On January 3, 2025—Bitcoin Genesis Day, marking the 16th anniversary of Bitcoin’s first block—Blockstream unveiled the Jade Plus, a significant evolution of their popular open-source hardware wallet. Building on the success of the original Jade, launched in 2021, the Jade Plus represents more than a fresh lick of paint and has a few features that might be attractive to those looking for their first signing device in this cycle.
With a 66% larger screen, premium metal options, enhanced security features, and full air-gapped functionality, the Jade Plus sets a new option for accessible self-custody.
The Original Blockstream Jade
The original Jade has some years on it now and was due for an upgrade. While it remains very functional and still offers robust security features at an unprecedented price point of just $79 USD, it’s starting to show its age a little.
What Made Original Jade Stand Out
- Bitcoin-Only Focus: Unlike competitors that support hundreds of cryptocurrencies, Jade focuses exclusively on Bitcoin and the Liquid Network (Blockstream’s Bitcoin sidechain). This narrow focus allows for a streamlined, purpose-built experience without the complexity and security risks of multi-coin support.
- Fully Open Source: Both the hardware and firmware are completely open source, allowing the community to audit, verify, and even build their own Jade wallets from off-the-shelf components. This transparency is rare in the hardware wallet space, where most devices contain proprietary code and black-box secure elements.
- Innovative Security Model: Jade pioneered a unique security approach called “Blind Oracle” technology. Rather than storing all secrets on the device (creating a single point of failure), Jade splits the encryption key between three components: your PIN, the device itself, and a remote blind oracle server that never sees or stores your actual data. This means that even if someone physically steals your Jade, they cannot extract your private keys without your PIN.
- Air-Gapped Capability: The built-in camera enables completely air-gapped operation through QR codes. You can sign transactions, verify addresses, and even store your seed phrase as a QR code (SeedQR) without ever connecting the device via USB or Bluetooth.
- Exceptional Value: At $79, the original Jade offered features typically found on devices costing 2-3x more, making Bitcoin self-custody accessible to a much broader audience.
Original Jade’s Limitations
Despite its strengths, the original Jade had some notable constraints:
- Small 1.14-inch screen: Made transaction verification challenging, especially for users with vision difficulties
- Limited navigation: Single scroll wheel and button were functional but not intuitive
- Plastic construction: While durable enough, the lightweight plastic housing felt less premium than metal alternatives
- Basic camera: Adequate but sometimes struggled with QR code scanning speed
- No battery: Required USB or Bluetooth connection for most operations
These limitations didn’t prevent the original Jade from becoming a community favourite, but they did represent opportunities for improvement—opportunities that the Jade Plus addresses comprehensively.
Introducing Blockstream Jade Plus
The Jade Plus isn’t a minor refresh—it’s a fundamental reimagining of the Jade experience. Blockstream listened carefully to community feedback and created a device that maintains everything users loved while addressing every significant limitation.
The Physical Transformation
The first thing you notice when handling a Jade Plus is the immediate sense of quality and refinement.
- Premium Materials: The standard Jade Plus features reinforced, high-quality plastic construction that’s noticeably sturdier than the original. But the real stars are the metal variants—Lunar Silver and Genesis Grey—featuring precision-machined aluminium alloy bodies. These metal versions provide substantial heft, a cool-to-the-touch feel, and exceptional durability for long-term hodlers who want their hardware wallet to last decades.
- Dramatically Improved Display: The screen upgrade is perhaps the most immediately noticeable enhancement. The Jade Plus features a 1.9-inch IPS display—66% larger and 25% brighter than the original’s 1.14-inch screen. This additional real estate transforms the user experience, making it dramatically easier to verify transaction details, read addresses, scan QR codes, and navigate menus. For users with vision difficulties or anyone who values clarity, this upgrade alone justifies the price increase.
- Reimagined Navigation: Blockstream completely rethought the input method. Gone is the single scroll wheel of the original Jade. In its place are two re-engineered, tactile buttons that provide a smoother, more intuitive navigation experience. The buttons offer satisfying feedback and make menu navigation feel natural rather than cumbersome. While this might seem like a small change, it dramatically improves day-to-day usability.
- Enhanced Ergonomics: The Jade Plus form factor has been refined to fit more comfortably in your hand during extended use. The button placement feels natural, and the overall design aesthetic is sleek and modern—something you’d be proud to display rather than hide in a drawer.
Performance and Power Upgrades
Under the hood, the Jade Plus represents a significant technical advancement.
