A Comparison of the Top Crypto Hardware Wallets in 2024

If you’re considering a long-term investment in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and others, your focus shouldn’t be solely on selecting the right crypto exchange. Instead, an equally crucial aspect is choosing the appropriate hardware wallet also known as a cold wallet.

So, which hardware wallets truly offer value for investors? Which criteria should you consider to effectively differentiate between various options?

Our hardware wallet comparison is here to guide you. We’ll walk you through the purpose of such wallets and help you determine the optimal hardware wallet for your needs.

Additionally, we’ll discuss the specifics, outlining the models that align with your particular use case and outlining the key differences that matter most.

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2# Ledger Nano X

The Ledger Nano X is an advanced hardware wallet that combines mobility and security in a compact design.

With Bluetooth wireless connectivity, expanded app capacity and extensive crypto support, it is ideal for discerning investors.

Although it’s more expensive than the Nano S Plus and has Bluetooth security concerns, the Nano X offers a powerful and flexible solution for crypto asset management.

The Ledger Nano X stands as one of the top hardware wallets available in 2023, thanks to its widespread popularity, convenient design, and user-friendly, secure operation.

What makes the Ledger Nano X so special?

The Ledger Nano X is a high-quality and secure hardware wallet developed by Ledger, a renowned French company.

Ledger has now become synonymous with hardware wallets, which explains the popularity of the USB hardware wallet.

The Ledger Nano X is known for its top-notch security, ease of use and the ability to support a large number of cryptocurrencies.

A standout feature of the Ledger Nano X is Bluetooth support, which allows users to seamlessly connect their wallet to the Ledger Live app on the smartphone.

You can manage up to 100 different crypto assets at the same time, which is quite sufficient for most users.

This feature makes it easy to manage crypto assets and conduct transactions on the go.

The security of the Ledger Nano X is ensured through the use of a Secure Element chip (CC EAL5+), which ensures that private keys are kept safe and isolated.

Despite a higher price ($149) compared to some other hardware wallets, the Ledger Nano X offers a high level of security and flexibility.

Overall, the Ledger Nano X is an excellent choice for crypto investors who value security, ease of use, and support for a wide variety of cryptocurrencies.

With innovative features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Secure Element chip and the ability to manage up to 100 crypto apps, the Ledger Nano X is a reliable and secure option for storing and managing cryptocurrencies.

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3# ELLIPAL titanium

The ELLIPAL Titan is a robust hardware wallet that is characterized by its air-gapped security, user-friendly touchscreen, and mobile crypto management.

Air-gapped means cold wallet is always 100% isolated from the internet. This keeps them fully protected against unauthorized access, cyber hacking, malware, and other online threats.

With extensive multi-currency support and a durable metal body, the Titan is ideal for discerning crypto investors.

Although more expensive than some competing products and with no open-source software, the Ellipal Titan offers an impressive combination of security, ease of use, and portability.

Why is ELLIPAL Titan a good choice?

The ELLIPAL Titan is an extremely secure hardware wallet based on air-gapped technology.

This technology ensures that the device is 100% isolated from the outside world, i.e. not connected to the Internet or any other network, thus offering the best possible protection for cryptocurrencies.

A special feature of the ELLIPAL Titan is the anti-tamper security. So if someone tries to break open your ELLIPAL Titan or otherwise physically manipulate it, all the data on it will disappear into nirvana.

With the recovery key, the owner can easily restore their assets to a new wallet.

Anti-disassembly security also prevents hackers from installing malware on the device before it reaches the customer.

The ELLIPAL Titan is used in conjunction with the ELLIPAL Mobile App, which acts as an intermediary between the wallet and the blockchain.

Information is exchanged via QR codes, which represent visual information and cannot be hacked. The wallet uses the QR codes to confirm and sync transactions to the app.

The ELLIPAL Titan not only offers protection against online attacks through air-gapping, but also against offline attacks. This makes it one of the safest wallets to protect cryptocurrencies in the long term.

The combination of innovative technology and user-friendly design makes the ELLIPAL Titan an excellent choice for crypto investors who value security and reliability.

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4# Trezor Model T

The Trezor Model T is a premium hardware wallet that takes usability and security to a new level.

With a full-color touchscreen, expanded crypto support, and additional security options like the passphrase feature, the Model T offers a best-in-class solution for crypto investors.

Though more expensive than the Model One and potentially prone to touchscreen-related security issues, the Trezor Model T remains an impressive choice for demanding crypto users.

That’s why the Trezor Model T is a good choice

The Trezor Model T is an advanced cryptocurrency hardware wallet that allows you to keep your coins, passwords, tokens and keys safe and secure.

The device features a 1.54-inch color LCD touchscreen and a USB-C port.

The Trezor Suite app is available for desktop, browser and Android and allows you to send, receive and manage coins easily and securely.

