SafePal S1, S1 Pro and X1: My Experience with Hardware Wallets

Damn, these hacker attacks are so annoying! When my coins were stolen from the hot wallet last year, I realized – enough with the risks. It's time to switch to cold storage. I started digging into information about hardware wallets and kept coming across SafePal. Now, after a year of use, I want to share my impressions of these devices.

What is SafePal and why do I need it

A hardware wallet is like a safe for your crypto keys. Instead of storing them on your computer or phone, where any little kid can steal them, the keys reside in a physical device that is not connected to the internet.

I chose SafePal because it is much cheaper than competitors, yet it provides everything necessary for protection. It is an offline storage for your coins with private keys that never leave the device. I especially liked the isolation from the internet through QR codes – no unnecessary connections.

Three models to choose from – let's explore the lineup

SafePal S1

This is the most budget-friendly model, with which I started. It costs about 5-7 thousand rubles – a laughable amount compared to the potential losses from a hack. The plastic case certainly doesn't look premium, but inside it has the same EAL5+ security chip as the more expensive models.

Supports over 20 blockchains, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, works through QR codes – you scan them between your phone and the device. The battery lasts for months, provided that you don’t use it every day.

SafePal S1 Pro

When I started trading more actively, I switched to this model. The body is made of aluminum, the battery is more powerful at (500 mAh compared to 400 in the basic ), the screen is better. It costs 7-10 thousand, but looks more solid and feels nicer in hand. The functionality is the same as the S1, but the design and build quality are a level higher.

SafePal X1

This is a new gadget for those who need more convenience. Bluetooth has been added for connection with the app ( although you can also use QR codes the old-fashioned way ), and support has been expanded to 70+ blockchains. Perfect for active DeFi users who need access to niche tokens. It costs a bit more than the S1 Pro, around 8-10 thousand.

My Choice SafePal: Learning from My Mistakes

I would confidently recommend beginners to start with S1 – it is simple, reliable, and inexpensive. I started with it myself and had no regrets until I became more active in trading. Then I switched to S1 Pro.

If you trade every day – take the Pro version. The battery is better, the case is sturdier, and there are fewer annoying moments.

For DeFi fans, X1 definitely – support for dozens of blockchains and Bluetooth will greatly simplify working with decentralized applications.

How I Set Up and Use SafePal

Setting up is a breeze:

1. Downloaded the SafePal app
2. Turned on the device
3. Scanned the QR code for pairing
4. Created a new wallet ( wrote the seed phrase on a metal plate!)

To top up, I simply copy the address from the app and send coins there from any platform. To send, I create a transaction in the app and confirm it on the device – no risk of compromise.

How realistic is it safe?

After losing coins from the hot wallet, I became paranoid about security. And I must say, SafePal impressed me:

• The device is physically isolated from the internet.
• The EAL5+ chip destroys data upon hacking attempts.
• The PIN code protects against access if someone steals the device itself.
• The mnemonic phrase allows recovery of access even in case of wallet loss.

But remember – the main vulnerability is always between the chair and the keyboard! I keep my seed phrase separate from the device and never photograph it.

Where to buy and how much does it cost

I ordered from the official website safepal.com, but then I saw them on Ozon with an excellent rating of 4.9 out of 5.

Prices in Russia:

• SafePal S1: 4990-6790 rubles
• SafePal S1 Pro: 7590-9990 rubles
• SafePal X1: 8000-10000 rubles

Important: never buy second-hand or on suspicious platforms! The device must be new and sealed.

Personal impressions after a year of use

What you liked:

• Ease of use - even my grandmother would figure it out
• The price is significantly lower than competitors with the same functionality.
• QR codes may seem outdated, but they provide excellent security.
• Integration with DeFi through the app is more convenient than many competitors.

What annoys:

• Staking is not supported for all coins.
• The first couple of days, the QR code system seems inconvenient.
• The plastic of the basic model looks cheap.

Compared to Ledger and Trezor, SafePal is about twice as cheap but performs the same functions. Yes, they don't have such a long history in the market, but in a year of use, I haven't had a single security issue.

SafePal has become my reliable companion in crypto travels. Considering how many scammers have emerged in our industry, I would call a hardware wallet a must-buy for anyone who has more coins than they're willing to lose.