Compare The Top 10 Crypto Hardware Wallets In 2025
The events of 2022 served as a stark reminder of just how vulnerable digital assets can be when stored on exchanges or with third-party platforms. The collapse of FTX, Celsius, and BlockFi resulted in billions of dollars being lost or locked up, leaving many crypto holders stranded without immediate access to their funds.
These high-profile failures highlighted a critical truth: self-custody is the safest way to protect your digital assets.
As a result, demand for hardware wallets skyrocketed. Companies like Ledger and Trezor saw record-breaking sales, with both seasoned investors and newcomers seeking a secure way to safeguard their holdings. Hardware wallets offer a level of security that is far superior to online exchanges or software wallets, as they are less susceptible to hacking, phishing attacks, or other vulnerabilities inherent in internet-connected devices.
If you're reading this, chances are you're looking for a reliable and secure way to store your crypto assets. Whether you're a long-term investor or an active trader, the safety of your holdings should be your top priority.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top hardware wallets available today, detailing their features, advantages, and cons.
Methodology
To help you pick the safest and most reliable options, we applied an evaluation process focused on real-world security, ease of use, supported assets, transparency, and long-term trustworthiness. Here's a look at the key factors we considered:
Security First Approach
We evaluated wallets primarily on security architecture, including secure element (SE) chips, open-source firmware, physical attack resistance, and track record against known exploits. Only wallets with a proven commitment to uncompromised security were considered.
Supported Assets
We factored in how many cryptocurrencies each wallet supports, with particular attention to compatibility with Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), stablecoins, and emerging altcoins, because portfolio diversity matters.
Transparency and Reputation
Open-source transparency, company reputation, historical vulnerabilities, and community trust scores were analyzed. Wallets with opaque practices or unresolved controversies are not included.
Features and Innovation
Advanced features like Bluetooth support, touchscreen displays, multi-sig compatibility, and DeFi/NFT integrations were compared, but only when they did not compromise core security.
Overview Of The Top 10 Hardware Wallets for Cold Storage Solutions
There are several hardware wallets on the market, and choosing the right one can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide.
| Wallet | Best For | Security Features | Coin Support | Price | Unique Features | Open Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledger Flex | Overall Best Hardware Wallet | Secure element chip with a CC EAL6+ certification, 2FA | 5,550+ assets | $249 | Grayscale E Ink touchscreen, lightweight and robust, multi-currency support, multi-device connectivity | Partially |
| Trezor Safe 3 | Best Value for Security | Secure element, 2FA, PIN, air-gapped | 8,000+ assets | $79 | Integrates with Trezor Suite, Metamask, Exodus; touch screen | Yes |
| Cypherock | Backup & Recovery | Shamir's Secret Sharing, PIN | 8,000+ assets | $159 | Manages multiple wallets, inheritance planning, EMP-proof | Partially |
| NGRAVE ZERO | Secure Cold Storage Wallet | EAL7 certification, air-gapped, tamper-proof | 4,000+ assets | $398 | Highest security level, biometric, no pre-installed keys | Partially |
| BC Vault | Long-Term Storage | True Random Number Generator, FeRAM | Millions of coins & tokens | €131.14 | Supports 2,000 wallets, non-deterministic keys | No |
| Tangem Wallet | Most User-Friendly | EAL6+ certified, NFC-based, dust & water-proof | 8,000+ assets | $59.40 (3-card set) | Mobile app, no single point of failure, highly durable | Partially |
| ELLIPAL Titan | DApps & DeFi | Fully air-gapped, anti-tamper, QR code only | 46 blockchains, 10,000+ assets | $169 | Extensive DeFi support, dust & water-proof, QR-based access | No |
| Coldcard Q | Bitcoin Enthusiasts | Two-part PIN system, safeguards for coercive situations | Bitcoin | $239.99 | Full QWERTY keyboard, system for managing unsigned and signed transactions separately | Yes |
| Gridplus | Unlimited Wallets | Secure enclave protects sensitive data, tamper detection mesh | Bitcoin, All EVM chains, L2s, and their tokens | $397 | Compatible with MetaMask and other wallets, SafeCard integration | Yes |
| KeepKey | Budget-Conscious Holders | PIN protection, Private keys stay offline | 40+ major cryptocurrencies and ERC-20 tokens | $49.95 | Built-in integration for easy asset swaps | Yes |
There are a few things to weigh up before choosing which one is right for you, and we’ll consider all of these in relation to each wallet:
- Security: Although hardware wallets are the safest option out there, some are more secure than others.
- Coins supported: All hardware wallets will store BTC, ETH, and most other top cryptocurrencies. However, if your portfolio includes some lesser-known altcoins, then some wallets may not be suitable.
