Crypto Savvy Life

Practical knowledge, guides, and tips

Comparison of Hardware Wallets | The Best against the Rest

We compare the two current market leaders against the new up-and-coming wallets offering different form factors, useability, and approaches towards the goal of ultimate security with accessibility!

Disclaimer: There may be affiliate links within this article. As a result, using some of these links may support what we do at no cost to you.

Basic Comparison of the Five Hardware Wallets

Further information on each Wallet can be found below.

Ledger

Nano X

Safepal

S1

Cool Wallet CoolPro

Ellipal

Titan

Device Size

Platform 

PC / Android

PC / iOS

Android 

Android / iOS

Android / iOS

Android / iOS

Secure chip

Air gapped

Wallet Integration

Coins/tokens 

1,200

1,500

30,000

10,000

10,000

Staking

Manage/ Display NFTs

via 3rd party app only

Ethereum NFT’s only

Eth +BSC NFT’s

via 3rd party app only

via 3rd party app only

Having reviewed all of these hardware wallets see our conclusions below.

Summary of our Results

The hardware wallet market is growing at a great pace with projects racing to build integrations with other wallets, directly to dApps, exchanges, market places etc

The trend appears to be towards wallet devices that connect with Android/iOS devices, such as Ellipal Titan, CoolWallet Pro, and the Safepal S1, leaving PC users with significantly less choice.

If you prefer to manage your crypto on a desktop then the Trezor and Ledger wallets are definitely worth a closer look.

A growing number of hardware wallets are being built with onboard cameras to facilitate QR code scanning and encrypted Bluetooth connectivity for managing wallets with mobile devices.

We are yet to see whether these features will become industry standard in the future but they seem the way to go.

If you already have Metamask or another software/browser wallet it will be disappointing to discover that the Ellipal Titan, CoolWallet Pro, and the Safepal S1 wallets do not currently integrate with other third-party wallets at all!

Again, Trezor and Ledger currently have the most to offer in terms of 3rd party wallet integration.

For users who would prefer to buy, sell, exchange, and stake crypto from directly within a completely air-gapped hard wallet, the Ellipal Titan is one of only a few wallets offering this capability.

The hardware wallet industry seems to be a bit behind when it comes to developing devices and apps that can natively display NFTs, which is surprising given the growth in the NFT market and the high value of the top NFT collections.

Now, more than ever NFT owners will be looking to move their NFTs off marketplaces and into secure wallets. Yet some would argue there is little point in having an NFT if you aren’t able to look at it!

It is worth mentioning that whichever hardware wallet you choose you are still ultimately responsible for storing your recovery seed phrase, pincode ( if your device has one), and passphrase for BIP39 enabled devices.

Without these, you will find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to recover your crypto but then that is actually the point! Nobody can access your crypto without them!

Trezor Wallets

Trezor One
Full Description

Trezor wallets are created and owned by SatoshiLabs, a pioneer in the crypto industry and currently based in the Czech Republic. They launched their first wallet the Trezor One in 2014 and followed this with the Model T in 2018.

Security & Vulnerabilities:

Both Trezor hardware wallets use a pin code system to access your crypto balance and authorize crypto transactions. 

Open-source firmware system.

Trezor uses an open-source firmware system. This means that the code used inside the wallets is published and open for everyone to view and test. Should a vulnerability in the code be identified through hackathons or in the developer community it is possible for Trezor to act very quickly to understand and eliminate this vulnerability. Also, having open-source code means that the wallet developers cannot easily build in any sneaky back doors that may put your crypto at risk!

The Trezor open-source code currently powers more than 10 other hardware wallet brands which gives you an indication of how highly trusted it is in the industry.

Seed Phrase Recovery and Passphrase Protection

Trezor was the first to introduce seed phrase and passphrase protection, now widely used in all hardware wallets and most software wallets. 

It also utilizes advanced security Bip-39 passphrase technology that allows you to create multiple separate wallets on your device by adding one extra word to your original Seed Phrase. This is a big advantage as you don’t need to keep all your crypto “in the same basket”(wallet) and each of your wallets has the same high level of protection.

Built for Hacking Protection

The device operating system is programmed to erase its memory containing your private keys if the software part of the wallet is exposed to a software threat through some kind of hack or attack. ( If this happens you can simply reset your device, input your seed phrase and you are good to go)

The wallet device itself has been built to make it almost impossible to physically break into and still be able to gain access to your keys.

