Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are becoming more popular and valuable every day. But how do you store and manage them securely and conveniently? How do you protect your private keys from hackers, thieves, and accidents? Crypto cold storage wallets are the best option to choose from, And Arculus Wallet is our choice.
It is not just a wallet, but a complete ecosystem that consists of a physical metal card and a mobile app. In this Arculus Wallet review, We will explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this hardware wallet, and compare it with other cold storage solutions in the market.
What is Arculus Wallet?
Arculus Wallet is a crypto and NFT cold storage wallet solution. It is made by CompoSecure. It is a company that has been making security, payment, and digital-asset storage solutions for 20 years.
Arculus Wallet has two parts: an Arculus Key Card and an Arculus Wallet App. The Key Card is a metal card that looks like a credit card but has more security features. The card keeps your crypto and NFT keys on the card itself. You can buy the card from the official website.
The Arculus Wallet App is a mobile app that lets you use your crypto and NFTs with a few taps. You can download the app from Google Play or App Store. It lets you store and manage your digital assets with 3-factor authentication. You are the only one who can access your private keys. The Arculus card and app make it easy to buy, swap, send, and receive cryptocurrency and NFTs.
Pros of Arculus Wallet
- High security with 3-factor authentication
- Metal card that is strong and easy to carry
- A mobile app that is easy to use and user-friendly
- Tap to transact feature that is fast and easy
- Support for leading cryptocurrencies and NFTs
Cons of Arculus Wallet
- More expensive than some other hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor basic models.
- Needs a mobile device with an NFC feature
- No web interface or desktop app
Arculus Wallet Review: Key Features Explained
Arculus Wallet has many features and benefits that make it different from other crypto hardware wallets. Here are some of them:
1. Arculus Supported Coins
Arculus Wallet currently supports over 67 cryptocurrencies. It offers only major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, they plan to add more coins like Filecoin (FIL), Pancakeswap (CAKE), and PEPE in the future. They keep expanding their cryptocurrency offerings.
Some of the coins that it supports are:
- AAVE (Aave)
- BAT (Basic Attention Token)
- BTC (Bitcoin)
- ETH (Ethereum)
- LINK (Chainlink)
- MATIC (Polygon)
- UNI (Uniswap)
- USDC (USD Coin)
- XRP (Ripple)
- YFI (Yearn.Finance)
You can find the full list of supported cryptocurrencies here.
2. NFT & Web3 Integration
NFTs, like other Web3 assets, need to be protected from hackers. You need to be careful with your NFTs. The Arculus card creates private keys and works with the Arculus app to help you store, manage, share, and enjoy your NFTs safely. You keep your own custody of your tokens.
Arculus supports NFTs with WalletConnect. This lets you connect to your favorite NFT platforms and manage your collection securely with Arculus’ advanced security with 3-factor authentication. You can also connect it with popular NFT Marketplaces such as OpenSea and Rarible.
NFTs are stored in the Arculus Wallet app and some can be on the key card. The app only supports NFTs on ERC-721 and ERC-1155 blockchains.
You can also view and share your NFTs in the Arculus app. You can see more details about your NFTs, such as their name, description, creator, owner history, and current value. You can also share your NFTs with friends on social media or messaging apps.
3. Three-Factor Authentication (3FA)
The Arculus wallet uses 3FA to give the best security for your crypto assets. Three-factor authentication (3FA) is a way of checking a user’s identity using three different authentication factors: something you know, something you have, and something you are.
The three authentication factors are:
- Something you know: A 6-digit PIN that you have to type when the Arculus app asks you.
- Something you have: The metal NFC card that you have to touch to the back of the phone to make the NFC connection.
- Something you are: A biometric lock that uses your fingerprint or face scan to open the Arculus app on the phone.
4. Metal NFC Card
The NFC card is a special and cool hardware device that makes the Arculus wallet different from other cold wallets. The metal NFC card is made of strong 0.3mm stainless steel and has a smooth and beautiful design.
It is tough, water-proof, and scratch-resistant. It can fit in a wallet or a keychain and can be customized with different colors and logos. The metal NFC card has an NFC chip that lets it communicate with the Arculus app on a smartphone without using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, or cords. It also has a QR code that can be scanned by other devices to share blockchain addresses or get payments.
The Key card arrives locked from the factory, ensuring hacker-proof security. Its NFC tech only works within a few centimeters, unlike other Bluetooth keys with a 10-meter range.