- Price: If your portfolio is relatively small, then chances are you won’t want to pay top dollar for a device to store it on. As with any product, prices for hardware wallets vary.
One important note: Always purchase your hardware wallet directly from the manufacturer. There have been cases where bad actors purchased wallets, extracted the seed phrases, and then resold the compromised devices. Once the unsuspecting buyer transferred funds to the wallet, the thieves were able to access and steal them using the known seed phrase.
To avoid this risk, never buy from third-party sellers like eBay or other unofficial marketplaces. Stick to ordering directly from the company’s official website. The good news is that most manufacturers offer free shipping, unless you live somewhere particularly remote.
Armed with this information, let’s dive into analysis, in no particular order.
1. Leading Choice in Hardware Wallets: Ledger Flex
Making its debut in the competitive crypto hardware wallet landscape, the Ledger Flex has quickly established itself as a top-tier choice for securing digital assets. Produced by Ledger, one of the foremost names in cryptocurrency security, the Flex delivers a balanced combination of robust protection and user-friendly functionality.
Read our full Ledger Flex review.
The Flex is the latest addition to Ledger's celebrated line of hardware wallets, positioning itself as a mid-range option that caters to both novice and experienced users. Announced during Ledger’s 10th anniversary at the Bitcoin Conference in July 2024, this wallet aims to provide unparalleled security while simplifying asset management.
Prior to the Flex, the Ledger Stax made waves with its innovative design and premium features. While the Stax remains an excellent choice for those seeking a luxury experience, the Flex is more practical, offering superior durability and a more traditional design. Let’s dive into the details of what makes the Ledger Flex stand out.
Features
- CC EAL6+ secure element chip
- Secure E-Ink touchscreen
- 2.84-inch 16-grayscale E Ink display
- Aluminum and plastic construction
- Bluetooth-enabled Ledger Live mobile and desktop app
- Supports 5,500+ cryptocurrencies
Price
- $249
2. Best Value for Security: Trezor Safe 3
Trezor Safe 3, produced by Satoshi Labs, is a secure and budget-friendly upgrade over the Trezor Model T, offering a secure element chip and a higher security rating.
Features
- Secure element chip for improved security
- Supports 8,000+ cryptocurrencies
- Compatible with Trezor Suite and Web3 wallets
- Open-source software
Price
- $79
3. Top Hardware Wallet For Backup & Recovery: Cypherock X1
Cypherock offers an innovative backup and recovery solution, replacing the traditional recovery phrase with Shamir's Secret Sharing and decentralized backups.
Features
- Stores keys for up to 4 wallets
- Shamir's Secret Sharing backup
- Encrypted card-based recovery
- Open-source device
- EMP-protected Faraday case included
Price
- $159
4. Most Secure Cold Storage Wallet: NGRAVE ZERO
The NGRAVE ZERO is the world's most secure air-gapped hardware wallet, achieving EAL7 certification and featuring innovations like the "Perfect Key."
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Features
- Full air-gap security
- EAL7 certification
- Biometric authentication and tamper-proof design
- Randomized key generation with no pre-installed keys
- Made from military-grade materials
Price
- $398
5. Top Pick for Long-Term Storage: BC Vault
BC Vault is an advanced hardware wallet designed for ultra-secure, long-term storage and multi-user support.
Features
- Supports 2,000 wallet addresses and hundreds of chains
- Seedless cold storage with encrypted SD card backup
- FeRAM chip with 200-year lifespan
- Native support for assets without needing third-party apps
- True random number private key generation
Price
- €131.14
6. Most User Friendly: Tangem Wallet
The Tangem Wallet provides a credit-card-sized NFC wallet that simplifies setup and eliminates single points of failure, making it ideal for beginners.
Features
- NFC tap-to-use design with mobile app
- Supports 8,000+ assets
- Open-source firmware
- Dustproof, waterproof, EMP-resistant chip (EAL6+ certified)
- Option for recovery via app and PIN/passcode
Price
- $59.40 for a 3-card set
7. Best Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallet for DApps + DeFi: ELLIPAL Titan
ELLIPAL Titan is a fully air-gapped cold wallet geared towards DeFi and DApp users, offering robust cold storage alongside Web3 app access.
Features
- 100% air-gapped (no Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth)
- 46 blockchains and 10,000+ tokens supported
- Tamper-proof and dust/waterproof build
- DApp and DeFi access via mobile app
Price
- $169
8. Best for Bitcoin Enthusiasts: Coldcard Q
The Coldcard Q is Coinkite’s flagship Bitcoin-only hardware wallet, designed for users who prioritize maximum security and air-gapped operations. Building upon the Coldcard Mk4, the Q introduces significant usability enhancements, including a full QWERTY keyboard, a larger screen, and an integrated QR scanner.
