In today’s crypto space, there are so many cyber criminals trying to hack into crypto exchanges and crypto wallets because, if successful, it can provide them with many years.
Therefore, the need for increasingly secure methods of crypto storage and transfer arises, and this is where crypto hardware wallets come into the picture.
Of course, there are fairly secure hot wallets, the top of which you can find here. However, cold wallets are not inherently at a different level of security, so the question arises, what is the best crypto hardware wallet?
Today, we will look at what is the best hardware wallet for crypto if you are a beginner or a professional, looking for maximum functionality or the highest security.
What Is a Crypto Hardware Wallet?
First, let’s remember that a hardware wallet, also called a cold wallet, is a separate device, with little or no internet access,that allows you to store your crypto assets safely and in isolation.
When you isolate the device from all of your other applications, accounts, and online activities, it greatly reduces the possibility of having viruses on it and being the subject of a targeted attack and other threats.
For many people, this is not suitable as they need constant and fast access to trades, and the assets are in constant use, but it already depends on your usage scenario.
What Is the Best Hardware Wallet?
The choice of wallet depends a lot on your priorities, such as security, functionality, or convenience, as well as your budget.
NGRAVE ZERO
Let’s start with the most expensive, the most advanced, and perhaps the most secure Air-gapped solution, which means that it has no physical USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, or 4G modules that can be hacked, and all transactions take place via QR.
It has a quality 4-inch Touch Screen display, and fingerprint scanner on the back, provides user-friendly UI, and offers a smartphone app that allows you to buy crypto online and leave wallets isolated.
The device’s design causes attempts to embed it to damage the internal components, making it impossible to open the device and install hidden modules.
It has its own ZERO OS, and the entire device and its system are certified to the highest EAL7 standard, making it one of the most secure hardware wallets on the market, even more than the famous Ledger and Trezor.
This crypto hardware wallet supports 15 blockchains and all Ethereum and MultiversX tokens and offers the ability to create more than 100 accounts for conducting individual transactions, swaps, bridges, and more.
Maybe it’s not enough for somebody, but if you are focused on core crypto assets and looking for the most secure and robust Bitcoin hardware wallet, for instance – this one is your choice.
It is worth considering its price, which is around $400, which makes it a device not for beginners.
So, this is the best hardware wallet if you are professional, and looking for maximum security and convenience while being ready to spend about $400.
Pros
✅ Air-gapped solution
✅ Highest security certification EAL7
✅ Well-built device and interface design
Cons
❌ 15 main coins + all Ethereum tokens and NFTs
❌ Expensive, average cost $400
❌ Particularly open-source software
Ledger Stax
The most advanced and convenient model from the legendary Ledger hardware wallet that offers a 3.7-inch E-Ink display and wireless Qi charging.
For convenience, it offers USB-C, Bluetooth, and NFC and is also compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Its security standard is slightly lower than the previous variant, namely CC EAL6+, but this is offset by the much larger coin and network support on the market, which is a key advantage of the Ledger.
Namely, 500+ coins and all coins on Ethereum and Polygon NFTs within the Ledger app, and this expands to 5,000+ coins and Multi-blockchain NFTs with Third-Party wallet and 50+ wallets integration.
This costs slightly less than the previous one, but is still an expensive option for beginners at around $250.
This is the best hardware wallet for crypto if you are a professional interacting with a large number of crypto platforms and coins, need a high degree of security, and are willing to spend $250.
Pros
✅ Richest support of coins, blockchain networks, and integrations
✅ 3.7-inch E-Ink display with convenient USB-C, Bluetooth, and NFC
✅ Good security level with CC EAL6+ certification
Cons
❌ Not the highest level of security certification
❌ Not open-source software
Trezor Safe 5
Now let’s take a look at the most advanced Trezor hardware wallet, which fans will deservedly prefer over Ledger primarily because it is an open source.
It is also EAL 6+ certified, but NDA-free has Two-factor authentication & Backup FIDO2 Standard and Protects identity with Tor.
Its case is also protected by Gorilla Glass 3 and features a color touchscreen and haptic feedback for ease of use, and the device operates from -20°C to +60°C -4°F to +140°F.
It also offers its app for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, but for iOS only in viewer format.
Trezor Safe 5 also offers send, receive, stake & trade features, support for 1000+ coins, all tokens on Ethereum and NFTs, and integration with a smaller but still impressive number of hot wallets.
Costs a more welcoming but still noticeable $169 and will be a great option for professionals wanting a solution with good security, usability, and open source.
Pros
✅ Open source software
✅ Good security with NDA-free EAL 6+, 2FA, Backup FIDO2 Standard
✅ Popular solution with many integrations
Cons
❌ Supports fewer coins than Ledger
❌ Not the highest level of security certification
❌ The price of $169 may still be a bit high for beginners
Ledger Nano S Plus
Another solution from Ledger is more affordable, but oddly enough, even more secure.
It is an air-gapped solution without Bluetooth, or NFC, as a USB flash drive.
That said, the device has USB C for computer and smartphone connectivity, also supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and has a 1.09-inch monochrome OLED display.
However, unlike the more advanced Stax, it has ANSSI CSPN certification besides being CC EAL6+ certified.
The Ledger Nano S Plus supports a similar 500+ coins, and all coins on Ethereum and Polygon NFTs inside the Ledger app, and this expands to 5,000+ coins and Multi-blockchain NFTs with Third-Party wallet and 50+ wallets integration.
The best part is that this solution will only cost you $80, which is quite the price for beginners, but for which you get one of the highest levels of security and the richest support for networks and integrations.
Pros
✅ Air-gapped solution
✅ Richest support of coins, blockchain networks, and integrations
✅ Almost higher security level with CC EAL6+ and ANSSI CSPN certifications
Cons
❌ Almost the highest level of security certification
❌ Not open-source software
Trezor Model One
Perhaps the most popular and affordable, yet fully tanned solution in the entire hardware wallets market is the Trezor Model One.
In it, you get almost everything you get with the Trezor Safe 5, but with some limitations in the design of the device.
It’s also EAL 6+ certified, Protects identity with Tor, Two-factor authentication & Backup FIDO2 Standard, but uses a PIN for authorization.
The color touchscreens have been replaced by 0.96” Monochromatic OLED, and the device still operates from -20°C to +60°C -4°F to +140°F.
Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android support is still in place, and iOS is the only view, providing send, receive, stake & trade features, support for 1000+ coins, all tokens on Ethereum and NFTs, and third-party wallets.
Overall, you get pretty much the same thing, with minor tweaks to the casing and usability, but at a still very high level of security and the most affordable price of about $60.
It’s a frequent, and very reasonable choice for beginners, though many people find it more than enough for years of even quite professional trading.
Pros
✅ Open source code
✅ Unrivaled balance of price, security, and features
Cons
❌ Not the most secure case
❌ Small screen, possibly not the most comfortable user experience
Conclusion
Now you have a list of the most relevant, noteworthy best hardware wallets, including the most secure and expensive ones like the NGRAVE ZERO and the most affordable Ledger Nano S Plus, the highly secure and advanced ones available like the Ledger Stax and Trezor Safe 5, and the best beginner’s choice Trezor Model One.
Choosing a particular one depends on how you prioritize between security, advanced, convenience, and budget.
However, remember that even the most secure tools are just tools, and you need to pay attention to your operations in the crypto industry, work on awareness, and accept responsibility.
