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The Best Smart Wallet of 2024! Here’s What We Found

Ekster & Ridge Review - RFID Wallets With Solar Powered GPS Tracking Make Life Easier.

Today it feels like everything has gone smart. Smartphones, smart televisions, smartwatches, and of course, the newest big thing, the smart wallet. How can a wallet be smart? And why would anyone need that?!

We had the same questions, so we did some research.

It turns out wallets can serve more than just the purpose of holding your cash and cards - there are wallets that can protect your cards from electronic theft. There are even wallets that you can track with your phone when you've misplaced it. These are undoubtedly useful features.

We decided to try out the top smart wallets on the market, compare them, and figure out which one is the ultimate, smartest wallet. Although we also bought wallets from Secrid and Forrest & Harold, we settled on Ekster and Ridge as our top two. Here's what we found:

(TLDR: in a hurry? Scroll down to our Overall Verdict to see why we're hailing Ekster as the slimmest and smartest winner.)

Ekster Review

Ekster wallets are incredibly attractive, thanks to handcrafted sustainable leathers in a good range of colors. Starting at 0.15 inches (0.38cm), Ekster is also officially the slimmest smart wallet on the market, but it still holds 7 cards and has a strap for cash. With the click of a button, all the cards pop up for easy access. Ekster wallets also have RFID protection, which stops pickpockets swiping your data and electronic theft of your cards.

Ekster wallets have solar-powered tracker cards that allow you to call your phone or wallet when you lose it or track it on a map. You can even take selfies in your phone with the tracker card, and connect your wallet to your Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Siri.

Ekster wallets are affordable, starting at just $69, so they're great for gifting.

Ridge Review

Ridge wallets are very sturdy and made from aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. They're small and resistant to being stretched out, but not as slim. They can hold up to 12 cards and have the option for a cash strap, a money clip, or both. They're unique and minimal, but come in a wide variety of colors and prints such as rose gold, navy, and even a tropical print!

Overall Verdict

Ekster, Secrid, and Ridge have an elevated look compared to other wallets, along with a revolutionary design when it comes to their card design. However, the cold and metallic material of both Secrid and Ridge's wallets aren't for everyone, and we personally were fans of Ekster's sophisticated leather look.

While each wallet features RFID protection, what makes Ekster stand out is the solar-powered tracking card, which fits almost invisibly into the back of the wallet. This is what truly makes them a smart wallet - if you lose your wallet, you can track it from your phone!

Between the two, Ekster wallets are slimmer, more affordable, and have the best card pop-up feature. If you're looking for a convenient, trackable, and aesthetically pleasing wallet, Ekster is the clear winner.



We compared both Ekster Aluminum Cardholder and Fantom R Wallet. Here's who wins!

It's the digital age… rarely do we carry cash. We rely on credit/debit cards and recently the new generation of e-payments via apps and our phones.

Even so, most of us still carry around a wallet built for a handful of bills. These flaps and folds end up getting stuffed with gift cards, receipts and other junk nobody needs. Since most of us have gone cashless and resorted to just tapping our cards, we set out to find the perfect smart wallet to cater to our modern needs and reduce the bulk.

After searching, the Ekster Aluminum Cardholder and the Fantom R wallet caught our attention, so we compared the two.

Key Similarities:

  • Both the Ekster and Fantom R wallets are Aluminum-based
  • Both wallets have RFID protection
  • Both are built for instant access

Key Differences:

  • Ekster Aluminium holds from 1-15 cards + bills whereas the Fantom R wallet holds between 4-13 cards (depending on the model)
  • Ekster Aluminum cardholder costs $67 whereas the Fantom R Wallet costs $94
  • Ekster Aluminum comes with an optional tracker card unlike the Fantom R Wallet
  • Ekster Wallets have a button and your cards are fanned out whereas the Fantom R Wallet has a leaver that you need to push before using your thumb to pull out your card.

Ekster Aluminium Cardholder:

Made from Space-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, the Ekster Aluminum Cardholder's aesthetic is the modern solution we've been looking for. It's sophisticated, sleek, and made for maximum storage. Their patented card ejection mechanism allows you to pick out your cards quickly without fumbling.

The Cardholder fans out all the cards at the click of a button and the extendable backplate allows you to carry more while not making your jeans or purse look bulky. It holds up to 12 cards and has RFID technology which keeps your identity safe and protects against data skimmers. The Aluminum Cardholder also has a small cash strap so you can fit a few bills just in case.

