Hardware Wallets

Our Top Picks for the Best Crypto Hardware Wallets

After reviewing multiple different devices, we’ve drawn up our shortlist of the 10 best crypto hardware wallets on the market.

1. Ledger Nano X – Overall Best Cold Wallet
2. Trezor Model T – Most User-friendly Operation
3. Ledger Nano S Plus – The Best Wallet on a Budget
4. ELLIPAL Titan – Best 100% Air Gapped Wallet
5. Cool Wallet Pro – Best Wallet for NFTs
6. Safepal S1 – Best Wallet for Beginners
7. Keystone – The Best MetaMask Wallet Partner
8. BitBox02 – Best Wallet for ERC20 Tokens
9. Gridplus Lattice 1 – Best for Holding an Unlimited Number of Crypto Wallets
10. Secu X V20 – Best Wallet for Speedy Transactions

Best Hardware Wallets Reviewed

1. Ledger Nano X – Overall Best Hardware Wallet

Top of our list is the Ledger Nano X, which we’ve scored as our overall best cold wallet. Launched in 2019, the Nano X is the flagship product from Paris-based manufacturer Ledger. With a strong reputation for crypto security, support for over 100 apps, and widespread compatibility with Windows, Mac OS and Ubuntu operating systems, it’s an excellent all-round device for securely storing your crypto assets.

The button interface is arguably not the most user-friendly, and you have to connect by USB to your device if you want to update the firmware. But on the whole, we’ve found the Ledger Nano X to be the top performing hardware wallet for security and usability at its price point.

2. Trezor Model T – The Most User-friendly Wallet

The Trezor Model T is another market-leading option, renowned for its combination of security and accessibility. If you’re looking for a crypto hardware wallet that is easy to use, the Trezor Model T is our top pick. Launched in 2018, the Model T is one of the most enduring products on the market – it’s still here, outperforming its rivals years later because it works so well. Support for over 1800 cryptocurrencies makes this a flexible device, whatever crypto assets you’re holding. With an easy touchscreen display and support across multiple languages, including English, Czech, Russian, Japanese and Spanish, it’s a breeze securing your crypto with the Trezor.

Enhanced safety features like the user-generated password, PIN protection (up to 50 characters) and firmware verification, it’s also a highly secure way to protect your crypto. It is a good bit more expensive than some other models, but it’s the ideal option for those with large holdings to protect who want a device that is easy to use.

3. Ledger Nano S Plus – The Best Cold Wallet on a Budget

Our second entry from Ledger, the Nano S Plus is the budget model in the Nano range. While it’s a little lighter on the features, the same basic principles as the Nano X still apply. This is a simple, secure device that is perfect for those who want to secure their cryptocurrency without breaking the bank. For those with small holdings, or those who just want an extra layer of protection with none of the bells and whistles, the Ledger Nano S Plus earns our rating.

More user-friendly than some other devices, it’s neatly sized, with a durable metallic casing to protect against damage. While it doesn’t work with iOS devices, lacks Bluetooth connectivity and has a somewhat laborious seed backup process, it’s a generally easy device to use that works well for users on a budget.

4. ELLIPAL Titan – The Best Air Gapped Crypto Wallet

For those looking for maximum security, the ELLIPAL Titan is our recommendation for the best 100% air-gapped wallet. With no connectivity to the Internet or by any wireless means, the Titan is the best in class for users with particular security concerns. Supporting over 10,000 tokens across 52 different blockchains, it’s a flexible device that relies on QR codes to complete transactions for added security. Built to be tamper-proof and 100% secure, it feels like a robust unit that will safeguard your crypto assets until you’re ready to gain access.

It’s more expensive to buy than some other hardware wallets, so it’s really an investment in security. While the support doesn’t extend to as many cryptocurrencies as you’ll find with some other hardware wallets, the security features more than make up for it.

5. Cool Wallet Pro – The Best Cold Wallet for NFTs

With over 300,000 units sold worldwide and counting, the Cool Wallet Pro is a popular choice – and our pick for the best hardware wallet for NFTs. With its app that allows for NFT trading, this wallet is specifically geared to buying, selling and storing your NFTs. It’s highly secure and tamper-proof, so you can be assured your tokens will be secure. It only works with mobile devices on iOS and Android, and won’t connect to your computer, but otherwise, this is a pretty solid unit.

It’s also open source coded, with regular updates available to ensure your crypto is kept as safe as possible. With support for over 12,000 coins across 27 blockchains, it’s a robust, flexible device for accommodating your needs.

