SafePal: A Guide to Hardware & Mobile Wallets, the Browser Extension, and Their Security

What level of reliability and benefits does the Safepal range of hardware and software wallets offer you? Let’s break down the advantages and drawbacks.

Safepal wallets come in three types:

1. Hardware – designed for security. They feature a self-destruct mechanism if tampering is detected, complete air‑gap isolation, a PIN code and a seed phrase. The keys can never leave the device. The secure chip is CC EAL6+ certified.
2. Mobile App – used in tandem with the hardware wallet to confirm transactions via QR code.
3. Browser Extension – convenient for Web3 interactions such as NFTs, bridges, DeFi and more.

Note that the app and extension can also be used independently of the hardware wallet; they’re fully functional products on their own.

Let’s take a closer look at what Safepal offers and whether it’s worth using. We’ll start with the hardware devices.

Hardware Wallets

Safepal offers three models: the budget-friendly S1, the X1, and the S1 Pro.

All models support 200+ blockchains, an unlimited number of tokens and NFTs. The differences lie in price, display and battery capacity.

Let’s examine how they defend against hacking attempts.

Security

The security across all models is effectively the same. The distinction between EAL6+ and EAL5+ chip certifications won’t be noticeable in practice and is largely marketing. In reality, 99% of threats to hardware wallets come from phishing, seed‑phrase theft, and signing fraudulent transactions.

The core of fraudulent transactions is that the hardware wallet signs a transaction different from what the user expected. This attack leverages the small screen size of hardware devices, preventing you from seeing the full destination address.

Other threats include phishing and various methods of stealing your seed phrase.

In summary, the true security of hardware wallets doesn’t hinge on the chip or materials alone. Real protection depends on how you use the device:

• Always verify transaction details on the screen.
• Understand how to review smart-contract interactions if you’re engaging with them.
• Avoid buying suspicious wallets from unverified marketplaces—they may be pre‑compromised.
• Never store your seed phrase on your computer or enter it in response to unsolicited requests.

By following these precautions, your wallet will remain truly secure.

Bottom line:

• SafePal S1 — best value for price and features. Read the detailed security and hidden‑features review of the SafePal S1.
• SafePal X1 — convenient for quick transactions via Bluetooth.
• SafePal S1 Pro — mainly a way for the manufacturer to charge an extra $40. The differences from the S1 are minimal and limited to materials. It’s not worth the surcharge.

All models feature tamper‑detection self‑destruct. If someone physically opens the device, exposure to light wipes all data. You can always restore funds with your seed phrase.

The overarching security advantage of SafePal lies in its air‑gapped design and QR‑based transaction signing, eliminating any direct internet connection.

Additional measures include a hardware‑based random number generator, a self‑destruct mechanism, and the automatic deletion of customer data from the SafePal website.

Notifications are pushed exclusively via social channels, minimizing phishing risks through email.

Usability Comparison

Navigation can sometimes be tricky across all wallets, even for average‑sized hands.

The battery lasts about two weeks under moderate use, which is ample for most users.

SafePal X1’s Bluetooth adds convenience but reduces isolation from external networks. It’s ideal if you’re willing to trade a bit of security for ease of use and to avoid constant QR scanning.

SafePal S1 prioritizes security (air‑gapped storage, no wireless interfaces, self‑destruct on tamper) but can feel bulky and less polished in the UI.

All models require periodic recharging.

Firmware Updates

Safepal releases firmware updates every 2–3 weeks to enhance security, add support for new blockchains, fix bugs, and more.

Learn what new features regular firmware updates unlock for your device in a dedicated article.

Mobile App

The SafePal mobile app offers you the following advantages:

• Built‑in swaps, exchanges and DApps directly in the wallet.
• Passive income – staking, Binance Earn, liquidity farming and other money‑making dApps.
• Gas Station – swap USDT, USDC or SFP to cover network fees for the tokens you need.
• Use prebuilt index portfolios for investment. For example, portfolios categorized by theme: memecoins, stablecoins, AI tokens, and more.
• Built‑in bank account – open a virtual Mastercard with PayPal/Apple/Google Pay integration. (Available only in select regions.)

With its extensive feature set, the mobile app can feel cluttered.

App Security

Security features include pattern unlock, Touch ID and automatic timeout lock. Of course, you still manage your seed phrase yourself.

See our dedicated article on the SafePal mobile app for a deep dive into benefits, drawbacks, market tracking and hidden features.

Browser Extension

The SafePal browser extension is essentially the mobile wallet’s PC counterpart. It’s slightly trimmed down—no built‑in exchanges or charts.

Browser wallets are typically used for Web3 interactions: staking, NFTs, ENS, bridges, aggregators, etc.

The key advantage is seamless integration with decentralized apps: you simply find a promising project, review its terms, and click Connect Wallet.

Keep in mind risks like smart‑contract vulnerabilities when connecting to these projects. The extension includes disconnect functionality to mitigate such risks.

There’s also built‑in phishing protection, but always do your own due diligence before connecting.

Notable features include:

• Multi‑network support such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Chain, Tron, Polygon, Solana, Avalanche, Cardano, Optimism, Near, Arbitrum, Fantom.
• Simultaneous DApp connections across these networks.
• Multiple account support from one seed phrase—for example, one account for DApps, another for savings, etc.
• Standard functions: send/receive crypto, swaps, NFTs and a Gas Station for fee management.
• Observation Mode – add addresses for watch‑only access without private keys.

Observation Mode lets you track your own or any other address’s activity without risk—ideal for following whales or smart traders to learn or copy strategies.

Learn how to safely use the SafePal browser extension for quick DeFi and NFT access in our standalone guide.

Finally, let’s compare Safepal’s offerings with other wallets on the market.

SafePal vs. Other Wallets

SafePal competes with hardware‑wallet veterans like Ledger and Trezor. It stands out thanks to its lower price at comparable security levels (EAL5+), broad crypto support (9,000+ assets) and unique features like the self‑destruct mechanism.

Here’s a quick comparison of the main players to help you orient yourself.

SafePal holds its own against competitors. To determine which wallet is best for you, decide which criteria—security, features or usability—matter most. See our in‑depth article on the three pillars of choosing a cold wallet: Security, Functionality and Convenience.

Overall Assessment of Safepal Wallets

SafePal has never been hacked, while products like MetaMask and Trust Wallet have experienced security incidents.

From a hardware‑wallet security standpoint, you can trust SafePal—provided you follow basic best practices: record your seed phrase on paper and never respond to unsolicited instructions via social‑media DMs.

The mobile app and browser extension should be used with caution—they’re hot wallets with internet connectivity and inherently cannot match the security of a hardware device.

Have questions or feedback? Leave a comment and we’ll get back to you!