The best crypto hardware wallets were all created with one key principle in mind: you can never be too careful when it comes to safeguarding your digital assets.
With a physical device, you not only cater to the human need to have tangible evidence of assets but also ensure an added level of security against internet threats.
More and more wallets are manufactured and released with the promise of more complex encryption algorithms and authentication features, in the background of a sleek and aesthetically pleasing piece of hardware.
In this article, we’ll uncover 8 of the top hardware wallets available for cryptocurrency, explain what makes a top-notch hardware wallet, and much more.
Key takeaways
- A hardware wallet is a tangible device that lets you store private keys that are essential when accessing crypto coins
- The safety of hardware wallets is relative and depends on the wallet’s security features and your crypto practices to ensure safety
- The best hardware wallet is currently Trezor T because of its user-friendly interface, robust security features, and track record
Top 8 Best Crypto Hardware Wallets
Here’s our exclusive list of the best crypto hardware wallets at the moment:
- Trezor T: Best overall crypto hardware wallet
- ELLIPAL Titan: Cold wallet with most durable build
- BitBox02: Best Bitcoin wallet
- KeepKey: Hardware wallet compatible with different systems
- D’CENT Biometric: Best hardware wallet with biometric authentication
- Ledger Nano X: Best hardware wallet for asset recovery
- NGRAVE ZERO: The safest crypto wallet for cold storage crypto
- BC Vault: Best cold wallet for long-term storage
Trezor T: Best Overall Crypto Hardware Wallet
Trezor homepage
Trezor T or Trezor Model T is currently one of the best selling crypto wallets in the market and there’s plenty of reason behind that.
Developed in Prague, Trezor T is the work of Satoshi Labs, a company aptly named after the supposed founder of Bitcoin, whose pseudonym is Satoshi Nakamoto.
The company released its poster child, Trezor One in 2014 and set the pace for other industry players as it was the first-ever cold wallet in the industry.
Since 2014, Satoshi Labs has worked on multiple variants of the first cold storage wallet and their greatest achievement is the Trezor Model T.
The untampered Trezor T purchase box contains the following items:
- Trezor T hardware wallet
- Magnetic Dock
- USB-C cable
- Recovery seed card
- Stickers by Trezor
Contents of the Trezor Model T package
When you get your hands on this exemplary wallet, the first thing you’ll notice is the sleek 1.54” LCD touchscreen that ensures a simple yet modern experience—a break from the traditional USB drive-looking wallets.
The wallet is also compact making it easy to fit in your pocket and move around with. Inside the device lies a state-of-the-art processor that runs Trezor Core, the best firmware on the market.
In case you lose your wallet, the device relies on the recovery seed feature and Shamir backup that allows you to access your assets. To elaborate:
- The recovery seed is a series of words, usually 12-24, that you must write as it will be the only thing that’ll help you prove that you own your assets.
- Shamir backup is an added security feature applied to the recovery seed to prevent its loss or theft which might cause asset loss.
Trezor T supports over 1500 coins and tokens including popular names such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Avalanche (AVAX), Dogecoin (DOGE), ERC-20, and many more.
And when it comes to security, Trezor T is one of the most reliable with no major reports of hacking since the creation of the first model, Trezor One.
This is because the wallet comes with a PIN requirement that prevents unauthorized access and operates completely offline, eliminating the risk of internet hackers.
The Trezor T’s security system only allows transactions to occur once you confirm them on your hardware wallet. If you still prefer the hot wallets the Trezor T is also a perfect addition to the multi-factor authentication process.
In addition, Trezor T also comes with a MicroSD card slot where you simply add a card to unlock the wallet, providing even more added security.
But that’s not all….
A well-designed software, Trezor Suite, supports the wallet’s functions. With Trezor Suite you can initiate and complete transactions from your cold wallet and monitor your portfolio.
To access Trezor Suite, simply plug your wallet to your device using the USB-C cable and you’ll be prompted to download it onto your device.
Don’t want to mix up your crypto in one wallet? Worry not….
A single Trezor Model T wallet can have multiple wallets based on coins, allowing for more organized storage and tracking of coins.
The Trezor Model T will cost you a significant buck as it retails at approximately $179.