6. SafePal S1 – The Best Hardware Wallet for Beginners

As a beginner to storing crypto in a hard wallet, you need a device that is easy to use, highly secure and supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and tokens. The Safepal S1 does all of this and more. A fully air-gapped crypto wallet that couldn’t be more user friendly if it tried, it’s our top pick for the best wallet for beginners. With the ability to cross chain swap and trade, as well as a simple user interface that allows you to scroll through your crypto holdings, it’s an effective, secure device for those looking for an easy entry into the world of crypto wallets.

Note that there is a point of vulnerability with the Safepal – when it connected to your device for firmware upgrades. This is something to be mindful of, though it’s generally a very safe device, and unlikely to be much for a concern for beginners and those with more limited holdings.

7. KeyStone Wallet – The Best MetaMask Wallet Partner

The main cold wallet partner of MetaMask, the KeyStone wallet supports some 5,500 cryptocurrencies across 200 blockchains. It’s a QR-only device, so it’s fully air-gapped to remove any vulnerability to hacking and theft – no Bluetooth, no USB and no WiFi connectivity. Sitting towards the higher end of the price spectrum, it comes with its own self-destruct mechanisms for maximum security, with offline firmware upgrade technology making it entirely secured against outside influence.

It cannot be used for buying crypto, and has limited functionality beyond secure storage. But with the easy-to-use touchscreen interface, and a whole host of hi-tech security measures built in, it’s our recommended pick for the best MetaMask wallet partner.

8. BitBox02 – Best Wallet for ERC20 Tokens

Offering a simple user experience and strong security, the BitBox02 comes in as our best wallet for ERC20 tokens. First launched in 2019, the device has been around the block, and continues to score well in user reviews and independent tests. It plugs in directly to your Android, as well as a range of computers, though note it has no support for iOS. Compatible with some 1500 cryptocurrencies, it doesn’t cover quite as many crypto assets as other devices. But with its large display, it’s super easy to use – even for beginners.

If you’re looking for a wallet for securing your ERC20 tokens, the BitBox02 is the perfect, compact device for getting the job done. There’s also a Bitcoin-only model if you’re just storing BTC.

9. GridPlus Lattice 1 – Best for Holding an Unlimited Number of Crypto Wallets

Launched in 2020, the Gridplus Lattice 1 is an absolute beast of a unit. This is definitely not something you can stick in your pocket. It’s a serious bit of equipment with a very bulk form – there’s even a 5-inch screen, similar in size to some old iPhone models, built in to one side of the unit. It is however a highly secure device, which relies on Safecards for remotely storing your seed phrases. Similar to a credit card, these cards are physically inserted into the device to access your crypto – another layer of security in what is undoubtedly a very secure device.

With tamper detection technology built in, plus the ability to support an unlimited number of crypto wallets, the Gridplus Lattic 1 is one of our top recommendations for holding your crypto. Especially recommended for serious crypto investors who are willing to spend the budget to get a robust device in place.

10. SecuX V20 – Best Vault – Grade Cold Wallet for Crypto and NFTs

If you’re after speedy transactions, we recommend checking out the Secu X V20. Support for over 10,000 cryptocurrencies and a maximum of 500 wallets makes this a very versatile unit. It’s touch screen display is large enough to be easy to use, and makes it quick to recall your private keys when you need to send funds quickly.

While it’s quite bulky compared to some other units, the Secu X V20 does its job effectively, with QR code-based technology to protect against external threats. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity, so it’s not entirely air-gapped, but it is still a highly secure device for allowing fast payments on your blockchain of choice.

Best Cryptocurrency Wallet Hardware Compared

Wallet	Price	Features	Pros	Cons	Amazon Rating
Ledger Nano X	$79	Support for over 5,500 crypto assets	CC EAL 5+ certified for security	Cannot be used for mining crypto	4.4
Trezor Model T	$149	Password and PIN protection for added security	Long track record of performance at the highest level	No Bluetooth access – USB-C only	4.5
Ledger Nano S Plus	$79	Hard-wearing metallic casing to protect the device	Private keys exist only on the device	Not compatible with iOS devices	4.44
ELLIPAL Titan	$199	100% air gapped, with no connectivity to external networks	No reported hackings to date	Expensive compared to other wallets	4.1
Cool Wallet Pro	$149	Allows app-based trading of NFTs	Water-resistant design	Only works with iOS and Android mobile devices	4.2
Safepal S1	$49.99	Support for over 30,000 cryptocurrencies and tokens	Easy to use for beginners	Vulnerable when upgrading firmware	4
Keystone	$149	Air-gapped with QR code support	Self-destruct mechanism for ultimate security	No MicroSD for firmware upgrades	3.6
BitBox02	$139	Compatible with Android, MacOS, Linux and Windows	Open source coded software	Doesn’t support as many cryptocurrencies as other hardware wallets	4.2
Gridplus Lattice 1	$397	Tamper detection mechanism	Safecard for storing seed phrases	Only available in English	N/A
Secu X V20	$109.99	Certified EAL 5+ secure	QR-based technology	No support for multisig transactions	4.4

