Crypto hardware wallet comparison KeepKey vs BitBox02 Bitcoin-only edition
Our impressions
KeepKey
BitBox02 Bitcoin-only edition
- Has a great community and (d)app ecosystem
- Outdated microUSB port
- Needs constant USB connection
The product has a nice build quality and finish, a solid (d)app ecosystem, and a great community. The product launched in 2015 and it shows its age, compared to newer hardware wallet products. Most notably it has no secure element, a microUSB port, and limits itself to a single button for on-device input.
That being said, we would still prefer it over any software wallet, though.
Disclaimer: Our impressions are based on a compilation of factors tailored to the average user’s perspective. It is also important to note that whether a feature is a “pro” or “con” can depend on your situation and preferences. What may be an advantage in one scenario could be a challenge in another, and vice versa. Therefore, while reviewing these points, it’s essential to consider your unique requirements and circumstances when making decisions. This list aims to provide an idea of what to anticipate, but it is not the ultimate guide to determining whether something will work for you or not.
Key features
KeepKey
BitBox02 Bitcoin-only edition
2015
2019
Supports multiple coins
Supports 7.000+ assets on 340+ blockchains
Supports only Bitcoin
For multi-coin support see BitBox02 multi-coin edition
It is not possible to convert a BitBox02 Bitcoin-only edition into a BitBox02 Multi edition or vice-versa. The BitBox02 bootloader prevents firmware downgrades and installing firmware for a different edition of the BitBox02 (Multi or Bitcoin-only) as otherwise that would be a security attack vector.
- Firmware
- Companion software
- Firmware
- Companion software
- On device PIN entry
after 3 wrong PIN entries an increasing timeout is applied for each wrong PIN (we stopped testing at 256 seconds around wrong PIN #8 or so)
- Secure element
- On device PIN entry
Dual chip security architecture
Secure chip: ATECC608B; True random number generator (NIST SP 800-90A/B/C)
Anti-klepto mitigates the nonce covert channel attack
Physical protections
Security audit & bug bounty program
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
on Linux make sure to add udev rules
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
can be used in conjunction with the companion app to store TOTP secrets and generate codes for TOTP based 2FA
Technical specifications
KeepKey
BitBox02 Bitcoin-only edition
94 mm x 38.4 mm x 12.2 mm
3.7 in x 1.51 in x 0.48 in
54.5 mm x 25.4 mm x 9.6 mm
2.15 in x 1 in x 0.38 in
52 g
1.83 oz
12 g
0.42 oz
- Monochrome
- OLED
256×64 pixels
- Monochrome
- OLED
128 x 64 Pixels
- micro USB
- USB-C
- microSD card
ATSAMD51J20A
120 Mhz 32-bit Cortex-M4F
True random number generator
Black plastics and Anodized Aluminum
Polycarbonate