Features
- Full QWERTY keyboard that facilitates easy entry of long BIP-39 passphrases
- 320x240 pixel display for clear transaction verification
- Push-pull type slots for managing unsigned and signed transactions separately
- Equipped with LED illumination and advanced scanning algorithms for reliable QR code reading
- Incorporates Microchip ATECC608 and Maxim DS28C36B chips to securely store the 24-word seed phrase
- Supports NFC-V for secure data transmission
- Physical PCB traces can be cut to irreversibly disable USB and/or NFC data connections
- Two-part PIN system with unique anti-phishing words for each device
- Includes features like Duress PIN, Brick Me PIN, and Countdown to Brick PIN for enhanced security in coercive situations
- Firmware is open-source, allowing for community auditing and verification
Price
- $239.99
9. Best for Unlimited Wallets: Gridplus
The GridPlus Lattice1 is a premium hardware wallet designed for users who prioritize security and usability. With its large touchscreen and integration with SafeCards, it offers a unique approach to managing and securing cryptocurrency assets.
Features
- The 5-inch touchscreen makes transaction verification and navigation simple.
- SafeCard integration securely stores private keys on physical cards.
- The secure enclave protects sensitive data by isolating it from external connections.
- The tamper detection mesh alerts if the device is physically compromised.
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity enable easy wallet integration.
- Compatible with MetaMask, Rabby, Frame, NuFi, MyCrypto, Ambire, and more.
- Supports Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, BSC, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism, Polygon, and other EVM chains.
Price
- $397
10. Best for The Budget-Conscious: KeepKey
KeepKey is focused on simplicity, security, and affordability. Launched in 2015 and later acquired by ShapeShift, it offers essential cold storage features with a sleek, minimalist design. Ideal for casual crypto holders, KeepKey provides an intuitive experience for securing digital assets offline without breaking the bank.
Features
- 3.12-inch OLED display for easy transaction review.
- Private keys stay offline to protect against online threats.
- Built-in ShapeShift integration for easy asset swaps.
- PIN protection adds extra device security.
- 12-word recovery phrase for wallet backup.
- Supports 40+ major cryptocurrencies and ERC-20 tokens.
- USB connection for desktop and laptop use.
Price
- $49.95
What is a Crypto Hardware Wallet?
Hardware wallets are physical devices with a secure element that store your private keys offline in a secure manner and keep them safe from any outside attack. They can be plugged into a computer or connected to a mobile device to enable users to manage and spend their crypto, but all aspects of any transactions and validations are done on the device itself. Even if the device being used is infected with malware or is otherwise compromised, the hardware wallet remains secure, and nobody else can get access to the private keys.
Each of the wallets mentioned here today comes with the vitally important feature of being able to back up your wallet so you will be able to restore your wallet, and your funds, should you lose or damage the wallet that stores your private keys, so please follow good crypto security etiquette 101 and ALWAYS back up any wallet you use, software or hardware. Keeping those recovery seed phrases stored safely will likely be the only way to recover your funds should something go astray with your crypto storage method of choice.
I highly recommend checking out our article on How to Keep Your Crypto Safe for a comprehensive article on all the best practices and steps you can take to ensure you are using crypto in the safest and most secure manner possible. We also have an article: How Does a Hardware Wallet Work, if you want to get into the nitty gritty.
Conclusion
Whether you're a long-term holder, a DeFi explorer, a Bitcoin maximalist, or a new entrant to crypto, there’s a hardware wallet designed to meet your specific needs.
From the versatility of the Ledger Flex and Trezor Safe 3, to the cutting-edge security of the NGRAVE ZERO and the user-friendliness of the Tangem Wallet, the market today offers more secure, high-quality options than ever before.
However, no matter which device you choose, always remember to buy directly from the manufacturer and securely back up your recovery phrases.
Frequently Asked Questions
A crypto wallet is a digital or hardware wallet that allows users to store the unique digital codes needed to send and receive crypto assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc. Most wallets will allow you to hold assets for multiple chains, for example, a single Trezor can hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Cardano, XRP, and more, regardless of the fact that they all run on different networks. There are some wallets that are specific for one coin or network though such as Bitcoin wallets, Monero wallets and MetaMask, which by default, is an Ethereum only wallet (for all ERC20) tokens, though other networks can be added manually to it.
A very common misconception is that wallets hold your crypto. That is a simplified way of thinking about it, but a mind-blowing fact that very few people know is that no wallet in existence actually stores any cryptocurrency at all! Crypto never leaves its blockchain network, Bitcoin will forever live on the Bitcoin blockchain network, it will never live or be stored physically inside of a crypto wallet. A crypto wallet simply acts as the keys that hold the special digital codes (private keys) needed to access your crypto that is stored on the blockchain… Crazy, I know. You can learn more about cryptocurrency wallets in our How Hardware Wallets Work article.
