Key takeaways
- The Ellipal Titan 2.0 features a fully air-gapped design, offline private key storage and a tamper-resistant build with a self-destruct mechanism for enhanced security.
- Supports over 10,000 cryptocurrencies and tokens across 50+ blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana, with additional DApp integrations via WalletConnect.
- Designed with a robust aluminum alloy body, a 4-inch touchscreen and an intuitive setup, it’s a user-friendly and durable device.
- The optional Seed Phrase Steel provides fireproof, waterproof and impact-resistant storage for recovery phrases, ensuring safety even in extreme conditions.
A statistic from Chainalysis might make you rethink your trust in centralized finance for good:
In 2024 alone, approximately $2.2 billion worth of cryptocurrency was stolen — a 21% increase compared to the previous year.
What’s more alarming is that most of these funds were stolen from centralized exchanges (CEXs). Japan’s DMM Bitcoin reported losses of $305 million, while India’s WazirX faced a $235-million theft.
In many cases, victims never recover their lost assets — in other words, “if we lose your crypto, it’s on you for trusting us.”
It’s no wonder decentralized finance (DeFi) is outpacing the growth of the broader crypto industry, and hardware wallets are reaching unprecedented levels of popularity.
Today, we’re diving into a review of a hardware wallet that, while often overshadowed by big names like Trezor and Ledger, is proving to be a formidable underdog: the Ellipal Titan.
Did you know? The Ellipal logo appears to draw inspiration from two of the most criticized fonts developed by Microsoft — Papyrus and Comic Sans.
Overview of the Ellipal Titan 2.0
The Ellipal Titan, developed by Hong Kong-based company Ellipal and launched in 2018, has established itself as a strong choice when it comes to hardware wallets. In fact, Forbes listed it as one of the top three safest and best cold wallets globally for 2022.
Available in over 140 countries, it features a fully air-gapped design that ensures complete network isolation by transferring data exclusively via QR codes. This approach provides exceptional protection against remote and online attacks.
Its physical design also sets it apart. Built with a robust aluminum alloy body and equipped with a 4-inch touchscreen — something rarely featured on the more popular wallets — you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for a smartphone.
Launched in 2023, the Ellipal Titan 2.0 is almost identical to the original, but this newest model comes with improved responsiveness, a more premium design and robust security. It’s this one that we’ll be focusing on today.
Security
The Ellipal Titan hardware wallet employs numerous security measures to safeguard users’ digital assets:
Private key storage: The Titan ensures that private keys remain entirely offline through its fully air-gapped design, eliminating any network connectivity such as WiFi, Bluetooth or USB. This isolation significantly reduces the risk of remote attacks, as the device communicates solely via QR codes.
Firmware security: Firmware updates for the Ellipal Titan are conducted offline using a microSD card, maintaining the device’s air-gapped integrity during the update process. This method prevents exposure to online threats that could occur during firmware updates.
Tamper resistance: The Titan is constructed with a robust metal casing designed to resist physical tampering. Any attempt to disassemble the device triggers an automatic self-destruct mechanism, erasing all stored data and rendering the device unusable. This feature ensures that sensitive information remains protected even if the device falls into unauthorized hands.
Recovery options: In the event of device loss or damage, users can recover their assets using the 12- or 24-word mnemonic seed phrase generated during the initial setup. This seed phrase is compatible with the BIP39 protocol, allowing restoration on any supporting wallet. It is crucial to store this seed phrase securely, as it is the key to accessing the associated funds.
Did you know? The Ellipal Titan 2.0 hardware wallet is equipped with a CC EAL5+ certified secure element, enhancing its resistance to physical attacks and unauthorized access. This certification ensures that the device meets stringent security standards, providing users with robust protection for their digital assets.
The Ellipal Seed Phrase Steel
Ellipal also recommends purchasing the Seed Phrase Steel together with the device. An optional accessory, the Ellipal Seed Phrase Steel is a high-quality storage device designed to protect your cryptocurrency recovery phrases from physical damage.
Made from aviation-grade 316 stainless steel, it is fireproof, waterproof and resistant to impact, ensuring your seed phrase stays safe even in extreme conditions like fires or floods. It supports 12-, 15-, 18-, 21- and 24-word recovery phrases and is compatible with all BIP39 wallets, including Trust Wallet, MetaMask, Ledger and Trezor.
Setting up the device is beginner-friendly. Simply insert the first four letters of each recovery word onto the core using separators, as the BIP39 standard ensures these four letters uniquely identify each word. Its compact, pocket-sized design allows for easy storage, making it a practical and robust solution for safeguarding your crypto assets against physical threats.
As this is an optional extra, the guide will continue focusing on the Ellipal Titan 2.0 itself.
Setup and usability
The Ellipal Titan hardware wallet is designed with user convenience in mind, offering a straightforward setup process and an intuitive interface. Below is a detailed walkthrough of the unboxing experience, initial setup, user interface and available documentation and support.
Unboxing experience
Upon unboxing the Ellipal Titan, you’ll find the following items:
- Ellipal Titan Device: The hardware wallet itself features a robust aluminum alloy body.
- Security Adapter: Used for charging and firmware updates.
- USB-C Charging Cable: For connecting the security adapter to a power source.
- MicroSD Card: Utilized for offline firmware updates.
- Recovery Seed Cards: Two cards are provided for recording your 12- or 24-word recovery seed phrases.
