The Top-Rated Best Wallets for Men: The Ultimate Guide for 2023

Avatar photo Avatar photo

Once just accessories to store your cash and cards, today’s top-rated wallets for men are no longer merely about function – they represent a seamless blend of style, innovation, and utility. Modern wallets are slim enough to fit in your front pocket, protect your cards from RFID scanners, and connect to your smart devices. Wallet materials have also seen innovations through the years, with some crafted from carbon fiber, titanium, or recycled plastic. These wallets are designed to be lightweight, strong, and eco-friendly.

In creating this guide, we considered every aspect of the wallet, from price and availability to quality and craftsmanship, to help you discover your next favorite wallet.


Our Favorites

The Best Overall Men’s Wallet: Ridge Wallet [Buy]

The Best Budget Men’s Wallet: CountyComm X-Pac Extreme Matrix Card Holder Wallet [Buy]

The Best Men’s Bifold Wallet: Magpul DAKA [Buy]

The Best Men’s Minimalist Wallet: Alpaka Ark Card Wallet [Buy]

The Best Men’s Metal Wallet: GOVO Badge Holder Titanium [Buy]


The Best Overall Men’s Wallet :hsc_emoji_trophy:
The Best Budget Men’s Wallet
The Best Men’s Bifold Wallet
The Best Men’s Minimalist Wallet
The Best Men’s Metal Wallet
Ridge Wallet
CountyComm X-Pac Extreme Matrix Card Holder Wallet
Magpul DAKA
Alpaka Ark Card Wallet
GOVO Badge Holder Titanium
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
  • Low profile but holds a lot of cards
  • Plenty of designs and materials to choose from
  • Addons like a clip, coin tray, and AirTag holder
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Proven and popular X-Pac material
  • Weatherproof (but won’t protect contents completely)
  • Very affordable
  • Variety of colors
  • Robust polymer-infused construction
  • RF welded construction gives it a very low profile
  • Waterproof and easy to clean
  • Rounded corners for ease of pocket retrieval
  • Affordable
  • Proven and popular X-Pac material
  • Weatherproof (but won’t protect contents completely)
  • Unique main compartment
  • Made in the USA
  • Unique dual design lets it work as both wallet and badge holder
  • Removeable pocket clip
  • Clear ID front
  • Spring-loaded card-holding system
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
  • Not the best for lots of bills or coins
  • Some materials are pricier than others
  • Rigid construction may not be to everyone’s preference
  • Limited space to hold cards
  • X-pac doesn’t have a lot of give or flexibility
  • Roomy design can lead to a bulky wallet when full
  • Cutaway main compartment won’t be the best for coins or a spare key
  • Not the best for cash, coins, or other non-card-shaped essentials
  • Clear front may be good for ID but not financial cards
Bottom Line
Bottom Line
Bottom Line
Bottom Line
Bottom Line
The Ridge Wallet is a master class in durable, minimalist design.
The wallet has a dual pocket design that can hold up to 12 cards and 10 bills comfortably and features double-stitched nylon piping for extra strength. Each wallet is 100% unique and made from sails, so you can be sure you’re getting a one-of-a-kind product.
Magpul’s bifold offers more capacity, especially for those of us who need room for cash. But it retains the slim, bombproof, and lightweight polymer construction that made their offerings such community favorites.
The Alpaka Card Wallet is designed to be slim and lightweight, so you can easily slip it into your pocket or bag. It’s also made in the USA with up-cycled materials, which means you support a sustainable and ethical business.
The GOVO badge holder consolidates your essential cards into a lightweight, easy-to-wear package. As its name implies, the GOVO wallet also functions as a badge holder, with a transparent 2mm polycarbonate screen on one side that can display your credentials as you head in and out of your school or workplace.
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimension
Dimension
Dimension
Dimension
Dimension
3.39″ x 2.13″ x 0.24″
4.0″ x 2.8″ x 0.3″
7″ x 12″
3.94″ x 2.91″ x 0.2″
3.8″ x 2.6″ x 0.38″
Capacity
Capacity
Capacity
Capacity
Capacity
12 cards
12 Cards
3-7 cards
4-6+ cards
4 cards
Materials
Materials
Materials
Materials
Materials
Titanium
X-Pac
Polymer
Upcycled VX21 X-Pac
Titanium, polycarbonate

