The days of carrying around a big, bulky wallet are officially over. Not only do they look uncool, but I’m annoyed that I’m still carrying a boulder around in my back pocket. So, I finally decided to invest in a slimmed-down, modern option.
My buddies all recommended I check out smart wallets, and while I never thought I’d be that guy, Ekster, Secrid, and Code 118 wallets came up in multiple conversations.
And I realized there are tons of dope features I’ve been missing out on. Some smart wallets can protect from theft, while others are trackable. NGL, it’s pretty cool.
Here’s what I learned when I tried all three:
Table of Contents
Best Card Capacity: Ekster & Secrid
Best Value: Ekster
Best Trackable: Ekster
Best Style: Ekster
Best Card Access: Ekster, Secrid, & Code 118
If you’re wanting a wallet that holds all your cards, cash, and then some (but still looks slim)... Ekster & Secrid tie
Call me a hoarder—my fatal flaw is carrying around too many cards. From debit and credit cards to gift cards to expired coffee shop punch cards, I want it all on me.
Ekster’s wallets can hold up to 12 cards and bills, but it still looks slim. How is that possible? IDK. Code 118’s wallets can hold up to 10 cards, and while Secrid does have an option that holds up to 16 cards, it’s a double wallet that looks and feels bulky, just like my old bifold.
Personally, if I’m trying to strike the perfect balance between style and function, Ekster is my winner here, but I’ve gotta give Secrid a nod for carrying capacity.
If you want the best bang for your buck… Ekster
Code 118’s wallets start at $49.95, Secrid’s start at $44.95, and Ekster’s start at $50, not including their $40 magsafe cardholder. They’re all pretty comparable in terms of price, though Ekster’s are on the pricier end.
Ekster offers perks to back up the cost, though: a 100-day risk-free trial, free shipping and free returns, and a 12-month warranty. 🙌
If you want to know where your wallet is at all times… Ekster
A trackable wallet is one of those features I never knew I needed. Ekster has a solar-powered tracking card ☀️ that easily fits into your wallet, absolutely saving my life during a night out (I can’t tell you how many times my wallet has gone missing, and the panic that ensued). All you have to do is track it with your smartphone.
Secrid recommends a tracking card for their wallets (the Chipolo CARD Spot), but they don’t have their own in-house version. Code 118 doesn’t have a trackable option, just an AirTag Strip.
If you’re wanting a stylish wallet, because we all know that matters… Ekster
Maybe it’s just my ego talking, but I know I like my wallet to look nice whenever I pull it out. And honestly, this was a tough one because Secrid, Code 118 and Ekster all had really cool wallets from an aesthetic perspective.
Ekster’s wallets were my favorite, though—the Carbon Fiber Cardholder in particular was lightweight with a cool geometric design, and they even have an 18K Gold Cardholder if you really want to ball out. 😎
If you’re wanting a smooth access to your cards… it’s a 3-way tie
Now, I am splitting hairs, which is what you do when there’s a good competition happening. Yet, them’s the rules. So, when I played around the town with these varied wallets, I particularly wanted to be sure that I wasn’t going to look clumsy accessing my cards.
To be honest, all three brands have wallets with a pop-up function, so they all deserve a nod. I thought the way Ekster fanned out the cards was the most fluid out of the three, but if you’re looking for easy card access, you can’t go wrong with any here.
My winner is… Ekster
I’ve discovered that there are tons of quality smart wallets out there, but I’ve found my favorite: Ekster. If you’re like me and you want to do something about that ugly boulder in your back pocket, I’d go with Ekster.