- ESP32-S3 Chipset: The Jade Plus is powered by the new ESP32-S3 processor, a substantial upgrade from the original’s ESP32. This newer chipset delivers faster performance, smoother animations, more responsive interactions, and enhanced reliability. Operations that felt slightly sluggish on the original Jade—firmware updates, transaction signing, QR code processing—are noticeably snappier on the Plus.
- Superior Camera: The upgraded camera module provides dramatically improved QR code scanning capabilities. Scanning is faster, more reliable, and works better in varied lighting conditions. For users who rely on air-gapped operations via QR codes, this improvement is transformative. Whether you’re scanning SeedQR backups, verifying receive addresses, or signing transactions, the enhanced camera makes the process effortless.
- Optimised Battery: While both Jade versions include built-in batteries for wireless operation, the Jade Plus features improved battery management and performance, ensuring reliable operation when you need it most.
Advanced Security Features
While the original Jade’s security model was already excellent, Jade Plus introduces several cutting-edge enhancements.
- Genuine Check: When pairing your Jade Plus with Blockstream Green, the app automatically verifies that your device is a genuine Blockstream product, not a sophisticated counterfeit. This protects against “evil maid” attacks where an adversary might swap your legitimate device with a compromised clone. The Genuine Check feature uses cryptographic attestation to prove authenticity, providing peace of mind that your hardware wallet hasn’t been tampered with.
- Enhanced Blind Oracle Protection: The Jade Plus maintains and improves upon the original’s innovative Blind Oracle PIN security system. This advanced end-to-end encryption splits the secrets needed to access your wallet between your unique PIN, the device itself, and a remote blind oracle server that never sees or stores your actual data. Even if someone physically compromises your device, your Bitcoin remains secure without your PIN. The Jade Plus implementation is faster and more robust than the original.
- Secure Boot with Anti-Exfil: Secure Boot ensures that only cryptographically signed Blockstream firmware can run on your device, preventing malware from loading even if an attacker gains physical access. The Anti-Exfil feature adds another crucial layer by forcing the device to include random data in transaction signatures, preventing sophisticated attacks that might try to slowly extract your private key through repeated signing operations.
- Air-Gapped Firmware Updates: Perhaps the most significant security enhancement is the ability to perform completely air-gapped firmware updates using the optional JadeLink USB-C accessory. Previous hardware wallets required connecting to a computer for firmware updates, creating a potential attack vector. With Jade Plus and JadeLink, you can update firmware without ever connecting your device to an internet-connected machine, maintaining complete isolation.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Jade Plus maintains and expands upon the original’s exceptional flexibility in how you connect and use the device.
Triple Connectivity Options:
- USB-C: Fast, reliable wired connection for desktop and mobile use
- Bluetooth: Wireless convenience for mobile workflows
- QR Codes: Complete air-gapped operation with no physical or wireless connection required
Broad Wallet Support: Jade Plus works seamlessly with leading Bitcoin wallets, including:
- Blockstream Green (recommended companion app)
- Sparrow Wallet (desktop power user favourite)
- Electrum (classic desktop wallet)
- Specter Desktop (multisig specialist)
- Nunchuk (mobile and desktop)
- BlueWallet (mobile-friendly)
- Bitcoin Core (full node integration)
- Keeper (collaborative custody)
This extensive compatibility means you’re never locked into a single wallet ecosystem and can choose the software that best fits your workflow and security requirements.
Blockstream Green Integration: While Jade Plus works with many wallets, the Blockstream Green app provides the most streamlined experience. Green offers:
- Simplified firmware updates (over-the-air or air-gapped)
- Optional 2FA protection through Blockstream’s servers
- Direct Bitcoin purchases to cold storage
- Multisig Shield for enhanced security
- TOTP authentication support
- Intuitive interface optimised for Jade hardware
Advanced Features for Power Users
Both Jade and Jade Plus offer sophisticated features that grow with your Bitcoin knowledge, but Jade Plus makes these advanced capabilities more accessible.
SeedQR Support and Stateless Operation
One of Jade’s most innovative features is stateless operation using SeedQR. Rather than permanently storing your seed phrase on the device, you can store it as a QR code on metal plates or other durable backup media. Each time you want to use your Jade, you scan your SeedQR to temporarily load the seed. When you disconnect, the seed is wiped from the device.
This approach offers compelling advantages:
- No stored secrets: If your device is stolen while powered off, there’s literally nothing to steal
- Flexible backups: Store your SeedQR in multiple secure locations without worrying about device loss
- Travel security: Cross borders without carrying any financial secrets on your person
- Inheritance planning: Beneficiaries can use your SeedQR with any Jade device
The Jade Plus’s superior camera makes SeedQR scanning dramatically faster and more reliable, making stateless operation practical for daily use rather than just a theoretical security feature.