The Trezor Model T is available at 12% off, sign up to get your hands on the best hardware wallet at a reduced price.
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Pros
- No security breaches so far
- PIN- protected
- Allows portfolio tracking
- User-friendly
Cons
- Relatively pricey
ELLIPAL Titan: Cold Wallet with most Durable Build
ELLIPAL Titan hardware crypto wallet
ELLIPAL Titan is a hardware crypto wallet created by the industry giant, Ellipal, a company based in Hong Kong and founded in 2017.
An untampered box of ELLIPAL Titan usually features the hardware wallet, a 16GB microSD card, and a charging cable since the device runs on a battery.
You’ll notice that the ELLIPAL Titan wallet is one of its kind with a solid, metal build that is a true testament to the wallet’s commitment to both physical and online security.
In addition…. The ELLIPAL Titan hardware wallet comes with classic yet effective security measures including a pattern lock screen and password that prevent unwanted access to your assets.
The wallet has a camera that you’ll use to scan QR codes on the mobile app and this is the only way the wallet can connect to your device.
Even when it comes to firmware updates you’ll need to download the firmware on the provided SD card and then insert the card onto the wallet. This is a testament to the company’s commitment to ensuring a truly air-gapped experience which is important in preventing online threats.
That’s not all though.
The hardcore build also allows the device to be IP65 waterproof which means it can withstand normal accidental water and drink splashes but can’t be immersed in water.
Most crypto users will find the wallet extremely useful as it supports the most well-known coins such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETC), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and many more including ERC-20 tokens.
Currently, ELLIPAL Titan costs approximately $149 making it one of the most expensive in the market.
Pros
- Damage resistant build
- Air-gapped for added security
- Supported by the Ellipal App for ease of transaction
- Compatible with most mobile devices
Cons
- Relies on a rechargeable battery
BITBOX02: Best Bitcoin Wallet
BitBox02 hardware wallet
BitBox02 hardware wallet was developed by the Swiss-based company Shift Crypto, a company that is well known for merging simplicity, innovation, and top-notch security into its hardware wallets.
BitBox02 was released in 2019 and according to Shift Crypto, the hardware wallet is the accumulation of technological expertise and years of refining multiple generations of hardware wallets.
There are 2 main variations of the BitBox02 hardware wallet:
- The Multi edition
- And the Bitcoin hardware wallet
The Multi-edition BitBox02 supports multiple coins such as BTC, ETH, LTC, Cardano (ADA), and ERC-20 tokens.
While the Bitcoin-only edition supports, you guessed it, only Bitcoin.
The following items are included in the BitBox02 package:
- The BitBox02 hardware wallet which features a 128 x 64 OLED display, weighs approximately 12g, and is made of durable polycarbonate material.
- MicroSD card that acts as a backup option
- USB-C to USB-A adapter for better mobile connection
- USB–C extension cable
- Rubber pulls and stickers
BitBox02’s security can simply be described as over-the-top with both hardware and software contributing to the device’s resilience. Here are some of them:
Epoxy protection and secure build
The BitBox wallet may seem easy to penetrate with its simple build but underneath the smooth polycarbonate lining, lies a special permanent glue that makes it challenging to separate the two halves of the BitBox wallet encasing.
Separating the two halves may be possible after much trial but it will be evident to you, the owner, as the pins of the top and bottom casing will be broken. Additionally, attempted breakage will be clear as reattaching both halves of the device is impossible.
The wallet’s chip and microcontroller are also covered in an epoxy material that attaches them to the casing. Therefore, opening the casing will rip out both the chip and microcontroller, rendering the wallet useless.
Secure bootloader
Shift Crypto’s firmware is the only one that can load on the BitBox02 hardware wallet. Additionally, before running new firmware on the device, the OLED screen will display the hash to allow for verification.
Dual chip
The hardware wallet contains two chips: the MCU chip and a Secure chip, which both run only the most secure and highly vetted security code in the crypto market.
Having two chips means that for a hacker to gain access, they must be able to bypass 3 points: the device password that you enter to unlock the wallet, the random secret generated by the Secure chip, and the random ‘salt’ generated by the MCU chip.
That’s some hell of work, right?
