I am going to unveil top 6 best hardware wallets for Bitcoin and altcoins for 2023. These hardware wallets are universally acclaimed and very easy to use. After buying any of them, you can rest assured that your cryptocurrencies are safe and secure. Let’s dive in!
I am updating this best hardware wallets list and I have removed some and replaced them with new secure and advanced wallets.
So finally you got to know there’s no other safest option than a cryptocurrency hardware wallet to keep your crypto assets safe and now you’re looking for best hardware wallet options available out there? Then your search ends here.
Today in this post, I’ll be listing best hardware wallet for altcoins and of course bitcoins.
These are multi-cryptocurrency hardware wallets, which means along with Bitcoin you will also be able to store other cryptocurrencies such as Litecoin, Ripple, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash and the like by using these hardware wallets.
Despite 2018 cryptocurrency catastrophic crash, Bitcoin has been gathering universal acclaim and its popularity is increasing day by day. For some it has become an investment tool; though it’s not. It’s a worldwide payment system to allow people do worldwide transactions without the need of any third-party like bank to reduce transaction charges.
It’s grabbed huge media attention back in December, 2018 when it touched record high $20K price but it couldn’t maintain that price surge for long due to media hypes. That time more and more people were desperate to buy Bitcoin and other altcoins.
Those people certainly took a right decision but due to media hypes (probably backed by Bitcoin whales) many newbie investors sold their coins with huge loss up to 80 percent. Many lost their entire life savings.
And this way, 2018 had become catastrophic year for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Why am I mentioning this?
Just to aware you. Don’t get caught like above mentioned newbie investors. Do proper research before entering and existing.
Let’s come back to the point.
Before I unveil my best hardware wallet picks for 2022, I suggest you must read given information after best cryptocurrency hardware wallets list because I added it for your benefit. This might help you to know whether you need a hardware wallet or not.
Table Content:
- Best wallets
- Ledger Nano S
- Next generation wallets from Ledger
- Trezor
- Trezor next generation wallets
- BC Vault
- Ledger Nano vs. Trezor vs. BC Vault
- What is a hardware wallet?
- Why should I own it?
- What are the alternatives available?
- Which one to choose?
- How to choose a best wallet?
- Conclusion
Best hardware wallet for Altcoins and Bitcoin
I’m listing these best Bitcoin hardware wallet options by emphasizing on safety, security (paramount), ease-of-use and Altcoin support.
Ledger Nano S Plus
Pros
- Best affordable hardware wallet with upgraded design and features
- Up to 100 coins storage limit
- 5500 supported coins and tokens
- Embedded with secure element chip
- Physical buttons to authorize input
- Its latest Ledger Live application makes it very easy to use
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux or Chrome OS, and Android devices
Cons
- No battery
- No wireless connectivity
Buy Ledger Nano S Plus from official Ledger website Now
Ledger Nano S Plus belongs to a France based company. Ledger Nano S is one of the best Bitcoin hardware wallets available out there. With no time it’s become first choice of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency investors.
And now its latest upgraded model Ledger Nano S Plus loaded with increase coin support and latest features is ready replace it. Ledger team took a long long time to launch updated version of model S but believe me Nano S Plus has everything to become no.1 hardware wallet among retail investors.
If someone is looking for an affordable hardware wallet under limited budget then my first advise would be Ledger Nano S Plus.
Easy interface, unbeatable security, and multi-coin support are some of its key features that are grabbing attention of buyers. They’ve sold more than 1.4 million hardware wallet units worldwide of its previous model which is a good score if we see total population of people who invest in cryptocurrency and Plus model is going to add more numbers and will certainly help it maintain its position in cryptocurrency world.
The device has OLED built-in display large enough to check and authenticate transactions. Ledger Nano S Plus completely isolates your private keys by storing them into a secure element military grade CC EAL5+ security level certified microchip.
You can add up to 8 digit PIN to lock this device. If you ever lost your Ledger Nano S Plus then you can easily restore your wallets to another device by using 24 words recovery seed and no one could misuse your lost or stolen device because it’s PIN protected.
You can make secure transactions even on an infected computer because Ledger Nano S Plus does not ask you to enter personal details such as PIN on your computer.
You have two buttons on the side for navigation purpose. The battery-less device can be connected to a mobile or desktop via USB cable.
