Key takeaways
- The Ngrave Zero is the only hardware wallet with EAL7 certification, the highest security standard in the financial industry.
- It features a completely air-gapped design for enhanced security, ensuring no direct connections like USB, WiFi or Bluetooth.
- The Ngrave Graphene is a durable, tamper-resistant metal backup solution for private keys.
- With a sleek design, 4-inch touchscreen and robust asset support, the Zero combines luxury with top-tier functionality.
Whether you’re rethinking using centralized exchanges because of 2024’s 21% increase in crypto hacking revenue or simply looking to flex, a hardware wallet is probably what you’re looking for.
You wouldn’t be alone, either. Hardware wallet adoption is growing at a faster rate than the crypto market itself.
There are plenty of options with varying levels of security and usability, many of them budget-friendly. But maybe you’ve decided it’s time to level up, and finding something truly premium is on your mind.
Enter the Ngrave Zero. One of the priciest hardware wallets on the market, the Ngrave Zero stands out with serious competitive advantages.
So, with this article, we’ll be answering one key question: Is the most luxurious hardware wallet of 2025, the Ngrave Zero, really worth the money?
Overview of Ngrave Zero
The Ngrave Zero is a premium hardware wallet developed by the Belgian company Ngrave, which was founded in 2018 by CEO Ruben Merre, chief technology officer Xavier Hendrickx and chief operating officer Edouard Vanham.
Officially launched on May 26, 2020, the Ngrave Zero has garnered significant recognition for its security features.
Notably, it is the only financial product to have achieved the Evaluation Assurance Level 7 (EAL7) certification, the highest security certification in the blockchain and financial industry.
Its unique selling proposition lies in its completely air-gapped design, ensuring the device operates without any direct connections such as USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC or 4G. All interactions are conducted through transparent QR codes, significantly reducing potential attack vectors and enhancing security.
Additionally, the Ngrave Zero features a 4-inch color touchscreen, biometric security through a fingerprint sensor, and a custom operating system developed from scratch by security experts, further distinguishing it in the hardware wallet market.
Did you know? Xavier Hendrickx was directly affected by significant cryptocurrency hacks, including those of Mt. Gox and Parity, which motivated him to enhance security in the crypto space.
What is the Ngrave Graphene?
The Ngrave Graphene, often bought together with the Ngrave Zero, is an encrypted and recoverable metal backup solution designed to securely store your private keys or seed phrases.
It consists of two high-quality stainless steel plates. The upper plate features a unique arrangement of hexadecimal characters, and the lower plate serves as the base where corresponding holes are punched to record your key.
When combined, these plates reveal your private key, ensuring that if only one plate is found, it cannot be deciphered.
The Graphene is an optional accessory for the Ngrave Zero but provides significant advantages. It enhances security by offering a durable, tamper-resistant medium that protects against physical threats like fire, water, corrosion and shocks.
In case the upper plate is lost, Ngrave can provide a replacement using your unique Ultimate Recovery Code, ensuring continuous access to your assets without compromising security.
Unlike paper backups, which are susceptible to degradation and damage, the stainless steel Graphene plates offer a long-lasting, reliable solution for safeguarding private keys.
Security analysis
The Ngrave Zero offers best-in-class security in the following ways:
- Private key storage: Private keys are generated and stored entirely offline within the device, utilizing user biometrics and other entropy sources to create a unique “Perfect Key.” This approach ensures private keys are never exposed to external devices or networks, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
- Firmware security: The Ngrave Zero employs a custom-built operating system designed from the ground up by security experts. It has achieved the highest security certification, EAL7. Regular firmware updates are securely implemented to maintain the device’s integrity and protect against emerging threats.
- Tamper resistance: The device incorporates robust tamper-proofing measures, including a design that ensures any attempt to open it results in visible damage. Internal sensors can detect unauthorized access attempts and trigger a complete device wipe to protect sensitive data.
- Recovery options: Ngrave Zero users can recover their assets using the Ngrave Graphene. If you don’t have the Ngrave Graphene backup solution, you can still recover your assets by using the Perfect Key generated during the initial setup of your Ngrave Zero.
Setup and usability of Ngrave Zero
Unboxing experience
Upon unboxing the Ngrave Zero, you’ll find the following items:
- Ngrave Zero device
- USB-C charging cable
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card
- Optional: Ngrave Graphene backup plates (if purchased as a combo)
Initial setup
Setting up the Ngrave Zero is straightforward:
- Power on: Press and hold the power button to turn on the device.
- Language selection: Choose your preferred language from the list.
- Create a new wallet:
- The device will guide you through generating a “Perfect Key,” a unique private key created entirely offline.
- This process utilizes your fingerprint and environmental factors to ensure randomness.
- Backup: Record your recovery phrase using the provided backup cards or the optional Graphene plates. Ensure this information is stored securely, as it is crucial for wallet recovery.