This elevated essential comes in five different colors and has space for the Ekster Tracker Card, which we highly recommend getting. The Tracker Card is solar power charged and connects to your phone, so if you lose your wallet you can use the Ekster tracking app to find it, (It rings like a phone and the vibration and blinking light helps you find it even in dark corners). Their worldwide crowd GPS network spans across the globe to help you find your wallet.

The Aluminum Cardholder comes with a 12-month warranty and costs $67.

Fantom R Wallet:

The Fantom R Wallet allows you to grab the card you need, flick the lever and use your thumb to pull up and out your card. It's slim and fits in your pocket easily. The wallet is also paired with a selection of wood, leather, and carbon fiber finishes to suit your style.

The Titanium money clip allows you to store your bills securely, it can be either installed in the front or the back of your wallet. Plus, it comes in natural or vibrant colors.

Like Ekster, The Fantom R Wallet is designed with RFID and NFC protection to keep your data safe. While this is great, Fantom doesn't offer the next-level security that Ekster's Tracker Card does. So if you're someone that is prone to losing things, this may not be the best option for you.

The Fantom R Wallet is customizable and costs $94

Final Thoughts:

Although both wallets are based on easy access and safety they are also very different. The Ekster Aluminum Cardholder offers a lot more features for a much better price. The Aluminum Cardholder has a stylish, modern and classy look, whereas the Fantom R reminds us of something from the early 2000's.

When you're trying to organize cards in a wallet built for cash it ends up being bulky and takes up a lot of space. This isn't the case with the Ekster Aluminum Wallet. It offers a practical and functional solution, and it's durable material means it will stand the test of time.

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What You Need To Know About Smart Wallets

(Updated 11.8.22)


The leather options from Ekster are a Popdust fave.

Lately, we've been in a slump when it comes to accessories.

They're either fashionable but not practical or so convoluted that it's overwhelming. Thankfully, after much research, we've found our new go-to: Ekster.

Ekster merges classic quality accessories with functionality and technology to enhance your day-to-day life. With Ekster you can protect your phone and upgrade your wallet.

Want to know more? We have the answers to your most pressing questions:

Who is Ekster?

Ekster's a brand that's revolutionizing the way we carry around our essentials. Their products are sleek, stylish, and most importantly functional. They use high-quality materials, streamlined design, and technology to ensure you have one less thing to worry about.

What kind of products do they have?

Ekster is known for their wallets, cardholders, phone cases, money clips, and key holders. Some key products to keep your eye on are:

  • Parliament Wallet - made with premium leather this smart wallet is the perfect slim, money-holding solution you've been looking for. It has a built-in aluminum card holder that fans out your cards with the push of a button and is RFID blocking to protect your information.
  • Senate Cardholder - this elegant cardholder is perfect for those moving away from cash. Also made with premium leather, it has a built-in aluminum cardholder that makes pulling out cards as easy as pushing a button, and is RFID blocking. Plus, there is a removable cash strap if you need to keep some cash on hand.
  • iPhone Cases - protect your phone with this leather case that features a screen and lens protection edge. It also has a pocket to hold up to two cards and room to store any emergency cash. Available for iPhones X/XS, 11 Pro, and 12.
  • Aluminum Cardholder- Ditch cash for good and elevate your style with the Aluminum Cardholer. Ekster's slimmest wallet yet comes in 5 colorways and is made from space-grade 6061-T6 aluminum. It holds up to 12 cards and comes equipped with an integrated RFID blocking layer that fends off data skimmers. One-click of a button will eject your cards for easy access.

You can take all of these products to the next level and make them unloseable by adding a solar-powered tracker.

What's the best product for me?

Choosing a new day-to-day accessory can be tough and truly a commitment. Thanks to Ekster, all of your options are stylish, efficient, and functional.

If you're looking to ditch the bulky wallet look, go with the Parliament Wallet and choose from 7 different shades. Trying to go cashless? Get the Senate Cardholder to make the transition a breeze. And if leather isn't your thing they also have an Aluminum Cardholder in 5 colors.

In need of phone protection that does more than just take the hit? Then the iPhone cases are great since you get extra storage on top of excellent protection.

Is it expensive?

Their products range in price from $34 to $76 which is very reasonable considering the quality and function.

