Ekster Vs. Code 118 Wallets: Who's the Real Deal?

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but when it comes to choosing the best wallet to protect your valuables, cutting corners isn’t an option. 

With new brands like Code 118 entering the scene, it’s worth asking: how do they actually compare to the smart wallet pioneer, Ekster?

We’re covering everything you need to know in this Ekster vs. Code 118 comparison.

Ekster’s Legacy vs. Code 118’s Imitation

Ekster has been innovating in the smart wallet space since 2015. From the first slim smart wallet with RFID protection and a precision-engineered quick-access trigger to a solar-powered tracker card and modular add-ons, we’ve spent over a decade perfecting our craft.

Code 118 launched in 2020 and very obviously took inspiration from Ekster’s designs. But without the proven track record, sustainability focus, or product variety that sets Ekster apart.

Ekster vs. Code 118’s Materials & Build Quality

When it comes to your everyday carry, materials aren’t just about looks. They’re about how long your wallet lasts, how it feels in your hand, and whether it can handle daily use without breaking down.

Ekster Cardholders

Strong Metal Build

Every Ekster cardholder is built from lightweight yet durable metal such as 6063 T5 aluminum, 3K carbon fiber, or forged carbon fiber. They offer excellent resistance to wear and corrosion.

Heat-Treated Steel Mechanism

On the Cardholder Pro model, the internal trigger system is made entirely of metal. No plastic shortcuts here! It’s designed to fan out your cards smoothly with the push of a button.

Tested for Ten Thousand Cycles

Ekster’s build quality and card ejection mechanism have been stress-tested under real-world use to ensure it won’t jam or wear down over time.

RFID Protection

Built into the aluminum shell, this layer of protection safeguards your cards from wireless theft via RFID skimming.

LWG-Certified Leather

Ekster’s leather cardholder is also made from space-grade aluminum and wrapped in premium LWG-certified leather for a sustainable yet luxurious exterior.

Ekster Wallets

Full-Grain LWG Leather

We only use premium LWG-certified full-grain leathers sourced from top European and American tanneries. That means your wallet not only looks refined but will age beautifully with time.

Premium Vegan Leather

We offer two vegan leather alternatives: one made from AppleSkin leather and one made from upcycled, scrapped car windshields. Both of these vegan leather wallet alternatives look and feel just like real leather, but without the carbon footprint. 

Built-In Metal Cardholder

Inside each leather Ekster wallet, you’ll find the same all-metal card access system used in our standalone cardholders, offering the best of both worlds.

Closure & Storage Features

Smart design details like hidden pockets, coin compartments, and secure closures make these wallets as practical as they are polished.

Code 118 Cardholders

Metal Outside, Plastic Inside?

Code 118 cardholders are made from aerospace-grade aluminum and carbon fiber, which sounds impressive, but they don’t say what the internal mechanism is made of. It could be plastic, which raises longevity concerns.

Premium Leather Sleeve

Code 118 does not offer a standalone leather wallet. Instead, they have a “premium leather” sleeve for their cardholders. They don’t disclose where the leather is sourced or how it’s manufactured, which adds uncertainty about its quality and sustainability.

Customization: Ekster’s Modular Wallet Ecosystem

Code 118 offers limited expansions, such as:
- An extra backplate
- An AirTag strap
- A tracker card, and 
- A leather sleeve

Ekster delivers an entire ecosystem of smart add-ons designed to evolve with your lifestyle.

Add-ons for Ekster Cardholders

- Cash Clip Backplate – Designed for external bill storage with extra room for cards.
- Coin Tray – Carry coins without clutter or adding bulk to your cardholder.
- Finder Card – Track your wallet using Apple Find My®.
- Tracker Card – A solar-powered wallet tracker for Android users.
- Tool Card – A card-sized multi-tool for life’s unexpected moments.
- AirTag Cash Band – Add Apple AirTag functionality and secure your bills.

Add-ons for Ekster Wallets

- Coin Pouch – Stores loose change and other small items inside the wallet flap.
- Cash Clip – Securely holds bills on the outside (for Wallet Pro models only).
- Finder Card – Makes your wallet unlosable via Apple Find My.
- Tracker Card – A solar-powered wallet tracker for Android users.
- Tool Card – A 7-in-1 multitool card for your wallet.

Code 118 simply doesn’t match this level of modularity. With Ekster, your wallet is a fully customizable carry system.

