BitBox02 – Review, Hardware Wallet, Security, Best Crypto Wallet?

BitBox02 is the second form of Shift Crypto’s leader Digital BitBox (presently called BitBox01) cryptographic money equipment wallet.

The BitBox02 gadget arrives in a vacuum-fixed plastic sack, which can’t be opened with your uncovered hands. This methodology, one would envision, brings down the opportunity of a store network assault. Inside the bundle, you’ll discover a microSD card, a USB-C to USB-An expansion link an augmentation link alongside some different frill and advancement material.

Setting Up the Wallet

BitBox has created an associated app (for both desktop and mobile) to make interfacing with their device easier, so you’ll want to have a computer or smartphone on hand and download the app if you plan on using it.

Beyond that, you turn on the BitBox02 by using its USB cable to connect it to a computer. Once you first activate the device, it will prompt you to generate a new address or import one of your choosing. Once your address is ready, you can start transacting or safely stow away your wallet.

The entire setup process is straightforward, taking us only a few minutes. For casual beginners, it should only take a little bit longer.

Unboxing

The BitBox02 device comes in a vacuum-sealed plastic bag, which can’t be opened with your bare hands. This approach, one would imagine, lowers the chance of a supply-chain attack. Inside the package, you’ll find a microSD card, a USB-C to USB-A extension cable an extension cable along with some other accessories and promotion material.

Device

The BitBox02 has a sleek and futuristic design (which includes a visible OLED screen). It is smaller than most hardware wallets but feels quite compact. Another differentiator from other hardware wallets is that the BitBox02 comes with a USB-C male connector, which means you can directly connect it to most recent computers and mobile phones. This becomes handy when you are on the go and want to use the device but don’t carry the adequate converters or cables with you. The downside of this approach is that the device is quite close to the computer, which can make it awkward to reach the buttons. But that’s why they ship an extension cable and for those with an older computer, Shift provides a USB-C to USB-A connector.

The BitBox desktop app

Users can then click the “manage device” settings to change between the fiat currencies they want the app to display and the cryptocurrencies they want to interact with. Currently, the multi-coin BitBox02 has support for Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and six ERC-20 tokens (USDT, LINK, BAT, MKR, ZRX, DAI).

As a note, Ethereum and ERC-20 support are currently in beta-mode with Shift Crypto security recommending users keep a small amount in these wallets until they come out of beta, so BitBox02 is not exactly an Ethereum-friendly wallet. The Shift Crypto security team did tell me that Ethereum support will come out of beta mode when they feel that their users are happy with its usability. Shift Crypto security plans on adding MyEtherWallet support for the device as well.

Is It User Friendly?

The BitBox02 is more familiar feeling and user friendly than the BitBox01, as the original is more minimalist in design. The new wallet is slightly larger and has an OLED display across its entire face, which is nice for visualizing transactions.

As for user experience, what sets BitBox02 apart from other hardware wallets is that it relies on three main gestures to operate rather than buttons. The gestures are tapping, sliding, and holding, and they take only a few moments to get the hang of. The wallet has unseen sliders around its edges, which are what these gestures are applied to. All in all, it should be easy to use for experts and newcomers alike.