- What are crypto hardware wallets and how are they safe?
- What is the difference between hardware wallets and cold wallets?
- The top 5 crypto hardware wallets.
Introduction To Crypto Hardware Wallets
A crypto hardware wallet is a physical device that allows you to store your cryptocurrencies using a private key and a pin. The main difference between a software non-custodial wallet and a hardware wallet is that the hardware wallet enables you to manage your crypto offline. while a software wallet (hot wallet) is connected to the internet at all times.
The first hardware wallet was created by Trezor in 2014. It introduced secure offline storage for private keys, supporting Bitcoin and a few other cryptocurrencies at the time. Its open-source design and focus on security set the standard for future hardware wallets.
Hardware Wallets VS. Cold Wallets: What’s The Difference?
Cold wallets can include both physical devices- hardware wallets as well as paper wallets. While both require manual handling of private keys, paper wallets are different from hardware wallets as they are usually free and can be generated on their respective websites.
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A hot crypto wallet is a digital wallet that is connected to the internet while cold wallets are not connected to the internet. Both cold and hot wallets have their pros and cons.
Examples of hot wallets: MetaMask, Kepler, Rabby, Phantom and Trust Wallet.
Hardware wallets are a specific type of cold wallet that is a physical electronic device designed to securely store cryptocurrency private keys offline. They are built with specialized security features like secure chips, PIN protection, and recovery seed phrases. Hardware wallets have one major advantage over paper wallets and that is when signing a transaction, you do not expose your private keys to the internet.
A paper wallet is a form of offline cryptocurrency storage, also known as “cold storage.” It’s a physical document, typically a piece of paper, where you’ve written or printed your cryptocurrency’s public and private keys.
Following is a quick tour of how paper wallet is created
To create a paper wallet on BitAddress follow the steps below
Click on the paper wallet and input 1 in addresses to generate
Now this will generate a public key and private key. You need to note both the keys on a piece of paper.
Also write them on multiple papers to back up. Store the paper in a secure location (e.g., safe, vault) to protect it from physical damage or theft.
Share the public address to receive cryptocurrency. Transactions are recorded on the blockchain, and funds are associated with that address.
To use your wallet you will need to download Electrum and scan the private key or manually input it. This will expose it to the internet temporarily.
Top 5 Crypto Hardware Wallets To Watch Out For In 2025
If you have always been confused about which crypto hardware wallet to consider then reach the guide below for a detailed analysis.
Trezor
This is a popular crypto hardware wallet by SatoshiLabs. Trezor wallets keep private keys offline and require on-device confirmation for transactions. These wallets have a secured element chip which further makes the device physically secure too. The chip is designed to protect sensitive data, like your private keys, from a wide range of attacks, particularly physical ones.
Trezor devices are priced at $50 – $169.
Trezor Model One is priced at $49, Trezor Safe is priced at $79 and Trezor Safe is priced at $169
SafePal
Backed by Binance Labs, this hardware wallet ranks second on our list. Safepal’s devices have a security certification of CC EAL6+ and supports over 200+ chains. Their wallets are compatible with iOS, Android, Windows and MacOS.
SafePal devices work with the SafePal mobile and browser apps. This integration lets you conveniently manage your crypto portfolio in real time, while a unique offline signing method keeps your transactions secure.
SafePal S1 is priced at $49.99 while SafePal S1 Pro is priced at $89.99.
(please note: shipping costs are not included)
Ledger
This hardware wallet needs no introduction as it has been in the crypto market for over a decade and has also been the users go to device. Ledger also comes with a CC EAL6+ chip, meaning the wallet offers robust security. While the base model in Ledger comes with less storage it is ideal for users who are just starting to use a hardware wallet.
Transactions require multifactor authentication, meaning you must confirm each one both in the app and physically on the device itself using a button or touchscreen.
Ledger Nano S Plus is priced at $90 while Ledger Flex is priced at $280.
Tangem
The Tangem crypto wallet is a credit card sized hardware wallet and comes in a pack of 2. The wallet also has an EMP-resistant chip (EAL6+ certified) making it a secure device for storing crypto. The wallet can be used only with a phone and it supports over 8000 cryptocurrencies.
Pack of 2 Tangem cards are priced at $59.60 while pack of three is priced at $60.90
D’cent
It is a cryptocurrency hardware wallet built by the South Korean producer ‘IoTrust’. The hardware wallet is a physical device designed to provide a secure offline storage solution for your cryptocurrency private keys. Its flagship hardware wallet is a compact biometric enabled device which is used in conjunction with its official mobile app.
The device utilizes a certified Secure Element chip (EAL5+) to store your private keys, making them highly resistant to physical hacking attempts. Additionally, D’CENT uses its own proprietary Secure OS, which is designed to be tamper-proof and flexible for adding new features and coins.
D’CENT biometric hardware wallet is priced at $139.99 and their card wallet is priced at $38.00
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right hardware wallet is a critical step in securing your digital assets. The best hardware wallets include Ledger, Safepal, D’cent, Tangem and Trezor.
They are well suited for crypto enthusiasts and individuals who are just beginning to shift from hot wallets to cold hardware wallets.
D’CENT and Tangem are great for absolute beginners (retail users) while Trezor, Safepal and Ledger are better suited for users who invest in many kinds of cryptocurrencies.