The Model T offers a sleek, secure design where your keys never leave the device, protecting them from online attacks.

A 12-word recovery seed is used to secure the wallet. Trezor Model T is the first hardware wallet to implement Shamir Backup (SLIP39) for even more security.

Additionally, you can increase your privacy with CoinJoin transactions, which can be performed directly on the hardware wallet.

The security features of the Trezor Model T are among the most robust on the market for crypto hardware wallets.

Trezor can also be paid for this high level of security: $219.00 are due for a Trezor Model T. Therefore, this hardware wallet primarily appeals to advanced investors with larger HODL amounts.

5# Ledger Nano S Plus

The Ledger Nano S Plus is an affordable yet secure hardware wallet that supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies.

With its user-friendly design and solid security certification, it is an excellent choice for crypto investors who value cost and protection.

Compared to its predecessor, the Nano S, the Plus version received support for NFTs and Web3 and boasts a rounder design and larger screen.

Despite some limitations, such as limited app capacity and no Bluetooth connection, the Nano S Plus offers excellent value for money.

Ledger Nano S Plus – original crypto hardware wallet in a new guise

The Ledger Nano S Plus is the further development of the hardware wallet veteran Ledger Nano S.

In terms of features, the Nano S Plus now has the management of NFTs and connectivity to Web3.

The design has become a bit rounder, in the truest sense of the word, the screen is now a bit larger and the navigation has been optimized.

In terms of security, the Ledger Nano S Plus is still impeccable, just like its big brother, the Nano X.

With the help of a Secure Element chip (CC EAL5+), the private keys are protected and kept shielded.

You can manage up to 18 different crypto apps at the same time. This makes the Nano S Plus a versatile and, in particular, beginner-friendly solution for investors who want to invest in different cryptocurrencies.

Overall, the Ledger Nano S Plus is an excellent choice for crypto investors who value security, ease of use, and a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.

With its improved design, Secure Element chip and ability to manage up to 18 crypto apps, the Ledger Nano S Plus is a reliable and secure solution for storing and managing cryptocurrencies.

The price of $79.00 is comparatively cheap so that crypto beginners have a top hardware wallet in their hands for little money.

6# Trezor Model One

The Trezor Model One is Trezor’s entry-level model, just like the Ledger Nano S Plus from the competitor Ledger.

Nevertheless, it is one of the most well-known and trusted hardware wallets on the market. With its focus on security and ease of use, the Trezor Model One hardware wallet is one of the simplest solutions for crypto enthusiasts looking to protect their digital assets.

The open-source software and support for over 8,000 cryptocurrencies make it a versatile choice for different use cases.

Additional security options such as the passphrase function and easy recovery increase the attractiveness of the Model One.

If you want an easy-to-use hardware wallet without a lot of frills, you will find a solid device in the Trezor Model One, which also does not tear too much of a hole in your wallet when purchasing it.

Trezor Model One – entry-level model with high security

The Trezor Model One is a top hardware wallet choice for both crypto newbies and security experts.

The Model One features a simple yet highly secure two-button control panel and a USB-A port.

The Trezor Suite app is available for desktop, browser and Android and allows users to send, receive and manage coins easily and securely.

For extra security, you can create a PIN of up to 50 digits to prevent unauthorized access to the hardware wallet.

An optional passphrase provides ultimate access protection. It is a user-generated combination of letters, words, phrases and spaces required for any physical access to the hardware wallet.

The Trezor Model One also offers a physical security layer where each transaction is independently verified and confirmed directly on the hardware wallet. This ensures transactions are both intentional and legitimate.

The Trezor Model One is an excellent choice for both crypto beginners and security experts alike. This wallet combines robustness and security in an easy-to-use hardware wallet.

With a price tag of $69.00, the Trezor Model One is one of the inexpensive hardware wallets.

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Deciding factors when buying a crypto hardware wallet

Before you decide on a haptic wallet, you should find out about the differences between the different models.

In our crypto hardware wallets comparison, we compared the best hardware wallets on the market. We also evaluated them based on different criteria.

In order to find the right wallet for your needs and preferences, you should consider which properties are really important to you in a wallet.

We have set the following criteria for comparison:

• Availability
• Supported Cryptocurrencies
• Connectivity
• Compatibility
• Service
• Security
• Price

In the following paragraph, we want to take a closer look at the individual criteria.

Where to buy hardware wallets?

A problem that many newcomers repeatedly encounter is the availability of the different models.

Hardware wallets like the Ledger or Trezor models are not available from your local electronics retailer.

Rather, the best place to buy hardware wallets is directly from the manufacturer. Therefore, never rely on offers on other sites such as Amazon, eBay or Jumia.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

One of the most important criteria when choosing a hardware wallet is its support for different cryptocurrencies.