There are software wallets also referred to as hot wallets, which can live on a device such as a computer or mobile phone, and paper wallets, which are, as they sound, a piece of paper where private keys are written down or a QR code is printed. Then, of course, hardware wallets which were covered in this article, are the safest crypto wallet as they are not kept online like software wallets and are not as fragile as paper wallets.
When you hear the terms cold wallet and hot wallet, cold simply refers to being on a device with no online connectivity. The key takeaway when comparing a crypto hard wallet vs soft wallet is that hardware wallets have no remote attack surfaces as they are not connected to the internet, making them more secure.
With the popularity of NFTs on the rise, many digital asset holders are searching for the best wallets for NFTs, and there is no single answer here, as it will depend on what network the NFTs are on. Our pick for the best wallet for NFTs on mobile is the Trust Wallet or Coinbase wallet, as they can handle NFTs on multiple chains. Users looking for the best NFT wallet with utility could consider MetaMask, and Enjin also offers a popular NFT wallet for experienced users into web3 gaming.
The best multi-cryptocurrency wallet or best altcoin wallet really comes down to personal preference and coin support. The best wallet in the world is no good if it doesn’t support your favourite coin. For those looking to save a few bucks and want the safest crypto wallet for altcoins, the Trezor One and Tangem are our picks. If you don’t mind splashing out, then the Trezor Model T is a solid pick. If you are someone who is after the best, it is good to note that the NGRAVE and BC Vault have higher security ratings and offer more security features than the Ledger and Trezor.
For software wallets, I have to say the Exodus wallet is one of the best for mobile and computer. Their UI is stunning, and they have the most robust and full-featured software wallet on the market. The Exodus wallet is also able to integrate with Trezor, taking security to the next level. From within the wallet, users can access an NFT marketplace, exchange crypto, and utilize a web3 wallet. I definitely recommend checking out our Exodus review.
Some wallets only hold a single asset, such as Bitcoin Wallets are quite popular, you can learn more about those in our Bitcoin Wallet review, while the best multi-cryptocurrency wallets are often considered the ones on this list for hardware wallets, or popular wallets like Exodus, Trust Wallet, or the Coinbase wallet are also very popular.
It is always best to purchase a hardware wallet directly on the company website for reasons we discussed in this article, and never buy second-hand hardware wallets due to a high risk of theft of funds.
For software wallets, always download directly from the company website, or use the website to link directly to the Google Play or Apple App Store. The reason we do not suggest searching the app stores manually is that there are often multiple fake wallets mimicking the company wallet set up by hackers. As soon as you download the fake wallet that looks just like the real wallet, poof, the hackers steal your funds.
All the mentions on this list can store Bitcoin and other coins. I would still say Trezor has the best track record, while Cypherock and BC Vault are the safest bets as the best Bitcoin wallets, but if you are looking for Bitcoin-specific wallets or a Bitcoin hardware wallet, you may want to check out our Bitcoin wallet reviews: Top Bitcoin Wallets and Top Bitcoin Wallets for Android.
We often get asked, “what’s the best Bitcoin wallet?” and our pick for the best Bitcoin cold wallets generally coincides with which the best rated hardware wallets are in terms of security. For that reason, we often recommend wallets that have been battle-tested and proven secure, making our pick for the best Bitcoin wallet, the Trezor, though wallets like the BC Vault and Cypherock offer more security features, they do not yet have the long-standing track record of Trezor.
The term “air gap” simply means the wallet has no online connectivity and therefore has no attack surfaces that can be exploited remotely by hackers. The terms air-gapped and cold storage are often used synonymously, simply referring to the device having no network connection. Many of these devices will be charged via USB connection, without the charging connector point having access to the private keys of the wallet.
Our pick would go to the NGRAVE ZERO. The ZERO has attained higher security certifications than any of its competitors. The ZERO also has an innovative trustless recovery method and generates the PERFECT KEY in conjunction with user and environmental input, ensuring true randomness and trustlessness.
A cold wallet, also known as cold storage, is a type of cryptocurrency wallet that securely stores private keys offline, usually on hardware devices like the ones mentioned in this article. This method ensures that the private keys and funds are kept isolated from online networks, reducing the risk of hacking, phishing and cyberattacks. Cold wallets are primarily used for long-term storage of cryptocurrencies, providing a high level of security by keeping private keys offline.
Disclaimer: These are the writer’s opinions and should not be considered investment advice. Readers should do their own research.
