TwentyTwo Hardware Wallet Review

Description

TwentyTwo (also called Portal) is a mobile-first hardware wallet that is fully open-source. It is designed to keep your private keys secure like other hardware wallets; however, it integrates with mobile wallets. Unlike traditional hardware wallets, TwentyTwo does not require cables or batteries. Instead, it uses NFC (Near Field Communication) to connect with your smartphone, making it a convenient and modern solution for self-custody.

How TwentyTwo Wallet Works

TwentyTwo operates differently from conventional hardware wallets. It does not have a built-in menu system; instead, it simply displays transaction details, allowing you to verify and sign them by pressing a single button. The device is powered directly through your smartphone’s NFC connection, eliminating the need for a built-in battery.

To use it, you start by adding a new wallet within a supported app like Nunchuk or Bitcoin Keeper. After selecting Portal as your hardware wallet, you follow the on-screen instructions and tap the device against the back of your phone to activate it. The display will then show transaction details, including output addresses, amounts, and fees, ensuring you have full control over every transaction before signing.

Is TwentyTwo Wallet Safe?

Security is a core focus of TwentyTwo. The wallet keeps your private keys isolated from your smartphone, ensuring they never come into contact with an internet-connected device. The built-in screen displays all critical transaction details before signing, allowing you to confirm that you are not sending funds to an unintended address or overpaying fees. The simplicity of its design minimizes attack vectors, reducing the risk of user errors or potential exploits.

TwentyTwo Wallet Price

The TwentyTwo wallet is priced at €89.00, including taxes. Given its advanced security features, mobile-friendly integration, and completely open-source nature, it offers good value compared to other hardware wallets in the market.

Conclusion: TwentyTwo Wallet Benefits and Downsides

Pros:

• Fully open-source hardware wallet, allowing transparency and community review.
• Mobile-friendly, designed specifically for integration with smartphone wallets.
• Uses NFC technology, eliminating the need for cables or batteries.
• Simple operation with a single button and easy-to-read display.
• Works with popular wallets like Nunchuk and Bitcoin Keeper.

Cons:

• Requires your phone to power it via NFC, meaning it won’t work with devices that lack NFC capability.
• The unique shape and size enhance usability but may feel unconventional compared to traditional hardware wallets.
• Limited compatibility with only a few wallet apps at the moment.

On Its Shape and Size

[…] the user is required to confirm each output address and amount, and also the amount of fees being paid by the transaction to ensure the wallet isn’t being drained by an attacker.

But in order to perform this check, the user needs to be able to see the display of Portal while holding it up against the back of their phone, so that the device stays powered on and can keep communicating with the smartphone.

This is the reason why the device has such a unique shape: it’s designed so that the round part (which contains the NFC antenna) can be comfortably held against your phone, while the display and button area sticks out the side so that the user can easily look at the display and press the button. If we were to shrink it down to, for example, credit card size, only a small part of the display would be visible, especially on the larger and larger smartphones people are using today.

If you primarily use Bitcoin on mobile and want a simple, secure, and modern hardware wallet, TwentyTwo is a compelling option.