In all things blockchain, security is the top priority. A trusted software wallet is key, but the safest storage option is a hardware wallet.
Hardware wallets add a layer of security by storing your private keys offline, and by confirming your transactions on a physical device.
Two companies have dominated the hardware wallet space – but there’s also a variety of increasingly popular alternatives. What are the best hardware wallets of 2024? Here’s our complete 2024 guide.
#6 Ledger Stax
- Launch: May 2024
- Price: $399 USD
The Ledger Stax is the latest flagship device from hardware wallet manufacturer, Ledger.
With a curved E Ink touchscreen – the first of its kind – it presents transactions in a human-readable format that Ledger call Clear Signing. It’s powered by a CC EAL6+ chip, with a user-set 4-8 digit access PIN.
Although the Ledger Stax supports over 5,500 coins and tokens, and can run up to 100 applications at the same time, it’s one of the more expensive options at $399 USD – and Ledger as a company aren’t the most popular amongst the blockchain community at the moment.
If money is no object, and you want a device that puts the user experience first, take a look at the Ledger Stax.
#5 Trezor Safe 5
- Launch: June 2024
- Price: $169 USD
The Trezor Safe 5 is the latest top-end device from Ledger’s biggest competitors, Trezor.
With a 1.54-inch touchscreen display, the device is open-source. A Bitcoin-only version is also available – and at less than half the price of the Ledger Stax, it’s a far more affordable option.
Although the Trezor Safe 5 supports all major coins and tokens, the device only has touchscreen input options – presenting a longevity and durability concern.
If top-of-the-line quality, trusted security and a user-friendly design are important to you, consider the Trezor Safe 5.
#4 BC Vault
- Launch: October 2018
- Price: Starting from $139 USD
The BC Vault is a hardware wallet created by the eponymous company, BC Vault.
Instead of seed phrases, the device uses an SD card or QR code backup, plus random number generators and non-deterministic algorithms for creating private keys – and passwords and PINs on top of that – with claims that its hardware will keep your data safe for up to 200 years.
Although the BC Vault is compatible with almost all cryptocurrencies, the BC Vault is not open source – an issue for many – and its focus on security makes it less user-friendly than other options.
If top security is your desire, give the BC Vault a close look.
#3 NGRAVE ZERO
- Launch: May 2020
- Price: $440 USD
NGRAVE ZERO is another hardware wallet that pursues the ultimate in security.
It claims to be the only “air-gapped” EAL7 hardware wallet – the highest standard for security – on the market. The device has no USB, Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi or 5G features, using QR codes for transactions – with biometrics, tamper-proof tech and a custom OS to boot.
Although the NGRAVE ZERO supports over 3,500 coins and tokens, it is the most expensive option on this list – and as a security-optimised product, it’s lacking when it comes to the user experience.
If security with no compromises is your aim, look into the NGRAVE ZERO.
#2 Ledger Nano S Plus
- Launch: April 2022
- Price: $79 USD
The Ledger Nano S Plus is the current entry-level device offered by Ledger.
With two physical buttons, a small black-and-white screen, and a USB-C connection, it’s a simple, affordable hardware wallet – and with Ledger Live compatibility, setup and asset management is straightforward.
Although the Ledger Nano S Plus supports over 5,000 coins and tokens, the lack of Bluetooth makes it incompatible with iOS devices, and previous controversies have led many to look for an alternative to Ledger entirely.
If you’re looking for an affordable hardware wallet, the popular choice is the Ledger Nano S Plus.
#1 Trezor Model One
- Launch: July 2014
- Price: $59 USD
Despite its age, the Trezor Model One is still a very popular hardware wallet with many blockchain users.
With a 1-inch black-and-white screen, two physical buttons and a Micro USB connection, it uses Trezor’s trusted open-source software – and with both PIN and passphrase protection, plus wide compatibility with various devices, operating systems and services, it’s been a trusted hardware wallet choice since its inception.
Although the Trezor Model One supports thousands of coins and tokens, the lack of modern features – especially the Micro USB port – does concern many, though the device still ships with a Micro USB to USB-A cable today.
It’s affordable, it’s trusted, and it’s secure. The Trezor Model One tops our list as the best hardware wallet of 2024.
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