Should you save $70 or get the upgrade? Blockstream's lineup includes both devices, and they share the same virtual secure element architecture with blind oracle PIN protection. Both are fully open source and Bitcoin-only. The Plus adds a 66% larger screen, built-in camera for QR scanning, faster ESP32-S3 processor, and optional metal housing. The original Jade requires your phone's camera for QR codes. The Plus scans directly. The Plus also addressed a side-channel vulnerability that affected the original Jade (discovered by Ledger's security team).
Buying Advice
Get the Jade Plus if you can afford it. The original Jade at $79 is still excellent for budget-constrained buyers or as a backup device, but the Plus is worth the upgrade for primary storage.
The Bottom Line
The Jade Plus wins. The built-in camera transforms the air-gapped workflow — no more awkward back-and-forth pointing devices at each other. The larger screen makes transaction verification easier. The security update addressing the side-channel vulnerability matters. For $70 more, you get meaningful improvements across the board.
Security Architecture
Security is the whole point. Everything else is secondary. Here's how these two handle it:
- Blockstream Jade: Virtual Secure Element with blind oracle PIN verification. Same security model as Jade Plus.
- Blockstream Jade Plus: Virtual Secure Element with blind oracle PIN verification. Your seed is never stored in extractable form. Uses a unique architecture where the PIN, device data, and Blockstream oracle combine to reconstruct the key only during signing.
Both wallets are open-source. Good. That means you can verify the code yourself, or rely on the security researchers who already have. This is the baseline for serious Bitcoin storage.
Feature Comparison
The specs that matter for Bitcoin security.
| Feature | Blockstream Jade | Blockstream Jade Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79 | $149 |
| Bitcoin-Only | Yes | Yes |
| Open-Source | Yes | Yes |
| Air-Gapped | Yes | Yes |
| Secure Element | Virtual Secure Element | Virtual Secure Element (no hardware SE, but cryptographically equivalent security without the black-box trust issues) |
| Connection | QR codes (via phone camera), Bluetooth, USB-C | QR codes (fully air-gapped), Bluetooth, USB-C |
The Verdict
The Jade Plus is my top recommendation for most Bitcoiners. It hits the sweet spot between uncompromising security and actual usability. The air-gapped QR workflow is smooth, the screen is readable, and the open-source architecture means you're not trusting anyone's pinky promise. At $149, it undercuts the Passport and matches the Coldcard Q on features while being more approachable. Buy it.
What Blockstream Jade Plus Does Better
- Both are Bitcoin-only (good choice either way)
- Air-gapped via QR codes
- Virtual secure element with no backdoors
Best for: Security-focused Bitcoiners who want verifiable, auditable security, Users who value air-gapped operation without compromise, Those concerned about closed-source secure elements, Bitcoin maximalists who don't need altcoin support.
Blockstream Jade's Weaknesses
No built-in camera (uses phone to scan QRs). Smaller screen than Jade Plus.
The Price Question
You'll save $70 with Blockstream Jade at $79. But Blockstream Jade Plus's premium buys you real improvements worth the extra cost.
Common Questions
Is Blockstream Jade or Blockstream Jade Plus better for beginners?
Both are straightforward to set up. Blockstream Jade Plus is my overall recommendation. If you're new to hardware wallets, either one will work, but a Bitcoin-only wallet keeps things simpler.
Do Blockstream Jade and Blockstream Jade Plus support multisig?
Most modern hardware wallets support multisig setups. Check the individual reviews for specifics on each wallet's multisig implementation and supported coordinators.
Can I store other cryptocurrencies on these wallets?
No. Both are Bitcoin-only, which I consider a feature. Less code means fewer vulnerabilities.
Are Blockstream Jade and Blockstream Jade Plus Bitcoin-only?
Yes, both are Bitcoin-only wallets with no altcoin support.
Full Reviews
Compare Blockstream Jade to:
Compare Blockstream Jade Plus to:
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