Scroll to see the full table

Best Metal Wallets

Metal wallets are popular because of their durability and resistance to wear and tear, which is great for those who go through several wallets a year. Unlike leather wallets, which can crack, fade, or tear over time, metal wallets can last for years without losing their shape or functionality and are also less likely to be damaged by water, fire, or other elements. Most metal wallets are slim and minimalist, designed to hold only the essential cards and cash, reducing the bulk and weight in your pocket. Metal wallets can also offer RFID protection by blocking the radio frequency signals used to read the information on your cards. Some metal wallets also have built-in tools, such as bottle openers, screwdrivers, or knives, that add more functionality to your carry.

Ridge Wallet

The Ridge Wallet is a master class in durable, minimalist design. Two metal plates bound together with tough elastic bands hold up to 12 cards in a sleek, pocket-friendly package. Metal plates have the added benefit of RFID-blocking technology for a more secure carry. If you happen to carry cash, you can fold your bills and tuck them away under a sturdy stainless steel money clip or flexible cash strap to suit your taste. Finally, a thumb cutout lets you push your cards out or quickly retrieve them. The Ridge also comes in other light yet strong materials, like titanium and carbon, and has a lifetime warranty for good measure.

GOVO Badge Holder Titanium

The GOVO badge holder consolidates your essential cards into a lightweight, easy-to-wear package. It has a lightweight 2.7 oz, CNC-milled titanium frame that holds up to four cards. The card-holding mechanism itself is spring-loaded, meaning that your cards are secure even if the wallet isn’t loaded to its full capacity. The metal clip on the wallet allows for versatile carry on your belt or attached to your gear. As its name implies, the GOVO wallet also functions as a badge holder, with a transparent 2mm polycarbonate screen on one side that can display your credentials as you head in and out of your school or workplace.


Best Minimalist Wallets

Minimalist wallets are easy to access and use, often with features that allow you to quickly retrieve your cash and cards, such as thumb cutouts, spring-loaded ejectors, or pull-tabs. Their main draw is that they’re less bulky and more comfortable to carry than traditional wallets since they encourage you to carry only what you need and avoid hoarding unnecessary items. Stylish and functional, minimalist wallets come in various designs, materials, and colors that suit different preferences and lifestyles. Some minimalist wallets also have additional features that other wallets don’t have, such as built-in bottle openers, RFID-blocking technology, or air tag holders.

Alpaka Ark Card Wallet

The Alpaka Card Wallet is made from X-Pac VX21 fabric, a high-performance material that is water-resistant, UV-resistant, and 100% climate-neutral. The wallet has two card slots on each side, which can hold 4-6+ cards and a main opening for storing cash or receipts. Available in multiple colors, the Alpaka Card Wallet is designed to be slim and lightweight, so you can easily slip it into your pocket or bag. It’s also made in the USA with up-cycled materials, which means you support a sustainable and ethical business.

MOFT MagSafe Wallet Stand

There aren’t a lot of wallets that double as an accessory for your iPhone, which is why the MOFT MagSafe Wallet Stand “stands” out. This wallet can snap onto your iPhone with MagSafe and securely hold up to three cards. More than just a wallet, it also doubles as a stand that lets you enjoy your phone in portrait, landscape, or floating mode, allowing you to watch a video, browse the web, or go on a video call when you’re out and about. The wallet is made of soft vegan leather and comes in four colors to match your style. The MOFT MagSafe Wallet Stand is a great way to add functionality and convenience to your iPhone without adding bulk.


Best Slim Wallets

Slim wallets offer a convenient and stylish way to carry your cards and cash without adding too much bulk or weight to your pocket. Since they’re more comfortable and ergonomic than traditional wallets, they reduce the pressure and strain on your spine and hips, saving you from long-term damage from bad posture. Slim wallets can be made of leather, metal, fabric, or synthetic materials resistant to wear and tear, water, fire, and RFID scanning, often sporting minimalist and elegant designs.