- User Manual: A guide to assist with setup and operation.
Initial setup
Setting up the Ellipal Titan involves the following steps:
- Power On: Press and hold the side button to turn on the device.
- Language Selection: Choose your preferred language from the options provided.
- Account Creation:
- Select “Create Account” on the device.
- Enter an account name and set a secure password.
- The device will generate a 12- or 24-word recovery seed phrase; write this down on the provided recovery seed cards and store it securely. - Pairing with mobile app:
- Download the Ellipal mobile app from the official website.
- Open the app and select “Cold Wallet” > “Connect to Cold Wallet.”
- Use the app to scan the QR code displayed on the Ellipal Titan to complete the pairing process.
Documentation and support
Ellipal provides a variety of resources to assist users in effectively using the Ellipal Titan hardware wallet. Aside from the user manual included in the package, comprehensive start guides and tutorials are available on the Ellipal website, catering to both novice and experienced users.
For further assistance, Ellipal’s customer support team can be contacted through its official website, ensuring users have access to the help they need to secure their digital assets with confidence.
Asset support and compatibility
The Ellipal Titan supports over 40 blockchains, including major networks such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, Solana and Cardano. This broad compatibility allows users to manage a variety of digital assets within a single device.
In addition to native cryptocurrencies, the Ellipal Titan is compatible with more than 10,000 tokens, encompassing standards such as ERC-20, TRC-20, TRC-10, BEP-2 and EOS tokens.
The Ellipal Titan integrates with decentralized applications (DApps) through its mobile app, providing access to services such as swapping, staking, lending, borrowing and non-fungible token (NFT) transactions. By utilizing WalletConnect, users can seamlessly connect to over 200 DApps, enhancing the functionality of their hardware wallet.
Ellipal is committed to expanding its asset support and regularly updates its firmware to include new cryptocurrencies and tokens. Upcoming additions include support for the Near and Filecoin blockchains.
This comprehensive asset support, combined with ongoing updates and DApp integrations, positions the Ellipal Titan as a versatile and future-ready hardware wallet for cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
Design and build quality
The Ellipal Titan 2.0 is definitely engineered with a focus on durability and user experience.
Crafted from a robust aluminum alloy, the device measures 118 x 66 x 9.7 mm and weighs approximately 140 grams, giving it a solid and premium feel. The 4-inch color touchscreen display offers high sensitivity and clear graphics, facilitating intuitive navigation.
The device’s sealed construction ensures it is dust- and water-resistant, enhancing its resilience against environmental factors.
Additionally, the Titan 2.0 is designed to be tamper-resistant; any attempt to disassemble the device triggers a self-destruct mechanism that wipes all data, safeguarding against unauthorized access.
Did you know? The Ellipal Titan hardware wallet is designed with a built-in 5-megapixel camera, allowing users to securely sign transactions by scanning QR codes directly on the device. This feature enhances security by eliminating the need for USB or Bluetooth connections and keeping your private keys completely offline.
Pricing
The Ellipal Titan 2.0 is priced at $169.00, placing it in the mid-range of the hardware wallet market.
The Ellipal Seed Phrase Steel can be bought for an additional $49.00, although there are bundle-specific discounts to be had.
Ellipal provides a one-year warranty on all their devices, offering assurance regarding the product’s durability and performance.
FAQs
1. Can the Ellipal Titan be hacked?
The Ellipal Titan is designed with robust security features to protect against hacking attempts. Its fully air-gapped design ensures complete network isolation, as it does not connect via WiFi, Bluetooth or USB and communicates solely through QR codes.
Additionally, the device is built with anti-tamper mechanisms; any physical breach triggers a self-destruct feature that wipes all data, safeguarding your private keys. While no device can be deemed entirely impervious, the Ellipal Titan’s comprehensive security measures significantly mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.
Is the Ellipal Titan compatible with Bitcoin?
Yes, the Ellipal Titan is compatible with Bitcoin (BTC). It supports over 10,000 cryptocurrencies and tokens across more than 50 blockchains, including major assets such as Bitcoin, Ether (ETH) and many others.
2. How do I recover my funds if I lose the wallet?
If you lose your Ellipal Titan, you can recover your funds using the 12- or 24-word mnemonic seed phrase generated during the initial setup. This seed phrase is essential for restoring your wallet on a new Ellipal device or any compatible BIP39 wallet. It’s imperative to store this seed phrase securely and never share it with anyone, as possession of the seed phrase grants full access to your assets.
Utilizing the Ellipal Seed Phrase Steel provides a durable and secure method to store your seed phrase, protecting it from physical damage such as fire or water exposure. By keeping your seed phrase safe, you ensure the ability to recover your digital assets if your hardware wallet is lost or damaged.
3. Does it support staking or other advanced features?
Yes, the Ellipal Titan supports various advanced features, including staking, swapping and decentralized application (DApp) integrations. Through the Ellipal mobile app, users can participate in staking for supported cryptocurrencies, allowing them to earn rewards directly from their holdings. The app also facilitates token swapping and provides access to a range of DApps, enhancing the functionality of the hardware wallet beyond simple storage.
4. Where can I purchase the Ellipal Titan?
You can purchase the Ellipal Titan directly from the official Ellipal website or through authorized resellers. Buying from official sources ensures you receive a genuine product with full warranty support. Be cautious of purchasing from unauthorized channels, as counterfeit devices may pose security risks.
Written by Bradley Peak
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