For example, would you like to invest in many projects and thus benefit from maximum diversification?

Then you need a wallet that supports all cryptocurrencies. A wallet with only a few supported currencies would not be a good choice.

That is why we have included the supported cryptocurrencies in our reviews.

The best thing to do is to visit the manufacturer’s website to confirm the supported cryptos before you buy.

Connectivity when buying a crypto wallet

A second important point is the connectivity of the selected hardware wallet.

Smartphones are playing an increasingly important role in our modern world and a personal computer is no longer absolutely necessary for most users.

For this reason, you should pay attention to the connectivity of the wallet before buying. If you only have a smartphone, the wallet should work via Bluetooth or NFC.

For PC users, on the other hand, the cheap USB wallets are suitable.

If you don’t want to make multiple investments in cryptocurrency wallets, it’s best to plan a few years into the future.

High-quality hardware wallets have modern connection options.

Check compatibility before purchasing

In addition to connectivity, you should also pay attention to the compatibility of the hardware wallet.

Do you own a Chromebook? This limits your choice of suitable wallets considerably.

Older smartphones can also be an obstacle, as some of them no longer support the new versions of the required apps.

Some crypto hardware wallets, such as Trezor’s T and One models, are only designed for desktop use anyway.

Simply check here which hardware you want to use with your wallet and whether it is basically compatible. Our comparison will help you.

The user-friendly operation

From our point of view, handling also plays an important role in choosing the right crypto hardware wallet.

Would you like to carry out transactions on the web or would you rather use a dedicated app for this?

Do you prefer touch and an intuitive interface or inconspicuous buttons?

The decision is very individual, but here too you should give some thought to the purchase.

Different manufacturers use different approaches here, so there should be a suitable version for every user.

Security is crucial when choosing a hardware wallet

1. What security mechanisms does a wallet offer? Is there a 2-factor authentication or just a PIN request?
2. Does the wallet have special protection mechanisms, e.g. against fire or water?
3. Is it even possible for the user to use the wallet anonymously?
4. Have there been security vulnerabilities exploited by attackers in the past?

Answer these questions for yourself and decide on this basis which wallet is suitable for you.

Ledger has been the victim of hacker attacks several times in the past. The hackers have gained access to the customers’ personal data and made it public. Fortunately, the security of the hardware wallets is not affected.

The price when choosing a wallet

Admittedly, the price also plays an important role when buying a wallet. However, as an investor, you should not weight this too much, because other factors play a far more important role with cryptocurrencies.

From our point of view, this includes security or the number of supported cryptocurrencies.

A crypto hardware wallet is a one-time purchase that you should use to manage your wealth.

To be honest, you probably wouldn’t store gold outside of a locker either.

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Conclusion: Which hardware wallet should you choose?

Which hardware wallet you choose ultimately depends on you, of course. In our opinion, however, the devices from Ledger and Trezor are particularly suitable.

Both companies have been making hardware wallets for a long time and have an excellent reputation among crypto fans.

I have been using a ledger wallet to store my coins since 2017 and have had no problems with it so far.

All wallets that we have been able to test for our comparison so far have convinced us with some of their properties. So there is no real loser here. One of the expensive wallets is also not a must for newcomers.

If you only buy Bitcoin or a few Altcoins, you can get by with a cheap wallet.

Especially if you don’t trade too much and want to HODL instead, these cheaper hardware crypto wallets are ideal.

The high-priced models are worth a look for enthusiasts or users who are interested in high-quality workmanship and additional, modern functions.

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FAQ

• Do I need a hardware wallet?

The question of whether you need a hardware wallet cannot be answered in general. The question should rather be how you want to invest in cryptocurrencies.

Basically, a wallet is worthwhile to achieve optimal protection for your physical cryptos. A cheap hardware wallet also serves its purpose and protects your assets from attackers.

• Which hardware wallet is best?

Our personal favorite models are the Trezor and the Ledger Nano X. But ELLIPAL and SecuX also offer excellent models.

At the end of the day, it comes down to your requirements. In our hardware wallet review, you will find the best models in comparison.

• What happens if my wallet is defective?

Do you have a broken wallet? No worries as you can restore a backup to a new wallet. However, you must have a backup for this and get a new wallet. You also need your recovery seed, otherwise, no backup is possible.

• What do I have to look out for with a hardware wallet?

A hardware wallet should always be suitable for your own purposes. Some models are specially protected against external threats. Other models very easy to use through other devices.

Ultimately, it all depends on your requirements. From our point of view, however, security and the supported cryptocurrencies are probably the most important decision-making factors.

• Are cheap hardware wallets good?

The price often says nothing about the performance of a product. Cheap wallets are not automatically bad.

Manufacturers often do without modern connectivity standards and support fewer coins and tokens.