Top 5 best hardware cryptocurrency wallets of 2021

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As is often the case in cryptocurrency, the simplest device is also the most secure. It should be ideal for storing your digital assets, both bitcoin (BTC) and altcoins. A hardware wallet is one of the best ways to protect your private keys and therefore your wealth.

What is a hardware crypto wallet

A hardware cryptocurrency wallet is an electronic device designed to protect the private keys of your blockchain address and authorize transactions. To begin with, a hardware cryptocurrency wallet is not a "wallet" in the strict sense of the word, because it does not store your money or other assets physically or in the form of any code or information. A hardware crypto wallet is more like a set of keys. It stores private keys that allow you to access your tokens placed on some blockchain address. Unlike your door keys, a hardware crypto wallet not only allows you to access your funds, but also interacts with the crypto wallet software on your computer to sign the transaction. As a result, you don't have to copy and paste your private key - the hardware crypto wallet authorizes the transaction without revealing it after entering your PIN.

What is a cryptocurrency wallet

A cryptocurrency wallet is a pair of public and private keys that belong to a specific blockchain address. Cryptocurrencies allow you to store and operate digital assets (tokens, cryptocurrencies) through various software environments, web interfaces or downloadable software (apps, plugins, extensions, etc.) In addition, a cryptocurrency wallet is an integral part of every blockchain.

Why you should use a hardware cryptocurrency wallet

There are many reasons to buy a hardware crypto wallet if you are serious about your crypto investments.

• First of all, by using hardware cryptocurrency wallets, you are not dependent on any type of fraud that cloud-based wallets run by software applications do. Only you have control over your private keys, so no one can access your wallet. Even if your hardware crypto-purse is stolen, an attacker cannot use it without your PIN and passphrase.
• In addition, hardware crypto wallets have a very user-friendly interface. Apps and cloud services can be complicated for those who are new to cryptocurrencies. However, hardware wallets are usually operated with just two buttons and one screen - much easier than the most rudimentary cell phone.
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• And last but not least, all hardware wallets keep your keys private and secure, even when you're offline and offline. Problems with a bad internet connection won't put you at risk anymore.

1. Ledger Nano S

The Ledger Nano S hardware cryptocurrency wallet was developed by Ledger SAS, a distributed blockchain team registered in France. The Ledger Nano S concept was released in June 2016. To date, more than 1.5 million units have been sold.

Supported currencies

Ledger Nano S supports bitcoin (BTC) as well as all major altcoins: ETH, XRP, BCH, LTC, DASH. It also supports 1000+ ERC-20 tokens such as DAI, BAT, ZRX. At the same time, it can run 3 to 7 applications to support crypto behemoth tokens.

Main Features

Ledger Nano S can be connected directly to any 64-bit desktop computer running Windows 8+, macOS 10.8+ and Linux. It can also be connected to Android 7 smartphones and laptops via the OKG device, and is not designed for Bitcoin (BTC) mining rewards.

2. Ledger Nano X

Supported currencies

This device supports more than 100 applications, providing access to an unrivaled set of cryptocurrencies. Ledger Nano X works with 1250+ ERC-20 tokens as well as all major coins - BTC, ETH, XRP, BCH as well as XLM and EOS.

Key Features

Ledger Nano X is compatible with 23 external cryptocurrency wallet applications, such as MyCrypto.com, MyEtherWallet and others. Ledger Nano X users can earn from their idle cryptocurrency tokens, as both stacking and direct rewards are available in this hardware cryptocurrency wallet. Stacking is currently available on Ledger Nano X for the most in-demand Liquid Proof-of-Stake (LPoS) altcoin, Tezos (XTZ).

3. Trezor ONE

The Trezor ONE hardware crypto wallet is the first generation of Trezor devices from the Czech team of SatoshiLabs s.r.o., released back on January 29, 2014. Its developers have set many standards in this field regarding cryptography and hardware.

Supported currencies

This hardware cryptocurrency wallet supports BTC, LTC, DASH, ETH and BCH. Unfortunately, it does not work with XMR, XRP or ADA. It supports 1000+ ERC-20 coins from ICOs.

Key Features

The Trezor ONE displays transaction information on a six-line OLED display. The user can confirm or cancel transactions using two buttons below the screen. This wallet solution is CE and RoHS approved. The Trezor ONE is available in black and white.

The ONE model can be equipped with metal recovery tokens, memory capsules and advanced connectivity. In addition, the manufacturer offers the option to store it in a silicone or leather case. The ONE model is available with metal recovery tokens and advanced connectivity options.

4. Trezor Model T

The Trezor Model T is a hardware-based cryptocurrency wallet with a high-quality 240x240 color touch LED display, which is its first striking difference from its predecessor. The Model T is about 5% larger than the Trezor ONE, measuring 64mm x 39mm x 10mm and weighing 22 grams. Each Trezor Model T package also includes a magnetic dock that can be used to attach the wallet to any flat surface.

Supported currencies

In addition to the full set of tokens supported by Trezor ONE, Model T also works with Ripple (XRP), Tezos (XTZ), Eos (EOS), Cardano (ADA) and Monero (XMR).

Key Features

The Trezor Model T generates a unique 12-word recovery phrase after you connect to your computer. The device can restore access to an old account or create a new one. The device should not be disconnected from the computer during the initial phrase demonstration.

The Trezor Model T supports nine-digit PINs and can be tagged with its own noun. Both the Trezor ONE and Trezor Model T can also serve as a U2F hardware token for digital authentication.

5. KeepKey

KeepKey is a cryptocurrency hardware wallet that communicates with your computer through a built-in Google Chrome extension. Its dimensions are 38 mm x 93.5 mm x 12.2 mm. It weighs 54 g. This wallet is based on the ARM Cortex M3 processor and protects user keys using the TRNG (Hardware-Based Random Number Generator) algorithm.

Supported currencies

KeepKey has a very limited set of 50 currency instruments, including BTC, BCH, BTG, ETH and LTC. It does not support ADA, XMR or XRP.

Key Features

KeepKey is developed and supported by the ShapeShift cryptocurrency exchange platform. Integrated into the ShapeShift API, KeepKey supports interoperability with numerous third-party software hot wallets, such as Electrum and Mycelium. An eight-digit PIN and a 12-word start phrase serve as security tools for the KeepKey hardware crypto wallet.