Ekster vs. Groove vs. Ridge: The Ultimate Smart Wallet Buyer’s Guide
In today’s increasingly cashless world, wallets are all about convenience — and the market is teeming with new contenders that offer lightweight, high-tech alternatives to conventional, bulky styles
These brands offer it all: “smart” wallets that enable effortless credit card access, are slim enough to fit in a front pocket, and are made from innovative and durable materials like aluminum and carbon.
While there are countless smart wallet brands out there, 3 in particular stand out to our editors: Groove, Ridge, and Ekster.
Each offers a unique take on the traditional wallet, with features that cater to various personal preferences. We reviewed each one in detail to provide a thorough comparison and determine which deserves the top spot as the best smart wallet of 2023.
The Groove Wallet Review
What is The Groove WalletⓇ?
The Groove WalletⓇ is a slim yet functional accessory designed to protect your essentials. It offers RFID-blocking technology, which safeguards your cards against wireless theft.
Made from Aluminum Alloy, this wallet is “built for adventure,” as Groove’s website says.
How much is The Groove Wallet?
The most popular option, Groove WalletⓇ is priced at $89.95. If you opt for the carbon fiber inlay version, you’re looking at $99.95.
You can also add The Groove Wallet Go™ — a leather accessory that attaches to the back and holds an additional 3 cards — for $39.95.
How many cards does The Groove WalletⓇ hold?
The Groove WalletⓇ can hold up to 6 cards, or 9 if you purchase the Groove Wallet Go™.
Dimensions & Notable Features
- Measures 98.6 x 62.98 x 8.38 mm / weighs 2.7 ounces.
- Available in 2 colors.
- Includes a detachable money clip.
- Single thumb swipe access.
Rating: 8.0 / 10
The Ridge Wallet Review
What is The Ridge Wallet?
The Ridge Wallet is another minimalist wallet option. It has an elastic main cardholder that expands.
Like The Groove Wallet, it features RFID blocking to prevent wireless theft and is available in Aluminum, Titanium, or Carbon, or Carbon Fiber 3k.
How much is The Ridge Wallet?
Pricing starts at $95 for the most popular version, which comes with your choice of Cash Strap or Money Clip. You can choose both for $107, while you’re looking at $140 if you opt for Carbon Fiber 3k weave ($150 for both).
Add-ons include an Airtag Cash Strap for $25.
How many cards does the Ridge Wallet hold?
The Ridge Wallet can hold anywhere from 1 to 12 cards.
Dimensions & Notable Features
- Measures 86 x 54 x 6 mm / weighs 1.6 oz.
- Choose from up to 12 colors.
- Scratch resistant.
- Replaceable screws and elastic.
Rating: 8.4 / 10
The Ekster Wallet Review
What is The Ekster Wallet?
Ekster offers a variety of wallet types, but their flagship is The Parliament Wallet, an elegant smart wallet made of premium leather. Like Groove and Ridge, the Ekster Parliament Wallet also provides RFID blocking to protect against wireless theft.
Designed for slim storage and quick card access, this wallet features a built-in aluminum card holder that fans out your credit cards by clicking a tiny button that’s sleekly fitted into the bottom left corner.
How much does The Ekster Wallet cost?
The Ekster Parliament Wallet starts at $71, making it the best value for money of all three brands. You can also add a Tracker Card for $36, which is powered by Chipolo® Technology and compatible with iOS 11 / Android 5 and above.
How many cards does The Ekster Wallet hold?
The Ekster Parliament Wallet can hold 1 to 12 cards and bills.
Dimensions & Notable Features
- Measures 1.1 x 10.5 x 6.5 cm / weighs 3.25 oz.
- Choose from 9 different colors.
- Crafted using environmentally certified B Corp leather from LWG gold-rated tanneries.
- The Tracker Card enables two-way ringing that lets you call your wallet from your phone — or vice versa.
Rating: 9.2 /10
Editor’s pick: The Ekster Wallet
Each of these wallets has its particular strengths, but our top rating goes to the Ekster Parliament Wallet.
It offers the same sleek, lightweight design as Groove and Ridge, but the premium leather plus aluminum card holder lends a sophisticated touch. What a welcome departure from the nearly identical designs of other minimalist brands we’ve tried.
We’re also impressed by the innovative card click-out mechanism and the fact that you can literally call your wallet with the Tracker Card. Talk about next-level tech.
Add to that the fact that Ekster’s wallet clocks in at the lowest price of all 3 brands, and folks: we have a winner!
Ekster also offers other wallet types, from Leather Bifolds to Aluminum Cardholders, making this brand the most extensive in terms of options to choose from.
