10 Best Hardware Wallets For Bitcoin & Other Crypto Compared

bitcoin hardware wallet

Today, there are various ways to store cryptocurrencies securely. Many wallets have been created to provide a level of safety that makes investors feel confident. With so many options available, people often wonder which hardware wallet is the best choice.

In this article, we have carefully examined some of the top hardware wallets based on their prices, features, advantages, and disadvantages. You can use this information as a starting guide to protect your Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency assets.

What is a Hardware Wallet?

A hardware crypto wallet, sometimes referred to as a hard wallet, is like a USB drive or physical device that keeps your cryptocurrency safe in an offline environment. It’s harder to hack because it’s a physical object. Think of it like a regular one where you keep money but for digital coins like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) and various other digital assets. When setting up your hardware wallet, you can generate a recovery key that’ll be used to retrieve your assets if you ever forget your password. However, you’ll permanently lose your assets if you both lose the wallet and the recovery key, so be careful about storing them.

A hardware wallet is a physical device, such as a hardware device, that stores your cryptocurrency offline, providing specialized firmware to store your private keys so that only you can authorize transactions with it. Hardware wallets usually look like USB drives or have the rectangular shape of typical ones. Aside from its security advantages, a hardware wallet also gives users tactile control over their funds on a mobile device. To many, having their funds in their hands is a familiar feeling paramount for adoption.

hardware wallet vs software wallet

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Hardware wallets are like digital safes for your digital money, such as Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Even though some people might use the terms Bitcoin and hardware wallets interchangeably, these often start with Bitcoin basics.

These wallets can hold many types of digital money, not just Bitcoin. The main drawback is their cost, ranging from $50 to $200. But this price is small compared to the Bitcoin price prediction.

Next, we’ll show you some of the top hardware wallets to help you pick the best one for keeping your money safe.

What are the different types of crypto wallets?

There are basically two kinds: cold wallets and hot wallets. In this explanation, we’ll provide a clear understanding of both types.

Hot wallets

Hot wallets are online tools to store digital money, like the ones on certain apps. While they’re easy to use and available on phones, they can be risky because hackers can break into them. Over the years, many have been hacked. People use them for trading, even though they can be unsafe. People who want to how to trade Bitcoin often use them, despite the risks.

Cold wallets

Cold wallets are the most secure way to store your digital money, providing peace of mind by keeping it safe from hackers. They’re like regular ones but as safe as bank vaults. If you want to protect your digital coins, like Bitcoin or Dogecoin, use a cold wallet, which is the most secure way to ensure peace of mind. They have a secret password and can be easily integrated with popular payment methods like Apple Pay and Google.

The top cold wallets, such as Trezor by SatoshiLabs and Ledger, even offer the option to link them with a Visa-backed debit card, providing added convenience for users. Additionally, when you sign up for a cold wallet like Coinbase, you will receive a 12-word recovery phrase, also known as a seed phrase, that ensures only you have access to your private key.

Paper wallets

Paper wallets are like a special piece of paper that keeps your digital money safe. It has a special code and key on it. But, they can be tricky. If you want to use some of your money, you need to move all of it online first. After you use what you need, you should make a new paper wallet for the rest. Be super careful, or you might lose your money. Using other types is often safer.

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How does a Hardware Wallet Work?

A cryptocurrency hardware wallet is like a special USB stick that keeps your digital money safe. After getting one, make sure you learn how to use it. With this, you keep your money offline and only go online when you want to use it. Plug in the device, enter your PIN, do your transaction, and unplug it to keep everything safe. Best practices for holding crypto include purchasing a hardware wallet for offline storage, which provides enhanced security compared to digital and exchange ones that rely on a third party to safeguard your assets. Online wallets are another option for storing your cryptocurrencies securely.

Your next best option is a “noncustodial” software wallet or app. While you could choose to leave it on a crypto exchange in a custodial wallet – which means you don’t fully own the asset, but instead you’re trusting the company to hold it for you – the better option is to move it into one you own.

Want to know more? Check out iMi Blockchain Academy. Click on the picture to see a free tutorial. We also have other guides on digital money and how to get Bitcoins for free.

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bitcoin wallet tutorial

Hardware wallets keep your private keys safe inside them. Even when plugged into a computer, it handles everything. The wallet and computer talk to each other.

Top 10 Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallets Comparison Chart (Pros and Cons)

Product nameSupported coins and tokensOur ratingPricing
Ledger Nano S Plus5,5005$67
Trezor One1,2894$69
Trezor T1,4565$219
Ledger Nano X5,5005$189
KeepKey2,5004$78
Ellipal Titan Bundle7,0005$228
Secalot3 + ERC203$59
BitBox021,5004$146
D’CENT Biometric Wallet3,0005$159
Keystone 3 Pro (Cobo Vault)5,0003$129

Best Hardware Wallet for Cryptocurrency: Our Top 10 List

Companies have made digital currency like Bitcoin safer. There are many types, but the safest one is a Bitcoin hardware wallet.

Next, we’ll see the top 10 hardware wallets, their pros and cons, and their prices. What’s good about them, what’s not so great, and how much they cost, among other things.

