Hardware cryptocurrency wallets are by far the most reliable way to store your bitcoins and other coins for a long period of time.
According to many satisfied users, there are several options for the best hardware wallets on the market that have proven themselves convenient in practical use, really reliable and with enhanced security features.
What are hardware wallets for cryptocurrencies?
Currently, a hardware wallet or, in other words, cold storage is the safest way to save cryptocurrency assets. If you have a couple of thousand satoshis on your account, then this device is useless to you. For now, you can use desktop or browser wallets. But if you have already accumulated a decent amount in any digital currency, then cold storage is your option.Each wallet presented below will offer you to create a SEED phrase. It must be confirmed. A SEED phrase is a backup of your entire wallet. That is if it is stolen or you lose it, then with the help of the SEED phrase, you will completely restore it on another device.
Absolutely all popular hardware wallets are similar in some fundamental points:
- browser software is used for management;
- any transactions are confirmed physically on the device itself;
- security is based on encryption protocols;
- chips that store information cannot be removed without damage;
- almost all are compatible with Windows, Linux, macOS, most with Android and iOS;
- all support such popular currencies as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, as well as ERC-20 standard tokens, which are numerous;
- connected to a PC via USB (cable or built-in port) and/or to phones via Bluetooth;
- viruses on a PC do not affect security and functionality;
- the browser interface is simple and intuitive even for beginners.
The following are the most sought after cold wallets on the market.
Ledger Hardware Wallets
Visit Ledger Website
Ledger wallets are the flagship of the industry and are recognized as some of the best and most reliable. They have been on the market since 2014. For the reliability of all transactions, these hardware wallets operate on the principle of complete isolation from the computer and are based on their own unique BOLOS operating system.
All operations are shown on the OLED display and confirmed using buttons on the case. Both gadgets are protected from physical damage by a pivoting stainless steel cap.
The gadgets support over 1,500 coins and tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Bitcoin Cash, EOS, Stellar and many more. To expand the list of assets, you can use third-party compatible wallets.
Ledger wallets feature a CC EAL5 + certified security chip that protects private keys inside devices. Both devices have a convenient OLED display that fully displays addresses on one screen.
On the Ledger Nano X, users can install up to 100 cryptocurrency apps.
The highlight of the Ledger Nano X is full-fledged work with smartphones based on iOS and Android through the Ledger Live application thanks to the support of Bluetooth connection. This way, you can activate the wallet, complete the transaction and generate addresses to receive assets without connecting the device to a PC.
There is also a simpler version of the Ledger Nano S ($ 59). The device is integrated with the Shapeshift platform for cryptocurrency trading. The Ledger Nano S can hold anywhere from 3 to 20 apps simultaneously, depending on their size.
You can buy a Ledger Nano S for $ 59 USD or buy a Ledger Nano X for $ 119 USD if that suits your needs better.
For more information, visit the official Ledger website.
Trezor Model T
Trezor Model T is a great wallet that supports 1064 currencies. This is the first time-tested bitcoin hardware wallet that was developed and applied in the crypto industry. The wallet is convenient to use and safe, it generates its private keys offline.User interaction with the device is carried out using a large touch screen. Operations such as entering a code or mnemonic phrase can easily be performed directly through the touch screen, which provides increased protection against spyware.
It is possible to use Trezor T with an Android device by connecting it via OTG. It works on the basis of the Secure Shell protocol, which encrypts absolutely all circulating traffic with the GNU Privacy Guard encryption program and two-factor authentication.
Trezor Model T cost about $159
KeepKey
KeepKey is one of the most secure hardware wallets for storing your assets. The production of the device was launched relatively recently, in 2015. It supports 40 cryptocurrencies.
KeepKey hardware wallet uses several technologies to improve security over other similar models. For example, generating a private key using a new hardware random code generator as well as built-in virus protection.
There is also built-in integration for sharing with ShapeShift. In addition, the wallet functionality allows the use of third-party firmware. Of course, at the same time, the user receives a warning that this can be done only at your own peril and risk.
As in other wallets, access is via a PIN code. The device supports major cryptocurrencies and ERC-20 tokens. There is also support for all modern operating systems.
The device has a slightly increased case size, which is not very convenient when worn. But he has a large clear touch screen that can display all addresses in one line, as well as the QR code of your address for payment and the entire initial phrase when you first initialize the gadget.
KeepKey is now only $49. Visit the official website to buy KeepKey.
CoolWallet S
Launched in 2018, CoolWallet S is a mobile wallet that offers cold storage for Bitcoins, Ethereum, Litecoins, and many other popular cryptocurrencies and ERC20 standard tokens in one portable device. Supports about 30 cryptocurrencies.Uses an AES256 encrypted Bluetooth connection to connect with smartphones running Android and iOS. CoolWallet S is designed like a credit card that fits comfortably in your regular wallet.
In addition to providing security, mobility, and comfort, it is also unique due to its waterproof protection, physical flexibility, and fast wireless software updates.
The CoolWallet S hardware wallet costs $99, which is pretty good for a device with multi-level protection.
BitBox02
The latest Swiss-made hardware wallet, BitBox02, helps protect your digital assets. It looks like a USB flash drive with a USB-C port. There are two versions with OLED display, which have the same equipment but differ in software.
One modification BitBox02 Multi edition supports various cryptocurrencies and the other BitBox02 Bitcoin-only edition with matching firmware only supports bitcoins.
Control is carried out using invisible touch sensors on the device body with simple touches. BitBox02 comes with extensive accessories including an 8 GB microSD card that is designed for backup and SEED recovery.
Currently, BitBox02 Multi edition supports 3 cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, LTC, and ERC-20 tokens. Among them are USDT, DAI, Chainlink and BAT. But soon there will be more.
The wallet is very simple in its functionality, so even for beginners, working with it is not difficult.
The price of the device is about $132. Visit the official website to buy BitBox02.
Conclusion
All of the above wallets are by far the best in their segment. However, the most popular is the Ledger Nano X and Trezor T.More detailed information can be obtained by studying their security protocols, designs, software interfaces and information about manufacturing companies. Well, of course, according to user reviews. Whichever of them you choose - it will, in any case, be much more reliable than browser or desktop storage.
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