While we understand everyone's budgets are different, with Ekster, you are investing in all of the critical things you need: security, tech, and style all in one.

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How's the quality?

These products are made to last. The leather options use premium leather which is sustainably sourced and processed using DriTan™ technology, eliminating water waste in the process. As a result, the high-quality leather ages amazingly so you won't find any cracks or tears. Instead, the leather gets better over time as it softens and bends with your everyday use while still maintaining its signature two-tone color.

How does the tracking work?

Tracking is one of Ekster's key components. They eliminate that panic-inducing scramble for your wallet with an elegant solution: a Tracker Card. It's the size of a credit card that fits perfectly with Eskter's main accessories.

The benefits of Ekster's tracking card are incredible. Its solar-powered battery life can last up to 2 months off of 3 hours of sunlight (great for those who have trouble remembering to charge-up).

The two-way ringing is a life-saver as it allows you to ring your wallet from your phone to locate, and vice versa! It has a range of 200ft and if being out of range is a concern for you, Ekster's got you covered.

Their Global Lost & Found Network uses crowd-GPS tech so if another person on the network is near your tracker, their app will send you an anonymous update with your tracker's location. It's a net of security, ready to catch you.

It gets even better… the tracker can be used as a remote selfie stick, letting you take pictures up to 200ft away (so now everyone can be in the group shot!). Plus, take advantage of the tracker's voice activation capabilities with Siri, Alexa, or Google Home.

We could go on about Eksterall day but we think that covers what you've been wondering about.

Once you're in with Ekster you can expect a long and happy relationship. Time to say goodbye to your old accessories and hello to next-level stylish functionality.

NEW OFFER: Shop Ekster's Fall Sale To Get Up To 20% OFF Sitewide on ALL EKSTER PRODUCTS Follow This Link To Shop For Your New Ekster Wallet!

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SPONSORED

What You Need To Know About Smart Wallets

The leather options from Ekster are a Popdust fave.

Lately, we've been in a slump when it comes to accessories.

They're either fashionable but not practical or so convoluted that it's overwhelming. Thankfully, after much research, we've found our new go-to: Ekster.

Ekster merges classic quality accessories with functionality and technology to enhance your day-to-day life. With Ekster you can protect your phone and upgrade your wallet.

Want to know more? We have the answers to your most pressing questions:

Who is Ekster?

Ekster's a brand that's revolutionizing the way we carry around our essentials. Their products are sleek, stylish, and most importantly functional. They use high-quality materials, streamlined design, and technology to ensure you have one less thing to worry about.

What kind of products do they have?

Ekster is known for their wallets, cardholders, phone cases, money clips, and key holders. Some key products to keep your eye on are:

  • Parliament Wallet - made with premium leather this smart wallet is the perfect slim, money-holding solution you've been looking for. It has a built-in aluminum card holder that fans out your cards with the push of a button and is RFID blocking to protect your information.
  • Senate Cardholder - this elegant cardholder is perfect for those moving away from cash. Also made with premium leather, it has a built-in aluminum cardholder that makes pulling out cards as easy as pushing a button, and is RFID blocking. Plus, there is a removable cash strap if you need to keep some cash on hand.
  • iPhone Cases - protect your phone with this leather case that features a screen and lens protection edge. It also has a pocket to hold up to two cards and room to store any emergency cash. Available for iPhones X/XS, 11 Pro, and 12.
  • Aluminum Cardholder - Ditch cash for good and elevate your style with the Aluminum Cardholer. Ekster's slimmest wallet yet comes in 5 colorways and is made from space-grade 6061-T6 aluminum. It holds up to 12 cards and comes equipped with an integrated RFID blocking layer that fends off data skimmers. One-click of a button will eject your cards for easy access.

You can take all of these products to the next level and make them unloseable by adding a solar-powered tracker.

What's the best product for me?

Choosing a new day-to-day accessory can be tough and truly a commitment. Thanks to Ekster, all of your options are stylish, efficient, and functional.

If you're looking to ditch the bulky wallet look, go with the Parliament Wallet and choose from 7 different shades. Trying to go cashless? Get the Senate Cardholder to make the transition a breeze. And if leather isn't your thing they also have an Aluminum Cardholder in 5 colors.

In need of phone protection that does more than just take the hit? Then the iPhone cases are great since you get extra storage on top of excellent protection.

Is it expensive?