Multisig and Collaborative Custody
Both Jade versions support sophisticated multisignature setups, but Jade Plus’s larger screen and improved navigation make managing multisig wallets significantly easier. You can create 2-of-3, 3-of-5, or other multisig configurations where multiple signatures are required to spend Bitcoin.
Multisig offers powerful security benefits:
- Distributed trust: No single point of failure or compromise
- Inheritance solutions: Family members each hold one key
- Business treasuries: Require multiple executives to approve spending
- Personal security: Keep keys in geographically distributed locations
The Jade Plus’s clearer display makes it much easier to verify multisig addresses and transaction details—critical for security in these complex setups.
Duress PIN and Advanced Security Options
Both devices support a “duress PIN”—a secondary PIN that opens a decoy wallet with minimal funds. If you’re ever coerced to unlock your wallet, you can enter the duress PIN to reveal a convincing decoy rather than your real holdings. The Jade Plus’s improved interface makes setting up and managing multiple wallets more straightforward.
Dice-Generated Seed Phrases
For maximum paranoia—entirely justified in Bitcoin security—both Jade versions allow you to generate your seed phrase using physical dice rather than trusting the device’s random number generator. This ensures true randomness even if you don’t trust the hardware or fear supply chain attacks. The Jade Plus’s larger screen makes the dice-rolling process more comfortable and less error-prone.
The JadeLink Advantage: Ultimate Air-Gap Security
One of the most significant accessories available for Jade Plus is the JadeLink—a specialised USB-C memory stick that takes air-gapped operation to the next level.
What JadeLink Enables:
- Air-gapped firmware updates: Update your Jade Plus firmware without ever connecting to an internet-enabled computer
- PSBT transaction signing: Sign complex transactions using Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions without any device connections
- Maximum isolation: Maintain complete physical and wireless separation from potentially compromised systems
How It Works: Load the necessary data (firmware updates, unsigned transactions) onto the JadeLink using a separate computer. Then connect the JadeLink to your completely isolated Jade Plus to transfer the data securely. Sign the transaction or update the firmware on the isolated device, then transfer the signed data back via JadeLink.
This workflow is particularly valuable for:
- High-value holdings: When maximum security justifies the extra steps
- Business treasuries: Where air-gap policies are mandatory
- Hostile environments: Where you assume all computers are compromised
- Privacy advocates: Who want to minimise digital footprints
The JadeLink Bundle (Jade Plus + JadeLink) provides this ultimate air-gap capability at a competitive price point, making enterprise-grade security accessible to individual users.
Pricing and Value Proposition
One of the most impressive aspects of the Jade Plus launch is Blockstream’s commitment to keeping self-custody affordable.
Jade Plus Pricing
Standard Plastic Model: $149 USD
- High-quality reinforced plastic construction
- All advanced features included
- Available in multiple colours
- Exceptional value for the feature set
Metal Variants: $169 USD
- Lunar Silver or Genesis Grey aluminium alloy body
- Premium feel and enhanced durability
- Ideal for long-term hodlers
- Only $20 premium over the plastic version
JadeLink Bundle: Pricing varies (typically $179-199)
- Jade Plus + JadeLink USB-C accessory
- Complete air-gap workflow capability
- Best value for serious security
Original Jade Pricing
Original Jade: $79 USD
- Continues to be sold and supported
- Regular firmware updates
- Perfect entry point for new users
- Still the most affordable quality hardware wallet
The Value Calculation
At $149 for the standard model, Jade Plus costs nearly double the original Jade’s $79 price point. Is the upgrade worth it?
Competitive Context: Compared to other hardware wallets:
- Ledger Nano X: $149 (comparable price but supports altcoins, closed-source)
- Trezor Model T: $219 (79% more expensive than Jade Plus)
- Coldcard Mk4: $148 (similar price, smaller screen)
- Foundation Passport: $259 (73% more expensive than Jade Plus)
At $149, the Jade Plus is competitively priced with other premium hardware wallets while offering several unique advantages: fully open-source hardware and software, innovative Blind Oracle security, superior camera for air-gapped operations, and native multisig support.
- For Existing Jade Owners: If you already own an original Jade and it meets your needs, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade—the original remains secure and will continue receiving firmware support. However, if you’ve been frustrated by the small screen or want air-gapped firmware updates, the $149 upgrade delivers substantial quality-of-life improvements.