Trezor state that their hardware devices can be; “safely used in public places and on computers with malware, that you can confirm transactions on airplanes and they are unaffected by x-rays! “

Wallet Integration & Platforms Supported:

These third-party wallets let you connect your Trezor device and work with it. They do not hold any private keys. Instead, they display balances and help you to manage transactions.

Tresor is a market leader when it comes to integrating with other software wallets. The most popular of which are Electrum, Etherwall, Exodus, Metamask, Mycelium, My crypto, MyEtherWallet, Nano Wallet, and WallEth.

To see full details of wallet integration features using a really handy table see this link https://wiki.trezor.io/Apps#Third-party_cryptocurrency_wallets 

The crypto exchanges Bitex, Bitstamp and Coinmate allow you a secure password-less login with a Trezor device. 

Whichever, third party application you may choose to connect with, your private keys are always safely protected by your Trezor device.

Trezor devices are compatible with Pc’s and Smartphones. The supported operating systems are Windows 10, macOS 10.11 and higher, Linux and Android OS.

Coins supported

https://trezor.io/coins/

Trezor One:

Coins available through the Trezor Suite App: Bitcoin, Ether, Binancecoin, USD Tether, Shiba Inu, Dogecoin, USDC, Uniswap, Chainlink, AXS, Fantom, Decentraland, AAVE, DASH, YFI (see full list of coins available on the Trezor website)

Coins available through 3rd party Apps: Avalanche, Polygon, Stellar, Theta, Tezos, Monero, Harmony, MoonRiver and Clover. (see full list of coins available on the Trezor website)

Notable Exceptions:

Cardano (ADA) and Ripple (XRP) are not currently supported by this wallet.

Trezor Model T

Coins available through the Trezor Suite App: Bitcoin, Ether, Binancecoin, Ripple, USD Tether, Shiba Inu, Dogecoin, USDC, Uniswap, Chainlink, AXS, Fantom, Decentraland, AAVE, DASH, YFI(see full list of coins available on the Trezor website)

Coins available through 3rd party Apps: Avalanche, Cardano, Polygon, Stellar, Theta, Tezos, Monero, Harmony, MoonRiver and Clover.(see full list of coins available on the Trezor website)

NFT Support:

Displaying and managing NFT’s is not currently supported by the Trezor Suite App and it is not clear whether this is something they intend to add in the future.

 You can still secure your NFT’s using your Trezor wallet but you will need a 3rd party app like Opensea or a software wallet like Metamask to view them. Currently only Ethereum ERC-20 NFT’s are supported by the Trezor wallet.

Staking:

Neither the Trezor One nor Trezor Model T support direct cold staking from the wallet which is disappointing. 

However, you can stake your crypto through any of the compatible 3rd party software wallets like Exodus for example that  supports Solana, Cosmos and Cadano staking.

Software / User interface:

Your Trezor wallet can be set up and managed via the Trezor Suite app that has both a browser-based or downloadable desktop version. 

The app Dashboard allows you to track your portfolio, view transactions and account balances for each coin you hold, enable more coins on your wallet, manage your devices security settings and access relevant articles and news related to your wallet.

The Trezor Suite works with the Tor network increasing the anonymity and privacy of your transactions by hiding your IP address whilst you are online.

If you already have a compatible software wallet you may prefer to use its desktop interface to monitor your crypto and just use the Trezor Suite for device management only.

Devices:

The Trezor One is pretty small, it fits in your hand easily and you could carry it around in your pocket, not that you would!

The device has a bright 128×64 OLED screen that holds up to six lines of text. Two front buttons are used to confirm transactions on the device. The package also includes a USB Type Micro-B cable  to connect to a computer or mobile phone. 

The Trezor Model T is an upgrade of the Trezor One and offers a touchscreen interface, faster processor and advanced coin support.

Customer Support:

The customer support team is only accessible via Trezor social media pages and their help center email. There is no telephone or live chat customer support.

Ledger Wallets

Nano X
Ledger Logo
Full Description:

The Ledger Nano S was one of the first hardware wallets launched in 2014 by the French company, Ledger.

  • It has been one of the most popular wallets on the market ever since.
  • It is roughly half the price of the Ledger second-generation Nano X but lacks the flexibility of Bluetooth connectivity and is severely limited to storing only 3 apps (software wallets) rather than the 100 that the Nano X offers.
  • Beware, the Nano S does not come with a USB Type-C cable included to connect with newer mobile devices.