Currently, Ledger supported coins list is very large, it supports more than 5500 coins and tokens including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Dash, Zcash, Neo and ERC20 tokens.
The device will cost you $89 or ₹6799. If you’re going for it then make sure to buy it from official website of Ledger Wallet.
Make sure to buy the device from official website of the company to avoid unnecessary risk. Above provided buy links will help you land directly on official website.
Ledger Nano S Plus Details:
- Price – $89 or ₹6799 with free shipping.
- Specifications– OLED display, two buttons for navigation, 21g weight, USB type-C connector, brushed stainless steel and plastic material.
- Compatibility– Windows (7+), Mac (10.8+), Linux or Chrome OS. Dedicated Ledger Live application.
- Supported Cryptocurrencies– Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Ehtereum, Ethereum Classic, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Zcash, Ripple, Dash, Stratis, Komodo, Ark. Expanse, Ubiq, Vertcoin, Viacoin, Neo, Stealthcoin, Stellar, Hcash, Digibyte, Qtum and more.
Know how to buy Ledger Nano S Plus from its official website.
Next generation hardware wallets from Ledger
Ledger has recently introduced its next generation Bitcoin hardware wallet, Ledger Nano X. It’s a successor of Ledger Nano S with a bunch of new improvements such as Bluetooth connectivity and touch display. Similarly, Ledger Blue (discontinued) was also a very famous product of the company.
Ledger Nano X – Next generation hardware wallet
Pros
- Next generation hardware wallet with large screen
- Embedded with CC EAL5+ assurance level certified secure element chip
- 100mAh lithium-ion battery
- Wireless connectivity along with wired
- Up to 100 coins storage limit
- 5500 supported coins and tokens
- Physical buttons to authorize input
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux or Chrome OS, and Android devices
- Desktop and mobile Ledger Live application makes it very easy to use
- Value for money product
Cons
- Non-replaceable battery
Ledger Nano X gathered universal acclaim due to its latest features and large storage capacity, up to 100+ coins. This device has the capacity to store your cryptographic assets as secure as possible. Along with physical connectivity device can be connected with Bluetooth encrypted connection.
Its state-of-the-art technology stores your cryptocurrencies securely and at the same time lets you send and receive coins without exposing your private keys to the internet.
You can store all prominent coins using this device. Compared to previous model, you will also find some design improvements.
It costs almost double ($175) the price of Ledge Nano S Plus. But still it’s a worth buying product due to its latest features and storage capacity, compared to Ledger Nano S Plus because extra features it has. Without any second thought, it’s a best next generation hardware wallet.
Trezor One
Pros
- Screen verification to send and receive
- Affordable hardware wallet
- Worldwide trusted
- Can also be used as Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) security Key
- Passphrase feature
- Physical buttons to avoid virtual theft
Cons
- Plastic body not premium
- Requires third party wallets to access some coins
Buy it from official Trezor wallet website.
Talking about best Bitcoin hardware wallet then how can we forget Trezor One, the first and still the best Bitcoin hardware wallet?
This is the first hardware wallet company and first choice of buyers who do not care about price. Trezor by SatoshiLabs is a safest bet for those who prefer security over price. I’ve recently reviewed Trezor One hardware wallet.
I am regularly using this device as a U2F security key for my online social media and Gmail accounts.
The cost of the device is bit high but when we see its background and security features then the price does not hurt. The multi-coin hardware wallet offers you a secure and trusted way to store Bitcoins and altcoins locally.
9 digits security PIN and 24 words recovery seed ensure safety and recovery if you lost your device.
The Trezor’s design is not that compelling but it’s been in the business for a long time and has a good track record. You’ve a small display and two buttons (underneath the display) on the front. You can easily connect it to your computer or Android mobile.
Trezor has two famous models: Trezor One and Trezor Model T. You’ll need to spend €91 or $95 or ₹7350 to own Trezor One and €249 or ₹20000 or $263 for Model T.
Above both models have same security features but Trezor Model T comes with some extra features such as touch display.
Trezor One Details:
- Price– €91 or $95 or ₹7350.
- Specifications: 128×64 pixels OLED display, two buttons for navigation, 12g weight, USB connector.
- Compatibility– Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android Mobile.
