BitBox02 Nova vs Ngrave Zero
BitBox02 Nova offers open-source code, advanced privacy features. Ngrave Zero features IP55 water resistance, iOS support — and costs $249 less.
Key Takeaways
- BitBox02 Nova wins in security (94/100)
- Ngrave Zero wins in ease of use (71/100)
- BitBox02 Nova is more affordable ($149)
- Best for beginners: BitBox02 Nova (easier setup)
BitBox02 Nova vs Ngrave Zero: Key Differences
Both BitBox02 Nova and Ngrave Zero can keep your crypto safe — the real question is which one fits the way you actually use it. We've put both through our open-formula scoring on 40+ criteria: BitBox02 Nova (BitBox) lands at 75/100, Ngrave Zero (Ngrave) at 61/100. The $249 gap between $149 and $398 isn't arbitrary — these are two different bets on what matters in a hardware wallet, and the right pick depends on which bet you'd take.
Expand This Comparison:
Winner by Category
Which wallet leads in each area
Comparison Table
Key specifications for your decision
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 75/100 | 61/100 |
Security | 94/100 | 73/100 |
Usability | 65/100 | 71/100 |
Price | $149 | $398 |
EAL Certification (Evaluation Assurance Level) from Common Criteria rates the security of hardware components, like secure chips in crypto hardware wallets. Higher levels, such as EAL5+ or EAL6+, indicate stronger resistance to attacks. Learn more | Yes | Yes |
Open Source Firmware refers to firmware in hardware devices, like wallets, where the source code is publicly available, allowing transparency, auditability, and customization. Learn more | Yes | No |
Bluetooth Connectivity enables wireless communication between devices, like hardware wallets and smartphones, using Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for secure data transfer. Learn more | No | No |
USB | Yes | No |
Networks | 8+ | 15+ |
A passphrase is an additional security layer for cryptocurrency wallets, acting as a 25th word in the BIP39 seed phrase, protecting access to hidden wallets. Learn more | Yes | Yes |
A touchscreen display is a screen that allows users to interact with a device by touching the surface, commonly used in hardware wallets for easy navigation and transaction confirmation. Learn more | OLED | LCD Capacitive Touchscreen (480x800, 600 Cd/M²) |
Recovery is the process of restoring access to a cryptocurrency wallet using its seed phrase or mnemonic backup if the original wallet is lost or inaccessible. Learn more | 24-word seed | 24-word seed |
Setup Time | ~10 min | ~20 min |
IP Rating refers to the level of protection a device has against dust and water, often used for hardware wallets to indicate their durability in various environments. Learn more | None | IP55 |
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Our Verdict: BitBox02 Nova or Ngrave Zero?
Choose BitBox02 Nova if...
- You want verifiable, open-source firmware and software
- You use Bitcoin and care about privacy (CoinJoin, coin control)
- You want to save $249 without sacrificing core security
- You run your own Bitcoin full node
Skip BitBox02 Nova if...
- × You manage crypto from an iPhone (no iOS app here)
- × You need a device with an official IP rating against water and dust
Choose Ngrave Zero if...
- You trust third-party audits (Common Criteria EAL7 certification of integrated ProvenCore TEE (Prove & Run)) over open-source review
- You need iPhone (iOS) compatibility
- You need a durable, IP55-rated waterproof device
Skip Ngrave Zero if...
- × Open-source firmware is non-negotiable for you
- × Budget is tight — you'd be better served by a cheaper option in this comparison
Our pick for most users
Based on the overall rating, BitBox02 Nova scores 75/100 and offers the best balance of security, usability, and value in this comparison.
View Best Price — BitBox02 NovaBottom line: BitBox02 Nova is the safer bet on security; day to day, Ngrave Zero is the easier driver. If budget is real, BitBox02 Nova comes in $249 cheaper without giving up the basics.
Price: BitBox02 Nova vs Ngrave Zero
BitBox02 Nova costs $149, while Ngrave Zero is priced at $398 — a $249 difference. The extra cost of Ngrave Zero gets you a -14-point higher overall rating. For budget buyers, BitBox02 Nova offers solid security at a lower price point.
Who Should Pick Which Wallet
Recommendations based on real-world use cases
BitBox02 Nova
$149- +ATECC608B secure element with secure boot prevents firmware tampering
- +Fully open-source firmware with reproducible builds for independent verification
- +Genuine device attestation check built into BitBoxApp on every connection
- +Encrypted microSD card backup eliminates single-point seed exposure risk
- −No Bluetooth or NFC — requires physical USB connection for every transaction
- −No Shamir Secret Sharing; seed backup is all-or-nothing unlike Trezor Model T
- −0.96-inch OLED screen is smaller than competitors like Ledger Flex or Keystone
- −No iOS compatibility limits mobile use to Android devices only
Ngrave Zero
$398- +Fully air-gapped — QR-only signing with no USB data, Bluetooth, NFC or WiFi
- +EAL7-certified ProvenCore operating system, the highest assurance tier for a device OS
- +Biometric fingerprint sensor plus an 8-digit PIN, with tamper-triggered auto-wipe
- +Proprietary Perfect Key generation and the steel GRAPHENE backup ecosystem
- −Closed-source firmware that fails WalletScrutiny reproducibility checks
- −Premium price ($398, and more with the GRAPHENE backup)
- −No built-in WalletConnect; dApp access relies on MetaMask/Rabby
- −QR-only workflow is slower than USB or Bluetooth signing
Best for These Profiles
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Important points to verify regardless of your choice
All wallets ship from official manufacturer stores with full warranty.
BitBox02 Nova vs Ngrave Zero: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about BitBox02 Nova vs Ngrave Zero
Is BitBox02 Nova better than Ngrave Zero?
How much do BitBox02 Nova and Ngrave Zero cost?
Can BitBox02 Nova be used on iPhone (iOS)?
Is BitBox02 Nova waterproof?
Which wallet is better for DeFi and Web3: BitBox02 Nova or Ngrave Zero?
BitBox02 Nova vs Ngrave Zero: which has better backup options?
Is BitBox02 Nova more secure than Ngrave Zero because it's open-source?
Where to buy BitBox02 Nova at the best price?
Made your decision?
Check out full reviews or find the best price from official vendors.
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