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Best Minimalist Wallet for 2025 Tested By CNET Experts

Upgrade to a slim wallet with sleek, minimalist designs perfect for everyday carry. Cut the bulk and streamline your pockets.

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What to consider

Number of cards

The number of cards you need will determine the size and shape of your minimalist wallet.

RFID blocking

Are you worried about someone scanning your chip? RFID blocking wallets are the answer.

Is cash needed?

Having a sturdy money clip or elastic band is important if you need cash.

Wallet material

If you want specific materials then some wallets may not be suitable for you.

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Are you still using a bulky wallet that’s packed full of receipts from who knows when and looks like it’s about to burst at the seams? If so, it may be time to upgrade your wallet to something more minimal, sleek and stylish. With everything being done digitally nowadays, there’s little reason to keep all those receipts like before, you know, «just in case.» And if you don’t carry cash, there’s no good reason to have those old-fashioned wallets anymore.

Modern wallets seem to be trending toward simplicity and minimalism, with card slots for an ID, credit cards and a couple of other items. These wallets tend to be highly durable, with some offering RFID protection, and are secure enough to pass a vigorous shake test.

I’ve spent hours testing a variety of wallets to evaluate their feel, fit and functionality. Based on that experience, I can confidently say the options below are the best minimalist wallets available. Whether you’re seeking a robust metal design or a luxurious full-grain leather wallet, you’ll find the perfect choice below.

What’s the best minimalist wallet?

For our money, the Ridge wallets are the best minimalist wallets you can buy. Sure, they aren’t the cheapest, but they are sturdy, good-looking and can be customized to fit your needs well.

Although there are plenty of bifold and trifold thin wallet options, we’re mostly focused on one-panel design wallets here. These usually hold between four and 10 credit and debit cards, although some do it more artfully than others, and there is a variety of fabrics and colors to choose from. Some are hybrids, which combine a wallet and money clip or elastic band. Most offer some RFID blocking technology, which is advertised as a protective measure against electronic pickpocketing, like scammers skimming data stored on your contactless credit cards. (That may be an overblown concern.)

Tactical wallets also have built-in multitools, should you be the type to be randomly kidnapped and ditched in a forest somewhere. Just remember that you’ll need to take any bladed multitools out before you fly, because TSA confiscating your wallet isn’t fun. At all.

Best minimalist wallet of 2025

Pros

  • Made from titanium
  • Keeps your cards tight and safe
  • Adjustable design

Cons

  • Can be pricey for the best version

Of all the rugged, minimalist wallets I tested, I found the Ridge to be the most flexible, ironic for a wallet made of titanium (or aerospace-grade aluminum if you pick a different color). The sandwich design of the Ridge wallet securely accommodates one card as easily as it can 12, and the durable but pliable money clip holds one bill as tightly as a bigger wad. The cutout provides quick access to all of your cards, and the tough elastic strap that holds everything together inspires confidence.

This wallet is almost comically overdesigned, and you can use the included screwdriver to disassemble the pieces, remove the money clip and bring the money strap to the exterior. Ridge makes this wallet in China but backs it with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects, which seems about right for the price. This burnt titanium Ridge wallet is probably my favorite color, although it’s a little pricier than some of the other color variants, which start at $95.

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Pros

  • Elegant design
  • Great mechanism
  • Low profile

Cons

  • Some scratches already

The Ekster’s mechanics, along with its slim profile and lightweight materials, make it an elegant solution. The button used to raise the cards is really well done, with a hefty feel of a mechanism that will last as long as the wallet. The money belt is tight, keeping his small cash pile safe, and the wallet is plenty big enough for a few cards and Ekster’s neat little Finder Card, so I could track it if the wallet did get lost. The finder card and its Android counterpart are so good that I recommend adding them to your wallet purchase. There’s even a discount if you buy them together.

I gave it to my son to use at his prom, and it perfectly matched his maroon prom outfit though I have already noticed some wear in the paint, which is not ideal. If you keep it away from your keys, you should be OK, but the paint should last longer, even in a back pocket.

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Pros

  • Cheap and cheerful
  • RFID blocking
  • Room for cash

Cons

  • Quality can vary

Five of the 12 wallets we tested had essentially the same basic design, and there are dozens — if not hundreds — of nearly identical models, all made in China, listed on Amazon. Prices start at just $7, for the Chelmon model, and other models generally cost between $13 and $20, although some colors, patterns and fabrics are more expensive than others. They’re all about the size of a deck of playing cards, though they measure about 0.25 inches thick. The five we tested all have their brand names embossed on them:

Each of these slimmer wallets had the same basic elements: two or three card holder pockets on each side, a transparent window that lets you flash your ID without removing it, an inner space that can be used as a cash pocket or to stow a few more cards, RFID blocking on its card sleeve to block electronic pickpocketing and, in the case of the slightly pricier Zitahli, a magnetically attached money clip. (That company claims this money clip wallet can safely hold up to 25 bills, but when I put in just 10 folded bills, the magnets failed to connect.) My top choice overall is the shorter, wider Hammer Anvil. I don’t mind that it lacks the ID window, which I find tacky and not befitting of our top wallet list.

