The Lowdown
More than anything, the TROVA GO+plus makes for an excellent high-tech stash box. Regardless of how you use it, the TROVA GO+plus provides a secure place for small items that, and isn’t the well-being and safety of others worth it?
Overall
Pros
- Small
- Secure
- Larger than the TROVA GO without increasing the footprint
- Uses phone’s biometrics to secure and unlock the device
- Offers a bypass mode if you can’t use your phone
- Conceals odors of items kept inside
Cons
- The TROVA GO+plus has a deeper interior than the TROVA GO that Judie reviewed, but it is still relatively small
- The angled design on its bottom means the TROVA GO+plus will not sit flat on a table
Judie reviewed the TROVA GO Smart Safe last year. As she explained, the TROVA GO is “a biometric physical storage device that is large enough to hold certain items that you want to keep private, yet is compact enough to fit inside a larger pocket.” For those who need something larger, there’s the TROVA GO+plus.
This physical storage device prevents inappropriate audiences from accessing jewelry, vapes, prescription/recreational drugs, or any other private objects that require discretion. Perfect for pockets, handbags, or athletic gear it is designed to be overlooked, mimicking a hard drive or battery. Only you know its contents. This small but essential accessory gives you worry-free mobility.
Judie did an excellent, in-depth review of the TROVA. She went into detail on how one pairs the device, how to unlock it, why it is an effective way to protect small items, and why you might want it.
The technology behind the TROVA GO+plus is the same as the TROVA GO. Rather than covering the same ground Judie did so well, far better than I can, I thought I might focus this review on how the TROVA GO+plus differs.
First, let’s cover the basics.
The TROVA is made from Aluminum Alloy with a high-quality premium CNC finish. The top adds a bit of visual interest by having a beveled on each side that meets to create a slight peak. It’s an aesthetic detail that, while not adding any functionality, helps keep the unit from looking like an aluminum brick.
On one end there is a USB-C input for charging the unit.
You’ll find a multifunction power button and a small LED indicator on one end of the device.
A single tap of the multifunction button displays the battery status. In addition, when Bypass Mode on the app is activated, a double click of the multifunction button will unlock the device.
Of course, using Bypass Mode eliminates the security of the TROVA, but it is good to know the functionality is there. Finally, the multifunction button serves as the power button for the device.
The multipurpose button also serves as a battery indicator. As Judie explained:
You can always check your device’s battery in the TROVA app, but on the device itself, you can tap the multifunction button to show the battery’s status based on the following schedule: If it pulses green once, it means you have more than 30% of your battery.
If it pulses orange once, you have between 10% and 30%.
Additionally, if your TROVA starts pulsing red without a tap of the button, it means it needs a charge and has less than 5% available battery.
Judie notes that the battery should last about two and a half months, depending on how frequently the device is opened and closed.
Finally, next to the multifunction button is a small reset button that can be activated using a small paperclip or a SIM-pulling tool.
Like the TROVA GO, the bottom of the TROVA GO+plus has the same raised” peak” as the top. Honestly, I find this to be an unusual choice since it means the device doesn’t sit flat on a surface when placed down. As Judie put it, “While this looks pretty, it does mean that the TROVA GO will not sit perfectly flat on a table.”
To use the TROVA GO+plus, you’ll need to download the free app for iOS or Android. Judie did an excellent step-by-step explanation of how the app allows your phone’s biometrics to become the “key” to opening the TROVA.
At the same time, you can simply download the app and follow the prompts to create an account and learn how to use the TROVA. The bottom line is that, once you have everything set up, opening the TROVA is as simple as opening the app, tapping it, allowing the phone to register that it is you (in my case, FaceID does the trick), and then lifting the top of the device.
It is really that simple and, thanks to biometrics, a secure way to protect the items inside.
All of this brings us to the question of why one might choose the TROVA GO+plus over the one Judie reviewed. In this case, it is all about the size.
The TROVA GO measures 6.1″ long by 3″ wide by 1.2″ deep; the TROVA GO+plus has the same length and width. It is also 6.1″ long and 3″ wide.
Unlike the TROVA GO, the TROVA GO+plus has a depth of 1.6″ and, while the added .4″ may not sound like a lot, the added depth offers far more capacity. So while the TROVA GO has interior dimensions of 5.2″ long by 2.2″ wide by .75″ tall, the TROVA GO+plus has an interior height of 1.1″.
In other words, the TROVA GO+plus can hold significantly more than the TROVA GO, despite having the same footprint.
As the company explains,
TROVA GO+plus gives you more space to store more secrets than ever before! Featuring 60% more capacity (same length x width as GO, but 30% deeper) this discreet portable biometric safe is designed for daily storage of your private rituals and objects.
TROVA GO+plus Features:
- Constructed of strong Aluminum Alloy to safely secure your belongings
- High-quality premium CNC finish
- Exterior Dimensions: 6.1” X 3″ X 1.6”
- Interior dimension: Bottom Tray 5.2″ X 2.2″, Top Lid 5.5″ X 2.2″ X 1.1″ total interior height
- Wirelessly connected via Bluetooth technology and accessible through biometric scanning
- Designed for multifunction use, the increased capacity in the lid is designed to hold larger watches, a more complete smoking apparatus, or more valuables
- Sealed to conceal odor and made in aluminum alloy.
- The upper lid strap is designed to hold rings via a magnetic closure conveniently.
- Designed to easily fit in a bag pocket or be carried in your hand
When Judie reviewed the TROVA GO, I was intrigued. I liked the idea of having a simple, secure place to keep small items. Sure, someone could easily grab the TROVA, but it isn’t intended to replace your home safe.
The idea behind the TROVA is that it lets you keep prying eyes and hands out of your stuff. If you need more storage, the company makes the TROVA Home, which can be bolted into the floor or a shelf.
So how might you use the TROVA GO+plus?
- You could keep extra cash inside.
- You could keep medications safe from curious children.
- You could use it to stow valuables when traveling.
But let’s get real, more than anything, the TROVA GO+plus makes for an excellent high-tech stash box. Regardless of how you use it, the TROVA GO+plus provides a secure place for small items that, and isn’t the well-being and safety of others worth it?
The TROVA GO+plus sells for $249; it is available directly from the manufacturer.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Small; Secure; Larger than the TROVA GO without increasing the footprint; Uses phone’s biometrics to secure and unlock the device; Offers a bypass mode if you can’t use your phone; Conceals odors of items kept inside
What Needs Improvement: The TROVA GO+plus has a deeper interior than the TROVA GO that Judie reviewed, but it is still relatively small; The angled design on its bottom means the TROVA GO+plus will not sit flat on a table
Interesting Device. Great for travelers.
This could be helpful to me.
Interesting review! Had no idea this product existed.
I hope there aren’t many thieves and burglars who try to keep up with things like this, because then they’d know to simply steal the entire box and open it up at their leisure.