What Is a Crypto Hardware Wallet?

Imagine leaving your front door open, with piles of cash inside. If you don’t have a hardware wallet securing your cryptocurrency, you’re wide open to hacks that could see your crypto stolen in the blink of an eye.

A hardware wallet is a physical device used for storing cryptocurrency private keys – the lock to your safe. Private keys are required to access your cryptocurrency on the blockchain. Without the private keys, your crypto cannot move.

Storing these keys in a hardware wallet protects against loss, hacks and theft, because the physical device is required to move or spend any cryptocurrency you own.

A crypto hardware wallet offers the highest level of security possible for cryptocurrency storage. Compared to a hot wallet, which can be hacked with ease, a cold hardware wallet virtually guarantees the safety of your cryptocurrency.

How Does a Crypto Hardware Wallet Work?

A crypto hardware wallet stores the private keys that unlock your cryptocurrency when you want to move your funds.

Say you’re using a hardware wallet to send Bitcoin. The device itself holds the private keys you’ll need to use your bitcoin, but it can’t do the job alone. It needs to connect to more sophisticated software via your PC or laptop in order to broadcast the transaction to the blockchain.

This software, known as a “bridge”, can be downloaded onto your computer. The bridge reads the private key from your crypto hardware wallet to unlock your funds, so that you can send the cryptocurrency to its destination wallet.

Why Do Private Keys Matter?

Private keys are used to authenticate crypto transactions. They’re the padlock that secures your cryptocurrency, a key that only you can access to unlock your assets.

Private keys must therefore always remain private, and ideally, stored in a hardware wallet to prevent any unauthorized third-party access.

Benefits of Using a Hardware Wallet

• Secure your cryptocurrency. A hardware wallet is a secure place to store the private keys to your crypto assets
• Store crypto from multiple blockchains. Crypto assets from multiple blockchains can be stored in the same wallet, unlike digital wallets
• Prevent hacking (when not connected to the Internet). Cold hardware wallets cannot be hacked by third parties, unless they are connected to the Internet

Drawback of Using a Hardware Wallet

• Cost of physical hardware. A hardware wallet must be purchased, usually for somewhere between $30-$400
• Some technical setup required. You do need some technical understanding to setup and use a hardware wallet

What We Recommend Looking For When Choosing a Hardware Wallet

There is plenty of choice for those looking to buy a hardware crypto wallet. But what are the decisive factors you should be looking for when choosing between the various wallets on the market? We recommend taking the following key criteria into account when choosing the right hardware wallet for you.

Security Features

Any hardware wallet must be secure. The primary function of storing your crypto on a hardware wallet is the security of your funds, so we’d always put that top of the order of priority when choosing a device. Look for a cold wallet that cannot connect to the Internet on its own, for maximum security.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

The crypto wallet you choose should have support for multiple different cryptocurrencies. There’s no use in having multiple hardware wallets for different crypto balances. Any device you choose should have support for the cryptocurrency you hold, as well as any other cryptocurrencies you use.

User Interface & Experience

Hardware wallets can sometimes require a bit of technical understanding to get set up. The user interface and user experience is another key point for consideration – ideally, the device should be easy to setup and use, so it’s convenient for storing and accessing your private keys.

Reputation & Transparency

Trust is so important here – you’re looking for a device that you know you can rely on to keep valuable assets safe. The reputation of the hardware wallet manufacturers, plus the experiences of other users with the device you’re considering should all factor into any decision about which hardware wallet is right for you.

Backup & Recovery

A secure, simple backup and recovery process is vital should your wallet ever get damaged or lost. The last thing you want is to find that your crypto assets are unrecoverable in the event that your hardware wallet is compromised.

