I was fed up with my bulky wallet and wanted to find something more slim and functional, but also secure. My search for minimal carry options led me to RFID-blocking smart wallets, but could a high-tech metal wallet also be sustainable, durable, and reliable?
I was definitely intrigued by the idea, so after a bit more research, I narrowed down my wallet search to two brands: Ekster Wallets vs. Ridge Wallets.
Here’s how they compare (and the wallet I ultimately chose):
Ekster Wallet Review
Ekster wallets are ultra slim and made from materials like premium leather, space-grade aluminum, and 3k carbon fiber. Each can hold about 10-15 cards, with an easy access button that fans your cards out so you can easily grab the one you need when you’re ready to use it. No fumbling here.
Because they make several different wallet designs, Ekster has a quiz to help you find the wallet that’s right for you. You only have to answer a few questions, and Ekster gives you at least three different wallet options. I tend to misplace important items easily, so I opted for the wallet with built-in Airtag integration.
Ekster also uses environmentally certified leather, and I really appreciate companies that give back to our planet.
Ridge Wallet Review
Ridge wallets are all a riff on their tried and tested minimalist, attractive design, with an array of different colors and materials to choose from, including aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. They can hold up to 12 cards, and while they’re a little bulkier than Ekster wallets, they’re extremely sturdy.
I love to go on adventures biking, hiking, and exploring my city, but I’m also pretty accident prone, so I chose a Ridge made from carbon fiber. Having a wallet like Ridge that can withstand a little wear and tear is a huge plus for me.
What’s the Final Verdict?
After looking at the different options and features from Ekster vs. Ridge, my clear choice was Ekster. They’re so aesthetically pleasing, and I love that their form doesn’t overpower their function.
Here’s what I love the most about Ekster:
- Ekster wallets are slimmer and more functional. I can finally store my 10+ cards in a wallet without it looking bulky or taking me forever to sort through them. This has been a life-changing thing for me; I used to hate bringing my wallet to the beach or whenever I headed out for a walk because it was so bulky. Now, I can bring my credit cards, ID, entry cards, and whatever else I want, and it’s all perfectly packed in a slim wallet!
- The AirTag integration wallets really sold me. 😍 If you’ve ever lost your wallet, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Now I can keep track of my wallet no matter where I am. I cannot tell you how many search hours I’ve saved in my life after getting this wallet!
- Ekster Wallets are also a little more affordable, with several options priced below $100, whereas most Ridge Wallets clock in closer to $125. Ekster offers free shipping on orders over $50, whereas Ridge offers free shipping for most orders. Plus, get a free cash clip with orders of $90+.
If you’re on the hunt for a slim, RFID-blocking smart wallet that’s a bit more affordable and a breeze to carry, take a look at Ekster.