- For New Users: The original Jade at $79 remains an exceptional entry point for Bitcoin self-custody. If budget is your primary concern, the original Jade offers 90% of the functionality at half the price. But if you can afford the $149 price point, the Jade Plus provides a notably superior experience that will age better as your needs evolve.
Comparison Table: Jade vs Jade Plus
| Feature | Original Jade | Jade Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79 USD | $149 USD (plastic) $169 USD (metal) |
| Display Size | 1.14 inches | 1.9 inches (66% larger) |
| Display Brightness | Standard | 25% brighter |
| Construction | Plastic | Reinforced plastic or aluminium alloy |
| Navigation | Scroll wheel + 1 button | 2 tactile buttons |
| Processor | ESP32 | ESP32-S3 (faster) |
| Camera | Standard | Enhanced (faster scanning) |
| Genuine Check | No | Yes |
| Air-Gapped Firmware Updates | No | Yes (with JadeLink) |
| USB Connection | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| QR Code Support | Yes | Yes (improved) |
| Battery | 240mAh | Improved battery |
| Open Source | Fully | Fully |
| Bitcoin Support | Yes | Yes |
| Liquid Network | Yes | Yes |
| Altcoin Support | No | No |
| Blind Oracle Security | Yes | Yes (enhanced) |
| Secure Boot | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-Exfil Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Multisig Support | Yes | Yes |
| SeedQR Support | Yes | Yes (improved scanning) |
| Stateless Operation | Yes | Yes |
| Duress PIN | Yes | Yes |
| Dice Seed Generation | Yes | Yes |
| TOTP 2FA | Yes | Yes |
| Wallet Compatibility | Same + optimised for all platforms | Multiple transparent colours |
| Dimensions | 60 x 24 x 17 mm | Slightly larger |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier (metal versions) |
| Colors Available | Reinforced plastic or aluminium alloy |
Black plastic or metal (Silver/Grey) |
| Included Accessories | USB-C cable, recovery sheets, quick start guide | Same |
| Optional JadeLink | Not compatible | Compatible |
| Best For | Budget-conscious users, beginners, minimalists | Users wanting a premium experience, larger holdings, and easier UX |
Who Should Choose Which Jade?
Choose Original Jade ($79) If You:
- Are new to hardware wallets and want to start affordably
- Have a limited budget but want genuine security
- Don’t mind a smaller screen and simpler navigation
- Appreciate the transparent design aesthetic
- Want the absolute most affordable Bitcoin-only hardware wallet
- Are comfortable with basic but effective features
- Don’t need air-gapped firmware updates
Choose Jade Plus ($149-169) If You:
- Want the best possible user experience Blockstream offers
- Value a larger, brighter screen for easier transaction verification
- Appreciate premium build quality and materials
- Want the latest security features like Genuine Check
- Plan to use air-gapped workflows extensively
- Are you managing larger Bitcoin holdings
- Want a device that will remain state-of-the-art longer
- Prefer intuitive button navigation over scroll wheels
- Are willing to invest more for a significantly improved UX
Choose the JadeLink Bundle If You:
- Require maximum security through complete air-gap isolation
- Manage business or institutional Bitcoin holdings
- Want to perform firmware updates without internet exposure
- Follow best practices for high-value cold storage
- Implementing multi-layered security protocols
- Work in environments where you assume computer compromise
Real-World User Experience
The Jade Plus represents a meaningful step forward in everyday usability while maintaining the security-first philosophy that made the original successful.
- Setup Process: Both Jade versions offer straightforward setup through Blockstream Green, but Jade Plus’s larger screen makes the process noticeably less tedious. Reading recovery words, verifying addresses, and navigating menus all benefit from the expanded display real estate.
- Daily Use: For users who check their hardware wallet regularly or make frequent transactions, the Jade Plus’s improved ergonomics become increasingly valuable. The better buttons, brighter screen, and faster processor create a cumulative user experience advantage that compounds over time.
- Transaction Verification: Security-conscious users know that carefully verifying transaction details on the hardware wallet screen is critical. The Jade Plus’s larger display makes this essential security practice much less eye-straining and error-prone.
- QR Code Workflows: For users who prioritise air-gapped security through QR codes, Jade Plus’s superior camera transforms this from an occasionally frustrating experience to a reliably smooth one. SeedQR scanning, address verification, and transaction signing via QR are all noticeably faster and more reliable.
- Long-Term Ownership: The metal Jade Plus variants are clearly designed for multi-decade ownership. The aluminium construction, premium feel, and enhanced durability signal that this device is built to protect your Bitcoin for the long term, not just the next few years.
The Open Source Advantage
Both Jade and Jade Plus share a fundamental advantage over most hardware wallets: complete open-source transparency.