- Supported Cryptocurrencies– It supports more than 1200+ coins and tokens including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Ehtereum, Ethereum Classic, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Zcash, Dash, Expanse, Ubiq, NEM, ERC-20 Tokens, Namecoin, Bitcoin Testnet and the like. Get complete Trezor supported coins list here. (Note: Does not support XRP AKA Ripple)
Trezor next generation wallets
Trezor Model T – Next generation hardware wallet
Pros
- Premium hardware wallet
- Company is pioneer in the hardware wallet marketplace
- Screen verification to send and receive
- Worldwide trusted
- Physical buttons to avoid virtual theft
- Can also be used as Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) security Key
- Passphrase feature
- Famous as mini-computer
- Huge storage capacity
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires third party wallets to access some coins
The Trezor Model T is a CE and RoHS certified next-generation device. It comes with USB type-C connector. ARM Cortex-M4 168Mhz processor running on a custom developed system makes it one of the safest hardware wallets out there.
Its Passpharse feature lets you add 25th word to your recovery seed. Passpharse adds an extra layer of security to your device.
It’s a bit expensive device but a best hardware wallet option and worth considering. You will need to spend $263 or ₹20000 to own this device.
BC Vault One
Pros
- Price $140 or ₹11000
- Multi-user hardware wallet
- Large 2.42 inches display
- Very Secure
- More 2000 supported coins and best part is all are accessible from their official app
- Preloaded with 1 locked BTC, unlock and it is yours as bounty for cracking their algorithm
- Install up to 2000 wallets at a time
- Non-deterministic wallet because of its unique and safe recovery seed generation method
- Can be used as Google security key
Cons
- Recovery backup needs to refresh every time you install a new wallet
Now let me introduce a game changer. Earlier only Ledger and Trezor were ruling the market but BC Vault debut in the hardware wallet segment sparked the market and showed investors hardware wallet evolution is just taking place.
BC Vault hardware wallets have so much to offer and they are loaded with tons of next generation features and huge coin support along with multi-user functionality.
I am always biased toward hardware wallets with open-source operating systems but this is first wallet with private isolated OS I would gladly like to use as my personal wallet.
Real Security (manufacturer) is really a premium hardware wallet manufacturing company. BC Vault hardware wallets are expensive because of their advanced features but BC Vault One is affordable.
BC Vault One hardware wallet has everything to become retail investors first choice. I am optimistic about their hardware wallets and in my opinion soon company is going to rule the market.
For your information, all hardware wallet from the company come with 1 Bitcoin preloaded as bounty program reward. If anyone could successfully crack their code then that BTC would be his as reward.
BC Vault One Details:
- Price– $140 or ₹11000 excluding delivery charges.
- Size: 100mm x 57mm x 10mm
- Specifications– 2.42 inches 128×64 pixel pixels OLED display, metallic body, one button.
- Compatibility– Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android Mobile.
- Multi-user: More than 2000 different wallets can be generated.
- Supported Cryptocurrencies– 2000+ coins support along with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Dash, Namecoin, and working to adding more.
BC Vault Next Generation Wallets
Custom BC Vault Gunmetal Hardware Wallet
Pros
- Customization option
- Multi-user hardware wallet
- Metallic body
- Unlike other hardware wallets, it generates separate private key for installed wallets
- Large 2.42 inches display. 85 grams weight
- Very Secure, no serial number therefore even company cannot know which device you are using
- More 2000 supported coins and best part is all are accessible from their official app
- Preloaded with 1 locked BTC, unlock and it is yours as bounty for cracking their algorithm
- Install up to 2000 wallets at a time
- Non-deterministic wallet because of its unique and safe recovery seed generation method
- Can be used as Google security key
Cons
- Expensive, it would cost you around $345 or ₹26000 excluding custom charges
- Recovery backup needs to refresh every time you install a new wallet
Check Out BC Vault Gunmetal Now
BC Vault Gunmetal hardware wallet along with BC Vault Special Gold Edition is my favorite just because customization it offers.
You can get your logo, photo, name, or any favorite line engraved on custom BC Vault. In the below picture, you find our Cryptowonk logo on the hardware wallet. It is looking so beautiful, isn’t it?
It indeed has an elegant design. Large display helps you read screen instructions easily. BC Vault Gunmetal Bitcoin wallet size is almost twice the size of Ledger Nano and Trezor.
As it is a premium hardware wallet, the price tag is a bit higher than other hardware wallets; however, the size, as compared to other wallets, multi-user support and other features justify its price. However, I expect from company to lower down its price to some extent to make it a value-for-money product.
