Keeping your wallet safe and secure is the number one rule in the crypto industry. No matter what you do, you should take measures to ensure that no unwanted parties can access your wallet, as this would mean they can access your cryptocurrency, NFTs, and other digital assets. With this in mind, some projects exist which offer extra protections for wallets, one of which I will explore extensively in this Cryptosteel Capsule review.
I will cover what exactly makes tools like this so revolutionary and important in the space, and why there is a growing interest in them. As the blockchain industry gets more mature, people are becoming increasingly aware of how vigilant they need to be when it comes to keeping their wallets safe, and so more attention is being placed on physical restoration tools like the Cryptosteel Capsule and the Cryptosteel Cassette.
Expect this level of awareness to increase as time goes on due to the Web3 industry gaining more traction in the online world, and adding new functionalities to wallets. While in the past, a wallet acted simply as a way of storing your assets, nowadays wallets are also used to sign smart contracts and log into certain decentralized applications. This makes tools like the Cryptosteel Capsule more important than ever.
Pros
- Multiple backup options
- Made from Sturdy Steel
- Resistant to fire, water, shock, and rust
- Reusable and reversible if mistakes are made
- Supports all 96 printable ASCII characters
Cons
- Potentially unncessary amount of security
- Costly for some investors
Table of Contents
- 1. What is Cryptosteel Capsule?
- 2. Cryptosteel Capsule Review: PROS
- 2.1. Supports Multiple Types of Back Ups
- 2.2. Sturdy Steel
- 2.3. Reusable
- 3. Cryptosteel Capsule Review: CONS
- 3.1. Potentially Unnecessary Level of Security
- 3.2. Expensive for Some
- 4. Price
- 5. Cryptosteel Capsule VS Cryptosteel Cassette
- 6. CryptoSteel Capsule VS Billfodl
- 7. Cryptosteel Capsule VS CryptoTag Zeuz
- 8. Conclusions
What is Cryptosteel Capsule?
The best way to approach this Cryptosteel Capsule review is to take a look at what exactly it is and how it works. This is a physical tool designed to help you store your wallet seed phrase. This is a special set of characters, sometimes in the form of a mnemonic, that is used as a way of accessing or restoring your wallet if you are unable to normally reach it.
For this reason, seed phrases are often referred to as recovery phrases. Most of the time, people forget about these phrases as you rarely use them more than once. Any wallet generator worth its salt will force you to save your recovery phrase somewhere, but most of the time you won’t end up using actually using it after your wallet is made.
The only exception to this is if you are creating a wallet on a centralized platform, such as Coinbase, or Binance. In these circumstances, the company itself will look after your recovery phrase and ensure that all reasonable security measures are taken to keep your contents safe. The act of receiving and storing a recovery phrase is much more of a decentralized activity, and something you will run into when working autonomously.
However, if your computer ever breaks or is stolen, or you lose any traditional method of logging into your wallet, then this phrase becomes a life-saver. If all else fails, then this phrase becomes the only way to access your wallet. For this reason, it is integral that you treat it with respect and care. And what better way to do this than with a physical tool that marks your phrase down?
This is what Cryptosteel Capsule allows you to do. It is a steel device that you can use to mark down your recovery phrase and then subsequently seal it up to keep it protected. It is water-resistant, fire-proof, shock-proof, and stainless. This makes it practically indestructible against most aspects of life. This is extremely important, as recovery phrases must be documented on something robust if you want complete safety.
The Cryptosteel Capsule is a small cylindrical device that comes with a range of metal tiles that represent all 96 printable ASCII characters. To use it, unscrew the top lid of the device to reveal a rod that you can slot these tiles onto the cylinder, using the tiles to spell out or represent words in your recovery phrase. It also comes with dividing tiles that are used to denote spaces between each word.
Once you have added those words to your device, you can then seal it up by screwing it, and then you can store it somewhere safe and secure. You could store it in a safe or a safety deposit box. Or, you could even bury it in a discrete location, as the Cryptosteel Capsule is highly durable and designed to withstand the wear and tear of life.
Practically all elements of this device are made from AISI 304 and 303 steel. These are specialized types of metal that can effortlessly withstand corrosion, oxidation, and pitting, which is a type of damage that occurs when metal starts to develop dents or bumps. All of these types of destruction could render something unreadable, but this is no concern for the Cryptosteel Capsule as it is built with these problems in mind.