But what about the hacker who has stolen the wallet and has enough time to try unlocking the device? Worry not. The MCU chip automatically limits the number of unlock attempts to 10 before resetting the hardware wallet.
To add icing on this wallet….
BitBox02 works in collaboration with the BitBox App which supports most operating systems including macOS, Windows, and Linux.
With the app, you can buy and sell crypto. The app is also essential when it comes to ensuring your hardware wallet gets the most recent and verified firmware.
With these and many more features, the BitBox02 hardware wallet retails at approximately €115.83 which is about $140.
Pros
- Simple USB-like build
- Robust security
- Comes with added app support
- MicroSD backup is available
Cons
- Supports relatively few crypto coins
Keepkey: Hardware Wallet Compatible With Different Systems
KeepKey hardware crypto wallet
Most reviewers love to describe KeepKey by its sleek and modern design. But more than anything, we were pleasantly surprised by the wallet’s retail price of approximately $78.
If you order the KeepKey hardware wallet, it should arrive in a black box that contains the wallet wrapped in foil plus additional accessories such as a USB-A to micro-B cable and a booklet.
More expensive packages often come with additional accessories such as an electric diamond engraving pen for engraving the recovery seed, and sometimes even a 2nd KeepKey that can serve as backup.
The most noticeable feature of the wallet is its 3.12” OLED screen that spans the entire length and width of the wallet making it one of the largest screens in the industry. The rest of the wallet is encased in aluminum which offers a smooth yet strong finish.
The KeepKey wallet has industry-standard security features such as a PIN and recovery seed to ensure top-notch security even after theft.
For the wallet to work, you need to connect it to your device and use the KeepKey Client application which is available on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
There’s more to it.
One of the wallet’s key features is its ability to interact with decentralized apps (DApps).
These are applications that are built on blockchain technology which makes them function without the need for centralized management.
By connecting to such applications, KeepKey enables users to participate in a variety of markets outside the crypto ecosystem such as gambling, social apps, real estate, gaming, and much more.
Back to the crypto realm, you can trade the most popular coins and tokens such as ERC-20, DOGE, ETH, BTC, LTC, and many more.
The wallet also supports third-party software. So instead of using the KeepKey software, you could opt for other options like Electrum, Mycelium, ShapeShift, and MultiBit.
Pros
- Relatively more affordable than other hardware wallets
- Compatible with major operating systems
- Allows for easy backup
- Affordable hardware wallet
Cons
- Supports few cryptocurrencies
D’Cent Biometric: Best Hardware Wallet with Biometric Authentication
D’CENT Biometric hardware crypto wallet
The D’CENT Biometric package has the following items: the D’CENT Biometric hardware wallet, cards for noting the recovery seed, a starter guide, and micro-USB for charging.
To power the device you simply need to press on the power button and the wallet will come alive as it runs on an efficient battery that can last up to a month without the need for recharging.
Unlike most hardware wallets, the D’CENT Biometric connects to your devices and hence the D’CENT app, via Bluetooth.
The wallet is also compatible with Electrum, a secure software that provides added protection to your Bitcoin.
The D’CENT Biometric is one of the few hardware wallets that we found to have a biometric scanner that’s both convenient and safe.
Additionally, unlike most hardware wallets that generate private keys remotely, the D’CENT Biometric wallet can generate private keys on the device without needing to connect to additional software.
This ensures protection from unauthorized access which can occur during private key generation on third-party software.
For added security, the wallet contains a secure chip (EAL5+) to keep all your private keys offline and thus free from hackers.
Here’s an outline of the device’s specifications:
| Size | 4.3 x 7.7 x 1.1 cm |
| Weight | 36 g |
| Display | Large OLED display, 128 x 128 pixels |
| Country or origin | Korea |
| Examples of supported assets | BTC, ETH, ERC20, LTC, DASH, XRP, BCH and many more |
| Battery | 585 mA (Charges for about 30 minutes and can last about a month) |
| Price | $139 excluding shipping |
Pros
- Fingerprint authentication system
- Compact
- Secure private key generation
- Supports multiple cryptocurrencies
Cons
- Slightly complex set up process
Ledger Nano X: Best Hardware Wallet for Asset Recovery
Ledger Nano X hardware wallet
Ledger, the company behind the Ledger Nano X hardware wallet was started in France, in 2014, at the height of the Bitcoin era.