Currently, it supports only more than 2000 digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Namecoin, Testnet, along with ERC20 and Cardano Tokens. Also, the company is actively working to add more cryptocurrencies support.
You know what is the best part, all the coins and tokens are directly accessible from its official app. Unlike other hardware wallet, you don’t need install third party apps to store coins, all the supported coins will be directly accessible from single app which makes this device very user-friendly.
It has directional keypad for navigation purpose with flip screen feature (because of flip screen right handed as well as left handed people can use it easily).
Like other hardware wallets, your private keys will remain offline in an isolated space even if it is connected to the internet or you are making transactions.
You can enable PIN on this device to prevent unauthorized access. Its secure chip limits the access of external devices to keep your private keys in a secure environment.
BC Vault Gunmetal Details:
- Price– $345 or ₹26000 excluding custom duty.
- Size: 100mm x 57mm x 10mm
- Connector: Type-C
- Multi-user: More than 2000 different wallets can be generated.
- Specifications– 2.42 inches 128×64 pixel pixels OLED display, metallic body, one button.
- Compatibility– Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android Mobile.
- Supported Cryptocurrencies– 2000+ coins support along with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Dash, Namecoin, and working to adding more.
Advise
As of now, you cannot find a better way to keep your coins safe than a hardware wallet. A hardware wallet costs you money but in returns it keeps your digital assets in an isolated and secure environment.
In my opinion, if you have coins to survive for three months then it’s worth buying a Bitcoin hardware wallet.
Out of these best Bitcoin hardware wallet options Ledger Nano S Plus is an affordable and secure wallet. Trezor comes with passphrase feature (this feature lets you add 25th word to your recovery phrase) that helps it stand out of the crowd.
Which hardware wallet did you like the most? Let me know your preference. BTW I’ll go for Ledger Nano X.
Ledger Nano X vs. Trezor Model T vs. BC Vault One
- ➯ Supports 5500+ coins & tokens including ERC20 tokens
- ➯ No multi-user support
- ➯Runs on BOLOS operating system developed by Ledger
- ➯ Based on Secure Element Chip
- ➯ Temper proof
- ➯ Can store up to 100 coins & tokens at a time
- ➯ PIN protection stops brute force attacks
- ➯ Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android devices
- ➯ OLED Display and two physical buttons
- ➯ Requires physical input to authorize transaction
- ➯ Supports 1200+ coins & tokens including ERC20 tokens
- ➯ No multi-user support
- ➯ Runs on open-source OS software to make it fully auditable
- ➯Acts like a mini-computer
- ➯ Tempered proof
- ➯ No limit specified, can store many coins
- ➯ PIN protection stops brute force attacks
- ➯ Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile devices
- ➯ OLED Display and physical buttons
- ➯ Requires physical input to authorize transaction
- ➯ Supports 2000+ coins & tokens including ERC20 tokens
- ➯ Multi-user support
- ➯ Runs on Private Isolated OS developed by Real Security
- ➯ Has advanced security hardware
- ➯ Tempered proof
- ➯ 2000 wallets can be generated
- ➯ Protected by PIN to stop brute force attacks
- ➯ Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, no mobile support
- ➯ Large OLED Display and physical buttons
- ➯ Requires physical input to authorize transaction
What is a cryptocurrency hardware wallet?
A cryptocurrency hardware wallet is a physical electronic device that has the capability to store one or more cryptographic assets in an isolated space. Hardware wallet lets the user store, send and receive cryptocurrencies without exposing wallets’ private keys to the internet.
Since hardware wallets store private keys offline (cold store) therefore there’s almost no chance to hack a hardware wallet without having physical access. Also, hardware wallets come with back up recovery seed that can help a user to regain access to his wallets or coins if he loses his hardware wallet.
If you lost your Bitcoin hardware wallet then you can buy a new one and can restore your wallets to that by using your secret phrase (which you get at the time of setting up your hardware wallet). Or you can restore your wallets to other supported software wallets.
Why should I own a Bitcoin hardware wallet?
It is not a wise decision to keep your Bitcoins or other altcoins on an exchange or a hot wallet because all Bitcoin exchanges are highly vulnerable to cyber attacks. We have seen how prominent cryptocurrency exchanges like South Korean Bitcoin exchange Youbit and Binance (who lost $40 million worth of cryptocurrencies) got hacked.