5. Self-Custody (Full Private Key Control)
Private key control means that you have full access and power over your crypto assets and do not depend on any third-party service or platform. The Arculus wallet gives you complete control by keeping the recovery phrase on the secure element (CC EAL 6+) metal NFC card and not on any central system.
They can’t be accessed via the Arculus app, and the company also doesn’t have access to them. Being a non-custodial solution, You have full control over your digital assets, a benefit of cold storage over hot wallets or crypto exchanges.
You can also back up your private keys using a 12-word recovery phrase that can be used to restore your wallet in case you lose your metal NFC card or phone.
Arculus Wallet Price Review
Arculus Wallet is priced at $99 USD, which includes the Arculus Key card, the Arculus Wallet app, and a chain for card attachment. Tax and shipping fees are not included. Eligible military customers can also enjoy a 25% discount.
Compared to other hardware wallets, Arculus Wallet is pricier. Ledger Nano S Plus costs $79 USD, Trezor Model One is $69 USD, and KeepKey is $78 USD. But Arculus Wallet offers unique features like 3-factor authentication, NFC communication, CC EAL6+ secure element, and NFT support, which may justify its price.
Arculus Wallet Security Review
Arculus Wallet is a secure, private, and easy device for crypto and NFT lovers. It uses a metal card, a mobile app, and a 3FA system to keep your digital assets safe.
- 3FA: You need three things to unlock your wallet. Your face or fingerprint on your phone. Your PIN number that you choose. Your metal card that has your keys. You tap your card on your phone to open your wallet.
- Offline keys: Your keys are on your metal card, not online or on your phone. No one can hack or steal them. Your metal card is a CC EAL6+ secure device that protects your keys.
- Privacy: You control your crypto and NFT assets with Arculus Wallet. You do not need any third party or system. You can buy, swap, send, and receive crypto and NFTs in the app. No extra fees or delays. Arculus Wallet does not save or share your backup words. Your backup words are a backup of your keys. You should write them down and keep them safe. They are the only way to get back your wallet if you lose or break your metal card.
Customer Support Review
Arculus Wallet offers a FAQ section on its website, addressing common topics. For additional assistance or other concerns, you can reach out via email at support@arculus.co.
Unfortunately, they don’t offer phone or live chat support, which might be less convenient for users who prefer direct contact. Therefore, I would rate their customer support as average.
Arculus Wallet App Review (Mobile App)
The Arculus Wallet App is an app that works with the Arculus Key Card, a metal card that keeps your keys offline. The app lets you buy, swap, send, and receive crypto and NFTs with a tap of your card to your phone. The app also shows you your crypto portfolio and NFT collections and gives you the latest news and updates on the crypto market.
The app has a nice and easy design that makes it simple to use and explore. The app has a gateway for buying crypto in the app with fiat money or other crypto. It does not have any extra fees for the deposit or withdrawal of crypto. The Arculus mobile app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
How to Set Up Arculus Cold Storage Wallet?
Step 1: Download the Arculus Wallet app
You can download the Arculus Wallet app from the [App Store] for iOS devices or the [Google Play Store] for Android devices. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code on the Arculus website to get the app.
Step 2: Connect your Card with Wallet App
To get started, open the app on your phone. Once it’s open, place your Arculus Card on a flat surface, making sure the back of the card is facing up. You can refer to the pictures that show you how to position the card correctly. It’s important to match the card placement with your specific phone model to ensure everything aligns correctly.
Now, within the app, go to the configuration menu and tap on “Create a New Wallet.” This step will initiate the setup process. After you’ve tapped that option, leave your card and phone in the aligned position as indicated by the visuals.
Wait until the setup process is complete. By following these steps, you’ll successfully set up your Arculus Card and phone for use.
Step 3: Create a 6-digit PIN
Once your wallet is set up, create a unique 6-digit PIN. This PIN unlocks your wallet and approves transactions. Select a strong and memorable PIN known only to you.
Step 4: Write Down Your 12 or 24-Word Recovery Phrase
Now, it’s essential to record your 12 or 24-word wallet recovery phrase. This unique phrase serves as a safety net to regain access to your wallet if you lose your device or forget your PIN. Always store this recovery phrase securely, never share it with anyone, and avoid keeping it online.
Step 5: Start Using Your Wallet
You can pick the cryptocurrencies for your wallet. Choose from supported coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and more. You can also search by name or symbol. Add as many currencies as you like to your wallet.