The Ledger Nano X device functions with the support of the Ledger Live app which manages all the coins and tokens in your portfolio and allows you to buy crypto through Coinify and MoonPay.
The app can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store and is also available on Windows, Mac, and Linux desktop computers.
The Ledger Nano X hardware wallet currently retails at $149 and upon purchase, you’ll receive a compact and lightweight 34 g device that can pass as a simple USB drive. You’ll also get a USB-C cable, sheets for writing down the recovery phrase, and an instruction booklet.
To operate the hardware wallet you simply need to connect it to your device via Bluetooth and you’re set.
In addition, the wallet also has considerable storage space allowing for a diverse portfolio of coins and ERC-20 tokens.
One of the most attractive security features of the Ledger Nano X hardware wallet is its ‘Hidden wallet’. If you’re ever in a situation where you’re forced to reveal your portfolio, the ‘Hidden Wallet’ feature hides a specific portion of your assets in a concealed storage area.
This hidden portion is invisible to unauthorized users which reduces the level of loss, especially in case of a physical threat.
With Ledger Nano X you no longer have to worry about losing your recovery seed thanks to the new ‘Recover’ feature which enables you to divide your private key into three pieces that are stored by 3 trustworthy entities.
This service has been available since October 2023 and costs only €9.99 per month.
The Ledger Nano X currently costs 10% less, sign up to enjoy the 10% discount when you purchase the hardware wallet.
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Pros
- User-friendly
- Allows DApp integration
- Plenty of backup and retrieval options
- Supports numerous crypto
Cons
- Relies on Bluetooth connectivity
Related: Ledger Nano X Review: The Best Crypto Hardware Wallet?
Related: MoonPay Review (2024): Fees, Pros & Cons, and Sign-Up Guide
NGRAVE ZERO: The Safest Crypto Wallet for Cold Storage Crypto
NGRAVE ZERO crypto hardware wallet
When trying to describe NGRAVE ZERO’s commitment to security, one reviewer stated “They go into security as if they’re paranoid…” The NGRAVE ZERO hardware wallet is the safest and most secure in the industry.
The device is the true definition of air-gapped as it doesn’t use Bluetooth, USB cables, Near Field Communication (NFC), or 4G. If you want to set up communication with the device you can only use QR codes.
NGRAVE ZERO is Evaluation Assurance Level 7 (EAL7) certified and is the only financial device that’s been able to attain such a certification.
But what does that mean?
The EAL7 certification is issued by the Common Criteria Organization which is an international body that evaluates and certifies the security of IT products.
Before the certification is issued, the device, in this case, the NGRAVE ZERO wallet, undergoes a rigorous assessment of its design, development process, and implementation to ensure it follows certain security protocols.
By getting the certification NGRAVE ZERO has proven that it can be trusted to guard sensitive digital information from all sorts of threats.
Some of the security features that have contributed to this certification include the device’s QR-code-only feature, Passphrase authentication, and custom-made operating system.
The company that created the NGRAVE ZERO, NGRAVE has created a wallet that supports thousands of coins and tokens such as BTC, ETH, DOGE, LTC, XRP, ERC-20, and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
The NGRAVE ZERO hardware wallet definitely comes with a hefty price tag of $398.
However, if you’ve ever been a victim of security breaches, then you know that the hardware wallet is worth more than it’s currently retailing for.
Pros
- EAL7 certified OS
- Has biometric authentication
- Custom in-house operating system
- Supports thousands of coins and tokens including NFTs
Cons
- High initial investment required
BC Vault: Best Cold Wallet for Long-Term Storage
BC Vault crypto hardware wallet
BC Vault hardware wallet was created and released by a Slovenian cybersecurity firm that’s been in operation for over 20 years now. The company describes its product as a vault and you’ll often see the phrase “Wallets are for pocket money. Vaults are for safekeeping.”
The BC Vault wallet is a secure vault as it features security measures such as seedless storage, encryption, tamper-proof, and tamper-evident packaging.
The BC Vault manufacturers are so confident in their product that they have loaded each wallet with an address that holds 1 BTC. Any user that’s able to bypass the wallet’s security features is free to keep the Bitcoin.