Pioneer Molecule Cardholder Wallet 2.0

One of the lightest wallets we’ve ever used is the Pioneer Molecule. At 0.1 oz, the cards in it weighed more than the wallet itself. Pioneer achieved this by using its unique 10XD material to make the entire wallet. It’s a super strong and lightweight polyethylene that repels both dirt and water. It has two card slots on the front and back for quick access to a main debit card or a driver’s license. The main pocket can hold the rest, along with some cash. You can carry up to six cards and a few folded bills. It comes in five colors (and an alternate, luxurious 3PN material), so you can’t go wrong with any of them.

CountyComm X-Pac Extreme Matrix Card Holder Wallet

As its name implies, the CountyComm X-Pac Extreme Matrix is made from X-Pac, a multi-layered laminate fabric that traces its roots from sailmaking and has exceptional durability, water resistance, and lightweight performance. The wallet has a dual pocket design that can hold up to 12 cards and 10 bills comfortably and features double-stitched nylon piping for extra strength. The wallet also has a unique woven matrix appearance, giving it a modern and stylish look. Each wallet is 100% unique and made from sails, so you can be sure you’re getting a one-of-a-kind product.


Best RFID Blocking Wallets

RFID stands for radio frequency identification, a technology that allows data to be stored and transmitted wirelessly using small chips embedded in cards, passports, and other items. RFID-blocking wallets offer a way to prevent identity theft and fraud by blocking the radio signals that can be used to read the information on your cards. These wallets come in various shapes, sizes, materials, designs, and features.

Secrid Cardprotector Titanium

The award-winning Secrid Cardprotector might be for you if you have an eye for design. It fits six cards yet only weighs 1.7 oz, making it feel like it disappears in your pocket. The cardholder has a spring-loaded lever on the bottom that fans out your cards for easy pickings. When you’re done, push them back inside the RFID-blocking titanium chassis, and the cards stay hidden from view. As the core of their system, Secrid’s Cardprotector is their most minimal wallet. You can add an optional cash strap if you need to carry cash. The pop-up mechanism is excellent, giving you faster access. However, remember that more moving parts mean it’s more likely to fail than alternatives.

Flipside 4

Flipside’s flagship RFID-blocking wallet isn’t your run-of-the-mill, ultra-slim cardholder type of everyday carry wallet. It’s closer to a portable vault that you can slip into your pocket thanks to its structured, crush-resistant clamshell design. It’s made from high-strength polycarbonate resin and aluminum to deliver scratch resistance, RFID protection, and overall durability in a lightweight frame. Despite its rigid materials, the Flipside 4 rides comfortably in the pocket due to its smooth edges and rounded corners.


Best Carbon Fiber Wallets

Carbon fiber wallets are durable and resistant to wear and tear. Unlike leather wallets, which can crack, fade, or tear over time, carbon fiber wallets can last for years without losing shape or functionality. These wallets are also less likely to be damaged by water, fire, or other elements. They also often offer RFID protection, with some featuring built-in tools, such as bottle openers, screwdrivers, or knives, that add more functionality to your carry.

Fantom X

The Fantom X improves on the original minimal wallet’s crowdfunded design with its unique fanning system and Cerakote finish, making it incredibly abrasion, scratch, and chemical-resistant. This carbon fiber cardholder wallet is available in three different capacities, which provide a fixed number of card-carrying capabilities based on your needs. The Extra Slim can carry 4-7 cards, the Slim can carry up to 5-10 cards, and the Regular can accept 7-13 cards. The Fantom X was also designed with modularity in mind, meaning you can customize it to carry more than your cards, with add-ons for things like your cash, keys, coins, and more.

Dango M1 R-Spec

Dango’s new R-SPEC updates Dango’s already successful line of minimalist wallets with a winning combination of aerospace-grade aluminum and carbon fiber, offering a fast track to tough but light storage of your cash and cards. If you’re already familiar with the M1 slim front pocket minimalist everyday carry wallet, the new R-SPEC version retains those great features with a new automotive-inspired look. The wallet offers a 10-card total capacity and built-in RFID-blocking technology to keep your card details safe. Their precision-milled 6061 aluminum chassis has been spiced up with a beautiful high-gloss prismatic powder coat of paint in your choice of white, black, red, and cement gray. On the other side of the carbon fiber panel is a fine top-grain leather siding accentuated with high-contrast red stitching, befitting those found on a nice driver’s bucket seat when you’re behind the wheel.


