Ekster Parliament wallet review

Today, we dive into the world of smart wallets with the Ekster Parliament wallet. As technology continues to infiltrate every aspect of our lives, it's no surprise that even the humble wallet has received a makeover. After recently reviewing the Ekster Laptop Sleeve, I now delve into the Ekster Parliament and see if it lives up to the hype. Parliament is pitched as a premium leather wallet that can hold up to twelve cards plus a little bit of paper cash money.

The regular leather-based Parliament wallet is offered in eleven color options but if you want something a bit more sustainable, Ekster also has a Recycled Editon that uses vegan leather made from recycled car windshields. The latter is sold in three color options.

The wallet ships in a small cardboard box and its built-in aluminum cardholder features some cardboard cards with details about Ekster and a QR code to the user manual.

Ekster Parliament box

Ekster Parliament unboxed


The Parliament wallet is definitely not for everybody, it has a sleek and minimalist design but is a lot less versatile than a traditional wallet. Ekster caters to those who prioritize card storage above all else. The wallet looks a bit like a smartphone case -- albeit a very small one. It looks to be smaller than 2/3rds the size of a large smartphone. The exact measurements are 0.4" x 4.1" x 2.5" (11mm x 105mm x 65mm). Upon first holding it, I immediately discovered the Parliament's biggest negative. The wallet lacks a magnetic closure, which may be a downside for some users as it instantly flips open.

The product boasts a slim and lightweight design that effortlessly slips into your pocket or bag. The wallet is constructed using premium leather, giving it a luxurious feel while ensuring durability over time. Its clean lines and well-executed stitching add to its overall sophisticated appearance -- and the front features a subtle Ekster logo. The left bottom of the card has a button for quick access to your cards.

Ekster Parliament wallet


Opening up the wallet, we're greeted by a multi-purpose strap that's mainly intended for cash storage. Only neatly folded bills will fit though, the Parliament has absolutely zero support for coins. The left has two compartments that can be used for card storage or for the optional tracked card. The $36 solar-powered tracker card promises to make it easy to find your wallet and it offers two-way ringing to let you call your wallet from your phone and vice-versa. A useful feature for those prone to misplacing their belongings.

Ekster Parliament wallet inside


Another card could fit in the rear pocket of the Parliament wallet. In theory, the Parliament wallet can accommodate up to twelve cards but Ekster recommends using nine at most to keep the wallet in good condition.

Ekster Parliament rear


And here we have a look at the Parliament loaded with some cards and a little bit of cash. As mentioned before, the wallet is definitely not designed to accommodate large amounts of cash, making it more suitable for those who rely primarily on cards for their financial transactions. The main star is the card storage system, with a press of a button up to six cards will smoothly fan out of the cardholder. The cardholder is made from aluminum and offers RFID blocking, which protects you against wireless theft.

Ekster Parliament with cards


Conclusion

Ekster's Parliament holds up to twelve cards and features a patented card mechanism that is quite a pleasure to use. There's something satisfactory about pressing the button and seeing the cards fan out of the card holder. The biggest drawback I could find is the lack of a snap or magnetic clasp, this sort of closure mechanism would add more reassurance. If you're in the market for a wallet that emphasizes cards and offers minimal cash storage, the Ekster Parliament Wallet is definitely worth considering. If you need to carry a lot of cash, it's best to steer clear of this product. It has a premium feel but is definitely not cheap. Pricing is currently $63 via Ekster's webshop (Father's Day sale, otherwise it's $90)

The Good Stuff
  • Great if you only need a wallet for cards.
  • Nice quick-release system.
  • RFID blocking for up to six cards.
  • Optional tracker card

    The Bad Stuff
  • No magnetic closure.
  • Expensive

    DVHARDWARE gives the Ekster Parliament wallet a 8/10.

      

    Added: May 30th 2023
    Product reviewed: Ekster Parliament wallet
    Reviewer: Thomas De Maesschalck
    Score: 8/10



    [ Back to Reviews Index | ]

  • About the Author

    Thomas De Maesschalck

    Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



    Loading Comments