Good luck with that, friend.
Private keys on the BC Vault hardware wallet are stored on a special Ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) chip that can keep data for over 200 years. This makes the BC Vault one of the most durable wallets that can even be passed down to different generations.
The following content makes up the product’s package:
- The BC Vault hardware wallet
- USB C cable
- User manual
- MicroSD card
- Stickers
Here’s an outline of the hardware wallet’s specifications:
| Size | 3.93 x 2.24 x 0.39 inches |
| Weight | 41 g |
| Screen | 2.42” OLED display |
| Number of coins and tokens supported | Millions |
There are multiple versions of the BC Vault wallet and each comes with its own unique build and price point.
Currently, the cheapest BC Vault hardware wallet is the Basic model which goes for about $130 while the most expensive wallet is the Special Gold edition which will cost you upwards of $1600.
Pros
- Large display
- Easy backup capabilities
- Comes with FeRAM storage
- Allows Universal 2 Factor (U2F) authentication
Cons
- Doesn’t support mobile devices
What Is a Hardware Wallet?
A hardware wallet is a physical crypto device that allows you to store private keys, which in the crypto industry are fundamental when you need to access your coins.
The allure of hardware wallets is the fact that they’re inaccessible through the internet making them safe from security breaches and outages that are common when using software wallets.
How to Choose a Hardware Wallet
Here are factors you should keep in mind before you spend money on a particular hardware wallet:
Security
Security should be your top priority when selecting a hardware wallet. In general, the more avenues for internet connectivity the more vulnerable a wallet is to hacking and interference.
The ideal wallet, therefore, comes with one or more of the following features
Air-gapped mechanism
A device that features an air-gapped mechanism can be completely isolated from the internet while still being able to allow transactions to go on. Such wallets can eliminate the greatest threat in online crypto devices–hacking.
Multi-Factor authentication
In the context of hardware wallets, multi-factor authentication can involve a combination of pins or passphrases, mobile or app authentication through a one-time code or QR code, or the use of a physical chip or card, and much more.
Such added authentication prevents hacking even in the case of identity theft.
Encrypted Communication
At the very least, a hardware wallet should feature end-to-end encryption which ensures that information on a transaction is free from monitoring and interference.
Some wallets may also feature additional protocols such as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) for added security during transactions.
Physical Tamper Resistance
The portable nature of hardware wallets, while convenient, also poses a potential risk if they are dropped or misplaced. The best wallets, therefore, come with easy traceability features such as a companion mobile app or Bluetooth features.
A well-built wallet also makes it impossible for fraudsters to physically access or manipulate the wallet’s internal components without causing considerable damage.
More advanced wallets even feature built-in mechanisms that detect and respond to intrusion by alerting you via mobile or shutting down therefore rendering the wallet inoperable.
Regular wallet firmware updates
Frequent firmware updates are vital for addressing security vulnerabilities and enhancing the wallet’s defenses against the ever-changing threats in crypto. A wallet that actively provides and implements updates also shows the company’s commitment to providing the highest level of security.
Compatibility
Most hardware crypto wallets can be managed on desktop computers that run popular operating systems like Linux, macOS, and Windows.
However, when it comes to mobile compatibility, always double-check that your preferred wallet can be used on your Android or iPhone device.
Also, consider how the wallet connects to your computer or mobile device. Most wallets use USB while a few use Bluetooth. If you’re using Bluetooth, check that your device supports the Bluetooth version that’s available on the hardware wallet.
User-friendliness
In the hardware crypto wallet industry, user-friendliness is important for ensuring accessibility and ease of use.
Lack of proper knowledge on how to operate the device under best practices can make you susceptible to hacking especially if you leave the wallet connected to the internet over long periods.
Therefore, look for a wallet and supported app that has an intuitive interface that consists of a simple menu and easy-to-understand options.
A user-friendly wallet is also easy to set up and doesn’t require assistance from other users who, despite their intentions, should always be considered a security threat. Most user-friendly wallets also come with detailed educational resources and multi-language support for a more inclusive experience.
Backup capabilities
Accidents are common, especially with the size and build of some wallets. Therefore, you need to get a wallet that offers numerous backup and recovery options that are easy yet secure.