To handle your NFTs in your wallet, just click the “NFT” symbol on the app. You can also shop for NFTs on platforms like OpenSea, Rarible, and SuperRare.
Arculus Wallet Alternatives & Comparison
The Arculus Wallet is the most affordable option at $99.00, followed by the Ledger Nano X at $119.00, the ELLIPAL Titan at $139.00, and the Trezor Model T, which is the most expensive at $219.00.
Connectivity options vary among these wallets. Arculus Wallet relies on NFC (Near Field Communication) technology for seamless communication. Ledger Nano X connects through both Bluetooth and USB-C, catering to different user preferences. Trezor Model T, on the other hand, employs a USB-C interface for its connections. ELLIPAL Titan opts for a unique approach by using QR code scanning as the primary means of communication.
Here is the detailed comparison table:
| Feature | Arculus Wallet | Ledger Nano X | Trezor Model T | ELLIPAL Titan |
| Price | $99.00 | $119.00 | $219.00 | $139.00 |
| Supported coins | 67 only | 5,500+ | 1456+ | 10,000+ |
| NFT support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | NFC (Near Field Communication) | Bluetooth and USB-C | USB-C | QR code scanning |
| Security features | 3-factor authentication: biometric lock, 6-digit PIN, and Arculus Key Card | Secure Element chip and PIN code | Shamir backup and PIN code | Air-gapped design and anti-tamper metal body |
| Buy and swap | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes (Ledger Live) | Yes (Trezor Suite only for Android) | Yes |
Final Thoughts: Is Arculus Cold Wallet Worth it?
To sum up the Arculus Wallet review, It is the best cold storage hardware wallet to keep your crypto and NFTs safe. It is a metal card that works with your phone.
It uses NFC to connect to your phone. It has 3-factor authentication to protect your private keys. You can do many things with Arculus Wallet. You can buy, swap, send, receive, and manage digital currencies and NFTs. Arculus Wallet is easy and secure.
The only disadvantage is that it supports only 67 cryptocurrencies and many popular coins are not available to store or buy. The wallet is best for Web3 users. You can easily connect it to dApps using “WalletConnect”. You can get an Arculus Wallet for only $99.
FAQs
Is Arculus Wallet Safe?
Arculus wallet is a secure and reliable way to keep your crypto and NFTs. It has 3-factor authentication, which needs something you know (your six-digit PIN), something you have (your Arculus Key Card), and something you are (your biometric information). This makes sure that only you can unlock your wallet and no one else.
The crypto wallet also keeps your private keys offline in a CC EAL6+ Secure Element Hardware Classification, which defends them from hackers and malware. Your private keys never touch the internet or any device, so your crypto and NFTs are safe with Arculus.
How does the Arculus Wallet work?
Arculus Wallet works by connecting your Arculus Key Card with the Arculus Wallet App on your iOS or Android device. To use the Arculus wallet, you need to tap your Arculus Key Card on your phone via NFC and enter your PIN and biometric information. This will open your wallet and let you access your funds. You can also use the app to see your balance, transaction history, and market prices.
Does Arculus require KYC?
Arculus does not require KYC (Know Your Customer) verification for using its wallet. You can make an account and start using the wallet without giving any personal information or documents.
However, if you want to buy or sell crypto using the app, you will need to go through a KYC process with the third-party service provider that Arculus works with. This is to follow the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations in different jurisdictions.
What if I lose my Arculus Wallet?
If you lose your Arculus Wallet, you don’t have to worry about losing your crypto and NFTs. You can always get back your funds using your secret recovery phrase, which is a 12-word mnemonic that you need to write down and store safely when you make your account. You can use this phrase to restore your wallet on a new device or a new Arculus Key Card.
However, you should never share this seed phrase with anyone or store it online, as it can risk the security of your wallet.
Can you sell crypto on Arculus?
No, the Arculus Wallet App currently doesn’t allow you to convert cryptocurrency into regular money (fiat). To do that, you must first transfer your cryptocurrency from your crypto cold storage wallet to a cryptocurrency exchange of your choosing. There, you can then trade it for fiat currency.
Does Arculus Wallet charge fees?
There are no fees for crypto transactions and transfers from Arculus Wallet, but you may have to pay network fees and exchange fees. Network fees vary by crypto and transfer speed.
Exchange fees apply when you swap cryptos in the Arculus Wallet app, and they are charged by third parties such as Simplex and Changelly, not by Arculus. The only cost that Arculus charges is $99 for the Arculus Card, which is the hardware part of the wallet.
