One of the safest ways to store cryptocurrencies is to use a hardware wallet. Over the years, several companies specialising in this sector have emerged, offering increasingly complete and innovative products.
Although many people still believe that their bitcoins and cryptocurrencies are stored within the hardware wallet itself, it is actually hardly true.
A hardware wallet, in fact, is a secure tool that contains the private key (derived from the SEED). All coins are actually on the blockchains, and it is the private key that allows accessing and signing transactions.
Having said that, a hardware wallet is a device that is able to store the private key in a safe way, as it is an offline device, theoretically immune to hacker attacks.
The best hardware wallets for storing cryptocurrencies in 2019
Summary
Ledger Nano X
Features
The Ledger Nano X is the most exciting wallet to be announced in recent months, given the great news it brings with it. Announced at CES 2019 in Las Vegas at the beginning of the year and made available last April, the new Ledger Nano X is a hardware wallet with Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, so it can be used directly from the smartphone without necessarily having to use a classic PC.
This is a major step forward since many people today rely almost entirely on tablets and smartphones rather than classic computers. Not only that, a device that can be used via smartphone allows the hardware wallet to be used on the go, thereby making the solution suitable for crypto payments in the retail world as well.
The device resembles the old Nano S but features a more resolute display that can display multiple characters now arranged in two lines. The two buttons for interacting with the device are still present, while a new chip is integrated to manage the security of the device.Â
Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity is accompanied by a 100 mAh battery, which should guarantee a few weeks of use. Charging takes place via the micro USB port. The device interfaces with Android or iOS smartphones via the Ledger Live App.
One of the most interesting news concerns perhaps the possibility to install up to 100 Apps without incurring problems of insufficient memory, effectively removing the main limitation of the older Ledger Nano S. Obviously the device supports all coins already available on the Nano S.
The Ledger Nano X is available on the official website at a price of 119 Euro, VAT included.
Features:
- Supports dozens of native cryptocurrencies and ERC20 tokens;
- Regular updates and new features every month;
- Can be used with MyEtherWallet for ERC20 tokens;
- OLED screen;
- Can be used on the move via Android and iOS smartphones;
- Intuitive application for MAC OS X, Windows and Linux.
Ledger Nano S
Features
It is perhaps the best-known and most supported by the community. The Ledger Nano S is the predecessor of the Nano X and it is possible to buy it at a price of about 60 euros with a two-year warranty and free shipping.
The Ledger Nano S comes with an introductory guide that explains step by step the procedure to follow for setting up the wallet. In addition, it is possible to consult the online documentation containing complete guides for the configuration of the main models.
Supports dozens of different cryptocurrencies and all native ERC20 tokens.
The wallet is used through Ledger Live App, the required software to manage the applications installed on the device and to send or receive transactions.
Recently we have published a step-by-step guide to the use of Ledger Nano S, available at the following link.
Pros
- Supports dozens of cryptocurrencies and tokens;
- Regular updates and new features every month;
- Can be used with MyEtherWallet for ERC20 tokens;
- Intuitive application for MAC OS X and Windows.
Cons
- It can only be used via PC;
- Limited memory, hence few apps that can be installed (2-3 maximum);
- Usability limited by a small display.
Trezor Model T
Features
Last October, Trezor released the Trezor Model T, a device with a 0.83-inch colour LCD display, touchscreen and 240 x 240 pixels resolution. The screen allows using the wallet in a much more intuitive and simple way compared to the Ledger Nano S.
Other features include more built-in memory and the new USB Type-C interface for connecting to the PC.
Finally, it supports more than 500 coins and ERC20 tokens, as well as the three most used SEED formats, namely BIP32/39 and 44, so as to make the wallet import procedure easier and more immediate.
To ensure that the wallet has not been used before, the Trezor package will arrive with two security seals. In case they arrive broken it is recommended not to use the wallet, as it could mean that it has already been used by someone. The configuration of the wallet is quite simple and illustrated by the manufacturer at the following link.
Similar to the Ledger Nano S and X, it can be used with a dedicated application, in this case, Trezor Bridge (for Windows, Linux or Mac). It is worth noting that Trezor allows to store a CSV file with the selected addresses.
It is possible to buy it on Amazon at a price of 180 euros with a two-year warranty and free shipping.
Pros
- It supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies;
- Regular updates and new features;
- Can be used with MyEtherWallet for ERC20 tokens;
- Large LCD touch screen;
- Intuitive UI;
- Application for MAC OS X, Linux and Windows;
Cons
- It must be used connected to the PC;
- High price.
CoolWallet S
Features
CoolWallet S is a rather peculiar hardware wallet produced by CoolBit X, a company founded in 2016. It’s unlike the hardware wallets described so far. In fact, it is considered as the first real mobile hardware wallet, because in addition to interfacing with smartphones using Bluetooth, it is a small device that can be carried around.
It can be easily placed in a wallet or credit card holder, given its compact form factor.Â
The user interfacing is done using the Bluetooth Low Energy 4.1 via the mobile application and a small e-ink display on the device.
The CoolWallet S supports several coins natively, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, BNB, Tether and the ERC20 tokens.
The price is $99 and it is possible to buy it on the official website. It is also available on Amazon at about 85 euros with a two-year warranty and free shipping.
Pros
- Can be used with Android and iOS smartphones;
- Compact and portable;
- Native support for all ERC20 tokens;
- Innovative, different from the classic Ledger.
Cons
- Supports only the main coins;
- Small E-ink screen;
- Just the wallet functionality, no additional features;
Our complete CoolWallet S guide and review can be found at the following link.
Archos Safe T-Mini
Features
Released towards the end of 2018, the Archos Safe T-Mini is produced by the well-known French telephone company Archos, which just last year entered the cryptocurrency world.
The wallet has a classic design and can be used with Windows PC or Mac OS X. It supports several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Dash, Litecoin, Ethereum and all ERC20 tokens thanks to the support of MEW and MyCrypto.
The device has two keys for signing transactions and a small OLED display. It is sold on Amazon at a price of only 19 euros.
Pros
- Extremely cheap;
- Support for ERC20 tokens via MEW;
- Nice design;
- Compatible with Mac OS X and Windows.
Cons
- Limited to the main coins;
- Not much community support.
ColdCard
Features
Another interesting hardware wallet, this time for more experienced users, is the ColdCard, which is the successor of the old Bitcoin Stick, born with the same philosophy.
The goal, in fact, is to deliver a completely Open Source bitcoin hardware wallet, both in the software and in the layout of the motherboard and components. In fact, all datasheets and sources are available on the official website.
Unlike the other models, it only supports bitcoin, although, being completely open-source, the integration of other coins by the community cannot be excluded.
It also features a handy numeric keyboard, a small OLED display and a microSD reader. The transactions that need to be signed must be entered on the microSD memory using the private key stored on the ColdCard.
The wallet, in fact, does not interface with the PC, it is simply used as a cold wallet to sign transactions. It can be purchased on the official website for $69.
Pros
- Extremely safe;
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- Keyboard and display for future developments;
- Fully Open Source.
Cons
Supports only Bitcoin;
Ideal for the more experienced;
Limited functionality.