Thomas Drury
Co-Founder
Thomas is an experienced financial trader in leverage instruments, crypto and general investing. He has over a decade experience in finance and holds Chartered Status in the financial industry, Thomas’s speciality is trading CFDs, Forex and Day Trading. His crypto portfolio is heavily weighted towards BTC and Eth, but enjoys trading low cap crypto’s with higher volatility. Thomas’s favourite trading strategy is break out Trading.
“Our commitment at The Investors Centre is unwavering. We strive to provide clear, actionable advice that empowers you to achieve financial success. Our vision is a future where anyone can invest confidently and wisely.”
Dom Farnell
Co-Founder
Dom is an experienced retail investor, learning his craft in what he likes to call the “hard way”. Through many of these lesson’s he has crafted himself a sound investment strategy that has enabled him to make investing into a business not just a hobby. He wanted to create The Investors Centre to be able to use these lessons and help other people establish them selves in the world of investing.
“Financial clarity and integrity are the cornerstones of everything we do. We’re here to ensure that your investment journey is built on a solid financial understanding and a sound strategic foundation.”
I’ve tested dozens of hardware wallets over the years, but the Cypherock X1 instantly stood out to me for one simple reason: it doesn’t use a seed phrase. That alone grabbed my attention, and after spending time with the device, I can confidently say this is one of the most unique and secure wallets I’ve ever used.
In this review, I’ll walk you through how the X1 works, what makes it different, how secure it really is, and whether it’s worth the £175–£200 price tag. If you’re a long-term HODLer, a security-first investor, or just someone tired of the stress of storing a 12-word seed phrase, you’ll want to keep reading.
Quick Answer:
The Cypherock X1 is one of the most secure hardware wallets I’ve tested. With no seed phrase, air-gapped protection, and smart card recovery, it’s ideal for long-term holders. If you value security and peace of mind, it’s absolutely worth considering in 2025.
What Is the Cypherock X1?
The X1 wallet is a small, air-gapped device, but the real magic lies in its smart card setup. Instead of writing down a seed phrase, your private key is broken into five encrypted shares using Shamir’s Secret Sharing — a method that ensures no single card contains the whole key.
You will receive four physical smart cards and the X1 device itself. To access your crypto, you only need any three out of the five components. That means you can store the cards in different physical locations and still restore access if the device is lost or stolen. No cloud syncs. No internet connection. No paper backups. Just strong offline redundancy.
For me, this design finally removed the anxiety I used to feel about misplacing a seed phrase or someone else discovering it. The X1 is designed for security, minus the stress.
Who Is This Wallet Designed For?
Based on my experience, the X1 is ideal for individuals like me who hold crypto for the long term. If you’re serious about self-custody — whether you’re managing family wealth, diversifying high-value holdings, or even thinking about estate planning — this wallet is ideal.
That said, it’s not a great choice for active DeFi traders or people who need fast, daily access to their crypto. The security setup makes it brilliant for cold storage, but it’s not something I’d use for quick swaps or staking NFTs on a whim.
If you’re looking for something more versatile — with broader coin support, faster access, and native integrations with services like MetaMask or staking platforms — I’ve found Trezor to be a more practical option overall. It still offers robust offline protection and open-source transparency but with fewer limitations around everyday use.
What Makes the Cypherock X1 Unique?
What makes the Cypherock X1 stand out is how it flips traditional hardware wallet design on its head. The device is decentralised at the physical level. There is no seed phrase or single failure point.
The seedless setup was a game-changer. With other wallets, I always had that lingering fear: What if someone finds my seed phrase? Or what if I lose it myself?
Cypherock solves this with Shamir’s Secret Sharing — a clever cryptographic method that splits your private key into five pieces. To access your wallet, you only need three out of the five: any combination of the four smart cards and the X1 device itself.
This means even if I misplace a card (or the device), I’m still safe. I’ve distributed mine across multiple secure spots, and the peace of mind that it brings is hard to overstate.
What is Smart Card & Air-Gapped Operation?
Each smart card is PIN-protected and uses NFC authentication, so you can just tap it to the X1 device when needed. The hardware wallet itself is completely air-gapped: there’s no USB port, no Bluetooth, and no WiFi. It doesn’t even need a computer to function.
That isolation from online threats makes it nearly impossible to hack remotely, and it’s one of the reasons I trust it for long-term storage.
What about Multi-Wallet Support?
One cool feature I didn’t expect: you can manage up to four separate wallets on a single X1. I’ve been using this to separate my main portfolio from smaller experimental holdings.