It is not exactly a crypto steel wallet, in the sense that this is not a hardware or paper wallet. But rather it is a tool used to retrieve your wallet should there be any issues or concerns that arise. It is important that this distinction is highlighted within our Cryptosteel Capsule review. To use it, you already need to own a wallet that you can apply this device to.
Cryptosteel Capsule Review: PROS
Let’s delve into the main factors of this Cryptosteel Capsule review by looking at the positive aspects that it offers. Some of these have already been touched on when I was explaining the device, although there is much more to be discussed. This is a powerful tool which is surprisingly versatile, despite it being designed with one idea in mind: protecting backup data for cryptocurrency wallets.
Supports Multiple Types of Back Ups
The device can be used to back up any wallet which uses BIP39 mnemonics. This is a type of mnemonic that Bitcoin and Ethereum wallets use, among many others, making them very compatible with Cryptosteel BTC mnemonic storage. Essentially, BIP39 is a phrasing standard where a range of 4-letter words are used to make up a full phrase. They are widely used in cryptography, although some alternatives do exist as well.
For instance, the Cryptosteel Capsule also supports Monero's mnemonic standard, which is different from most others in the crypto space. Plus, it is capable of working with SLIP39, which is a slightly more advanced standard of phrasing that some people opt for if they are looking for additional security.
SLIP39 can further be used to provide support for Shamir Secret Sharing. This is a cryptographic technique used for splitting a secret into multiple parts, called shares, and distributing these shares among different people so that the secret can only be reconstructed when a minimum number of shares are combined together. It is used by some businesses or people who have shared cryptocurrency wallets.
The technique is named after Adi Shamir, who developed it in 1979. If this is something that you want to try yourself, then you will need more than one Cryptosteel Capsule (referred to by the company as Cryptosteel Capsule Solo). You can buy two of these devices at the same time with the Cryptosteel Capsule Duo, which is great for organizations where people use one conjoined wallet.
However, this device is not limited to crypto backups. Despite our Cryptosteel Capsule review focusing specifically on cryptocurrency recovery, this device is also able to store other data, such as passwords and pin numbers. Essentially, the versatility of this device means that it can be used to save and protect a huge range of words and phrases.
Sturdy Steel
You know when a wallet generator asks you to write your recovery phrase down before continuing? Despite the advice against this, many people simply copy and paste their phrase onto a document on their computer. This is a highly ill-advised activity, as people could hack or hijack your account by gaining access to your computer. This could happen due to physical theft (if it is a laptop), or via remote hijacking and hacks.
In either circumstance, your recovery phrase would become immediately vulnerable. However, many people conscious of this do not usually write their phrase on a digital document. Rather, they write it on a piece of paper. But even this might not be enough. It is definitely easier to store a paper note in a safe and discrete place than it is a computer, but then you run into issues of degradation.
Paper is quite fragile, and writing fades over time. Without the proper care, it can disfigure into something illegible. It is also not resistant to water, fire, or natural disasters. So, if you live in a place that is prone to floods, fires, or earthquakes, then a paper note of a recovery phrase might not be your best bet. For situations like this, the Cyptosteel Capsule is your best bet as it is impervious to these issues.
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Reusable
Unlike some physical steel-based backup tools, the Cryptosteel Capsule Solo is highly reusable. Its design means that you can swap out the recovery phrase used for another phrase in the future, should you choose to move to a different wallet address. This could happen due to moving your assets to a different cryptocurrency, or moving the contents of your original address somewhere else if you are compromised.
In such an event, whatever wallet you move to should be treated with the same security measures (if not more) as before. For instance, if you were going to move to a different Bitcoin wallet, then you can make Cryptosteel BTC backups easily and effectively without permanently altering the device itself.
It is also important to highlight within this Cryptosteel Capsule review that this design means that you do not need to worry about making mistakes. With steel devices that require you to stamp or indent your recovery phrase in metal, you are unable to reverse mistakes as the device has already been marked and branded with the words and letters in question.
However, the Cryptosteel Capsule does not use engraving or marking, and instead orders your characters in a way that allows you to take some away and change them. This makes it a great option for people who have dyslexia, who are naturally prone to misreading certain characters. Additionally, it means this device can be resold in the future if you decide to leave the crypto markets altogether.
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Cryptosteel Capsule Review: CONS
No Cryptosteel Capsule review would be complete without looking at some of the negative, or more concerning elements of the tool. While there is a lot to celebrate and be excited about with this device, there are also some downsides that must be considered and broached so that you can make a genuine and informed decision about your cryptocurrency activity and habits.