I also really like the Kinzd, which has a slightly broader design that separates it from the cookie-cutter field. It has a terrific inner pocket — which is closed on one side only, allowing you to open it up wide — that comes together firmly with a satisfying magnetic snap.

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Pros

  • Made in the US
  • Mechanical slide action
  • Really tough

Cons

  • Only fits around 5 or 6 cards

Employing «more than 200 people in Tennessee,» Groove Life has created a precision-made wallet with a balanced weight that feels great in your pocket. Designed for five cards to fan easily, I found it could fit four credit cards and two insurance cards nicely, with an ID in the front leather sleeve.

The mechanism for releasing the cards is really nice, too. The entire front of the wallet slides up to help fan the cards out with a spring-loaded action that is satisfyingly mechanical. Like all metal wallets, the Groove wallet is RFID blocking, so you can have some peace of mind on that score. It’s rugged too, so dropping it doesn’t pop your cards out; at least it hasn’t yet.

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Other minimalist wallets we’ve tested

Not all of the minimalist wallets we’ve tested get to be called the best. Some of them are OK. Some of them are really not OK. Here are some of the wallets that did OK at testing but didn’t quite make the cut.

Factors to consider when buying a minimalist wallet

There are many factors to consider when buying the right minimalist wallet. I’ve tried to boil it down to a few key ones but remember, we are all different, so your mileage may vary. The top things to consider are:

  • How many cards do you really need?
  • Are you worried about RFID blocking?
  • Are you taking cash along with you?
  • What material do you want it to be?

The most important factor in this list is the first one and will often dictate what your minimalist wallet looks like. Do you only need two to five cards? then a no-folding wallet, or possibly a mechanical opening wallet could be a good choice. If you need more than that then a bifold or even trifold wallet may be your only option.

Most minimalist wallets these days come with RFID blocking as standard, so it’s more than likely you will have that. Double check on the listing to make sure, if it’s important to you, but know most do come with it. That’s also true for some kind of money clip or elastic strap to hold a small amount of cash. If you are looking to take a large amount of paper money with you, a minimalist wallet may not be for you.

The size of the wallet will also dictate the materials used. A mechanical wallet will be made of a metal of some kind, while other minimalist wallets will be made of leather or a vegan leather substitute. Deciding on the material and the number of cards you want to carry will likely give you the best indication of the type of wallet you’ll want to buy.

How we test minimalist wallets

Testing wallets is, as you might imagine, a fairly subjective process. These wallets come in many sizes, shapes and materials so it’s important to test on those merits. Trying to jam 10 cards into a wallet designed to hold three is pointless and not a true test.

All wallets are subjected to a vigorous shake test where we try to dislodge the cards from the inside, and if they have a money clip/strap on the outside, I try to get that to fall out too. Then it’s time for my least favorite test: sitting on the wallet in my back pocket for an entire workday. Mostly, I am making sure the wallet doesn’t bend, or otherwise damage the cards inside, but I am also checking how uncomfortable it is to sit on for eight hours a day.

Any of the wallets that claim to be RFID blockers are subjected to a test using an Android Pixel phone and an RFID card that has my Twitter link on it. If the card can be read through the wallet and my Twitter bio opens on the phone, then the wallet fails the test. Finally, I spent a week using the wallet as my main cardholder in the real world. There are very few tests better than that to give you a clear idea of whether or not it is worth your money.

Minimalist wallets FAQ

Do minimalist wallets damage cards?

If you use a minimalist wallet correctly, it will keep your cards safe and sound. If you overstock it, then you run the risk of damaging your credit cards. Remember, the whole point of a minimalist wallet is to only take the few cards you need for the trip you are on. Most can hold five to 10 cards, so keep that in mind when you choose your wallet.

What pocket should you hold your wallet?

Despite the traditional notions of holding your wallet in your back pocket, it probably shouldn’t be there. Not only does it make it much easier for pickpockets, but it also makes it harder for you to get to it when you need it. If you’ve ever tried to get your wallet while at a drive-through, you know what I mean. Having your wallet in your back pocket can also damage the cards inside. The cards will have the full pressure of your body, as well as the other cards and metal parts of the wallet pressing down on them.