Supported Operating Systems

You should also check your device is compatible with the operating system on your PC or laptop. Full technical specifications are available for all reputable hardware wallets before purchase – we would always recommend reading through these to check a device is compatible with your setup.

Which is the Best Hardware Wallet?

	Ledger StaX	Ledger Nano X	Ledger Nano S Plus
Price	$279	$149	$79
Screen Type	E Ink	OLED	OLED
Digital Assets	5000+	5000+	5000+
Recovering Access to Assets	24-word Secret Recovery Phrase	24-word Secret Recovery Phrase	24-word Secret Recovery Phrase
Third Party Wallets	Compatible with 50+ wallets	Compatible with 50+ wallets	Compatible with 50+ wallets
NFT’s	Ethereum and Polygon	Ethereum and Polygon	Ethereum and Polygon

How to Set Up a Crypto Hardware Wallet: Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a crypto hardware wallet for the first time can be a little technical. If you follow the steps below, you should be covered for setting up most devices.

1. Purchase your crypto hardware wallet
2. Download the software for your hardware wallet
3. Load the setup wizard and begin installing the wallet on your computer or mobile
4. Connect your hardware wallet to your device by Bluetooth or USB
5. IMPORTANT: Store your seed phrase securely so you can access a backup of your wallet. Write it down and keep this in a safe place.
6. Link your hardware wallet to your crypto exchange or digital wallet
7. Transfer your crypto to the hardware wallet for safe, offline storage

How to Transfer and Store Cryptocurrency on Your Hardware Wallet

Once you’ve got your wallet setup, you’ll need to understand how to actually use it. If you’re transferring or storing crypto on your hardware wallet, follow the steps below.

1. Login to your online crypto wallet or exchange account
2. Add your crypto hardware wallet to your online wallet or account
3. Click the Send/Receive button in your digital wallet
4. Copy the wallet address for your hardware wallet and send your funds
5. Funds should show up within your hardware wallet once confirmed on the network
6. Your crypto can now be held securely in your hardware wallet
7. To send funds from your hardware wallet, use your bridge software to access the funds and their private keys to send from your hardware device

🔥 Eugene’s Hot Take on Hardware Wallets:

A solid hardware wallet is a must for anyone serious about investing in crypto. Expense and features don’t matter nearly as much as having a hardware wallet in the first place. While we’d always recommend choosing the best wallet for your budget, the main thing is that your crypto is securely held a cold wallet, rather than in a digital wallet or on a crypto exchange.

Do You Need a Hardware Wallet to Invest in Crypto?

It’s not strictly necessary to have a hardware wallet to invest in crypto. However, for those investing in larger amounts of cryptocurrency, it’s strongly recommended as a means of securing your assets against hacking and theft.

Hardware Wallets Vs Software Wallets

Hardware wallets allow for remote storage of your cryptocurrency. Without access to your device, hackers cannot access your crypto. Usually, hardware wallets also come with further layers of security, including PIN access and fingerprint technology, which offers more peace of mind against theft. But without the physical device in their hand, no one can access your funds.

Software wallets are undoubtedly more convenient, accessible through your mobile or Internet-connected device. These are much more flexible, perhaps better suited to those sending and receiving smaller amounts of cryptocurrency in more frequent transactions.

Software wallets are usually available free of charge, but are much less secure than their hardware counterparts. There have been countless stories of software wallets being hacked and funds going missing – disasters that simply aren’t possible when you’re storing your assets on hardware.

As a general rule, we say that if you absolutely don’t want to lose your cryptocurrency, you need to store it on a hardware wallet for maximum peace of mind.

Why Trust Bitedge?

At Bitedge, we’ve been helping people understand the ins and outs of cryptocurrency, crypto wallets and technology since 2013. For over a decade, we’ve been established as a trusted, independent source of information for those looking to buy, sell and invest in crypto assets.

Our team has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to investing and transacting in crypto, sharing expert insights that have made us one of the web’s most trusted sources for bitcoin and cryptocurrency know-how.

Final Thoughts

There’s a crypto hardware wallet for everyone. Whether you’re a total beginner looking at the Safepal S1 to meet your basic need for security, or you’re a serious crypto investor looking at the Gridplus Lattice for supporting a large number of crypto wallets, there are plenty of good solutions on the market.

We’d always recommend reading as much as possible on your shortlisted models before buying, including user reviews. It’s the best way to help you settle on the right crypto hardware wallet for your needs. If in doubt, the Ledger Nano X is our best overall recommendation for a good all-rounder.