BitBox02 Review

Created by Swiss firm Shift Cryptosecurity, the latest BitBox hardware wallet — the BitBox02 — is a sleeker and optimised upgrade over the original, more minimalist BitBox01. Like other mainstay devices in the arena, the BitBox02 lets users independently generate and secure their own cryptocurrency addresses.

The wallet comes in two versions: a standard edition, which supports bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), and litecoin (LTC) addresses, and a ‘Bitcoin Only Edition‘, with the only difference being that the latter supports just bitcoin addresses for users who might want to isolate their BTC holdings from their other cryptocurrencies.

MyHardwareWallet reviewed the standard version. Out of the box, both devices come with a starter microSD card for backing up addresses, a USB-C cable, a USB-A to USB-C adaptor, rubber pulls, and a couple of BitBox-branded  stickers for good measure.

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 stowaway 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.

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 visualising transactions.

As for user experience, what sets the 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.

On Security

The wallet doesn’t slouch on security, so we give it points for that. As we’d expect, its secure chip shields cryptocurrency private keys from outside attackers, with the device’s password stretching mechanism specifically mitigating brute force attacks. The wallet, which doubles as a FIDO compliant second factor authenticator, also has an optional passphrase feature that allows users to create hidden addresses. Generally speaking, the BitBox02 is also less conspicuous than its predecessor because it’s aesthetically more similar (though not entirely) to a traditional USB stick.

Verdict: We Recommend

MyHardwareWallet gives the BitBox02 a 4.7 rating out of 5 stars. The wallet does its job well, it’s totally approachable, and we really liked the slider design when it came to the user experience. The only points we took off was for its somewhat fragile feeling display, insofar as we could see how the device might get easily scratched. However, that dynamic is true for most hardware wallets that have larger screens. We would recommend the BitBox02 to anyone who needs a solid device for securing cryptocurrency.

Have a question? Don’t hesitate to reach out

We here at MyHardwareWallet.co.uk are happy to help you with any questions you might have about the BitBox02. Send us a message anytime — we’ll respond ASAP. Find out more about the device here: BitBox02_Datasheet.

Posted by Myhardwarewallet on September 27, 2019 in BitBox, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hardware wallets