Ekster’s Smart Wallet vs Dango’s Smart Wallet

We have smartphones, smart cars, smart TVs, what comes next?

Smart wallets are on the rise and the industry is showing no sign of slowing down with innovative wallet companies popping up everywhere.

Two of the main players that are at the forefront of innovation in the wallet world are Ekster and Dango. But whose products are actually the smartest and the most useful for modern-day individuals?

We’ve compared Ekster and Dango to determine which brand we would actually use:

Key Similarities:

• Both have innovative wallet designs
• Both have wallets with cash straps
• Both have RFID blocking technology to prevent card data theft
• Both have optional add-on features

Key Differences:

• Ekster wallets have the ability to be tracked with their Tracker Card
• Dango offers wallets with a pen or bottle opener included
• Most Dango wallets use a mixture of materials
• Ekster wallets have a more minimalist aesthetic
• Ekster offers a card pop-up feature for convenience
• All of Ekster’s wallets cost well below $100 whereas most Dango wallets cost above $100

Ekster Overview

Ekster wallets are super affordable, starting at just $67, and are incredibly high quality. Their wallets have a classic leather look or a sleek aluminum aesthetic, and they’re all ultra-slim and sophisticated.

The Parliament Wallet ($76) is made from premium leather and has a card pop-up feature – with the click of a button you gain easy access to all your cards, flashy and functional.

The Tracker Card ($42) only needs 3 hours of sunlight to last for 2 months and can be added to any wallet. It allows you to call your wallet and even track it on a map if you ever misplace it. This is a serious life-saver, no one needs to be canceling all their cards every time you lose your wallet.

Ekster’s Modular Bifold Wallet ($76) has a classic design along with a removable card holder that is held in place with strong magnets allowing for extra optional space. The Ekster Aluminum Cardholder ($67) is made from space-grade aluminum and holds up to 15 cards, and includes an expandable backplate that provides extra storage while maintaining a slim design.

Dango Overview

The first thing we noticed is that in general, these wallets have a much higher price point. Some start at just $69, but most cost around the $109-$149 mark. When holding the wallet we can tell that it’s sturdy, but it’s definitely not as lightweight as an Ekster.

Like Ekster, Dango wallets have some cool features. They have wallets with pens, bottle openers, and even pocket knives. The Dango D1 Dapper Pen wallet costs $109 and holds up to 16 cards and has a pocket dedicated to a pen and a built-in bottle opener.

The Dango M1 Maverick Wallet costs $149 and comes with a Multi-Tool that can be used as a chisel, an O2 oxygen wrench, nail pryer, standard 1/4″ inch hex wrench, or bottle opener. It has another Multi-Tool that functions as a small chisel, an open 1/4″ hex wrench, another bottle opener, a flat and Phillips head screwdriver.

Final Thoughts

Dango’s wallets are a mixture of different materials – a leather wallet with an aluminum frame and stainless steel studs, plus a bright red cash strap overall looks jarring in our opinion. Aesthetically, we much prefer Ekster’s minimal and classic designs.

Dango’ add-ons seemed like they’d be cool, but it’s not worth the extra bulk (or extra cost for that matter). We want features that we will actually use on a daily basis, and a pocket knife or hex wrench just isn’t a necessary add-on to a wallet in this day and age. We’re looking for something lightweight and practical that will hold our essentials, not a toolbox. That’s why we’re choosing Ekster.

Ekster’s innovative tracking technology speaks more to the needs of the everyday contemporary consumer. Having the Tracker Card option as a safety net will give you peace of mind – losing your wallet (and everything in it) is not something to take lightly! With Ekster and their tracking system, you never have to worry about it. This is what ultimately won us over.

If you’re ever stuck on a desert island, you’d want a Dango wallet on hand. But if you’re in the market for a slim, sophisticated wallet that offers convenience and trackability, we’re recommending Ekster.