Their products range in price from $34 to $76 which is very reasonable considering the quality and function.

While we understand everyone's budgets are different, with Ekster, you are investing in all of the critical things you need: security, tech, and style all in one.

How's the quality?

These products are made to last. The leather options use premium leather which is sustainably sourced and processed using DriTan™ technology, eliminating water waste in the process. As a result, the high-quality leather ages amazingly so you won't find any cracks or tears. Instead, the leather gets better over time as it softens and bends with your everyday use while still maintaining its signature two-tone color.

How does the tracking work?

Tracking is one of Ekster's key components. They eliminate that panic-inducing scramble for your wallet with an elegant solution: a Tracker Card. It's the size of a credit card that fits perfectly with Eskter's main accessories.

The benefits of Ekster's tracking card are incredible. Its solar-powered battery life can last up to 2 months off of 3 hours of sunlight (great for those who have trouble remembering to charge-up).

The two-way ringing is a life-saver as it allows you to ring your wallet from your phone to locate, and vice versa! It has a range of 200ft and if being out of range is a concern for you, Ekster's got you covered.

Their Global Lost & Found Network uses crowd-GPS tech so if another person on the network is near your tracker, their app will send you an anonymous update with your tracker's location. It's a net of security, ready to catch you.

It gets even better… the tracker can be used as a remote selfie stick, letting you take pictures up to 200ft away (so now everyone can be in the group shot!). Plus, take advantage of the tracker's voice activation capabilities with Siri, Alexa, or Google Home.

We could go on about Eksterall day but we think that covers what you've been wondering about.

Once you're in with Ekster you can expect a long and happy relationship. Time to say goodbye to your old accessories and hello to next-level stylish functionality.

Exclusive Offer For Popdust Readers: Get 20% Off Your Purchase Now!

We have smartphones, smart cars, smart TVs, what comes next?

Smart wallets are on the rise and the industry is showing no sign of slowing down with innovative wallet companies popping up everywhere.

Two of the main players that are at the forefront of innovation in the wallet world are Ekster and Dango. But whose products are actually the smartest and the most useful for modern-day individuals?

We've compared Ekster and Dango to determine which brand we would actually use:

Key Similarities:

  • Both have innovative wallet designs
  • Both have wallets with cash straps
  • Both have RFID blocking technology to prevent card data theft
  • Both have optional add-on features

Key Differences:

  • Ekster wallets have the ability to be tracked with their Tracker Card
  • Dango offers wallets with a pen or bottle opener included
  • Most Dango wallets use a mixture of materials
  • Ekster wallets have a more minimalist aesthetic
  • Ekster offers a card pop-up feature for convenience
  • All of Ekster's wallets cost well below $100 whereas most Dango wallets cost above $100

Ekster Overview

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Ekster wallets are super affordable, starting at just $67, and are incredibly high quality. Their wallets have a classic leather look or a sleek aluminum aesthetic, and they're all ultra-slim and sophisticated.

The Parliament Wallet ($76) is made from premium leather and has a card pop-up feature – with the click of a button you gain easy access to all your cards, flashy and functional.

The Tracker Card ($42) only needs 3 hours of sunlight to last for 2 months and can be added to any wallet. It allows you to call your wallet and even track it on a map if you ever misplace it. This is a serious life-saver, no one needs to be canceling all their cards every time you lose your wallet.

Ekster's Modular Bifold Wallet ($76) has a classic design along with a removable card holder that is held in place with strong magnets allowing for extra optional space. The Ekster Aluminum Cardholder ($67) is made from space-grade aluminum and holds up to 15 cards, and includes an expandable backplate that provides extra storage while maintaining a slim design.

Dango Overview

The first thing we noticed is that in general, these wallets have a much higher price point. Some start at just $69, but most cost around the $109-$149 mark. When holding the wallet we can tell that it's sturdy, but it's definitely not as lightweight as an Ekster.

Like Ekster, Dango wallets have some cool features. They have wallets with pens, bottle openers, and even pocket knives. The Dango D1 Dapper Pen wallet costs $109 and holds up to 16 cards and has a pocket dedicated to a pen and a built-in bottle opener.

The Dango M1 Maverick Wallet costs $149 and comes with a Multi-Tool that can be used as a chisel, an O2 oxygen wrench, nail pryer, standard 1/4" inch hex wrench, or bottle opener. It has another Multi-Tool that functions as a small chisel, an open 1/4" hex wrench, another bottle opener, a flat and Phillips head screwdriver.