Security & Vulnerabilities:

Security is the main reason people buy a Ledger wallet.

Tamper Proof

Both the Nano S and Nano X have a tamper-resistant EAL5+ Secure Element (SE) chip on which your private keys are stored. These chips are cryptographically protected, similar to the ones used in passports and SIM cards.

Proprietory Operating System

Ledger are the only hardware wallets to combine their Secure Element chips with a purpose-built operating system called Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System (BOLOS). This system is designed specifically to protect your crypto assets, however, the firmware isn’t open-source and some would argue this is a vulnerability rather than an advantage.

Ledger wallets utilize advanced security Bip-39 passphrase technology that allows you to create multiple separate wallets on your device by adding one extra word to your original Seed Phrase.

Whilst, there have been concerns raised around the security of the Bluetooth aspect of the Nano X, Ledger advise that the private keys never leave the secure chip and that bluetooth capability is no threat to their devices.

Wallet integration & Platforms Supported:

Ledger currently integrates with the following software wallets: Metamask, My crypto, MyEtherWallet, MyEOSwallet, Neon Wallet, Wanchain, Veechain Sync, Guarda wallet.

Really handy table to see full details and updates to wallet integration features: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-wallets-and-services

The Nano S is only compatible with a PC or Android device. (If you have an iPhone then you would need to opt for the Nano X). Your PC will require a minimum operating system  of Windows 8.1+, macOS 10.14+, Linux and you will need Android 7 or above on your Android device to manage this wallet

The Ledger Nano X is compatible with PC, Android, and iOS smartphones.                  The supported operating systems are a minimum:  Windows 8.1; macOS 10.10;  Linux; iOS 9 or Android 7+

Please note that  Ledger Nano S and Nano X and the Ledger Live App are NOT compatible with Chromebooks.

Coins supported

Coins available through the Ledger Live App: Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, USD Tether, Polkadot, Litecoin, Binance Coin, Tezos, Stellar, Shiba Inu, Chainlink, Tron, Dash, USDC, Cosmos, AXS, Zcash, Dogecoin

Coins available through 3rd party Apps: Luna, Cardano, Monero, Neo, Iota, ICP, Filecoin, Veechain.

Ledger official table of coins supported: www.ledger.com/supported-crypto-assets

NFT Support:

Ledger only supports NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain at the moment.

Using the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Live it is possible to view your NFTs in your Ethereum accounts and send them across the network.

With the Nano S, you can only use OpenSea via Metamask to send NFTs. 

You can receive Ethereum NFTs in Ledger Live and they will be immediately secured by your Ledger hardware wallet.

Staking:

It is possible to stake the following crypto directly through Ledger live: Ethereum, Polkadot, Tezos, Cosmos, Algorand, and Tron and earn rewards directly in the Ledger Live app or an external wallet.

It is also possible to stake many other cryptos using a 3rd party software wallet.

Ledger website for more details of staking opportunities: https://www.ledger.com/supported-crypto-assets/stake

Software /User interface:

Your Ledger wallet can be set up and managed via the Ledger Live app that has both a desktop and Android version.

The Ledger Live application can be installed and used simultaneously on multiple devices such as PCs and Smartphones though your accounts and settings need to be set up on each device.

The app Main Viewer allows you to track your portfolio, view transactions and account balances for each coin you hold. You are also able to add new wallets for different cryptocurrencies and view your NFTs.

Devices:

The Nano S can store up to 3 applications on the device so it is necessary to install & uninstall applications in order to optimize your capacity. There is no built-in battery so the wallet needs to be connected to a pc or smartphone to power it. The Nano S has a micro USB connector rather than a USB-C connector

The Nano X can store up to 100 applications at one time so should offer plenty of space for most users’ portfolios without the need to uninstall apps to make room. It also has a built-in battery with an 8-hour battery life on standby and can be charged via its USB-C port. Unfortunately, the battery cannot be replaced and has been designed to last 5 years.

The Nano X  Bluetooth feature allows users to connect with their phone, or laptop, without the need for a wired connection.

Customer Support:

The Ledger customer support team is accessible via email and social media pages only and does not have a phone support service.

So now we have covered the two major brands in the Hardware wallet market let us have a look at what the others are up to…

Safepal S1

SafePal S1
Full Description:

The SafePal S1 is one of the new generations of Hardware wallets designed for use with Android / iOS mobile devices only and does not currently offer a desktop software version.

