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December 11, 2024 
37 min. 
The crypto market has seen a huge surge in the past few weeks, and people are trying to get in on the profits. However, there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss: the security of your crypto assets. That’s where hardware wallets come in handy. These wallets provide a secure way to safeguard digital assets.
But how to pick the best hardware wallet? That’s what we will find out in this article by comparing some of the best crypto wallets.
Comparison Table of Crypto Wallets
| Name | Price | Supported Coins | Features | |
| Ledger Nano S Plus | $70 | 5500+, 100 apps support | Stainless steel build, OLED display, NFT support, USB-C, top-notch security | Buy Ledger Nano S Plus |
| Ledger Nano X | $131 | 5500+, 100 apps support | Bluetooth & battery, DeFi & NFT support, CC EAL5+ security, sleek design | Get the Ledger Nano X |
| NGRAVE ZERO | $420 | 5,000+ | Real-time key generation, air-gapped, fingerprint scanning, tamper-proof, GRAPHENE plates for private key security | Order NGRAVE ZERO |
| Trezor Safe 5 | $169 | 9,000, many ERC-20 tokens supported | Shamir Backup, secure element chip, responsive touchscreen, open-source firmware | Try Trezor Safe 5 |
| Trezor Model One | $49 | 1,289+ | Compact design, open-source firmware, RoHS & CE certified, isolated private key storage | Buy Trezor Model One |
| Coldcard Q | $239.99 | Bitcoin-only wallet | Retro design, QWERTY keyboard, air-gapped, LED QR scanner, strong physical security | Check out Coldcard Q |
| SafePal S1/S1 Pro | $49.99 (S1), $89.99 (Pro) | 30,000+ | Air-gapped, CC EAL5+ chip, durable design, D-pad navigation | Get SafePal S1/S1 Pro |
| Tangem Wallet | $69.90 (3 card set), $54.90 (2 card set) | 6,000+ | NFC-enabled, screenless design, beginner-friendly, durable chip, intuitive app | Purchase Tangem Wallet |
| ELLIPAL Titan 2.0 | $169 | 10,000+ | Rugged, air-gapped, anti-tampering, hidden wallet feature, user-friendly touchscreen | Try ELLIPAL Titan 2.0 |
| KeepKey Hardware Wallet | $79 | 7,000+ | Large display, PIN and seed phrase security, RNG for key protection, durable and easy to use | Get KeepKey Hardware Wallet |
Best Cold Wallet for Cryptocurrency
Finding the best crypto hardware wallet can be a head-spinning experience as these wallets come in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the top 10 cold wallet for cryptocurrency based on design, features, functionality, and the number of cryptos they support.
1. Ledger Nano S Plus
The Ledger Nano S Plus ranks among the most popular hardware wallets you can get. Compared to the already popular Nano S, this new version has some great improvements.
First, the build quality is pretty decent, with the outer shell being made of stainless steel and the inner housing being plastic. Additionally the wallet has two buttons on top that are extremely responsive and super easy to use.
One big improvement is that the Nano S Plus has an OLED monochrome display that is bigger and better. Plus the screen integrates seamlessly with the overall design of the crypto wallet, making it look stylish and modern. With this bigger screen, you will be able to see more apps and features at once, and you’ll be able to navigate through a lot easier.
Another feature that makes Ledger Nano S Plus the best hardware wallet is it supports a whopping 5500+ different cryptocurrencies. This means you can conveniently buy popular coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and so much more. On top of that Nano S Plus supports 100 apps, which means you can hold about 100 different coins at the same time.
Crypto wallets don’t usually support NFTs or have a UI that shows them visually. However thats not the case with Nano S Plus. This wallet lets you send NFTs, store them, and receive them directly through Ledger Live. All you have to do is add the NFT app to Ledger Live, and you will be able to view their NFTs directly when they open an account. How cool is that!
Pros
- It’s around $70 or €66, with different colors.
- Top-notch security.
- NFT support through Ledger Live.
- More than 5,500 assets and 100 apps support.
- USB-C connectivity.
Cons
- Button placement could be improved.
- No Bluetooth connectivity or battery support.
2. Ledger Nano X
Another best hardware wallet you can get that keeps your coins safe is Ledger Nano X. It has a design similar to the Nano S Plus, but with some unique features that make it more appealing.