At the very least, every hardware wallet should come with a recovery seed that allows you access to your private keys in case the device gets lost or destroyed.
If a hardware wallet comes with additional storage options for the recovery seed, even better.
Price
Most hardware wallets cost between $70 and $400 with a few outliers on either side of the price scale. While price is often the biggest motivator when making purchases, it should not be the sole influencer of your decision to purchase a wallet.
A $500 hardware wallet may not be useful if you only have BTC and ETH in your portfolio even if it offers the highest level of security in the industry.
Alternatively, if you have multiple assets apart from crypto, you might need to dig a little deeper into your pockets to afford a wallet that offers tons of storage, is compatible with third-party software such as DApps, and has more than average security features.
Cold Wallet vs Hot Wallet: Which one is Safer?
As a newbie in the crypto world, it’s tempting to keep your assets in the exchange. After all, it’s convenient and grants easy access at the tap of a button.
However, there’s no worse decision than entrusting even the most popular exchange with your coins, especially over a long period.
And that’s where wallets come in handy, as they’re usually fitted with robust security measures that protect your assets from disappearing into thin air.
Cold wallets and hot wallets are the main storage options in the crypto world but which one truly offers protection?
Hot wallets
As the name implies, hot wallets are constantly connected to the internet.
Hot wallets can be classified further depending on the device they’re used on so you could have desktop wallets, mobile wallets, and online wallets.
Hot wallets are the most popular as they’re readily accessible on the internet, often free, and come with integrated features that allow for seamless trading on exchanges.
One of the key disadvantages of being connected to the net is the constant threat of phishing or hacking. Additionally, hot wallets are vulnerable to outages that may sometimes result in loss of assets.
Cold wallets
Cold wallets are also known as hardware wallets.
They’re physical wallets that often resemble a USB stick or hard drive and are used to store the private keys that are necessary for you to access your digital coins.
Since such wallets operate offline or are only online for a limited period, they’re thought to be almost 100% safe.
The most unattractive trait of cold wallets is their price. Most cold wallets will cost you upwards of $100.
You may have come across the term ‘Paper wallet’ in the world of cold storage. Well, a paper wallet is just that – a paper, that contains information on the public and private keys that are associated with your assets.
The public address allows you to receive funds, while the private key, usually concealed by a scratch-off or seal, grants access to manage and transfer those funds.
It’s important to note that paper wallets are generally less secure but they were once popular before the introduction of reliable hot wallets.
Conclusion
Keeping digital assets safe is becoming increasingly challenging, and no product has saved the day more than hardware wallets.
The top wallets like Trezor T and BC Vault offer varying security methods while ensuring ease of use and compatibility with other devices and platforms. When choosing a hardware wallet it’s essential to find the perfect balance in terms of price, security, backup options, and compatibility.
FAQs
Which crypto hardware wallet is best?
The best crypto hardware wallet is Trezor T. However the best crypto wallet will also depend on your specific needs.
For instance, if you’re looking for a Bitcoin-only wallet, the BitBox02 Bitcoin-only wallet is your best bet and if you’d like to store your crypto over a long period, the BC Vault wallet is the best in the game.
What is the most secure crypto wallet?
The most secure crypto wallet is the NGRAVE ZERO. The wallets come with the highest possible certification in the finance realm, the EAL7 which is only issued to devices that have been proven to provide the highest level of security.
Are hardware wallets 100% safe?
Air-gapped hardware wallets are considered 100% safe. This is because they’re disconnected from the internet making them remotely impenetrable.
Additionally, most hardware wallets are built to withstand physical tampering and prevent reassembly in case a hacker is able to open up the device.
Is a cold wallet better than a hot wallet?
Yes, in most aspects, a cold wallet is better than a hot wallet, especially because of the added level of security. Hot wallets are more susceptible to outages, especially when exchanges are down and some of these outages have happened permanently in the past.
Hot wallets are also accessible to internet hackers and fraudsters.
Which wallet is best for crypto and bitcoin?
The wallet that’s best for crypto and bitcoin is, in our opinion, Trezor T.
The Trezor Model T wallet supports a variety of well-known coins and Altcoins and features a robust security system that includes microSD authentication and PIN protection. The device’s touchscreen is of a good size and responsive, making the user experience seamless.
