Key Takeaway
Sead is an unlimited digital seed backup solution using a 3 of 6 Shamir system with QR codes. It’s a great idea in theory, but users need to enter their seed phrase onto an online device. Curious to see where this product goes, but difficult to recommend for the time being.
🛡️ Secure checkout · Official site
What’s Inside The Box?
There‘s also a digital only option*
Sead: Backup Without Metal Plates
Unlike other seed backups, which require you to write on paper or metal, this USB only contains a copy of the SEAD Tool software.
Is it safe?
That’s why when we use this software, we’ll be turning off Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth to ensure we’re completely off the grid.
And all versions of the software are open sourced using the checksum on their website.
If this worries you, it’s highly encouraged to fully restore an old device or buy a new device to ensure peace of mind.
The device’s sole purpose can be for generating Sead backups.
But saying that, it’s a monstrous ask to require users to buy a new device only used for Sead.
Sead Setup Is Complex But Is It More Secure?
Let’s be clear that no data is ever collected, nor is any data stored on their servers.
For compatibility, only Windows, iOS and Android are available so far.
The company is fully decentralized, so even if Sead were to disappear, the service would still function.
What Sead does is the program takes your seed phrase and splits it into multiple pieces. They recommend a 3 of 6 backup, meaning we just need 3 of the 6 QR codes to recover the seed phrase.
Here’s an example after entering a seed phrase and generating multiple QR codes.
Setup can be customized one step further by can adding any text or images with the QR codes, if that helps with memory or identification.Â
Restoring is super simple.
Upload the QR codes using webcam, image or text. Once the correct amount has been added, and using our example 3 of 6, we can restore the seed phrase.
Seed Safe is another unique tool that will come in handy.
The feature lets users store QR codes, personal instructions or passwords in a decentralized way.
Now what really sets Sead apart is called Sead Directives.
This feature allows users to program the transfer of information or crypto in the future to people chosen to receive it, such as family or friends.
The info could be a video file, a PowerPoint, text document or something else which was uploaded to Sead Safe.
Additionally, users can even set conditions through smart contracts.
One of the coolest use cases is say you were inactive for 2 years, that crypto or information can be automatically transferred to trusted people.
What’s great is that we can cancel or modify directives at any time.
And if this all seems too difficult and you need help, Sead has created a customized AI Coach to teach users everything they need for successful setup.
Is Sead More Durable Than Metal Backups?
Usually in this section, we compare how resistant backups are to heat, corrosion and crush.
But with a virtual backup, we don’t have any of those issues other than the possibility of some QR codes being lost or destroyed.
Do remember we can also print unlimited copies of these QRs and even print them on metal.
But it must be said keeping track of 6 backups, printing them off and so on seems quite intense.
Some other potential vulnerabilities could be from accidentally connecting online during setup with a compromised device or from a malicious person gathering enough of your QR codes to steal your crypto.Â
But with physical seed backups, users are most likely storing them only at home.
Using the digital Sead solution, we’re storing QR codes in different locations, reducing the risk of having a complete seed phrase in the house.
Think of how easy it could be to lose a 1 of 1 backup… not to mention that anyone can read your physical backup too.
Sead Reputation & Reviews
Sead is a new brand in crypto backups, established in 2024 and based in the Netherlands.
The brand currently lacks any rating on Trustpilot.com.
Along with that, it’s been a struggle to even find reviews for the product.
Here’s what people are saying about the Sead from sead.world:
To get a true idea of Sead’s reputation, consult their socials, metrics and read what users are saying.
To reach support, either try out their handy AI Coach, click ‘Contact Us’ on their website or email support@sead.world.
Sead vs. Other Crypto Seed Backups
Let’s compare Sead Tool ($79) to other seed backup we’ve tested.
Cryptotag
- Cryptotag Loki ($99): 1 metal plate, longer setup, stores one 24 word seed or two 12 word seed phrases
- Cryptotag Zeus ($149): 2 metal plates, longer setup, stores one 24 word seed or two 12 word seed phrases
Shieldfolio
- Shieldfolio Stonebook ($35): 80 stone paper pages, water resistant, burns in fire, store seeds and passwords, UV pen for extra security
Final Thoughts: Innovative Idea Ahead Of It’s Time?
Sead has to be the most innovative take on crypto backups in a long time.
Their QR code system adds extra multi-sig style protection, and the fact that you can program crypto transfers and important info without needing specialized coding knowledge is a gamechanger.
Especially for inheritance, gifts and other specialized use cases.
But many users have an issue with writing their seed phrase onto an internet connect device. Me included.
When in discussions with the CEO of Sead, Hugues Dorchy, super nice guy by the way, he mentioned the team is in early stages to create an offline device that works in tandem with Sead tool.
Good call!
So should you grab Sead backup?
For unlimited seed backups, this is a crazy deal.
I’ve yet to use Sead for any of my seed phrases just in case.
Maybe I’m too much of a crypto boomer, but I’d rather be 100% certain where those seed words go when crypto is on the line.
But Sead Safe and Sead Derivatives could be a game changer for crypto inheritance in the future, something I’d enjoy using for family and friend purposes if the above issue is solved.
If you want to grab Sead, use my link below for 40% off using code ALDARON at checkout.
Thanks for reading and catch ya in the next review!
What’s the difference between Sead and physical backups?
With Sead, you must download Sead Tool, enter your seed phrase and then print out the QR codes. This creates, for example, a 3 of 6 backup so there is no single point of failure.
With physical backups, many can survive harsh conditions but they have a single point of failure, meaning if you lose the backup then you also lose your crypto.
How many seed phrases can Sead store?
Unlimited… for life!
Is Sead backup online or offline?
The only part that is consider online is when you enter the seed phrase in Sead Tool. But do note that Sead Tool itself is 100% offline.
The only potential harm would be if someone could record your screen to view the seed phrase entered.
Is Sead open source?
Yes, all the code is. And you can double check that data by clicking the ‘check sum’ before downloading.
What does Sead do with user data?
First off, no ID is required when registering. Also, since Sead is self-custodial and decentralized, no seed phrases or QR codes are ever stored.
For user data such as logins, the company uses one-way encryption, meaning the stored information is impossible to reverse-engineer – even for Sead.
How easy is it to set up the Sead?
Setup is easy, the difficult part is knowing who and where to trust. If you create 6 separate QR codes of your seed phrase, then you must know what to do with them and how to collect them if needed.
The company suggests one online, one with a friend, one in the bank, one buried in the yard and so on. But this is tough because paper has miniscule longevity in the grand scheme of things, and it’s a ton of effort.