Return Policies & Warranty

Ekster offers a hassle-free 100-day return window on all products. We give you over 3 months to decide if your wallet is right for you. 

Code 118’s return window is much shorter at just 45 days. 

Ekster’s standard wallets and cardholders include a 2-year warranty, which can be upgraded to a lifetime warranty by joining the Ekster+ loyalty program. All of Ekster’s Pro models and add-ons come with a lifetime warranty right off the bat.

Code 118 also offers a lifetime warranty with unlimited replacements. 

Product Range & Everyday Use

Sustainability & Longevity

Ekster is proud to be a certified B-Corporation, meaning we adhere to strict environmental codes of conduct when it comes to sourcing materials, manufacturing products, and all other aspects of our business. 

With wallets made from LWG-certified leather, 100% recycled aluminum, and options like AppleSkin™ vegan leather, our entire range is focused on sustainability and longevity.

Code 118 doesn’t mention any sustainability initiatives or certifications and does not disclose where their leather is sourced or how it’s manufactured. It doesn’t look like sustainability is a top priority to them.

Pricing & Value

It’s true, Ekster’s smart wallets are more expensive. They start at around $99, scaling up depending on materials and add-ons. 

We don’t cut any corners, we care deeply about sustainability, and we build top-quality, long-lasting wallets that naturally cost more than cheaper knock-offs.

While Code 118 occasionally runs deep discounts (as low as $44), those savings may come at the expense of long-term reliability, transparency, and support.

Ekster offers the full experience: ultra-premium materials, a larger variety, customizability, hands-on service, and global trust.

Why Ekster is Still the Smartest Choice in 2025

✅ 10+ years of product innovation
✅ Premium, long-lasting materials
✅ Trackable, RFID-safe, and future-ready
✅ A variety of smart wallet options for your unique needs
✅ Fully modular with exclusive add-ons
✅ 100-day hassle-free returns policy
✅ 50,000+ 5-star reviews

Over 1 Million Wallets Sold and Counting

You can copy a design, but not a decade of trust, engineering, and refinement. Code 118 may look the part, but Ekster is the part.

Just look at Trustpilot to get a glimpse of the facts. Ekster has a 4.6-star rating, whereas Code 118 has a low 2.6-star rating.

We’ve sold over 1 million smart wallets to date and have become recognized as the “best wallets for men” year over year by top publications like Forbes, Business Insider, CNET, WIRED, and many more. 

Notable people such as Lionel Messi, Andrew Schulz from the Flagrant Podcast, and Steven Bartlett from the Diary of a CEO podcast have partnered with Ekster as brand ambassadors who back our reputation as leaders in the smart wallet industry.

Ekster is proudly known as the world’s bestselling wallet brand, but no matter how prominent our name becomes, we will always stand by our primary goal: to make better gear to speed up your day.

The Final Verdict for Ekster vs. Code 118

Ekster isn't just the original smart wallet; it’s the one still pushing boundaries. 

We pride ourselves on creating innovative products that solve real problems, not copying designs from other brands and hoping they land. 

Our products are of the highest quality and standards to give our customers an everyday upgrade they’ll love using for years on end. 

When quality, trust, and personalization matter, there’s only one name worth carrying: Ekster.

UPGRADE TO EKSTER TODAY

FAQ

Is Ekster better than Code 118?
Yes. Ekster offers more customization, better materials, full leather wallet options, transparent build quality, and a longer return window (100 days vs. 45 days).

Can you customize an Ekster wallet?
Absolutely. Ekster offers modular add-ons like the Finder Card, Tool Card, Coin Tray, Cash Clip, and more for both cardholders and leather wallets.

Are Ekster wallets trackable?
Yes. Ekster offers two smart tracking options: the Finder Card (Apple Find My® compatible) and a solar-powered tracker card for Android users.

What’s the return policy on Ekster vs. Code 118?
Ekster gives you 100 days to return. Code 118 offers only 45 days.

Does Code 118 use plastic in their wallets?
They don’t disclose the internal material. Ekster uses all-metal internals and is transparent about materials across every product.

Which brand is more sustainable?
Ekster is a certified B-Corp, uses recycled and/or vegan materials, and is known for its wallets’ durability and longevity. Code 118 does not disclose sustainability efforts; therefore, Ekster is the more sustainable brand with certifications to back its claims.