Why Open Source Matters for Hardware Wallets:
- Security Through Transparency: With fully open hardware and software, the global Bitcoin community can audit every line of code and every circuit design. This crowd-sourced security review is far more thorough than any internal security team, no matter how skilled.
- No Trust Required: You don’t need to trust Blockstream’s claims about security—you can verify everything yourself or rely on independent experts who have. This aligns perfectly with Bitcoin’s “don’t trust, verify” ethos.
- Community Contributions: Open source enables community developers to contribute improvements, identify bugs, and enhance features. Both Jade wallets benefit from this collaborative development model.
- DIY Building: For maximum trust minimisation, you can build your own Jade or Jade Plus from off-the-shelf components and open-source plans. This is impossible with closed-source hardware wallets that rely on proprietary secure elements.
- Long-Term Support: Even if Blockstream disappeared tomorrow (unlikely), the community could continue maintaining and improving both Jade versions indefinitely. Your device won’t become orphaned if the company pivots or fails.
- No Hidden Backdoors: Closed-source wallets could theoretically contain hidden backdoors or vulnerabilities that only the manufacturer knows about. With Jade’s complete transparency, such backdoors are impossible to hide.
This open-source commitment at both hardware and software levels remains rare in the hardware wallet industry and represents a significant value proposition that transcends pure feature comparisons.
The Blockstream Ecosystem
Both Jade wallets integrate seamlessly into Blockstream’s broader Bitcoin infrastructure, offering unique capabilities.
Liquid Network Support: Both devices natively support the Liquid Network, Blockstream’s Bitcoin sidechain offering faster transactions, stronger privacy through confidential transactions, and asset issuance capabilities.
That being said, I don’t see the point in cold storage for L-BTC as a retail user, but if that’s what you want to do, have at it.
Blockstream Green: The companion app offers more than just hardware wallet integration:
- Optional multisig 2FA through Blockstream’s servers
- Watch-only wallets for monitoring without exposure
- Direct Bitcoin purchase to cold storage
- Comprehensive transaction history
- Customisable fees and advanced coin control
AMP Integration: For merchants and businesses, both Jade versions can integrate with Blockstream’s AMP (Asset Management Platform) for institutional-grade custody solutions.
Future Innovations: As Blockstream continues developing Bitcoin infrastructure—whether new layer-2 solutions, improved sidechains, or other innovations—both Jade wallets will likely receive firmware updates enabling support for these new technologies.
Classic versus Plus
The Blockstream Jade Plus represents exactly what a hardware wallet upgrade should be: a comprehensive improvement that addresses real user pain points while maintaining the fundamental security and philosophical principles that made the original successful.
For $149, the Jade Plus delivers a dramatically better user experience through its 66% larger screen, premium build quality, improved navigation, faster performance, and enhanced security features. The optional metal versions at $169 offer exceptional long-term durability for just $20 more. These prices remain competitive with—or better than—comparable hardware wallets, while offering unique advantages like complete open-source transparency, innovative Blind Oracle security, and superior air-gapped capabilities.
Importantly, Blockstream’s decision to continue selling and supporting the original Jade at $79 ensures that budget-conscious users still have access to secure self-custody. This two-tier approach—a premium option for those who want the best experience and an affordable option for those prioritising value—serves the Bitcoin community well.
The Jade Plus isn’t perfect.
Bitcoin maximalists might wish for even more advanced features, and for them, the Cold Card would be the standard, but if that’s not available in your part of the world, the Jade Plus can get the job done, too.
I think for most users seeking a reliable, secure, and user-friendly hardware wallet backed by open-source transparency and a reputable company, the Jade Plus strikes a sweet spot in terms of features, usability, and price.
Whether you choose the original Jade for its unbeatable $79 value or upgrade to the Jade Plus for its premium experience, you’re investing in one of the most thoughtfully designed, security-focused, and community-aligned hardware wallets available. In an industry where trust is paramount and mistakes can be catastrophic, Blockstream’s commitment to open source, continuous improvement, and accessible pricing makes both Jade options compelling choices for securing your Bitcoin.
The bottom line: If you’re looking to take self-custody seriously without breaking the bank, the Jade Plus at $149 offers the best combination of security, usability, and value available today. And if the budget is tight, the original Jade at $79 remains an exceptional alternative that compromises on comfort but not on security.
Your Bitcoin deserves secure storage. The question isn’t whether you need a hardware wallet—it’s which Jade is right for you.
Ready To Get A Jade?
If you would like to purchase the Jade hardware wallet, you can get one directly from the Blockstream store
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