Which minimalist wallet is best?

While this is a subjective question, the overall best minimalist wallet that we’ve tried is Ridge. That’s because it’s made with tough and durable materials but is still flexible enough to accommodate up to 12 cards. There’s also a strap or clip for cash, too. The Ridge Wallet comes in a variety of colors, and NFL fans can also rep their favorite teams. If you get a Ridge, expect it to last for years.

Why are Ridge wallets so popular?

Ridge wallets have become very popular, and for good reason. These hard minimalist wallets have a unique aesthetic design, are made of titanium (or aluminum, depending on color) and can hold one card as easily as 12. They come in a variety of colors, have RFID blocking technology and look incredible. They’re leading the market when it comes to hard, minimalist wallets.

Which RFID blocking wallets actually work?

Several of the wallets we mention in this list have RFID blocking technology, which means your cards won’t get scanned by thieves. Out of the ones we’ve listed, the Ridge Wallet, Hammer Anvil Minimalist wallet and Groove Life have been reliable on the RFID blocking front. We tested this feature out by attempting to use an Android phone to scan an RFID card with our X link on it; these wallets prevented that from happening.

Do RFID-blocking wallets mess up my cards?

No, RFID blocking wallets will not mess up your cards. They’re designed to prevent unauthorized reading of the RFID chips, but won’t have an affect on the magnetic strip or chip on your cards.

Technologies

Want a Galaxy S25 Ultra for Cheap? Buy a Galaxy S24 Ultra Instead

Last year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra is an impressive phone and costs half as much as the most recent model. Here’s how they compare.

You don’t need to buy the latest Galaxy Ultra phone, plus you can save money. I’ll explain.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has some of the best specs of any smartphone today, but it also comes with a huge $1,300 price tag. The 2024 model, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, also has excellent specs, and even though it’s only one generation old, you can pick it up new for $950 or used for $544. That’s less than half the price of the current model on the used market. Seriously. 

Sure, if you’re trying to sell your S24 series phone, that amount of depreciation really sucks. But if you’re looking to upgrade from an older phone, then you’ve got yourself a bargain on a high-end device. 

So what difference does one generation make? Can a 2-year-old model still perform like the current flagship? Let’s put these phones side by side and see what we get. 

On paper, the specs are very similar. They both have massive displays with identical resolutions and refresh rates. They both have potent Qualcomm processors, 12GB of RAM, 200-megapixel cameras, titanium frames, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. And yes, both have the S Pen stylus stuffed inside if you want to doodle pictures while pretending to be working. The S24 Ultra’s S Pen even has several nifty tricks that were removed on the S25 Ultra’s stylus.

The upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup — including the S26 Ultra — is expected to arrive soon. Sure, it might have a complete overhaul that justifies paying its top-end price over the cheaper previous generation. But current rumors suggest that the new phone may receive only modest upgrades. 

Given that you can expect to see a sharp decrease in the price of the S25 Ultra, the same principle could apply: Save a lot of money by buying the previous generation on the used market.

From a purely numbers perspective, there’s little to choose between the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra — certainly nothing that warrants such a steep price difference. So what are they like to use in person? Let’s start with the cameras. 

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: cameras

Camera performance is a central way phone-makers try to upgrade their phones each year, with the latest models typically boasting better imaging skills than previous generations. 

While there are some upgrades on paper — like the S25 Ultra’s higher-resolution 50-megapixel ultrawide camera — Samsung hasn’t really altered its format that much for its last few Ultra models. 

I’ve taken many photos on both phones since they launched, and for the most part, I think you’d struggle to tell much difference, let alone pick a winner. They’re both capable of taking lovely images with wide dynamic range, accurate colors and plenty of detail. The zooms on both phones are excellent, and the night modes are superb. 

The upgrade in ultrawide resolution does give you a bit more detail, but would you really notice that on your own? It’s unlikely outside of side-by-side comparisons.

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: processor

One of the major upgrades in the S25 Ultra over its predecessor is its processor. The S25 Ultra packs a custom version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, versus the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip on the S24 Ultra. On our benchmark tests, there’s a noticeable difference in scores — about 25% higher in the newer chip, in fact — but I’m not sure it’s a difference you’re likely to notice in everyday use. 

Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra processor performance

Galaxy S25 Ultra 3,173 10,047Galaxy S24 Ultra 2,294 7,293
  • Geekbench 6 (single core)
  • Geekbench 6 (multi-core)
Note: Longer bars equal better performance

I found both phones were perfectly capable of playing demanding 3D games like Genshin Impact and PUBG at max settings while still giving smooth frame rates. Editing photos in Adobe Lightroom was responsive, and navigating around the Android 16 interface felt nippy and smooth. 