Final Thoughts

Dango's wallets are a mixture of different materials - a leather wallet with an aluminum frame and stainless steel studs, plus a bright red cash strap overall looks jarring in our opinion. Aesthetically, we much prefer Ekster's minimal and classic designs.

Dango' add-ons seemed like they'd be cool, but it's not worth the extra bulk (or extra cost for that matter). We want features that we will actually use on a daily basis, and a pocket knife or hex wrench just isn't a necessary add-on to a wallet in this day and age. We're looking for something lightweight and practical that will hold our essentials, not a toolbox. That's why we're choosing Ekster.

Ekster's innovative tracking technology speaks more to the needs of the everyday contemporary consumer. Having the Tracker Card option as a safety net will give you peace of mind - losing your wallet (and everything in it) is not something to take lightly! With Ekster and their tracking system, you never have to worry about it. This is what ultimately won us over.

If you're ever stuck on a desert island, you'd want a Dango wallet on hand. But if you're in the market for a slim, sophisticated wallet that offers convenience and trackability, we're recommending Ekster.

There are plenty of wallets out there that provide the basic function of holding our cards and cash. But innovative companies like Ekster are producing top-of-the-line products that go beyond the expectations of what your regular wallet can do.

All of Ekster's wallets come with RFID blocking technology and the ability to be tracked with their tracker card, making them safe from data theft and virtually unlosable.

Ekster's tracking card is solar-powered, 3 hours of sunlight lasts for 2 months of tracking. You can pair the tracker card with any of their products to eliminate the possibility of ever losing a wallet again. Pair it with your Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri, and simply speak a command into your phone and have your tracker pulled up on a map the instant you realize your wallet's missing.

Not only that, but Ekster's wallets are sophisticated, high-quality, with styles to suit everyone. Read on to see what products we recommend for you:

The Classic Guy: The Modular Bifold Wallet

Still not ready to let go of the classic aesthetic? The Modular Bifold Wallet allows you to keep the classic design while still functioning like any of Ekster's modern wallets. It has the amazing features mentioned above, but still has the simplistic fold design. It's made from premium Italian leather, and it comes in caramel, brown, and black.

The Modular Bifold has a removable cardholder. The strong magnets will keep the extra cardholder in place should you need it. If not, you can remove it easily. Plus, it has a large sleeve that can hold up to 10+ bills.

The Tech Junkie: Aluminium Cardholder

If you love all things tech-y, The Aluminum Cardholder is for you. It's made from space-grade aluminum which ensures longevity and offers a sleek look. It can hold up to 15 cards, includes a cash strap, and an expandable backplate which provides extra storage without sacrificing a slim design.

It's most impressive feature is the card pop-up function, where you can get easy access to each of your cards with the click of a button.

The Scatterbrain: iPhone Case & Modular Card Holder

Do you like to have everything in one place just in case you forget or lose something? Then this iPhone case is perfect for you. The case is made from premium top-grade leather that fits your phone perfectly. The inside is lined with ultra-soft microfiber and has ridged edges that protect your screen and lens, preventing scratches, scrapes, and breakage.

The discrete built-in magnets allow you to attach modular components, so you can seamlessly attach the Magnetic Cardholder or Folio which stay in place thanks to the strong auto-aligning magnets.

This means you can convert your phone case into a fully-fledged modular wallet with storage for up to 6+ cards, bills, and extra cash, without it being bulky. Plus, the inside of the case boasts a secret compartment for extra SIM cards and a reset pin so you never have to worry about losing it, as well as a discrete spot for a little extra cash.

The Super Organized Guy: The Parliament Wallet

For the guy who likes to keep things organized, The Parliament Wallet is for you. It's super slim but holds 6 cards, and comes in 7 shades - Classic Brown, Nappa Black, Roma Cognac, Juniper Green, Merlot Red, and Steel Blue. Plus, the leather is environmentally friendly.

This wallet also has the easy access card feature - just one click of the button in the bottom corner and your cards will pop up, no more fumbling to find the right credit card. The perfect slim solution for someone who carries only the essentials.

But this is only scratching the surface of Ekster's great innovations. Ekster's products are made to be versatile by combining style with functionality, so there's something for everyone. Check out their site and see for yourself.

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