Introduction

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have seen massive growth and adoption over the past few years. As more people enter the crypto space, the need for secure storage of digital assets becomes increasingly important. This is where best crypto hardware wallets come in.

Hardware wallets are physical devices designed specifically to store your private keys and sign transactions without exposing them to the internet. This provides an extra layer of protection against hackers and malware. When compared to software or web wallets, hardware wallets are widely considered to be the most secure way to hold cryptocurrency.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best crypto hardware wallets available and what features make them stand out.

How Do Hardware Wallets Work?

A best crypto hardware wallets resembles a USB drive that connects to your computer or smartphone via USB or Bluetooth. Once connected, the device generates your private keys and stores them securely offline. This prevents them from ever being exposed to an internet-connected device where they could be stolen by hackers.

When you want to make a transaction, you connect the hardware wallet to sign it using your private key without that key ever leaving the device. This allows you to securely transact while keeping your private keys safely offline in “cold storage.”

Here are some key advantages hardware wallets provide:

• Maximum security – private keys are generated offline and never exposed
• Protection against online threats like hacking and malware
• Easy backups – you can create multiple copies of your seed phrase
• Support many major cryptocurrencies and tokens
• Portable size makes them easy to store securely

Now let’s take a look at some of the top options:

Best Crypto Hardware Wallets

Ledger Nano X

The Ledger Nano X is one of the most popular and advanced hardware wallets on the market. Here are some of its standout features:

• Supports 1000+ cryptocurrencies
• Large memory capacity
• Bluetooth connectivity for mobile use
• Built-in display and controls
• Rechargeable battery
• Developed by industry pioneer Ledger

The Ledger Nano X offers robust security in a sleek and portable device. With Bluetooth capability, you can manage your crypto on the go directly from your smartphone. The built-in screen gives you the ability to verify transactions on the device without needing to connect to a computer.

Overall, the Ledger Nano X provides an exceptional blend of security, usability and mobility to protect your best crypto hardware wallets.

Trezor Model T

Trezor is another leading brand in hardware wallets. The Model T is the company’s advanced offering with these highlights:

• Open-source firmware
• Supports 1000+ coins
• Touchscreen display
• Built-in microSD card storage
• Shamir Backup for added security

Like Ledger devices, Trezor hardware wallets allow you to securely manage a vast array of cryptocurrencies. The touchscreen makes navigating the menus intuitive. You can enter pins and passwords directly on the device.

The Trezor Model T utilizes innovative Shamir Backup which splits your seed phrase into multiple parts. This protects against the loss of individual words from your recovery phrase.

Overall, Trezor produces highly-secure and easy-to-use hardware wallets. The Model T is packed with functionality for both new and experienced crypto users.

KeepKey

KeepKey is the wallet to consider if you want an easy-to-use cold storage solution. Here’s an overview:

• Large display screen
• Metal, water-resistant design
• Directly integrates with ShapeShift DEX
• Compatible with 1000+ assets
• Built-in random number generator

The large display screen makes it very straightforward to verify transactions and crypto addresses before signing. The sturdy build and water resistance provide durability.

For convenience, KeepKey integrates directly with the ShapeShift decentralized crypto exchange. This allows you to securely trade supported assets directly on the device.

KeepKey offers crypto storage that’s both highly secure and very user-friendly. It’s a great choice for those new to hardware wallets.

SafePal S1

The SafePal S1 stands out for its ultra-portable size, wireless capability, and appealing price point:

• Extremely compact – credit card sized
• Bluetooth enabled
• Built-in display and camera
• Supports 1000+ cryptocurrencies
• Under $50 USD

If portability is your priority, it doesn’t get much better than the credit card-shaped SafePal S1. The Bluetooth functionality allows you to connect to your mobile wallet app for on-the-go use.

Despite its small size, the SafePal S1 still supports over 1000 cryptocurrencies and includes a screen for verifying transactions. At under $50, it’s also one of the most affordable hardware wallets available.

For the combination of mobility, broad compatibility, and low cost, the SafePal S1 is worth considering.

Top Hardware Wallet Brands

The most widely-used and trusted hardware wallet companies include:

These companies have each garnered strong reputations for their technology, security, usability and support within the crypto industry. The brand you choose will depend on your specific priorities and which features appeal most to you.

What to Look for in a Best Crypto Hardware Wallets

Here are some key factors to evaluate when picking a hardware wallet:

• Security – Is the wallet truly air-gapped? How are private keys generated and stored? Does it offer innovative security features like Shamir Backup?
• Supported assets – Does it support all the cryptocurrencies you want to hold?
• Ease of use – Is the interface intuitive? Can you easily verify addresses/transactions?
• Mobility – Do you need Bluetooth or wireless capability for use with mobile?
• Backup – Does it offer multiple effective backup options for your seed phrase?
• Customer support – Is responsive technical support available if needed?
• Price – How does the cost compare to alternatives with similar features?

Prioritize the factors that align with your specific circumstances and holdings. For most, a hardware wallet from an established brand that supports their desired assets should suffice.

Storing Crypto Safely with a Hardware Wallet

Hardware wallets provide the ideal way to secure most cryptocurrencies long-term. By generating and storing your private keys offline, they offer protection against online hacking that software wallets can’t provide.

Leading options from Ledger, Trezor, KeepKey and others make storing crypto highly secure while still being convenient to use. Just be sure to buy directly from the provider’s official website and follow proper backup procedures.

A best crypto hardware wallets tailored to your needs allows you to confidently own crypto without worrying about losing it. Give your holdings the offline protection they deserve.

References

• https://www.investopedia.com/
• https://www.tomsguide.com/