Firstly, the Ledger Nano X is bigger and slightly heavier because it’s got a 100mAh battery inside that can last up to 5 hours on normal usage. In addition, it has Bluetooth connectivity so you also can control it from your phone, not just your computer. It also has the same OLED display but with a larger size.
The button layout also changes, displaying a silver button on the right and a black button on the left. Further, it has a keychain strap eyelet on the right side and a USB-C port on the left.
Security-wise, Ledger Nano X excels. It uses the industry-leading Certified Secure Element (CC EAL5+) for protection. That’s the same level of security provided by Nano S Plus. In addition, its security was certified by ANSSI independently, which means it meets the most stringent standards for hardware wallets. It also has a 4-digit PIN code and a 24-word recovery phrase to protect your assets.
What’s cool is Ledger Nano X allows you to do other stuff besides holding or trading cryptos. Through Ledger Live, you can access protocols such as Aave, Compound, and Lido. Another great thing about Ledger is that it integrates NFT apps like Poap and Rarible, so you can tap into the whole crypto ecosystem.
With seamless DeFi and NFT interaction, you don’t need to rely on online wallets anymore. You can even convert crypto into gift cards and integrate debit cards.
Pros
- Bigger, better design with buttons.
- Supports Bluetooth and battery.
- Wide range of cryptocurrencies.
- Industry-leading security.
- DeFi and NFT support through Ledger Live.
Cons
- It’s expensive, costing around $131 or €124.
3. NGRAVE ZERO
NGRAVE ZERO is another top contender when it comes to picking the best hardware wallet. An amazing feature that makes it the best crypto hardware wallet is the real-time key generation.
Mostly, traditional wallets come preloaded with a recovery phrase that can be compromised. But the NGRAVE wallet creates a new private key every time you set it up, ensuring your security. And it gets better! Through a combination of fingerprint scanning, shuffled keys, and even light sensing, the device generates a private key as unique as you.
Plus it comes with a “Perfect Key,” which consists of 64 hexadecimal characters, equivalent to a 24-word recovery phrase. It is only exclusive to NGRAVE ZERO, which means no one else can use it.
Moreover, the wallet operates entirely without WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, or 4G and has a custom operating system and biometric security which makes it 100% air-gapped. It also comes with 2 GRAPHENE plates along with a metal punch so you can secure your NGRAVE Perfect Keys.
For real-time blockchain connectivity you can use the NGRAVE Liquid App which syncs with ZERO wallet for secure access. From this you can sign offline transactions with QR codes and keep your private keys safe. With one-way verifiable QR communication, you can generate transaction signatures, send them to the blockchain, and keep track of your transactions.
Looks-wise, NGRAVE ZERO comes in a sleek black color with tamper-proof build quality and water resistance. Further it comes with a vibrant 4-inch 480×800 LCD touchscreen with decent brightness that makes navigation a breeze. The back has a 640×480 camera, a fingerprint sensor, and USB-C charging.
Pros
- Highest security with custom OS.
- Immune to online threats with no WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC.
- Unique real-time key generation.
- GRAPHENE plates for private key security.
- Durable design.
Cons
- Expensive with a price of $420 or €398.
- Limited range of cryptocurrencies.
4. Trezor Safe 5
Launched in July 2024, the Trezor Safe 5 is the latest high-end hardware crypto wallet that’s designed to keep your cryptocurrencies safe and easy to manage.
In terms of build quality, the Trezor Safe 5 scores big. It comes with an elegant and modern design with a sturdy Gorilla Glass protected touchscreen that is both responsive and durable. Plus it gives haptic feedback, which gives you physical confirmation of your action when you touch it.
Further, it comes in two variants: Bitcoin-only and universal. Those who are hardcore Bitcoin fans will love the Bitcoin-only variant, and it comes with Bitcoin-only firmware. However, FIDO2 and U2F for two-factor authentication are not supported.
As far as security goes, the Trezor Safe 5 leaves no room for error. To prevent tampering, it has an EAL 6+ secure element chip that is NDA-free.
The Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) certifies that a product meets certain international security standards. It shows how rigorously a product has been tested from the scale of EAL 1 to EAL 7. Plus, it uses open-source firmware to ensure its reliability.
