Foundation Passport Prime vs Ngrave Zero
Foundation Passport Prime offers open-source code, Shamir Backup. Ngrave Zero features IP55 water resistance — and costs $49 less.
Key Takeaways
- Security scores are close (within 1 points)
- Usability scores are close (within 3 points)
- Foundation Passport Prime is more affordable ($349)
- Best for beginners: Foundation Passport Prime (easier setup)
Foundation Passport Prime vs Ngrave Zero: Key Differences
Both Foundation Passport Prime 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: Foundation Passport Prime (Foundation) lands at 70/100, Ngrave Zero (Ngrave) at 61/100. The $49 gap between $349 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.
Winner by Category
Which wallet leads in each area
Comparison Table
Key specifications for your decision
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 70/100 | 61/100 |
Security | 72/100 | 73/100 |
Usability | 74/100 | 71/100 |
Price | $349 | $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 | Yes | No |
USB | Yes | No |
Networks | 1+ | 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 | 3.5" IPS Color Touchscreen (Gorilla Glass, 480x800) | 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 + Shamir | 24-word seed |
Setup Time | ~18 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: Foundation Passport Prime or Ngrave Zero?
Choose Foundation Passport Prime if...
- You want verifiable, open-source firmware and software
- You want advanced backup with Shamir Secret Sharing
- You want wireless NFC connectivity — no cables needed
- You run your own Bitcoin full node
Skip Foundation Passport Prime if...
- × You actively use DeFi and need WalletConnect / dApp support
- × 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 a durable, IP55-rated waterproof device
Skip Ngrave Zero if...
- × Open-source firmware is non-negotiable for you
- × You want wireless NFC connection — no cables
- × You want Shamir Secret Sharing for split, geographically distributed backups
Our pick for most users
Based on the overall rating, Foundation Passport Prime scores 70/100 and offers the best balance of security, usability, and value in this comparison.
View Best Price — Foundation Passport PrimeBottom line: Both wallets are tightly matched on security and ease of use. The decision comes down to specifics: form factor, supported coins, and how each one fits your daily flow. If budget is real, Foundation Passport Prime comes in $49 cheaper without giving up the basics.
Price: Foundation Passport Prime vs Ngrave Zero
Foundation Passport Prime costs $349, while Ngrave Zero is priced at $398 — a $49 difference. The extra cost of Ngrave Zero gets you a -9-point higher overall rating. For budget buyers, Foundation Passport Prime offers solid security at a lower price point.
Who Should Pick Which Wallet
Recommendations based on real-world use cases
Foundation Passport Prime
$349- +KeyOS turns it into a programmable platform: Bitcoin wallet + FIDO keys + 2FA + 50GB encrypted storage
- +Independently audited by Keylabs with no critical or high-severity findings
- +2-of-3 Shamir (SLIP-39) backup onto tamper-evident NFC Keycards by default
- +ATECC608C secure element with a SAMA5D2 security processor and secure boot
- −At $349 it costs more than single-purpose Bitcoin signers
- −Reproducible builds are not yet available, so shipped firmware cannot be verified against source
- −First-party app is Bitcoin-only; altcoins require third-party apps
- −Larger attack surface as a general-purpose app platform than a minimal signer
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.
Foundation Passport Prime vs Ngrave Zero: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about Foundation Passport Prime vs Ngrave Zero
Is Foundation Passport Prime better than Ngrave Zero?
How much do Foundation Passport Prime and Ngrave Zero cost?
Is Foundation Passport Prime waterproof?
Which wallet is better for DeFi and Web3: Foundation Passport Prime or Ngrave Zero?
Foundation Passport Prime vs Ngrave Zero: which has better backup options?
Is Foundation Passport Prime more secure than Ngrave Zero because it's open-source?
Where to buy Foundation Passport Prime at the best price?
Do Foundation Passport Prime and Ngrave Zero come with a warranty?
Made your decision?
Check out full reviews or find the best price from official vendors.
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