1. Ledger Nano X (best bitcoin hardware wallet)

The better version of the Ledger Nano device is one of the top hardware wallets for cryptocurrencies. It has extra features that appeal to tech-savvy investors. Now, let’s see what’s good and not so good about it.

Benefits of Ledger Nano X (Bluetooth and XRP support):

  • You can connect it to your phone using Bluetooth
  • It’s bigger and heavier than the old one
  • It’s safe
  • It can hold up to 5,500 coins
  • It has a larger screen

Drawbacks of Ledger Nano X:

  • Higher price than Ledger Nano S but offers the same level of security

Price of Ledger Nano X: $189 including free shipping worldwide.

2. Trezor One (The best Hardware Wallet with a great App)

Trezor One stands out as a more attractive and distinctive choice compared to the Ledger Nano S. While these two devices share some similarities, the main differences revolve around their brand and design.

Benefits of Trezor One:

  • Money is kept in a special offline wallet for safety
  • They often update the software for more security
  • You can connect it to an exchange if you want
  • You can trade 1,289 kinds of coins with this
  • It looks cool and has a bright screen, not like a boring USB stick

Drawbacks of Trezor One:

  • Older devices might not work well with your computer, which can be confusing for new users
  • It’s more expensive than the Ledger Nano S because shipping is not included

Price of Trezor One: $69 excluding shipping.

This device costs about $69, but remember that shipping isn’t included. Plus, they give you a 15-day guarantee, so you can return it and get your money back if needed.

3. Ledger Nano S Plus (good hardware wallet for beginners)

The Ledger Nano S Plus is a well-known and secure cryptocurrency wallet. It has sold over 1.5 million devices since 2014 and is certified as the safest in the crypto market by ANSSI.

Benefits of Ledger Nano S Plus:

  • It can store over 5,500 different coins and tokens and even lets you trade them
  • It’s user-friendly, with two buttons and a clear screen for easy navigation
  • If you ever lose it, you can recover your funds with a 24-word phrase
  • Plus, it has a security chip similar to those in passports for added protection

Drawbacks of Ledger Nano S Plus:

  • Previous models don’t have Bluetooth, so you need an OTG cable to link them to your computer or phone
  • You can’t change the way it looks, which isn’t a major issue, but it might stand out to some people

Price of Ledger Nano S Plus: $67 including free worldwide shipping.

The gadget costs only $67, and it comes with free shipping all around the world. Plus, you can return it within 14 days, no questions asked.

4. Trezor T (top-rated hardware wallet)

Trezor Model T is a highly advanced hardware wallet. It’s an improved version of the Trezor One and comes with many advanced features. This one has a touchscreen and securely stores your cryptocurrencies in the cloud. While it supports all the coins that Trezor One does, it also adds support for about 5 more, such as Cardano (ADA), Ripple (XRP), and Tezos (XTZ). With the Trezor wallets, you can now securely manage and make transactions with over 1,456 coins and tokens, directly in Trezor Suite through the company’s website or the desktop app. The Model T also comes with a USB cable to connect to your computer, providing a convenient way to access it securely.

Benefits of Trezor T:

  • Trezor T is user-friendly
  • It has a sleek design that attracts people
  • It works with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, among other systems
  • Plus, it’s even more powerful and advanced than the Trezor One

Drawbacks of Trezor T

  • It’s bigger than the Ledger Nano.
  • Not as budget-friendly as the older Trezor One

Price of Trezor T: To buy a Trezor T, you might have to save around $186.

5. KeepKey (cheap hardware wallet backup)

This one isn’t very well-known, but it has lots of cool features. The Keepkey isn’t our top choice on this list, but there are plenty of good reasons to consider getting one.

Benefits of Keepkey:

  • This is an HD case, like a small computer for keeping your keys safe
  • It often has big discounts, making it affordable
  • The price has fallen about 60%, probably because not many people are buying it
  • It’s still just as secure as the others we talked about, and it looks really cool

Drawbacks of Keepkey:

  • Limited cryptocurrency storage: This one only works with 7 well-known cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin
  • No web add-on: To use these features, users must install external software like Electrum or Multibit
  • Bigger in size: It’s larger than the other choices on this list, making it less easy to carry around

Price of Keepkey: $78 including worldwide shipping.

6. Ellipal (most unique hardware wallet)

The Ellipal hardware wallet stands out from the others on this list. It operates independently without needing an internet connection, making it a true cold wallet. Plus, it supports over 7,000 different cryptocurrencies.

Benefits of Ellipal:

  • No need for wires or USB connections; communication occurs using QR codes
  • It’s as user-friendly as a regular smartphone
  • Setting up and using the app is a breeze due to its simplicity and excellent design

Drawbacks of Ellipal:

  • We don’t know who made the device, so it’s a bit tough to trust it
  • It’s also tricky to update the device because it can’t go online
  • Plus, it costs more than the other choices we talked about

Price of Ellipal: $228 excluding shipping costs.