One of the things that makes it the best hardware wallet is the Shamir Backup (SLIP39). This gives you a way to split your seed phrase into multiple parts and make it more secure. Even if someone gets one part of the seed, they can’t get into your wallet.
Another highlight is the microSD card slot, but it does more than just store files – it encrypts your PIN and adds an extra layer of security.
The Trezor Safe 5 supports over 9,000 cryptocurrencies, with major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano allowing you to customize your crypto portfolio. It also supports a wide variety of ERC-20 tokens, giving Ethereum assets more versatility.
Pros
- A large collection of cryptocurrencies.
- Secure Element chip for maximum security.
- Interactive touchscreen with haptic feedback.
- Shamir Backup for the seed division.
- Open-source firmware.
Cons
- The price of $169 makes it a bit pricey.
5. Trezor Model One
The Trezor Model One is among the oldest and most popular hardware wallets on the market right now. It comes with a compact and simple design with a plastic body and a clear 128×64 resolution non-touch monochrome display.
For navigation, it comes with two front-facing buttons. However, its menu might be difficult to navigate.
But most of the time, you don’t have to deal with the wallet directly. The Trezor Bridge software handles most of the tasks, like initiation of payments and message verification. These buttons are typically used to verify security changes, confirm payment addresses, and authorize logins.
Similar to other hardware wallets, the Trezor Model One is equipped with several security features to protect your crypto assets. It meets RoHS and CE standards, which ensures reliability, quality, and environmental sustainability. Plus it runs on an open-source firmware that’s publicly accessible.
An interesting feature of its firmware is that it’s not pre-installed – you have to install it during setup. Further, it supports PIN protection, allowing you to customize the home screen and label your device.
The wallets require on-device confirmation, which includes verifying the wallet address and sending money. Plus, your private keys are stored in an isolated environment, so there’s less chance of them getting stolen. In short, Trezor Model One checks all the essential security boxes.
From a connectivity standpoint, Trezor Model One has room for improvement. It features a micro USB port at the bottom and does not support USB-C natively.
Sadly, there is no iOS support, but the wallet is compatible with Android and Windows computers. Another downside is that there’s no Bluetooth, WiFi, fingerprint, or NFC support in the wallet.
Pros
- Compact and portable with a simplistic design.
- Supports over 1,289 cryptocurrencies.
- Budget-friendly at just $49.
- Exceptional security track record.
Cons
- Somewhat outdated design with a cheap plastic build.
6. Coldcard Q
The Coldcard Q is a unique Bitcoin-only hardware crypto wallet that looks like a classic keypad phone from the early 2000s. This model continues to build on the successful MK4 model that was released in February 2022.
It comes with a full QWERTY keyboard that makes you feel like you’re typing on the BlackBerry. The keyboard makes it easier to type passwords and PINs.
The back side of the wallet has a battery compartment that holds three AAA batteries, so you don’t need a charger. This feature is an upgrade from the already popular MK4. If you prefer to use a power cord, there is a USB-C port available.
Coming to its features, the Coldcard Q borrows some from its already popular older sibling, the Mk4. It comes with NFC connectivity, USB virtual disk mode, USB and SD card activity LEDs, and a 120 megahertz processor (MHz).
The Q brings a few improvements over the Mk4, including an additional SD card slot, and the screen is four times bigger. Additionally, it has an LED-illuminated QR code scanner and advanced scanning algorithms, as well as a flashlight.
You might be put off by the Q’s retro-styled chunky design and old-school user interface. But Coinkite, which makes this wallet, says it deliberately made it old-fashioned for a less advanced audience after consulting users of its slimmer, smaller MK4 wallet.
Pros
- Large color screen for better navigation.
- Full-size keyboard for easier data entry.
- LED-illuminated QR code scanner.
- A retro look.
Cons
- Only supports Bitcoin.
- At $239.99, it’s a little pricey for the retro design and fewer features.
7. SafePal S1/S1 Pro
SafePal is a major player in the world of cryptocurrency and has the highest-quality hardware wallets on the market. Its S1 series, with two models, S1 and S1 Pro, stands out as the best crypto wallet for protecting digital assets with a variety of features.
Talking about the similarities, both S1 and S1 Pro are air-gapped and work 100% offline. Both models verify transactions with QR codes instead of WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB connectivity. This keeps your wallet safe from potential online threats, adding another layer of security.
