and hit the “Send” icon.
Step 2: Select the cryptocurrency or token you wish to transfer, especially if you have multiple wallet addresses
Step 3: Enter the recipient address and amounts you want to send
Step 4: Turn on and login to XZEN hardware wallet.
Step 5: Connect the phone or computer to the hardware device via the cable or Bluetooth
Step 6: Confirm that the transaction details are correct and authorize the transaction.
XZEN wallet ease of use
XZEN has one of the most intuitive interfaces – for both the hardware device and the mobile/desktop apps. They are both clean and easy to navigate with little to no help. Several text and video guides throughout the XZEN wallet website can help you master your way around the device and apps. These come in handy in teaching you how to send or receive cryptos via XZEN and in figuring out your way around the crypto exchange.
These, plus the relatively easy and straightforward onboarding process, make XZEN wallet one of the most intuitive hardware wallets.
XZEN wallet supported currencies
XZEN is a multicurrency hardware wallet that is yet to embrace multiple cryptos and tokens. Currently, you can only host Bitcoins, Ethereum, and ERC-20 tokens on the wallet, but the XZEN website hints about an upcoming upgrade that incorporates more popular cryptos.
XZEN wallet cost and fees
XZEN hardware wallet costs $120.
Crypto exchanges within the decentralized exchange and crypto transfers to other XZEN wallets are free. Nevertheless, you will pay a variable network fee every time you send cryptos and tokens to external wallets and exchanges.
What are the pros and cons of using the XZEN Wallet?
Pros:
- Crypto transfers from one XZEN wallet to another are free.
- It integrates a hybrid exchange that allows you to pay for Crypto using a card.
- Embraces a wide range of security and privacy features.
- Supports anonymous user registration and trading.
- Your private keys are held in offline cold storage and never leave the wallet.
Cons:
- Supports a limited number of cryptocurrencies
- Requires you to verify identity if you want to pay for Crypto via card
Comparing XZEN wallet with other hardware wallets
XZEN wallet vs. Ledger Nano S wallet
XZEN and Ledger Nano S are both multicurrency hardware wallets. Some of the key security measures they have both implemented include the generation of wallet addresses offline, cold storage for private keys, and two-factor authentication. They also have an on-device screen that one can use to check crypto balances while offline and verify transaction details for outbound transfers.
The two, however, have several operational differences. For instance, while XZEN will only support two major cryptocurrencies, Ledger Nano supports 1000+ cryptos and tokens. The on-device screen for the Ledger wallet is smaller than the large and high-resolution color screen on the XZEN hardware wallet. Moreover, XZEN can be more versatile as it is complemented by feature-rich mobile and desktop companion apps.
Verdict: Is XZEN wallet safe?
Yes. With fingerprint protection, offline cold storage, two-factor authentication, password-protected apps, and recovery seed in place, XZEN hardware wallet has put in place adequate security measures around your private keys. And in appreciation of XZEN wallet’s security-focused approach, storing and managing digital assets, the company was honored with the Excellence in Finance Award in 2019 during the global FiNext Conference in Singapore. Our only reservations with the hardware wallet are its relatively expensive price ($120) and its support for a limited number of coins.