7. Secalot (best all-in-one hardware wallet)

Secalot is like a super-secure USB stick that does a bunch of important things. It keeps your cryptocurrency safe, helps with security for emails, and even lets you log in to websites safely. Plus, it’s not too expensive!

Benefits of Secalot

  • It’s a versatile device that provides extra value compared to many other ones
  • It works on popular operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, and you don’t need special drivers
  • Its security is excellent, thanks to a powerful microcontroller with advanced encryption technology

Drawbacks of Secalot

  • Not as many coins are supported compared to other options

Price of Secalot: You can get the device for $59.

8. BitBox02 (best hardware wallet with full node compatibility)

The BitBox02 is a Swiss-made product that uses open-source technology. It’s a special kind that comes with the BitBoxApp, which helps people keep their coins safe. The BitBox02 can hold up to 1,500 coins.

Benefits of BitBox02

  • It’s easy to set up and safe
  • BitBox02 lets users quickly connect to a main system
  • You can save backups on a small card or use recovery words
  • Anyone can check the software and hardware because they’re open
  • It has a built-in guide for any questions you might have

Drawbacks of BitBox02

  • More limited availability than other brands
  • Not the best for budget concerns, with other issues

Price of BitBox02: One BitBox02 costs $146.

9. D’CENT Biometric Wallet (top biometric hardware wallet)

D’CENT biometric wallet is a special one that can connect to phones or tablets with Bluetooth or a USB. It has a built-in fingerprint sensor for easy access. This piece can hold up to 3,000 different kinds of digital money.

Benefits of D’CENT Biometric Wallet

  • It has Bluetooth and USB options to connect easily
  • The design looks cool and can read things like fingerprints
  • It’s super safe because of special computer chips

Drawbacks of D’CENT Biometric Wallet

  • Fewer users than its main rivals
  • Not as small as Ledger and Trezor

Price of D’CENT Biometric Wallet: To get one, it costs $159 plus shipping.

10. Keystone 3 Pro (best open-source hardware wallet)

Keystone 3 Pro (formerly Cobo Vault) is a new type of safe storage system. It uses QR codes to protect against harmful software. It’s even safer than Bluetooth and USB devices because it’s more transparent.

Benefits of Keystone 3 Pro

  • Uses open-source software
  • Works without mobile data
  • Keeps keys safe with random numbers
  • Has a cool 4-inch touchscreen

Drawbacks of Keystone 3 Pro

  • This piece doesn’t have real cons

Price of Keystone 3 Pro: A Keystone device costs $129.

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What is the Best Bitcoin Hardware Wallet?

From the top hardware wallets mentioned, each one has its own special features and cost. Picking the best Bitcoin wallet depends on what you like. There are many others available. If you want to start, you can use the list above to help you choose.

Best Crypto Hardware Wallets: Key Takeaways

Digital currencies can be kept safe online or offline. If kept online it can be easily hacked, but offline is much safer.

Choosing the right one can be confusing. So, we made a guide to help you pick. Always buy directly from the maker, not from places like Amazon, to be sure it’s safe. Why? Because you’re saving money in it and even Amazon can’t promise it hasn’t been tampered with.

Best Bitcoin WalletThe OLED WalletThe Beginners WalletThe top-rated WalletA Cheaper Wallet
Ledger Nano XTrezor Oneledger nano sTrezor Model T crypto walletkeepkey wallet
$189
Buy Ledger Nano X
$69
Buy Trezor One
$67
Buy Ledger Nano S Plus
$219
Buy Trezor T
$78
Buy Keepkey
The unique Walletall-in-one WalletFull node WalletThe biometric WalletOpen-Source Wallet
ellipal cold walletsecalot bitcoin walletbitbox 02 crypto walletdcent biometric walletcobo vault keystone
$228
Buy the Ellipal
$59
Buy the Secalot
$146
Buy BitBox02
$159
Buy D’CENT Biometric
$129
Buy Keystone 3 Pro

With the right digital wallet, you can use Bitcoin. But be careful of scams! If you need help or want to learn more, talk to our experts for free!

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FAQ

What is Bitcoin hardware?

Bitcoin hardware has 2 parts. Part #1 is for mining, which helps keep track of Bitcoin transactions. Part #2 is like a USB stick called a hardware wallet, where you safely keep your Bitcoins.

How to buy Bitcoin hardware wallet?

You can get a Bitcoin wallet from the maker’s site, Amazon, or our site. Check our reviews first. We sometimes have cool deals too.

How to use Bitcoin hardware wallet?

To use a Bitcoin hardware wallet, plug it into your computer or phone. Some come with their own apps, but others don’t need them. If you have a Ledger Nano S, watch our video guide. The Ledger Nano X is a new type from a French company. It’s made of steel and has Bluetooth connectivity. This lets you connect it to phones and computers easily. The Ledger Nano X has better features than the Ledger Nano S.

Marcel Isler

Marcel Isler

Marcel is a Business Economist and founder of iMi Blockchain. A Consultant and international Keynote Speaker. He studied at the University of Oxford. He helps enterprises to implement Blockchain applications. On our blog, he writes about distributed ledger technology, smart contracts, cryptocurrencies, industry news, and future trends.