And yes, the firmware is open-source — so if you’re like me and value transparency, that’s a huge plus. You can actually audit the code.
Feature | Description | User Benefit |
---|---|---|
No Seed Phrase | Key split into 5 encrypted shares | No single point of failure |
PIN-Protected Smart Cards | NFC-enabled, tamper-resistant authentication | Physical security for key access |
Air-Gapped Device | Offline-only architecture | Immune to remote hacks |
Multi-Wallet Support | 4 wallets on one device | Separate portfolios for different uses |
Open Source Firmware | Public codebase | Transparent and auditable |
How Secure Is the Cypherock X1?
I’ll say this up front: the Cypherock X1 is one of the most secure hardware wallets I’ve ever used — and I don’t say that lightly. It’s not just about tech specs; it’s how the entire system is designed to remove single points of failure, both digitally and physically.
The security model is seriously robust. First, there’s multi-factor authentication: you need the X1 device, a PIN, and at least two of your smart cards to access your wallet.
What sets it apart is its lack of network interfaces. The device is air-gapped which means there’s no digital attack surface and nothing to exploit remotely.
And because your private key is split into five parts using Shamir’s Secret Sharing. That flexibility is exactly what makes this setup both resilient and redundant.
Do you have any Real-World Loss Examples?
I’ve actually experienced this. I once left one of my smart cards in another city during a long weekend. The recovery process was surprisingly straightforward.
Using just three of the remaining cards, I was able to restore my entire wallet to a new X1 in under 10 minutes. There was no seed phrase to verify, and hardly any stress about typing anything incorrectly. Just tap, authenticate, and go.
Losing one or even two cards doesn’t lock you out — and that’s a massive upgrade over traditional wallets. It also makes estate planning or shared access much more feasible.
Comparison to Other Hardware Wallets
Feature | Cypherock X1 | Ledger Nano X | Trezor Model T | Keystone 3 Pro |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seed Phrase Needed | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Open Source | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Smart Card Backup | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Air-Gapped | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Price Range (GBP) | £175–£200 | £130–£140 | £190–£210 | £250+ |
From a pure security perspective, the X1 beats almost everything else I’ve tested, especially if you value offline resilience and no reliance on memorisation.
How Easy Is the X1 to Use Day-to-Day?
For a wallet that’s so security-focused, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the Cypherock X1 is to use. The setup is intuitive, and once you get the hang of the smart cards, day-to-day interaction feels smooth, though it’s definitely built more for cold storage than regular trading.
How was the Setup Experience?
When I first unboxed the X1, I expected a learning curve, but the onboarding process was clear and well-paced. The device walks you through everything step by step, from initial boot-up to syncing your cards and setting your PINs.
The card syncing process was fast and seamless. You’ll be instructed to tap each card against the device (which uses NFC), and once three are authenticated, your wallet will be live.
Even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, the setup won’t intimidate you, plus Cypherock includes plenty of in-device guidance and video tutorials that explain what’s happening as you go.
Is there a Cypherock Companion App?
Cypherock does offer a companion app, available on desktop and mobile, it is clean and minimal. I used it to create new wallets, check balances, and sign transactions. It doesn’t try to be everything, and that’s a good thing.
That said, don’t expect the latest bells and whistles; there is no real-time market tracking, staking, or DeFi integration. It’s very much focused on secure storage and signing, not day-to-day trading or portfolio management.
What about Firmware Updates & Customer Support?
I’ve updated the firmware once since I started using it, and the process was straightforward. Just follow the instructions via the app. Updates are pushed when necessary, not constantly.
As for support, I had a recovery question, so I opened a ticket. I got a response within 24 hours, and the reply was helpful and direct. The knowledge base is decent, and there’s a small but growing community on Reddit and Discord that’s are fairly responsive.
Should You Buy the Cypherock X1 in 2025?
If you’re serious about long-term crypto security and hate dealing with seed phrases, then yes — the Cypherock X1 is one of the best cold storage options I’ve used. But like any wallet, it’s not perfect for everyone. Here’s what stood out for me.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Seedless design eliminates the need to store or memorise 12–24 word phrases, making the user experience more modern and stress-free. | Higher upfront cost than entry-level wallets |
Top-tier physical and cyber security through air-gapped architecture and 3-of-5 smart card recovery. | Card system can feel intimidating for non-technical users |
Open-source firmware allows public audits and builds transparency — no black-box trust required. | No support for DeFi or NFT integrations |
Ideal for multi-generational storage, including inheritance or safeguarding large holdings offline. | Limited altcoin support compared to broader platforms |
What Do Users and Experts Think?