Looking at the internals, both model comes with an advanced CC EAL5+ Secure Element chip to ensure no one can get into your private keys. Plus, the wallets include a true random number generator, ensuring that your private keys are random and unpredictable.
For supported cryptocurrencies, both models show great promise. The SafePal S1 series is compatible with more than 30,000 tokens across 100 blockchains. This earns these wallets the title of the best hardware wallet, making them an excellent tool for managing a variety of digital assets.
Build quality-wise, there are some differences that make each of these models unique. The regular S1 comes with a 1.3-inch color screen and a lightweight plastic body weighing just 38 grams.
Its credit card-sized form factor makes it an ideal wallet if you love functionality and convenience. Plus, it’s got a 400mAh battery that lasts up to 420 hours.
But if you want something a little more premium, the S1 Pro model is your best bet. The aluminum alloy frame and tempered glass enhance the look, as well as the durability of the device. Moreover, it comes with an upgraded 500mAh battery to provide long-lasting power.
The sturdy materials of the S1 Pro contribute to its long-lasting durability while maintaining the functionality and portability of the S1.
Pros
- Over 30,000+ supported cryptocurrencies.
- 100% air-gapped security.
- Anti-hacking and tamper-proof.
- S1 starts at $49.99, while the Pro costs $89.99
- Both models have a D-Pad.
Cons
- Firmware is not open-sourced, and connectivity is limited.
8. Tangem Wallet
If you are a total beginner trader who doesn’t want to get overwhelmed by complicated wallet setups, then the Tangem Wallet is probably the best hardware wallet for you.
This unique crypto wallet doesn’t have a screen, buttons, or even a charging port. It is just a pocket-sized NFC-enabled card that you can use just by tapping it on your phone.
While most hardware wallets have complicated navigation, this crypto wallet lets you manage everything from your the app, which makes it intuitive, convenient, and easy to use. Plus, setup takes only 1-3 minutes and is fairly straightforward.
Just tap each card and set a password/biometric, and you’re good to go. This makes it the best hard wallet for cryptocurrency since you don’t have to write down recovery phrases or scan QR codes.
Further, the sending and receiving cryptos are super easy. You can choose to copy and paste the address that you want to send money to, or you can scan the QR code directly from the Tangem app.
Then pick the network fee if you want, confirm the transaction, tap the Tangem card to the phone to verify, and your transaction is complete!
Another great thing is that you don’t have to have access to your Tangem cards to open the wallet. You can easily view it from the app, and it keeps the cards safe from any threat.
But such a thin, seamless wallet might pose a security risk, right? Well, it’s not because the wallet’s chip is certified with EAL6+, the highest possible standard of chip security. Plus the chip can withstand extreme temperatures, water, X-rays, and even electromagnetic pulses.
Pros
- Intuitive and beginner-friendly
- 6,000+ supported cryptocurrencies.
- App is available for Android and iOS.
- Comes with a set of 2 or 3 cards.
- Affordable and 25-year replacement warranty.
Cons
- No desktop and NFT support.
9. ELLIPAL Titan 2.0
ELLIPAL Titan 2.0 is another excellent option for the best hardware wallet to get now. Launched in 2023, this model has a bunch of upgrades over its predecessor.
One noteworthy change is that Titan 2.0 boasts an improved level of security by using the Secure Element chip. This protects and isolates the user’s private keys. Plus, it has CC EAL 5+ certification security chip, which offers strong asset protection.
On top of that Titan 2.0 comes with a 100% air-gapped design. This means there’s no WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular data, NFC, or even USB connection, so no one can hack your private keys. However, it has a USB port, but only to charge. A microSD card reader is included so you can update the firmware offline.
When it comes to the build quality, it’s top-notch. The Titan not only defends you against cyber attacks but also physical ones. As soon as the wallet detects someone attempting to force it open, it automatically wipes information and deletes everything, making it unusable.
However, you can recover the funds by using the backup mnemonic phrase as the rightful owner.
On the front side you will love its 4-inch HD IPS touchscreen that’s highly responsive and has great graphics for navigation. This is an excellent improvement over previous ELLIPAL models.
Moreover, it comes with a 1400mAh battery that can last up to 5 hours so you can easily manage your crypto on the go. On its back, it has a camera surrounded by a gold edge that’s also pretty cool.
