Note: I used to be opposed to smart tech, but now I’m obsessed with how it streamlines my life. When I was looking for a smart wallet upgrade, I initially went with Ridge, but then I tried Ekster. Here are my thoughts on the two brands.
I definitely used to make fun of my friends who centered their entire life around smart tech until I started to do the same. Alexa was my gateway, so now my life is all things smart.
To protect my money and essentials, I wanted a smart wallet and it turns out there are tons on the market. Secrid, Forrest & Harold, and Bellroy are options I considered until I went for Ridge. It’s a great wallet but I ended up trying the Ekster, too, to make sure I had the best of the best. So I’ve got strong opinions on which is the superior wallet.
Here's my experience with the two wallets:
Then: Life With Ridge
I kept getting Ridge ads and I really liked the minimalist design and cool colors and patterns. There are options for titanium, aluminum, carbon fiber, or even 18K gold-plated.
Ridge wallets are constructed with two metal plates held together by elastic bands with either a cash strap or money clip attached on the outside.
Weighing in at only 2 ounces, The Ridge comfortably holds about 12 cards with add-ons like a cash strap, a money clip, or both.
Ridge offers RFID protection so no one can swipe your information. The wallet’s metal plates actively block wireless theft attempts, perfectly protecting the data stored on your cards. This was a feature I absolutely wanted.
The Ridge runs from about $85 for the aluminum and up to $225 for the 18K gold plated wallet.
Honestly? I loved the Ridge. But I have a confession: I lost it. I think I left it at my favorite burrito place, but when I went back, no one had seen it. I had to go through the panic of replacing my credit cards, insurance cards, and getting a new driver’s license…. What a nightmare.
Now: Life With Ekster
I was all ready to splurge on another Ridge wallet, but I thought I’d try Ekster; Ekster also has RFID protection and a slim design, but it’s trackable.
Ekster offers a sleek Aluminum Cardholder made from space-grade 6061-T6 aluminum in tons of colors and patterns as well as premium, environmentally-certified leather options.
Starting at an amazing 0.15 inches, Ekster is the slimmest smart wallet out there. It holds up to 7 cards and there’s a strap for cash.
It’s trackable thanks to the solar-powered tracker cards that allow you to call your wallet or your phone when you've misplaced or lost it! When I first got the wallet, I tried it and was impressed by how quickly and accurately I located my wallet.
I went for the Aluminum Cardholder in cool Pacific Blue, but I’m also getting a leather one for swanky occasions.
Ekster products range in price from $34 to $76 before the tracker card additions.
I love the Ekster just as much as the Ridge, but with the tracker card, I never have to worry about losing my stuff again.
Verdict
Both Ekster and the Ridge are serious upgrades from ratty and torn bi-folds. But when it comes down to it, Ekster’s got a smarter design, tech, and a much better price. If you’re looking to go smart, the Ekster wallet is the perfect place to start.
