COLDCARD vs Jade Plus: Bitcoin-First Cold Storage Compared
COLDCARD Mk5 is built for maximal Bitcoin operational security with dual secure elements and PSBT air gaps; Jade Plus targets open-source Bitcoin and Liquid users with QR camera workflows.
Choose COLDCARD Mk5 if you want Bitcoin-only firmware, dual secure elements, and hardcore air-gapped PSBT over MicroSD or QR with minimal extras.
Choose Jade Plus if you want Blockstream’s open-source app, Liquid support, and QR camera air gaps with a gentler path into multisig and coordinator workflows.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189 | $169.99 |
| Best For | Bitcoin Users | Bitcoin only Users |
| Connectivity | microSD, NFC-V, USB-C | USB-C, Bluetooth, QR, SD card, USB drive |
| Open Source | Mostly open source | Fully open source |
| Coins Supported | 1+ | 2+ |
| WalletLab Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Liquid support | No | Yes |
| Primary air gap | MicroSD + QR PSBT | QR camera |
Security
- Mostly open source
- Seed model: BIP39 seed generated offline on device
- Secure Element (Microchip ATECC608 and Maxim DS28C36B)
- Optional passphrase (hidden wallet)
Bitcoin-only surface with dual Secure Elements and paranoid defaults
- Fully open source
- Seed model: BIP39 seed generated offline on device or stateless seedqr
- Optional passphrase (hidden wallet)
Open-source Blockstream stack with camera QR air gaps
Ease of Use
- Beginner score: 6.5/10
- None
- Bitcoin Users
Steeper learning curve — rewards advanced operators
- Beginner score: 8.2/10
- Blockstream app
- Bitcoin only Users
Friendlier onboarding for Bitcoin and Liquid in one app
Supported Coins
- 1+
- Bitcoin Users
Bitcoin-only by design — minimal altcoin attack surface
- 2+
- Bitcoin only Users
Bitcoin plus Liquid — not altcoin generalist
Open Source
- Mostly open source
- Firmware is open source
- Reproducible builds supported
Open-source firmware with MicroSD/QR PSBT workflows
- Fully open source
- Firmware is open source
- Reproducible builds supported
Fully open firmware aligned with Blockstream’s model
Mobile Experience
- microSD, NFC-V, USB-C
- iOS and Android apps
- Mobile experience score: 7/10
Not a phone wallet — USB/MicroSD/QR focused
- USB-C, Bluetooth, QR, SD card, USB drive
- iOS and Android apps
- Mobile experience score: 8.2/10
Mobile-friendly QR signing; not Bluetooth-first
Price & Value
- Listed price: $189
- Strong value score in our data
- Mid-range or flagship tier
Mid-tier for a specialist Bitcoin signer
- Listed price: $169.99
- Strong value score in our data
- Mid-range or flagship tier
Strong value for open-source Bitcoin + Liquid features
Which One Should You Choose?
- Want Bitcoin-only firmware with no altcoin code paths
- Prefer MicroSD or QR PSBT with dual secure elements
- Optimize for maximum operational paranoia on UTXOs
- Already use Sparrow, Electrum, or similar PSBT coordinators
- Use Liquid or Blockstream Green regularly
- Want open-source firmware with a built-in camera for QR
- Run multisig with Blockstream-friendly tooling
- Prefer a slightly easier onboarding than pure PSBT power tools