So sure, the latest model might have more power. But do you really need it? A Ferrari might have more power than a Mercedes, but the Mercedes is still going to be exceptionally good for 98% of the driving you do on a weekly basis. 

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

See all photos

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: software

Software-wise, both phones run Android 16 with Samsung’s latest One UI 8 skin over the top. You’ll find the same features across both models, including Samsung’s various AI tools like live translation, audio eraser and drawing assist, which turns your doodles into real pictures. Then you’ve got Google’s AI tools like Gemini Live and Circle to search, which again you’ll find on both models. 

There are no new software features you’re missing out on by going with the last generation. But it’s always important to keep the software support period in mind, especially when buying used. As the more recent phone, the S25 Ultra will have an extra year of guaranteed support. At the same time, Samsung committed to seven years of support for the S24 line, so the older phone will still receive software and security updates until at least 2031. Basically, it’s still got a great life ahead of it.

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: battery life

Both Ultras pack 5,000-mAh batteries, and, perhaps unsurprisingly, real-world battery life is pretty much the same on both phones. You can expect to easily get through a full day on a single charge and maybe even have enough power left to start a second day. In our CNET Labs 3-hour video streaming test, where we charge the phones to 100% and play a YouTube video over Wi-Fi, the Galaxy S24 Ultra actually performed noticeably better.

If you’re buying a used S24 Ultra, the battery may have aged slightly, but I wouldn’t expect it to have degraded much in just one year of use. Both phones offer 45-watt wired charging and reverse wireless charging to power another device. 

When I started writing this piece, I actually assumed that there would be more differences between the S25 Ultra and the S24 Ultra. But there’s hardly anything. They even look basically the same except the newer one has flat edges, which I don’t actually like as much. 

With battery life and camera performance being pretty much on par, and Samsung bringing all of its new AI skills to previous generations, there’s very little to choose between them. It really comes down to the newer processor, but I honestly don’t think the vast majority of people would notice the difference. The chip in the S24 is already a powerhouse. 

Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. S25 Ultra: Final thoughts

These phones are identical in so many ways, except for price. Sure, how much you actually spend on a used device will depend on the quality — cheaper ones may have the odd scuff here and there, while pristine versions will demand slightly higher prices. 

All in all, opting for last year’s model on the used market is a smart way to save a lot of money on a capable device that would otherwise be too expensive. And, with the Galaxy S26 Ultra potentially just around the corner, this whole article will still be relevant as we move into the next generation. 

The logic here isn’t limited to Samsung’s phones. With almost all companies, including Google, Apple, OnePlus and others offering hugely powerful devices with long software support periods, it’s possible you may never need to buy a brand-new phone ever again. 

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specs vs. Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate
Pixel density 501 ppi 501 ppi
Dimensions (inches) 6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in. 6.40 x 3.11 x 0.34 in.
Dimensions (millimeters) 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm 163 x 79 x 8.6 mm
Weight (grams, ounces) 218 g (7.69 oz.) 233g (8.22 oz.)
Mobile software Android 15 Android 14
Camera 200-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto) 200-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto)
Front-facing camera 12-megapixel 12-megapixel
Video capture 8K 8K
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM + storage 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Expandable storage None None
Battery 5,000 mAh 5,000 mAh
Fingerprint sensor Under display Under display
Connector USB-C USB-C
Headphone jack None None
Special features Titanium frame, 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; integrated S Pen; UWB for finding other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Armor cover glass; ultrawideband Titanium frame, 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; integrated S Pen; UWB for finding other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Armor cover glass

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Technologies

Don’t Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Save Money With a Used S24 Ultra Instead

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Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Sunday, Jan. 25

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Jan. 25.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.


Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? It might help to be a Scrabble player. Read on for all the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Some breakfast drinks, for short
Answer: OJS

4A clue: Ready for business
Answer: OPEN

5A clue: Information gathered by a spy
Answer: INTEL

6A clue: Highest-scoring Scrabble word with four tiles (22)
Answer: QUIZ

7A clue: Nine-digit ID
Answer: SSN

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Agree to receive promotional emails, say
Answer: OPTIN

2D clue: Second-highest-scoring Scrabble word with four tiles (20)
Answer: JEEZ

3D clue: Sketch comedy show since ’75
Answer: SNL

4D clue: Burden
Answer: ONUS

5D clue: Geniuses have high ones
Answer: IQS


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