The project was launched in January 2019  by Shenzen-based company, SafePal. It has strong industry backing by Binance Labs, the venture arm of crypto exchange Binance. So, whilst it is new, it still has considerable weight behind it.

With support for over 30 blockchains, 30,000+ tokens and NFTs, and security features such as a  secure (SE) Chip, air-gapped connection and self-destruct mechanism it has features that you won’t find in the Ledger or Trezor devices.

Security and Vulnerabilities:

Air-Gapped Security

The SafePal S1 provides an air-gapped solution for crypto transactions. It works  100% offline, with no need for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or NFC connectivity. (It has USB connectivity to update the firmware on the device but otherwise does not need to be connected to work.)

Tamper Proof

The S1 hardware wallet comes with an industry-grade EAL5+ secure element chip and a true random number generator that stores your private keys. It supports BIP39/44 seed phrase recovery and its self-destruct mechanism will destroy all your data on the device if suspicious activity is detected.

The S1 hardware wallet has a built-in camera which makes it easy to scan QR codes.

Every crypto transaction on the SafePal mobile App must be signed and verified with a 2-factor authentication system.

The S1 Wallet has a private key deletion tool that enables you to add and delete cryptos and tokens easily and safely.

The Safepal S1 firmware is not open-source and some would argue this is a vulnerability rather than an advantage.

(Note: SafePal also has a product called the Cypher, which is a 304-grade stainless steel board designed to protect mnemonic seed phrases against water, fire or other damage.)

Wallet integration & Platforms Supported:

The SafePal hardware wallet does not currently integrate with other 3rd party wallet apps such as Metamask so users are limited to the proprietary SafePal software wallet App. There is no desktop integration provided. The SafePal software wallet app is only available for Android and iOS devices. (The app requires iOS 10.0 or later / Android 5.0 +)

However, the SafePal App does allow you to unlock powerful features such as token swap and decentralized exchanges (DEX’s). It supports 32 blockchains and 30,000+ tokens.

Coins supported: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, DOGE, DOT, DASH, KSM, BSC ZCASH, ONE, NEO, LTC (see the full list of coins available on the Safepal website: https://www.safepal.io/coin/lists

NFT Support:

Currently, SafePal supports all Etherium ERC721, ERC1155 NFTs, and Binance Smart Chain  BEP20  NFTs.

Staking:

Since the Safepal S1 does not integrate with other 3rd party wallets, it is only possible to stake through through their stake-to-earn feature built within the SafePal App.

SafePal Earn is a yield aggregator built into the SafePal App to allow users to earn additional yield from their crypto.

 It is possible to stake crypto assets into DeFi mining pools such as Pancakeswap and Apeswap and earn passive interest natively in the wallet. (without needing to connect to the third-party DApps.) 

Safepal plans to integrate more blockchains and protocols into their Safepal Earn aggregator in the future.

In January 2021, SafePal introduced the utility token SFP, a decentralized token that is based on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC).  SFP can be used to pay fees or staked to earn rewards through the Safepal Earn program. Holding SFP tokens enables you to receive special coupons and collectibles and token holders can vote on and submit proposals to the blockchain.

Software /User interface:

Your Safepal S1 wallet can be set up and managed via the Safepal app that has both iOS and Android versions.

Once installed on your mobile phone, you’ll find it easy to make transactions using QR codes and your devices’ onboard camera.

The app allows you to track your portfolio, view transactions and account balances for each coin you hold. You can also stake directly through the app without needing to go through 3rd party apps and view your NFTs.

Devices:

SafePal’s S1 hardware wallet is the size of a credit card with a 1.3-inch screen and 400mAh battery that is charged by USB cable and can last for 20 days on standby. It has six physical buttons to operate the device and a camera for scanning QR codes. 

Customer Support

The Safepal customer support team is accessible via email and social media pages only and does not have a phone support service.

CoolWallet Pro

Cool Wallet Pro Image
Cool Wallet Pro
Cool Wallet Logo
Full Description:

The CoolWallet Pro is another of the new generation of Hardware wallets, designed by Taiwanese tech company CoolBitX, and released in May 2021.

For use with Android / iOS mobile devices only, it does not currently offer a desktop software version.

The CoolWallet Pro is a multi-currency wallet for popular crypto assets and ERC-20 tokens and allows staking of Dot, Tron and Cosmos directly through the wallet.

