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SafePal S1 vs SafePal S1 Pro vs Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)

Comparing 3 wallets: SafePal S1 (67/100, $49.99), SafePal S1 Pro (65/100, $89.99), and Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) (79/100, $69.9). Prices range from $49.99 to $89.99.

3 wallets
Screen vs Screenless
Open-source vs Closed
No IP rating vs IP69K
Quick Verdict Updated 2026
SafePal S1
SafePal S1
Best value
67 /100
Average
SafePal S1 Pro
SafePal S1 Pro
65 /100
Average
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)
Best overall
79 /100
Good
Open-formula rating 40+ criteria analyzed Last updated May 2026 No sponsored rankings

Key Takeaways

  • Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) wins in security (97/100)
  • Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) wins in ease of use (86/100)
  • SafePal S1 is more affordable ($49.99)
  • Both support 85+ cryptocurrencies
  • Best for beginners: Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) (easier setup)

SafePal S1 vs SafePal S1 Pro vs Tangem Wallet (3 Cards): Key Differences

Picking between 3 hardware wallets (SafePal S1 vs SafePal S1 Pro vs Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)) usually comes down to a handful of trade-offs, not a single winner. Prices run from $49.99 to $89.99; overall scores from 65 to 79/100 — and the spread tells a story. Here's where each one earns its keep, and where it falls short.

Winner by Category

Which wallet leads in each area

Security
SafePal S182/100
SafePal S1 Pro79/100
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)97/100
Ease of Use
SafePal S171/100
SafePal S1 Pro71/100
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)86/100
Price
SafePal S1$49.99
SafePal S1 Pro$89.99
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)$69.9
Coin Support
Tie
SafePal S1200+
SafePal S1 Pro200+
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)85+
Privacy
Tie
SafePal S157/100
SafePal S1 Pro42/100
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)53/100
Beginner Friendly
SafePal S171/100
SafePal S1 Pro71/100
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)86/100
Comparing:
SafePal S1
SafePal S1 Pro
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)

Comparison Table

Key specifications for your decision

Criteria
SafePal S1
SafePal S1
$49.99
View Best Price
SafePal S1 Pro
SafePal S1 Pro
$89.99
View Best Price
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)
Tangem
$69.9
View Best Price
Overall Rating
67/10065/10079/100
Security
82/10079/10097/100
Usability
71/10071/10086/100
Price
$49.99$89.99$69.9

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.

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YesYesYes

Open Source Firmware refers to firmware in hardware devices, like wallets, where the source code is publicly available, allowing transparency, auditability, and customization.

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NoNoYes

Bluetooth Connectivity enables wireless communication between devices, like hardware wallets and smartphones, using Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for secure data transfer.

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NoNoNo
USB
NoYesNo
Networks
200+200+85+

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.

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YesYesYes

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.

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Color LCDColor LCD TouchscreenNone

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.

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24-word seed24-word seedMulti-card
Setup Time
~10 min~5 min~3 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.

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NoneNoneIP69K

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Our Verdict: SafePal S1 vs SafePal S1 Pro vs Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)

Choose SafePal S1 if...

  • You trust third-party audits () over open-source review
  • You are comfortable managing a seed phrase
  • You want to save $20 without sacrificing core security

Skip SafePal S1 if...

  • × You manage crypto from a desktop (no Windows, macOS, or Linux app)
  • × Open-source firmware is non-negotiable for you
  • × You want wireless NFC connection — no cables

Choose SafePal S1 Pro if...

  • You trust third-party audits (Kraken Security Labs (public report); vendor statements reference additional testing) over open-source review
  • You are comfortable managing a seed phrase
  • You need full desktop support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • You prefer USB-only connection for maximum security

Skip SafePal S1 Pro if...

  • × Open-source firmware is non-negotiable for you
  • × You want wireless NFC connection — no cables
  • × You want a seedless backup design instead of a 12/24-word phrase

Choose Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) if...

  • You prefer a compact, screenless form factor
  • You want verifiable, open-source firmware and software
  • You prefer seedless backup via multiple linked cards
  • You want wireless NFC connectivity — no cables needed

Skip Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) if...

  • × You want to verify transactions on the wallet's own screen
  • × You manage crypto from a desktop (no Windows, macOS, or Linux app)
  • × You hold a wide range of altcoins beyond what this device supports (85 networks)

Our pick for most users

Based on the overall rating, Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) scores 79/100 and offers the best balance of security, usability, and value in this comparison.

View Best Price — Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)

Bottom line: Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) is our pick — it leads on both security and ease of use, and the overall score reflects that. If budget is real, SafePal S1 comes in $40 cheaper without giving up the basics.

Price: SafePal S1 vs SafePal S1 Pro vs Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)

Prices range from $49.99 (SafePal S1) to $89.99 (SafePal S1 Pro). The extra cost of SafePal S1 Pro gets you a -2-point higher overall rating. For budget buyers, SafePal S1 offers solid security at a lower price point.

