Foundation Passport Passport Core
A plan byFoundation Passport
Foundation Passport is a Bitcoin-only, fully air-gapped hardware wallet: both hardware and firmware are entirely open-source (FOSS), and the device communicates with the outside world only via QR codes and a microSD card, with no USB data connection (the USB-C port is power-only). The entry Passport Core (≈€183, $199) uses a Microchip ATECC608a secure element; the newer Passport Prime (≈€377) adds a colour screen, FIDO/2FA, a secrets vault and QuantumLink Bluetooth connectivity, remaining open-source but no longer purely air-gapped. The official companion app is Envoy.
Passport Core
- Price
- €183
What's included
- Bitcoin-only
- Air-gapped (QR + microSD)
- ATECC608a secure element
- Open-source hardware and firmware
- Envoy app
Data & conditions
| Fund custody | Self-custody (funds in your control) |
|---|---|
| Type | Hardware (cold storage) |
| Source code | Open-source |
| Recovery | Seed phrase 12/24 parole (BIP-39) |
| Bitcoin-only | Yes |
| Supported chains | Bitcoin |
| Price | €183 |
| Secure element | Yes |
| Air-gapped | Yes |
| Connectivity | QR, microSD, USB-C |
| Companion app | Envoy |
| Built-in swap | No |
| Built-in staking | No |
| Built-in fiat on-ramp | No |
| Segment | B2C |
| MiCA / License status | Nessuna (hardware wallet self-custody) |
Strengths
- Fully open-source hardware and firmware (FOSS); Passport Core is 100% air-gapped (QR + microSD only); ATECC608a secure element; Bitcoin-only reduces attack surface.
- Self-custody: funds stay in your wallet — the platform cannot touch them.
- No KYC: usable without identity verification.
- Open-source, verifiable code.
- Self-hostable: you can run your own instance or node.
Weaknesses
- Bitcoin-only (no other assets); higher price than entry-level competitors; the Passport Prime adds Bluetooth and is therefore no longer purely air-gapped.
- No notable sovereignty drawback documented.
Verdict
Score 4.4/5, very strong profile. In its favour: fully open-source hardware and firmware (FOSS); Passport Core is 100% air-gapped (QR + microSD only); ATECC608a secure element; Bitcoin-only reduces attack surface. The trade-off to weigh: bitcoin-only (no other assets); higher price than entry-level competitors; the Passport Prime adds Bluetooth and is therefore no longer purely air-gapped.
On the Sovereignty lens the score is 5.0/5 (outstanding): the strength is privacy & anonymity (5.0/5), while censorship resistance (4.8/5) is the weak link.
Promp's editorial rating based on real fees and net annual cost. Promp reviews third-party products independently.
"Sovereignty" rating: score computed on privacy/anonymity (30%), fund control (20%), censorship resistance (20%), trustless/auditability (20%) and costs (10%). Same data, different weights.
FAQ
How much does the Foundation Passport cost?
The entry Passport Core costs about €183 ($199). The newer Passport Prime, with a colour screen and FIDO/2FA features, costs about €377.
Is the Foundation Passport really open-source?
Yes: both the hardware and the firmware are fully open-source (FOSS), one reason it is favoured by the more code-verification-conscious Bitcoin community.
Does it support cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin?
No. The Passport is a Bitcoin-only device: it does not handle Ethereum, altcoins or tokens. This choice reduces complexity and attack surface.
Sources
- Official service page Open source · Air gapped · Secure element · Companion app Data verified on Jun 20, 2026
- bitcoinmagazine.com Prezzo storico · Air gapped · Microsd Data verified on Jun 20, 2026
- thecryptomerchant.com Prezzo passport core · Bitcoin only · Connettivita · Secure element Data verified on Jun 20, 2026