The number of hardware wallets has proliferated alongside the explosion of cryptocurrencies. Today, consumers enjoy an unprecedented choice of devices for storing bitcoin and altcoins, though market leaders Ledger and Trezor still dominate the conversation. If you’re agonizing over which model fits your needs, the following four flagship devices are worthy of serious consideration.
Best Portable Wallet: Coolwallet S
While all devices here are compact, only the Coolwallet S is slim enough to slip into your wallet alongside credit cards. Its wafer-thin design and e-paper display let you check balances and send/receive BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, and XRP on the go. The device connects via Bluetooth to the Coolbitx mobile app, eliminating the need for a desktop computer. For everyday portability, Coolwallet S is the clear winner.
Best Multi-Currency Wallet: Ledger Nano S
No other hardware wallet matches the Ledger Nano S for multi-currency compatibility. The French manufacturer constantly adds new coins, with releases now scheduled for the first Tuesday of each month. The inaugural #FirstTuesdayCrypto added PoA, Icon, Vechain, Wanchain, Ontology, Kowala, Particl, and RSK. Besides supporting ERC20 tokens, the Nano S supports an ever-growing list of cryptocurrencies. If you hold a diverse portfolio, the Nano S is your best bet for one-device convenience, despite occasional gripes with its Chrome software and Ledger Live desktop app.
Best No-Nonsense Wallet: Keepkey
Keepkey works straight out of the box and is robust enough to handle daily life. Its angular design may not win beauty contests, and its features are less elaborate than the Nano S, but simplicity is its strength. While the Nano S sometimes suffers connectivity issues, Keepkey gets the job done on the first try, storing BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, DOGE, DASH, and ERC20 tokens. It also integrates tightly with Shapeshift, its parent company, for instant in-wallet exchanges.
Best High-Security Wallet: Trezor Model T
All hardware wallets here are highly secure when used correctly, but Trezor Model T stands out with a write-protected bootloader that verifies firmware signatures and support for BIP39 passphrases. For the ultra-cautious, Model T is a very safe bet. Remember: whichever device you choose, it’s only as secure as you make it. Keep your recovery seed in a very safe place with an additional backup stored elsewhere for redundancy.