- Set PIN code: Establish a PIN to add an extra layer of security to your device.
Did you know? Equipped with a 1,200 mAh ultra-efficient low-power battery and USB-compatible charger, the Ngrave Zero ensures long-lasting usage and convenient charging.
User interface
The Ngrave Zero features a 4-inch touchscreen with a 480x800-pixel resolution, delivering a clear, responsive interface for seamless navigation.
Users can create and manage up to 100 cryptocurrency accounts, securely send and receive transactions, and access settings and help resources directly from the device.
Enhancing the experience, the companion mobile application, Ngrave Liquid, provides real-time portfolio tracking and efficient transaction management, making the device both comprehensive and user-friendly.
Documentation and support
Ngrave provides comprehensive resources to assist users, including:
- A quick start guide included in the package with initial setup instructions.
- Step-by-step online tutorials and articles available on the official website.
- A responsive customer support team accessible via email for personalized assistance.
Asset support and compatibility
The Ngrave Zero supports over 1,000 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), BNB (BNB), Zcash (ZEC), XRP (XRP), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Litecoin (LTC), among others.
It’s also compatible with ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum and ESDT tokens on MultiversX, making it a solid option for managing diverse digital assets.
You can connect the Zero to decentralized applications (DApps) via MetaMask or Rabby Wallet for activities like staking, swapping or bridging assets. These integrations let you interact with DApps while keeping your private keys offline, ensuring security during transactions.
Ngrave regularly updates its firmware to support more coins and tokens, with future updates expected to expand compatibility further.
Design and build quality
The Ngrave Zero hardware wallet boasts a sleek, smartphone-like design, measuring approximately 12 cm in length, 6 cm in width and 1 cm in thickness, and weighing around 130 grams.
Its aluminum body provides a smooth, elegant surface, ensuring both durability and a premium feel. The 4-inch color touchscreen, with a resolution of 480x800 pixels, offers clear visuals and responsive touch capabilities, enhancing user interaction.
Additional features include a fingerprint sensor for biometric security, a rear camera for QR code scanning, and a USB-C port designated solely for charging and secure firmware updates.
The device is designed to be tamper-resistant, dustproof and waterproof, ensuring resilience against various environmental factors.
Overall, the Ngrave Zero combines robust construction with modern aesthetics, providing both functionality and visual appeal.
Did you know? The Ngrave Zero is built to be IP-rated for water and dust resistance, making it highly durable in extreme conditions.
Pricing and value for money
The Ngrave Zero is priced at 398 euros (or $398) for the standalone device. For enhanced security, a Combo Pack that includes the Ngrave Graphene is available for 498 euros (or $498).
Both products come with a two-year warranty.
FAQs
1. Can the Ngrave Zero be hacked?
The Ngrave Zero is designed with top-tier security features, including an EAL7-certified operating system — the highest security certification available. Its air-gapped design ensures it operates fully offline, minimizing exposure to online threats.
While no device can be deemed completely impervious, adhering to best security practices — such as keeping your recovery seed offline, using a strong passphrase, and ensuring your device’s firmware is up to date — significantly minimizes the risk of unauthorized access.
2. Is the Ngrave Zero compatible with specific cryptocurrencies?
The Ngrave Zero supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, BNB, Zcash, XRP, Dogecoin and Litecoin, among others.
It’s also compatible with all ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum network and ESDT tokens on the MultiversX network. For a comprehensive, up-to-date list of supported coins and tokens, you can refer to Ngrave’s official website.
3. How do I recover my funds if I lose the Ngrave Zero and don’t have Graphene?
If you lose your Ngrave Zero, you can recover your funds using the recovery seed generated during the initial setup. This seed allows you to restore your wallet on a new Ngrave device or a compatible wallet.
It’s crucial to store your recovery seed securely and never share it with anyone, as possession of the seed grants full access to your funds.
4. Does it support staking or other advanced features?
The Ngrave Zero primarily focuses on providing secure storage for your cryptocurrencies.
While it doesn’t natively support staking within the Ngrave Suite, you can connect your Ngrave device to third-party applications that offer staking services for specific cryptocurrencies. Always ensure that any third-party service you use is reputable and compatible with Ngrave devices.
5. Where can I purchase the Ngrave Zero?
You can purchase the Ngrave Zero directly from Ngrave’s official website or through authorized resellers.
Buying from official sources ensures you receive a genuine product with full warranty support. Be cautious of purchasing from unofficial channels, as counterfeit devices may pose security risks.
Written by Bradley PeakDisclaimer: Cointelegraph does not endorse any content or products on this page. While we have striven to provide all the essential information available in this sponsored article, please note that it contains affiliate links. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before making any decisions related to the company. This article should not be considered investment advice.