The Titan 2.0 also features a mnemonic phrase which you can use if your device goes missing to recover your crypto assets. Plus there’s the Seed Phrase Steel backup option for extra security. Its BIP39-compliant recovery phrase facilitates easy transfers between wallets and allows you to restore your funds with ease.
Further Titan 2.0 introduces a 25th passphrase that can be used to create a hidden wallet, which is secured by a separate passphrase. This is especially useful for people who are concerned about the physical security of their hardware wallets.
Pros
- Rugged design with anti-tampering protection.
- Completely isolated with air-gapped functionality.
- User-friendly interface.
- Price at $169.
- 10,000+ tokens supported.
Cons
- A little bit pricier than the competition.
10. KeepKey Hardware Wallet
KeepKey is another excellent choice when it comes to finding the best hardware wallet. It features a fairly simple design, just a button for turning it on and off. One thing that sets KeepKey apart from other hardware wallets is its large 3.12-inch non-touch screen. With this, you can see the whole cryptocurrency address without having to pan around.
In terms of security, the KeepKey hardware wallet offers top-of-the-line protection by requiring users to unlock the PIN each time they launch it, which blocks unauthorized access. Plus, your PIN code is backed up by a seed phrase that contains 24 words for recovery. Additionally, Random Number Generator (RNG) is built into the wallet to keep hackers at bay from stealing your coins.
On top of that, the KeepKey wallet keeps your private keys separate and offline. This makes sure your device isn’t affected if you get a virus on your computer. To further enhance the security of your KeepKey wallet, you can configure an optional passphrase. This acts as an addition to the 12-word recovery phrase provided during setup.
With respect to cryptocurrencies, KeepKey supports 350 different blockchains and over 7,000 different digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash. This makes it an extremely versatile platform.
If we talk about compatibility, the KeepKey wallet is fully compatible with all desktop computer operating systems. Although Android wallet integration is possible, the KeepKey wallet doesn’t support Bluetooth, so you can’t use it with your iPhone.
Pros
- Easy to use with durable design.
- Big display for viewing long addresses.
- Priced at only $79.
- Runs on an open-source software
Cons
- Not portable.
What is the Best Cryptocurrency Wallet for You?
When selecting the best hardware wallet, you should consider a few factors. Every user has different requirements, so let’s go over some key features.
1. Security
Security should be your number one concern when picking the best crypto hardware wallet. For this, choose a wallet with Secure Element chips, an EAL certification, and a powerful encryption system.
You can go for Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus as they are industry-standard devices with the CC EAL5+ Secure Element chip. NGRAVE ZERO is also a good option since it generates private keys in real-time and is air-gapped to prevent online attacks.
2. Ease of Use
Ease of use matters a lot when picking the best hardware wallet, especially if you’re just getting started. In this case, Tangem Wallet is your best bet as it has NFC-enabled card-style simplicity, which makes it extremely convenient to use.
If you want a bigger touch display then you can check out NGRAVE ZERO and ELLIPAL Titan 2.0. Both of these wallets offer a smooth 4-inch touchscreen. But if you don’t like giant screens and are ok with buttons, you can go with Ledger Nano S Plus or Trezor Model One
3. Supported Cryptocurrencies
Make sure you pick a wallet that supports the cryptocurrency you want to store and manage. There are some wallets that claim to support thousands of coins, but the reality is they only support a handful.
The Trezor Safe 5, Ledger Nano S, Plus SafePal S1 and ELLIPAL Titan 2.0 are good choices. The wallets not only offer a wide selection of crypto, but they also have exclusive features like NFT integration and much more.
4. Compatibility and Battery Life
It is possible that some wallets will not work with all operating systems. Therefore, check whether the wallet supports Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS, or any other device you intend to use. Another important factor is the battery power that lets you use your wallet anywhere.
If you want the best of both, you can go for Ledger Nano X and SafePal S1 Pro. These wallets are compatible with multiple operating systems (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) and have a decent battery life.
Conclusion
So these are the best hardware wallet options that can be your go-to for storing your crypto assets. Keep in mind that choosing a hardware wallet for your crypto assets is all about making sure it meets your needs and requirements. The wallet options mentioned above offer a balance of features that offer the maximum protection for your crypto assets from any fraud and unauthorized access.
