Regular collapses of crypto exchanges and hacking of protocols once again remind cryptans: not your keys, not your money. Over the past 5 years, we have tried many hardware wallets and use cases. Here it is: the best guide to hardware wallets.
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1. "Hamster" case
The Hamster joined the crypto world a week ago. The Hamster has a fondness for USDT on the Tron network. The Hamster prefers interfaces from the manufacturer, and connecting the wallet to MetaMask induces fainting spells.
Tangem — Private key embedded in a plastic card; lose the card, lose the funds, no 12-word recovery phrase. The only backup option is to buy a bunch of cards and clone them. No connection to third-party interfaces. But perfect for a hamster who fears losing a seed phrase.
SafePal — Budget-friendly, visually appealing. Generates a seed — you'll need to find a hiding spot. Convenient mobile interface and browser extension. Supports various shields. The first hardware wallet to embrace Aptos. Occasionally offers drops for wallet owners.
Trezor — The oldest player in the market. Slow to add new tokens. PC-only, no mobile connectivity. Hamsters buy Trezor, then find out it doesn't support USDT on Tron.
Ledger — The first thing a hamster buying Ledger does is ask in the chat: "Why doesn't Ledger Live show BUSD balance?" Token prices don't update in Ledger Live, only coins. For most blockchains, you need to use third-party extensions. A bit challenging for a hamster unless "growing into it."
🏆 Crancho choice — SafePal.
2. "DeFi King" case
DeFi King regularly swaps assets using hardware wallets, signs approvals, and provides liquidity.
Trezor — Supports only EVM. Okay for using PancakeSwap, but not suitable for other platforms.
SafePal — Similar to the above. Convenient for staking in the native app, but limited in some aspects. Can't connect to Solana, can't provide liquidity in Aptos. Scanning QR codes in the dark is a hassle. Swapping tokens requires 8 actions: QR scanning for WalletConnect → password input → 2 scans for approval → password input → 2 scans for swap → password input. For enthusiasts...
Ledger — Ahead of the game. You can swap Polkadots here and indulge in Solana NFTs. You'll have to switch apps on bridges. Beautiful, but don't buy the discontinued old S model, it has limited memory. The Nano X model allows working with Macs and mobiles via Bluetooth.
🏆 Crancho choice — Ledger.
3. "Bitcoin maximalist" case
No shitcoins! No centralization and trust in manufacturer interfaces! Bitcoin only!
Trezor — There is a 'Bitcoin only' firmware that disables all altcoins and expands functionality. But why bother?
Tapsigner — A credit card that allows signing Bitcoin transactions via NFC. Convenient and affordable. Currently works only with Nunchuk wallet. For PC, you'll need to purchase an NFC reader.
Coldcard — The best in the market for a true Bitcoiner. Generates paper wallets, subaccounts, has an NFC module, self-destructs with a PIN, and anti-phishing protection. Once you understand its functionality, you'll feel like a true cypherpunk. Hamster, don't get involved, it will devour you.
Passport — Almost like Coldcard, but without NFC. Instead, it has a camera. You can sign Bitcoin transactions via QR. Scanning in the dark is a hassle.
🏆 Crancho choice — Coldcard.
4. "HODL" case
The crucial aspect for long-term HODLing is the absence of a battery. Without regular use, batteries die after a couple of years. It's also advisable to steer clear of the manufacturer's interface. You never know what might happen to the manufacturer when Bitcoin hits a million.
For Altcoiners:
Trezor — No battery, not tied to the manufacturer's interface. EVM can be accessed through MetaMask, but for other coins, you may need to look for workarounds.
Ledger — Choose the Nano S model, it has no battery. It's advisable to update it every six months through Ledger Live. There have been cases where, after two years of HODLing, interfaces couldn't detect the hardware due to outdated firmware.
For Bitcoiners:
Coldcard — Has no manufacturer's interface on purpose. Compatible with any Bitcoin wallet. No battery. Allows exporting an encrypted seed to industrial-grade MicroSD.
Passport — The first version uses button batteries, the newer one has a detachable battery in the form factor of Nokia 3310. After HODLing, batteries are easily available.
🏆 Crancho choice — Ledger / Coldcard.
Postscriptum
What is the safest? The one you know how to handle. Adhere to crypto hygiene. All mentioned are equally reliable if: you store your seed correctly, don't sign unclear approvals, and don't fall for phishing. I leave the tales of secure chips and open-source code to reviewers. No one will be using a multimillion-dollar laser to crack open your wallet with a $5,000 balance.
