When it comes to managing your cryptocurrencies and nfts, security is key. Software wallets are great for everyday use, but for ultimate security, blockchain users turn to one tool: a Hardware wallet.
Hardware wallets offer the highest level of security for your digital assets. By storing your private keys offline and facilitating your transactions through a physical device, they add a crucial layer of protection to your Web3 interactions.
Traditionally, two giants have dominated the hardware wallet space, but with their popularity gaining attention, and following some recent events, many blockchain enthusiasts are looking for alternatives.
What are the best hardware wallets available right now and how do they compare? Let’s take a look at the 6 best hardware wallets of 2024.
But first…
Do I really need a hardware wallet?
Hardware wallets offer the ultimate in security, but are less expensive.
We suggest that if you own a quantity of cryptocurrencies or nfts that are valuable to you, you protect them using a hardware wallet (cold wallet).
For everyday use, we suggest using a dedicated software wallet (hot wallet). This offers the best protection for your assets, while still benefiting from the speed and experience advantages that a software wallet can provide.
#6 Stax Ledger
- Released: May 2024
- Price: $399 USD
Ledger Stax is the new flagship device from the popular hardware wallet manufacturer, x.com/Ledger” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Ledger.
Its main goal is to be easy to use. Its most notable feature is its unique curved e-ink touchscreen (one of the first of its kind on a consumer device) that presents transactions to the user in a human-readable format, which Ledger calls Clear Signing.
The device supports over 5,500 coins, tokens, and nfts, and has the ability to run up to 100 apps simultaneously. It is equipped with a CC EAL6+-certified secure chip, one of the highest security ratings in consumer electronics, and is protected by a customizable 4- to 8-digit PIN code.
However, at $399, it is one of the more expensive options available. While it has a sleek design and premium feel, it may be overkill for the typical blockchain user; and given Ledger’s recent controversies regarding its products, community sentiment is firmly on the side of its competitors at the moment.
For those looking for a sleek, stylish and easy-to-use way to protect their assets, the Ledger Stax is worth a look.
#5 Trezor Secure 5
- Released: June 2024
- Price: $169 USD
Trezor Safe 5 is the new flagship model from Ledger's biggest competitors, x.com/Trezor” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Sure.
It aims to offer top-notch security and a user-friendly design in an affordable package. Featuring a 1.54-inch Gorilla Glass touchscreen, the device is fundamentally open source, making its security a step ahead of its rivals, and there is a bitcoin-only version available for btc holders.
The device supports all major coins, tokens, and nfts, and its integration into the broader Trezor ecosystem makes it an attractive option for blockchain newcomers and experienced users alike. Plus, it costs less than half of the Ledger Stax, making it a much more affordable option.
As with the Ledger Stax before it, since the device only uses touchscreen input options, there's a lack of tactile feel (despite haptic feedback) and durability concerns, which are less present with other options on this list.
If you're looking for maximum security and a user-friendly design from a company that's strongly supported by the wider community, consider Trezor Safe 5.
Vault No. 4 BC
- Released: October 2018
- Price: From $139 USD
x.com/BCVaultOfficial” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>BC Vault
BC Vault, which has been in production since 2018, is a dedicated long-term storage option. Instead of using seed phrases, the device uses an SD card or QR code for backup, along with the use of random number generators and non-deterministic algorithms for the creation of private keys, in addition to passwords and PINs. All of this, plus regular updates, is intended to eliminate the possibility of a single point of failure.
BC Vault supports almost all cryptocurrencies and claims that its FeRAM technology allows for long-term data storage for up to 200 years. Its motto reads, “Wallets are for pocket money. Vaults are for safekeeping,” and its reputation lives up to that, as BC Vault has won several industry awards for its security as a long-term storage solution for digital assets.
Security is a top priority and BC Vault is not open source, which could be an issue for some. The device is also less user-friendly than other options on this list.
For dedicated blockchain enthusiasts who want complete security, BC Vault is a solid choice.
#3 GRAVE ZERO
- Released: May 2020
- Price: $440 USD
x.com/ngrave_official” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>SERIOUS ZERO is another hardware wallet option that prioritizes security.
The device features a 4-inch touchscreen with a phone-like design and claims to be the only EAL7 “air-gapped” (the highest security standard) hardware wallet on the market. This means that the device does not feature USB, Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi or 4G capabilities, and relies solely on QR codes to execute transactions. NGRAVE ZERO also uses a unique key generation process and is made from military-grade material to ensure maximum physical security, in addition to digital security.
NGRAVE ZERO supports over 3,500 coins, tokens, and nfts, and takes full advantage of biometrics, tamper-proof technology, and a custom operating system to ensure the device is as secure as possible.
However, as it is the most expensive hardware wallet on this list, it is a considerable investment (even for dedicated blockchain enthusiasts), and as it is a security-first product, user experience takes a backseat to overall security.
If you are looking for a no-compromise hardware wallet to protect your digital assets, NGRAVE ZERO is well worth a look.
#2 Ledger Nano S Plus
- Released: April 2022
- Price: $79 USD
The Ledger Nano S Plus is the lowest-priced entry-level device that Ledger currently offers.
The Ledger Nano S Plus, the latest non-Bluetooth device in the Nano series, is about as simple as it gets: two physical buttons, a small black and white display, and a USB-C connection. By keeping things simple, the device is naturally more secure and more affordable, and has become a popular hardware wallet for blockchain users around the world.
The Ledger Nano S Plus supports over 5,000 coins, tokens, and nfts, and with easy setup and management via the Ledger Live app, it is an ideal solution for both desktop and Android users.
However, the lack of Bluetooth makes it incompatible with iOS devices, and the recent events mentioned above have raised concerns in the community, with many looking for an alternative to Ledger in 2024.
For those who want an affordable and robust hardware wallet, and a clear improvement over a software-only approach, the Ledger Nano S Plus is a popular choice.
#1 Trezor Model One
- Released: July 2014
- Price: $59 USD
The Trezor Model One is the oldest and cheapest hardware wallet on this list, but after over 10 years of continuous service, it remains the preferred choice of many blockchain enthusiasts and is fantastic value for money.
Featuring a 0.93″ monochrome OLED display, two physical buttons, and a Micro USB connection, it features Trezor’s proven open-source software – arguably the gold standard for wallet security.
Trezor Model One supports thousands of coins, tokens, and nfts, and with PIN and password protection, broad device compatibility, and growing support for third-party wallets and services (including Trezor Suite), it has been a trusted choice since its inception.
The lack of modern features may put off some users, and Micro USB is an outdated standard, although the device does come with a Micro USB to USB-A cable, which can easily be adapted for use with modern USB-C ports.
As one of the most reliable, affordable, and proven hardware wallets available, the Trezor Model One secures the top spot on our list of the best hardware wallets of 2024.
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