Potentially Unnecessary Level of Security
One question you might have when reading this Cryptosteel Capsule review is whether this level of security really necessary. Realistically, you can never have too much security, especially when it comes to your own finances. Although, if you are a small-time investor, then you might not feel the need to own a Cryptosteel Capsule Solo as theft or loss of funds might not be extremely significant to you.
However, if you invest much larger amounts, or hold large quantities of crypto, then getting a Cryptosteel Capsule Solo might make more sense. The more cryptocurrency you hold in a wallet, the greater the risk is of an attack or theft. This is because most cryptocurrencies have public ledgers, and so bad actors can easily see how much you own by utilizing the transparent nature of the technology.
This means that wealthier crypto users can easily become targets. To prevent the fallout from this, a physical and resistant backup recording device like the Cryptosteel Capsule Solo is highly advised. When it comes to money, it is better to be safe than sorry, and if your budget can afford it, then getting one of these devices may be worth it simply so that you do not need to worry about mistakes or malicious behavior in the future.
Of course, if your budget is not high, and you do not store much cryptocurrency, then you may not need a Cryptosteel Capsule Solo. In these cases, it might be hard to justify buying one when you do not have much to protect overall. With this in mind, the level of security could be overkill. It will all depend on how much importance you place on the crypto assets you own, and how much effort you want to go toward protecting them.
Another interesting point to keep in mind is that as the Web3 space grows, so, too, does the capability of wallets. Nowadays, they are used as a login tool or a gateway to decentralized apps and products. They can even be used as a way of identifying yourself if you pair them with a blockchain domain such as those provided by Unstoppable Domains. To keep wallets like this as secure as possible, it makes sense to take every foreseeable precaution and use something like Cryptosteel Capsule Solo.
However, it should be noted that not all bad behavior can be stopped, and even a device as robust as this will not protect you against issues such as keyloggers stealing data or other factors that might let somebody enter your account such as remote access from your computer. But, thankfully, Cryptosteel Capsules are designed to be reusable, so if you end up switching out your wallet for another, you can unscrew your Capsule and change the mnemonic to reflect a new phrase!
Expensive for Some
This is a good time in our Cryptosteel Capsule Review to take a look at the cost of this device, and weigh up its utilities with respect to it. The cost of a Cryptosteel Capsule Solo is $115 from the official Cryptosteel website, although it costs $99 from Ledger’s website. Depending on what your wealth status is and how much you worry about your crypto storage, this will either be a reasonable price or a steep one.
Remember, these are not crypto steel wallets, but rather they are steel backup and recovery tools that are physical and tangible. Despite how much they might look like fancy crypto hardware wallets at first glance, it is important to keep in mind that they serve a slightly different function. If you do want a hardware wallet to run alongside them, then Ledger is a great option for this; as they sell them alongside the Cryptosteel Capusle Solo.
At around $100, it is definitely worth considering whether you think you need one. If you hold onto less than $100 in crypto, then it is fair to bypass this device and simply go about your life writing your recovery phrases down on paper. However, if this much money is only a fraction of the value you hold in crypto, then it could be seen as a no-brainer to get one.
One particular demographic who might find this device useful are people who conduct business with cryptocurrency, meaning they receive crypto payments, use crypto as an investment tool in their business strategy, or who store their funds cryptographically. In this sense, it might definitely be worth it. However, if they share their financial accounts with another party, then they may want more than one Capsule, which will rack up the price.
Price
I have just looked at the cost of the Cryptosteel Capsule Solo and argued that it is potentially quite pricey. But let's truly assess this claim. From Cryptosteel's own site, this device costs $115, which can feel steep for some. However, on Ledger's website, it is below $100, which makes it much more affordable and easier for small-time investors to justify spending as they might not have much exposure to the markets.
However, for crypto veterans who have made sizeable returns, it could be the ideal rate for them. As mentioned earlier, businesses may find it to be a worthwhile expense, although if they share their wallets with more than one person then the cost could rack up higher as they might need the Cryptosteel Capsule Duo, which costs $185. That being said, there are Cryptosteel coupon codes available online to reduce the cost.
It is also worth considering that the Cryptosteel Capsule can be resold in the future, which means that there is a way to recoup any expenses, as it is not likely to become obsolete so long as mnemonic phrases are the norm in the crypto space. Plus, its durability means that it will be in pristine condition even if being sold again. Just remember to remove the character tiles from the rod before selling so you do not give away your backup phrase!