Security and Vulnerabilities:

Bluetooth Connection

The CoolWallet Pro comes with a military-grade EAL6+ secure element (SE) chip that stores your private keys. The wallet connects to users’ Android or iOS devices via an encrypted Bluetooth connection that has a 10-metre radius.

The CoolWallet device and the CoolBitX app act as two-factor authentication security, meaning you can’t send crypto anywhere without physical access to both simultaneously.

It also supports biometric login.

The CoolWallet Pro is not open-source.

Wallet integration & Platforms Supported:

The CoolWallet Pro does not currently integrate with any 3rd party wallets. However, the CoolWallet roadmap suggests that they are hoping to integrate with Metamask in Q1 of 2022.

The wallet device requires a minimum of Android 6 or iOS 9.1 to be compatible with mobile devices.

The CoolWallet Pro connects with the CoolBitX app, which you can download on your iOS or Android device.

The app is where you can best view your crypto and control the wallet’s array of features including direct access to trading platforms, DEX’s and instant swap exchanges through WalletConnect

Coins supported:

BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, XLM, BNB, USDT, TRX, ATOM, DOT, CHR, Tezos, Cardano, ETH 2.0 and ERC20 tokens.

See full list of coins available on the CoolWallet website: https://help.coolwallet.io/article/163-list-of-coins-tokens-supported-by-coolwallet-s

NFT Support:

NFTs are supported on the CoolWallet Pro and there is integrated support for the leading NFT marketplaces OpenSea and Rarible. 

Staking:

Dot, Tron and Cosmos are the only crypto that can earn staking rewards directly through the wallet.

Software /User interface:

The CoolWallet Pro can be set up and managed via the CoolBitX app that has both iOS and Android versions.

Once installed on your mobile device, the app allows you to track your portfolio, view transactions and account balances for each coin you hold. You can also stake directly through the app without needing to go through 3rd party apps and view your NFT’s.

Devices:

The CoolWallet Pro is the size of a credit card and has an on-board battery making it easily portable and flexible for everyday use. The Battery life is 2-3 weeks on standby.

Customer Support

The CoolBitX customer support team can be reached through their website by submitting a ticket request, or through email contact at [email protected]

Ellipal Titan Wallet

Ellipal Titan
Full Description:

Ellipal is a Hong Kong-based company founded in 2018 and the Ellipal Titan wallet was launched in 2019. The hardware wallet supports over 40 Blockchains and 10,000+ tokens.

The Ellipal Titan has a large touch screen interface and 5MP camera to allow users to scan QR codes.

Wallet users are able to view their coins, exchange and stake crypto, and complete transactions directly through the Ellipal mobile app.

Security and Vulnerabilities:

The Ellipal Titan wallet is an air-gapped cold wallet. The device’s circuit board is designed NOT to be compatible with Wifi or Bluetooth. It does not connect to the internet and is built with no online components or ports. This means that the private keys are never connected to the internet and are protected against hacks, malware, and viruses.

While most hardware wallets use USB or Bluetooth, the Ellipal Titan uses its camera and QR codes, in conjunction with the Ellipal app, to sign transactions. 

The Ellipal wallet comes with a secure charging system that allows you to update and charge your device offline.

It also has a tamper-proof self-destruct mechanism that auto wipes all your data and private keys if it detects a physical breach to the unit.

The Ellipal wallet utilizes Bip-39 passphrase technology in addition to a 12-word recovery seed phrase.

Wallet integration & Platforms Supported:

The Ellipal Titan does not currently integrate with any 3rd party software wallets such as Metamask or Exodus and is not compatible with desktop computer devices. The wallet can only connect to mobile devices running on Android or iOS.

The Ellipal Titan wallet supports Wallet Connect, which is a platform that connects wallets with Dapps, popular third-party DeFi protocols and crypto platforms

While there are multiple DApps already pre-loaded for use within the Ellipal Titan, users can use the QR code to connect with over 100 DApps including DeFi lending platforms such as Aave and Compound Finance and Decentralised exchanges such as Sushiswap and Uniswap.

The Ellipal Titan utilizes an Open Cross Chain Wallet Protocol which allows the wallet to support multiple blockchains and cryptocurrencies.

Ellipal has partnered with Moonpay and Simplex to enable users to purchase crypto directly in the wallet app. KYC is required and you can pay using Visa, Mastercard, or Apple Pay.

 The Ellipal wallet also integrates with Changelly and Swift allowing users to exchange cryptos directly within the wallet meaning that funds never leave the security of the wallet. 