Who Should Pick Which Wallet

Recommendations based on real-world use cases

SafePal S1

$49.99
AffordableBuilt-in batteryWalletConnect supportAndroid support
Pros
  • +EAL6+ secure element — higher certification than most rivals at this price
  • +Fully air-gapped via QR codes, eliminating all USB/Bluetooth attack surfaces
  • +Supports 30,000+ tokens across 200+ blockchain networks
  • +Built-in battery enables fully standalone operation without a host device
Cons
  • Firmware and software are fully closed-source — no independent code audit possible
  • No desktop support: Windows, macOS, and Linux are all incompatible
  • No Shamir Secret Sharing; single mnemonic backup is the only recovery method
  • No water resistance rating despite plastic ABS/PVC construction

SafePal S1 Pro

$89.99
AffordableBuilt-in batteryWalletConnect supportAndroid support
Pros
  • +EAL6+ secure element exceeds most rivals capped at EAL5+
  • +Air-gapped QR signing eliminates all USB attack surfaces
  • +Supports 5,500+ tokens across 200+ networks — among widest coverage
  • +1.3-inch color display enables richer transaction detail review
Cons
  • Firmware is closed-source; no reproducible builds for independent audit
  • No Shamir Secret Sharing — single seed phrase is the only backup path
  • Multisig support is basic only; no native PSBT or advanced coordination
  • No water or dust resistance rating despite metal construction

Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)

$69.9
AffordableGreat priceWater resistanceWalletConnect support
Pros
  • +Samsung S3D350A EAL6+ secure element — highest consumer-grade certification
  • +3-card redundancy: access survives loss of any 2 cards simultaneously
  • +IP69K water resistance — survives high-pressure water jets
  • +No seed phrase exposure by default — private keys never leave the chip
Cons
  • Closed-source firmware — no reproducible builds or independent code audit possible
  • No display on card — transaction details verified only on paired smartphone screen
  • Desktop OS incompatible — no Linux, Windows, or macOS support
  • No Shamir Secret Sharing — multi-card backup is proprietary, not standard SLIP39

Pre-Purchase Checklist

Important points to verify regardless of your choice

All wallets ship from official manufacturer stores with full warranty.

SafePal S1 vs SafePal S1 Pro vs Tangem Wallet (3 Cards): Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about SafePal S1 vs SafePal S1 Pro vs Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)

Is SafePal S1 better than SafePal S1 Pro?
On the numbers, SafePal S1 comes out ahead — 67/100 vs 65/100 — but 'better' isn't quite the right frame. SafePal S1 Pro offers a different feature set, which matters more for some buyers than overall score does. If overall rating is what you actually weigh first, take SafePal S1. If specific features is the constraint that shapes your decision, SafePal S1 Pro is the smarter buy. Either way, both are real hardware wallets — neither is a mistake.
How much do SafePal S1 and SafePal S1 Pro and Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) cost?
SafePal S1 costs $49.99, SafePal S1 Pro costs $89.99, Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) costs $69.9. These are list prices for the standard edition from official manufacturer stores. A few things worth knowing: hardware wallet prices barely move during the year, so 'waiting for a sale' rarely pays off — Black Friday is the one exception, with 10–20% off being typical. Avoid third-party listings even if they're cheaper; the supply chain risk on a tampered device wipes out any savings the first time you load funds. And don't buy a 'used' hardware wallet, ever — even if it claims to be reset.
Does Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) work without a seed phrase — and is that safe?
Yes — and we'd argue it's a meaningful security upgrade for most users, not a downgrade. Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) replaces the 12/24-word seed phrase with two or three linked NFC cards. Each card holds an encrypted copy of the private key inside its secure element; the key never leaves the chip in plaintext, ever. The trade-off: stolen or photographed seed phrases are the single most common cause of crypto theft we see, and Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) sidesteps that whole class of attack. The catch: you must keep at least one spare card in a separate physical location, or you lose the backup advantage entirely.
What happens if I lose all my Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) cards?
Funds are unrecoverable. There's no seed phrase to fall back on, no recovery service, no manufacturer override — that's the explicit design trade-off. The mitigation is the multi-card set: every card you receive is a complete, independent backup of the same wallet. Realistic plan: keep one card on you, one at home in a safe, and one with a trusted person or in a bank deposit box. Lose any two and you're still fine. Lose all of them and the coins are gone forever.
Is SafePal S1 waterproof?
No — SafePal S1 has no official water or dust resistance rating, so treat it like any other small electronic. A spilled drink or a rainstorm in your jacket pocket is enough to brick it. Tangem Wallet (3 Cards), by contrast, carries an IP69K rating, which means it's tested against dust and pressurized water — that's the device you'd actually take camping or to a beach. For most people, water resistance isn't a deciding factor, but it matters if you travel light or carry your wallet daily.
Which wallet is better for DeFi and Web3: SafePal S1 or SafePal S1 Pro?
SafePal S1 — and the gap is bigger than the spec sheets make it look. SafePal S1 has WalletConnect built in, which means you sign DeFi transactions directly from a hardware wallet without exposing keys to a hot wallet. SafePal S1 Pro can technically work with DeFi via third-party software, but every extra step is one more place an attacker can intercept the transaction you're approving. If you're going to be clicking 'Sign' on smart contracts more than once a month, the difference compounds fast.
Is Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) safe to use without a screen?
It can be — depending on your threat model. Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) shows transaction details on your phone or computer, which is the same screen that could be compromised by malware. The classic attack: malware swaps the destination address right before you sign, and you'd never know. SafePal S1 lets you verify the actual address and amount on the hardware wallet itself, a screen the host computer can't touch. For day-to-day transactions under a few thousand dollars, the convenience of Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) is fine. For larger transfers, the on-device screen on SafePal S1 is the kind of thing you only miss once.
Can SafePal S1 be used with a desktop computer?
No — SafePal S1 is mobile-only with no Windows, macOS, or Linux app available. If you do most of your crypto work on a laptop or desktop (DeFi power users, traders, anyone running a full node), this is a real limitation, not a minor inconvenience. SafePal S1 Pro supports all three desktop operating systems with a polished companion app, and that's the practical pick if desktop is your main interface.

Made your decision?

Check out full reviews or find the best price from official vendors.

Not convinced? Consider these alternatives

Trezor Safe 7

Trezor Safe 7

90/100
$249
Security
100/100
Secure ElementOpen Source50+ networks
Tangem Wallet (2 Cards)

Tangem Wallet (2 Cards)

78/100
$54
Security
97/100
Secure ElementOpen Source85+ networks

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