Cryptosteel Capsule VS Cryptosteel Cassette
It would be an unfair Cryptosteel review if I didn’t examine the Cryptosteel Casseete, another backup storage device offered by the company. This one functions very differently from the Capsule, although its purpose is practically the same. It is a stainless, water-resistant, shock-resistant, and anti-corrosive slate of steel that you slot characters into to represent a backup recovery phrase.
Like the Capsule, the Cryptosteel Cassette can be reused, as you can take out the metal keys within it and swap them out, or change them if you made a mistake. However, there is one major limitation: the Cryptosteel Cassette only supports mnemonics that use up to 24 words. The Capsule, on the other hand, can support slightly more than this, making it more versatile.
The cost of the Cryptosteel Cassette is also worth keeping in mind. One cassette costs $159, which is more than a capsule. This is largely because the cassette is slightly more complex in its design, despite being just as durable. You could also argue that the cassette looks more sleek and clean in its design compared to the capsule, as one is a specifically formatted card, and the other is a rod with tiles. But neither designs have an effect on their utility, as both of these are very much suitable for storing recovery phrases.
CryptoSteel Capsule VS Billfodl
The Billfodl is another wallet backup storage device, also made from highly resistant steel. It is a major Cryptosteel alternative, with a design very similar to the Cassette, meaning it shares many of the same qualities, such as being designed for 24-word recovery phrases made up of 4-letter words. It also withstands shock (ranging up to 1000000 volts), fire, and water (meaning it will not rust). Plus, it is sold on Ledger’s website.
Its price is identical to the Capsule, at $99. However, it faces the same limitations as the Cassette. It is designed for very specific mnemonics, which can be restrictive if you use other cryptocurrencies that use different styles of recovery. If you are confident that your cryptocurrency of choice supports 24-word 4-letter mnemonics, then you will be more than fine with this. But otherwise, this Cryptosteel alternative might not be your best bet.
Cryptosteel Capsule VS CryptoTag Zeuz
Another major Cryptosteel alternative that should be mentioned in this Cryptosteel Capsule review is the CryptoTag Zeuz. This device also records your backup data, but instead of slotting tiles into place, you mark which letters you want to use by engraving a steel plate with a sharp pick. It offers practically the same resistance features as the other options discussed, such as water, rust, fire, and shock protection.
However, it has two huge limitations that the Cryptosteel Capsule does not. For starters, it only works with 4-letter 24-word recovery phrases, or BIP39. So far in this Cryptosteel review, only the Capsule is able to do more than this. Again, if you are focusing specifically on Bitcoin, then Cryptosteel BTC backups or backups with others such as CryptoTag Zeuz or Bilfodl will work perfectly. But anything else will be hard.
Not only this, but the CryptoTag Zeuz does not have a reusability factor. This is because the method it utilizes to save your data is via engraving. This makes it relatively unfriendly to people with dyslexia, or people who simply may want to move their funds to another account. Plus, at $139, it is comparably steep for something that can only be used in such a limited way. Regardless, it is still useful if you plan to stick to one Bitcoin wallet.
As you can see, despite this and the Capsule both being crypto steel wallet backup devices, they have some very remarkable and distinct differences. The factors that differentiate them from each other may seem small, especially when you consider how they are both crypto-friendly and designed to withstand the same dangers, but they will matter a lot to anybody who swaps wallets from time to time and does not use BTC.
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Conclusions
I covered a lot in our Cryptosteel Capsule review. We’ve looked at the strength and resistance of the device, its versatility, its Cryptosteel BTC recovery capabilities, and even looked at some Cryptosteel alternatives. I have even assessed its price in relation to all of these factors, to help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing to buy one.
Overall, it seems that this crypto steel wallet recovery device is highly practical and arguably invaluable for people who store large amounts of cryptocurrency in one wallet. If you are an individual who holds huge quantities of crypto and you want to keep it safe, then this Cryptosteel Capsule review is for you, and you should definitely consider getting your hands on one of these tools.
Some might think that so much resistance is overkill, but nobody knows how exactly life will pan out for them, and anybody can find themselves or their home the victim of fires, floods, or other natural disasters. In circumstances like this, you will be glad to have a Cryptosteel Capsule from our review. If the price is putting you off it, then it is definitely worth keeping an eye out for any Cryptosteel coupon codes, which can reduce the cost.
Hopefully, this Cryptosteel Capsule review has been helpful, and has given you some important insights about this device and its utility. While tools like this are not for everybody, if you are a big-time investor having some way of recovering your wallet beyond mere paper is ideal. And, if you are not convinced just yet, then be sure to visit the product page on Ledger’s website, to further your own research on it.
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