Best Bi-Fold Wallets

The traditional bi-fold wallet has been a popular choice for generations for a reason. Offering a balance of utility and practicality, bi-folds have a classic design that can fit most paper bills and cards without folding or damaging them. Bi-fold wallets are easy to open and close, allowing quick access to their contents. Unlike tri-fold wallets or zippered wallets, bi-fold wallets don’t have extra folds or closures that may slow down the user or make the wallet bulky. Some materials you’ll find on bi-fold wallets are canvas, nylon, plastic, paper, and of course, leather.

Magpul DAKA Bifold

Magpul has serious expertise in crafting quality polymer goods, and they put that knowledge to work when assembling their DAKA line of minimal everyday carry wallets. Their bifold offers more capacity, especially for those of us who need room for cash. But it retains the slim, bombproof, and lightweight polymer construction that made Magpul’s first offerings such community favorites.

Hayvenhurst Billfold

The classic bifold gets a unique and feature-packed twist with Hayvenhurst’s take on the design, pairing the practicality and utility of a well-made money clip and modern materials and construction. This bifold packs plenty of features into its 100% full-grain leather design, including carbon fiber accents, an ID window, and front slots with a cutout for quick access to your most essential cards. A minimal money clip takes center stage inside the bifold, and RFID blocking adds security from unwanted access.


Best Zippered Wallet

Zippered wallets offer a blend of security and organization with multiple compartments that provide effective organization for cards, cash, and other essentials. Beyond functionality, zippered wallets come in materials such as leather, nylon, and canvas, which provide durability. Some models even incorporate RFID protection, enhancing security against electronic theft.

Distil Union ZipWallet

Distil Union’s ZipWallet is designed for those who tend to carry just a bit more than their cards and some cash while remaining compact and highly portable. Its double-gusset design provides ample space and easy accessibility, making organizing your everyday carry items easy. The ZipWallet is made of full-grain leather certified with a gold rating for environmental standards. The premium YKK zipper ensures your wallet is secure and compresses your items into a sleek package that fits comfortably into your front pocket. For some added peace of mind, the ZipWallet is RFID-shielded, ensuring that your tap-and-go cards remain safe while still accessible through the exterior slot.

Bellroy Card Pocket

The Bellroy Card Pocket features many of Bellroy’s hallmark features: a slim design, thoughtful organization, and premium leather. The Card Pocket uses a 3/4 zipper to secure up to a whopping 15 cards and cash. Inside, a slanted internal pocket can tuck away a few cash notes or separate your more frequently used cards. Between its high capacity and zippered design that lets it carry coins and different currencies, the Card Pocket makes an excellent travel companion thanks to a built-in SIM card slot. It’s available in five gorgeous colors made from environmentally certified leather.


Best Tri-Fold Wallets

A trifold wallet offers several benefits and combines practicality and efficiency in a compact design. The trifold design provides more storage space with multiple card slots and is a little more secure than the average bifold wallet. The folding structure contributes to a slim profile, making it convenient for pocket storage without adding unnecessary bulk, and their sleek designs make the trifold wallet a versatile and stylish accessory for everyday use.

Pacsafe RFIDsafe Trifold Wallet

The Pacsafe RFIDsafe Trifold Wallet is a slim, eco-friendly wallet that protects your identity and valuables. It has RFID-blocking material that prevents hackers from scanning your cards and stealing your information. It also has a Velcro hook and loop fastener closure that keeps your cash and cards secure. The wallet has a note slot that fits all currencies, five slots for business or credit cards, a mesh window slot for your ID card, and a zipper back pocket for coins. You can also attach the wallet to a Pacsafe bag or a cut-resistant security strap (sold separately) for extra safety.

Flowfold Recycled Sailcloth Traveler

The Flowfold Recycled Sailcloth Traveler is a trifold wallet that combines style and functionality. It is made from recycled sailcloth, a material used in racing boats for its strength, durability, and lightness. This wallet is stronger than steel, waterproof, and tear-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. It also has a slim and sleek design that fits comfortably in your front or back pocket. It has enough space for all your essentials, with five card slots, an ID window, and a long cash pocket that can hold international currency.


