TL;DR
For a multisig run from a desktop computer, the original BitBox02 does the same job. Buy the Nova if you want iPhone support, a sturdier screen or the newer secure chip. Both are still sold, both come in a Bitcoin-only edition.
| BitBox02 | BitBox02 Nova | |
|---|---|---|
| Secure chip | ATECC608B | Infineon OPTIGA Trust M V3, CC EAL6+ |
| Screen | OLED behind plastic | OLED behind glass |
| Connection | USB-C (computer, Android) | USB-C, plus Bluetooth for iPhone and iPad |
| Multisig in Sparrow | Yes | Yes |
| Bitcoin-only edition | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
What the Nova changes
- A newer secure chip, the OPTIGA Trust M, certified CC EAL6+. On the Nova, the secure chip itself enforces the 10-attempt password limit; on the original, the firmware does.
- A glass screen that scratches less.
- Bluetooth through a separate chip, so it works with iPhones. For a signing computer that stays at home, you won’t need it.
- More storage for future firmware.
What stays the same
The firmware approach: open source, reproducible builds, bitcoin logic on the main microcontroller and the secure chip only guarding secrets. Registering your multisig and checking addresses works the same way in Sparrow.
Which one I’d buy
For this setup, the original. It’s what I use and it does everything the guide asks. If you’d like the newer chip or plan to use your phone, the Nova is a good upgrade, but this setup doesn’t need it. See the BitBox02 review.
BitBox02: Buy from BitBox · Buy on Amazon
BitBox02 Nova: Buy from BitBox · Buy on Amazon