Also, there are some chances that your exchange may run away with your coins.
As of now, hardware wallets are the safest way to store Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies. Till date there’s no single case of fraud has been recorded from the hardware wallets.
Even some renowned cryptocurrency exchanges suggest customers to move their cryptocurrencies to a paper wallet or a best hardware wallet.
If you’re concerned about safety of your Bitcoins and altcoins and seeking a reliable way to keep them safe then this is the thing you need.
As discussed above, hardware wallet stores your private keys offline therefore your private keys and coins will remain be intact if you use it on a malware infected computer.
Hardware wallets store your private keys safely and let you protect them with a PIN so nobody else can access your hardware wallet.
Industry experts advice that we should never store our private keys on a device that connects to the internet. If you’re doing so then your digital assets’ private keys can be accessed by cyber-criminals and you can end up losing them all.
Bitcoin hardware wallets not only help you store your coins, these also let you send and receive them.
You can create multiple addresses on your hardware wallet. These physical devices also let you store other cryptocurrencies like Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, Dash and the like.
What are the Bitcoin hardware wallet alternatives available?
There are some alternatives available for example paper wallet, mobile wallet and software wallet. These options are also safe but not equal to hardware wallet.
What is a paper wallet?
Bitcoin paper wallet is nothing just a piece of paper that contains a Bitcoin public wallet address and private key. You use a web client (Bitaddress is a known Bitcoin paper wallet generator and MyEtherWallet, Ethereum paper wallet generator) that uses a special JavaScript program to generate a Bitcoin wallet.
Since the program can run without the internet therefore you can generate Bitcoin wallet or paper wallet offline. Paper wallets are more secure than online wallets and web wallets.
Those who cannot afford hardware wallets can use paper wallet or software wallet to store their cryptocurrencies. In a separate post I’ve explained how to generate and move Bitcoins to paper wallet.
Before that you should know that paper is a fragile thing and requires extra care. Personally, I don’t recommend it if you can survive with your coins for up to three months.
What is a software wallet?
Software wallet such as Electrum lets you store your private keys onto your computer. This method of storing Bitcoin and altcoins offline is recommended if you have a spare personal computer which you are not going to connect to the internet.
Which one to choose: paper wallet, software wallet or hardware wallet?
Once someone understands that cold storage (storing Bitcoins or altcoins offline using paper wallet or hardware wallet) is the best way to protect his/her Bitcoins or altcoins then next question pops up in mind that, ‘Which one to choose: paper wallet, software wallet or Bitcoin hardware wallet?’
The answer is very simple. Choose hardware wallet if money is not the issue or you indeed acquire significant amount of Bitcoins or altcoins like Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash etc. There are some best hardware wallet available at very low price.
On the flip side, if your Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency investment is not that much then opt paper wallet or software. Paper wallet is also a secure way to store Bitcoins offline.
You can read how to transfer Bitcoins to a paper wallet to know how to cold store Bitcoins using paper wallet.
Software wallet is also a very safe bet if you have a spare computer that you would not be using for any other purpose than storing your private keys.
Long term HODLers or investors should opt Bitcoin hardware wallet to store Bitcoins safely. Though a Bitcoin hardware wallet costs you about $59-$159 but it keeps your cryptocurrency secure and safe.
How to choose a best hardware wallet?
While choosing a Bitcoin hardware wallet, you should consider simplicity, security, coin support, storage capacity and features. Your Bitcoin hardware wallet should support other cryptocurrencies like Litecoin, Ripple AKA XRP, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin and the like.
This way you will be able to store your other coins to your hardware wallet which will make your wallet investment cost effective.
User reviews is a best way to know highs and lows of a product. So read reviews of a Bitcoin hardware wallet on different websites.
Don’t come on a decision after reading reviews from only one site because nowadays some cunning companies deliberately create positive reviews to boost their sales so to pick a best hardware wallet for your altcoins and BTC read reviews from as many as websites you can.
Hardware wallet should be compatible with all devices say it Mac, Windows, Linux or Android.
Is Cold wallet same as hardware wallet?
A hardware wallet is best option when it comes to cold wallet. It keeps your cryptocurrencies private keys offline in an secure environment and never exposes them to external world. Even on infected devices your private keys will remain safe.
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