Coins supported

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Dogecoin, Cardano, XRP, Polkadot, Stellar, Vechain, Tron, Cosmos, Kusama, Dash, Tezos, Songbird, BAT, LINK, Mana, Dai, (see a full list of coins available on the Ellipal website: https://www.ellipal.com/pages/coin-list)

NFT Support:

Ellipal supports Opensea through WalletConnect enabling users to buy, sell and browse NFTs. However, it is not clear whether you can view your NFT’s on the Ellipal app or device.

Staking:

The Ellipal Titan wallet is one of very few that offer true Cold-staking from directly within the wallet. Cold-staking is currently available for Cosmos (ATOM), Tezos (XZT), Polkadot, Kusama, and Cardano.

Software /User interface:

The Ellipal Titan wallet connects easily to the Ellipal app on Android and iOS devices by using your mobile device to scan the QR code displayed on the hardware wallet. 

The Ellipal app allows you to manage your accounts, connect to exchanges and DApps and view real-time market information.

Devices:

 The Ellipal Titan looks very different from other hardware wallets. It looks like a small mobile phone, rather than a credit card or USB flash drive.  It has a 4-inch LCD screen, is IP65 rated dustproof and waterproof and comes with a fully metal case.

The Titan has a 1400mAh battery with a standby battery life of 259 hours (10 days) . 

Customer Support

The Ellipal team can be reached through their website by email or through their social media accounts. There is no telephone or live chat support for customers.

Our Review Criteria:

To help you compare some of the most popular and most advanced Hardware Wallets on the market  we felt it was important to focus on:

Security & vulnerabilities – How each device achieves security

Hardware wallet devices can achieve high levels of security in 4 major areas. 

  • Through secure login processes on the wallet device
  • Through the use of secure chips that store your private keys on the device
  • Through air-gapping that means the device is never connected to the internet
  • Through Tamperproof / Self Destruct Mechanisms that erase your keys in the event of a hack. 

Compatibility

The compatibility, or lack of (!) is a significant factor. 

Supported platforms:

Does the hardware wallet work across different platforms such as PCs, Android, iOs and other smartphones.

Integrations:

If you already own or plan to use some of the most popular software wallets such as Metamask or Trust wallet it will be important to know if a hardware wallet device will connect easily to help you move your crypto off-line when you want to secure it. 

Supported coins

If you are investing in top 10 crypto or finding the next low value moon shot coin, can Hardware wallets store them all? 

Nft support

Whilst Nft digital art is still something of a niche, Nft’s in gaming is an area that is likely to grow very significantly. As more and more blockchains support the minting of NFT’s it will be critical to check which format of NFT your wallet device can store.

Staking

If you see yourself as more of a crypto investor rather than a trader then being able to stake your crypto to earn interest is going to be a key way to grow your wealth. What do hardware wallets offer for staking?


Buying a Hardware Wallet – Precautions you should take!

As with any other technology, it is likely that fake versions of hardware wallets may appear on the market so we encourage you to pay very close attention to the authenticity of any hardware wallet you choose to invest in.

  • Only buy a hardware wallet directly from the manufacturer and their approved sellers.
  • Never buy a second-hand hardware wallet as many users have lost their crypto after realizing the original owner still held the private keys to the wallet. 
  • Be sure that the foil or security seal on the packaging has not been tampered with when you first receive your new wallet to ensure that you are the first person opening the packaging.
    • If you want to be sure that the packaging and seal on your device is legit you can compare it by checking the manufacturers website.
  • If you receive a wallet device that appears to have any exterior damage whatsoever you can not be sure that it is safe to use to store your crypto.

If you are using an Android Mobile Wallet, did you get a genuine version? Avoid fakes!
Check our Android Wallets article here.

Whichever hardware wallet you choose it is still necessary to give top priority to recording and storing securely your recovery seed phrase, pincode ( if your device has one), and passphrase for BIP39 enabled devices.

Without these, you will find it extremely difficult if not impossible to recover your crypto!

Our Conclusions

The strongest hardware wallet contenders for us are still the Ledger and Trezor devices.

However, as our portfolio changes it is likely that wallets such as the Ellipal Titan, with air-gapped security and cold-staking, will become more attractive should the device prove itself in the marketplace.

Disclaimer: There may be affiliate links within this article. As a result, using some of these links may support what we do at no cost to you.