5 Tips to Purchase a Great Men’s Wallet

Style and Design

Choose a wallet that suits your style and matches your outfits. Different types of wallets include billfolds, cardholders, money clips, and phone case wallets. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, depending on how much you need to carry and how often you use your wallet. For example, if you prefer a minimalist and sleek look, you might opt for a cardholder or a money clip that can fit in your front pocket. If you need more space and functionality, go for a billfold or a phone case wallet that can hold your cash, cards, ID, and phone.

Wallet Material

Pick a wallet made of durable and eco-friendly materials that can last long and minimize your environmental impact. For a good reason, leather is the most common and popular material for wallets: it’s sturdy, elegant, and versatile. However, not all leather wallets are created equal. If you’re going for the leather look, you should look for full-grain or top-grain leather wallets, the highest grades of leather that retain their natural texture and strength. Avoid wallets made of genuine leather or bonded leather, which are lower grades of leather processed and glued together from scraps. Alternatively, you can also choose wallets made of synthetic or natural materials, such as nylon, canvas, cork, hemp, or recycled plastic. These wallets are usually lighter, cheaper, and more sustainable than leather wallets.

Functionality

The wallet is an everyday essential, so select a wallet with the features and functions you need and use regularly. Some features and functions you can consider are the number and size of card slots, cash compartments, coin pockets, ID windows, RFID protection, and zipper or snap closure. If you only carry a few cards and cash and want to access them quickly and easily, you might prefer a wallet with a money clip and a card slide.

Color

Opt for a wallet with a color that reflects your personality and complements your wardrobe. Some of the most popular colors for men’s wallets are black and brown since their understated hues make them easy to match with everyday wear. Colors like red and yellow pop out and draw attention, which might not be the best idea for an item that holds your cash. Of course, your wallet’s color is completely based on your preference, so choose a wallet color that makes you happy whenever you pull it out of your pocket.

Price

Finally, choose a wallet that fits your budget and offers good value for money. Wallets vary widely in price, depending on the brand, quality, design, and features. You can find wallets that cost as low as a few dollars and wallets that cost a hundred times more. The price of a wallet doesn’t necessarily reflect its quality or functionality, so you should research and compare different options before buying a wallet (just like you’re doing now with this guide). You should also look for discounts, sales, and coupons that can help you save money and get a better deal.


FAQs

Which brand is best for men’s wallets?

Different brands appeal to different tastes, preferences, and budgets. Some notable brands include Tom Ford for their refined and luxurious aesthetic, Herschel for its durability and functionality, and Ridge with its aluminum body and elastic strap that expands to hold up to 12 cards.

What type of wallet lasts the longest?

Traditional wallets made with full-grain leather can last up to ten years or more with proper care. Other materials that are also long-lasting include nylon, vinyl, polyester, and faux leather. Many modern everyday carry wallets are made with aluminum or titanium, which could last much longer.

What are the benefits of a bifold wallet?

With two foldable panels that can store cards, cash, and other items, bifold wallets carry many benefits. They are slim, compact, and flexible, making them suitable for front and back pockets (but do your back a favor and only carry it in front). A bifold wallet is also ideal for carrying cash since you can store your cash with a single fold, unlike trifold wallets that require multiple folds. Bifold wallets also come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, making it easier to find a wallet that suits your taste and preference. You can also choose from eco-friendly and cruelty-free options, such as leaf leather.

What wallet for men is best for storage?

If you tend to carry many cards, the Ridge Wallet can hold up to 12 cards and cash, and it can also hold keys, coins, and other small items with the optional cavity tray accessory. For those who need to store more than cards or cash, zip wallets like the Distil Union ZipWallet can store coins or small items such as jewelry or even USB flash drives.


How we picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily life. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise in the industry and familiarity with design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

Previous Post

The 10 Best High-End Knives In 2024 – Pocket Knives and More

Next Post

The Best Budget Pocket Knives Under $50 in 2023 (Not Cheap!)

Related Posts