Before I committed to using the Cypherock X1, I did what I always do — checked what other users and crypto security experts had to say. Overall, the response has been consistent with my own experience: it’s a highly secure, well-built product that does a lot right, with a few notable quirks.
Is there a Cypherock Companion App?
On platforms like Reddit and Trustpilot, users often mention the same two things I noticed right away — peace of mind and the relief of not having to rely on a seed phrase.
Many people say they bought the X1 specifically to avoid the stress of storing or memorising a recovery phrase. I get it — that’s exactly what drew me in too.
That said, some users do mention a learning curve, especially around setting up and managing the four smart cards. If you’re coming from a plug-and-play Ledger or Trezor, there’s definitely a shift in mindset. A few also reported mild anxiety over losing a card, even though the recovery process is actually very forgiving.
What do Expert Reviews & Security Audits say?
In terms of expert feedback, Cypherock has been getting attention from wallet reviewers and security researchers. They’ve praised the Shamir-based key distribution model and the fact that the firmware is completely open source.
Some experts have pointed out that the X1 is among the few wallets designed with multi-generational storage in mind — which isn’t something you see often.
Cypherock has also undergone third-party audits, with reports made public to support transparency. That’s a green flag in my book, especially when handling serious crypto assets.
Who is the Cypherock X1 Best For?
In my opinion, the X1 is ideal for:
- Long-term BTC/ETH holders
- Security-first investors who want offline peace of mind
- Estate planners managing generational wealth
Who Might Prefer Alternatives?
You may want to look elsewhere if you trade daily and need quick access, regularly use staking or DeFi platforms and want a wallet that costs less or offers plug-and-play simplicity.
Where Can You Buy the Cypherock X1?
When I decided to purchase the Cypherock X1, I wanted to ensure I was getting an authentic product with full warranty support.
I bought my Cypherock X1 directly from the official Cypherock website. They also have a list of authorised resellers, which includes USA, Europe, India and Singapore. Purchasing from these sources ensures you’re getting a genuine product with support and warranty coverage.
The Cypherock X1 is priced at approximately $159 USD (around £125 GBP), depending on the retailer and region. Shipping times vary:
- India: 3–4 business days
- Switzerland: 5–8 business days
- Other countries: 5–8 business days
How can I Avoid Fake Products?
Final Verdict
The Cypherock X1 brings some impressive innovation to the table — especially its seedless recovery and smart card security model. But after testing it alongside other wallets, I still find Trezor to be the more dependable choice for long-term cold storage.
Trezor has a long-standing reputation in the crypto space, built on fully open-source firmware, consistent updates, and years of real-world testing. It may require you to manage a traditional seed phrase, but that simplicity actually makes it more accessible — especially if you’re not looking to learn an entirely new recovery system.
For most people who want a secure, battle-tested, and user-friendly wallet, Trezor strikes the right balance between security, transparency, and ease of use. It’s still my go-to recommendation for anyone serious about protecting their crypto for the long haul.
Cypherock X1
- Advanced Seed Storage
- Air-gapped
- Support for 3000+ coins
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
FAQs
What happens if I lose one of the Cypherock X1 smart cards?
You only need three out of the five components (device + cards) to access your wallet. So if one or two are lost, you can still recover your crypto without issue.
Is Cypherock X1 better than Ledger or Trezor for cold storage?
While the Cypherock X1 introduces a unique seedless recovery system, I prefer Trezor for its proven security track record, open-source firmware, and seamless user experience.
Can I use Cypherock X1 with MetaMask or other DeFi platforms?
No. Cypherock X1 is not designed for DeFi use or browser wallet integrations. It’s built strictly for offline storage and secure signing.
How do I recover my wallet if the Cypherock X1 device is lost or damaged?
You can recover your wallet using any three of the five smart cards and a new Cypherock X1 device. No seed phrase is ever needed.
Is Cypherock X1 open-source and audited?
Yes. The firmware is open-source, and Cypherock has undergone third-party security audits to ensure transparency and trustworthiness.
How many wallets can I store on one Cypherock X1?
You can manage up to four separate wallets on a single device—ideal for separating portfolios or managing different use cases.
References
- Keylabs – Cypherock Security Audit
- Reddit Discussions – r/Cyrpherock
- Cypherock – Homepage
- Cypherock – Cypherock X1 Product Page