What are the top 3 hardware wallets?
A hardware wallet is a type of crypto wallet that stores private keys offline, meaning they are not connected to the internet. Because of this, hardware wallets are often called cold wallets. They are designed to keep private keys safe even if your computer or phone is hacked.
Unlike online wallets, hardware wallets require a physical device to approve transactions. This adds an extra layer of security, but it also makes them slightly harder to use. For many people, hardware wallets are used to store larger amounts of crypto or assets that are not meant to be moved often. You can read more about crypto wallets and wallet types in our overview here.
Key concepts
- •Custody: Holding or guarding something. In the context of blockchains this is the act of holding and securing assets. For example, your bank custodies your assets on your behalf.
- •Cryptography: A set of mathematical techniques used to secure information and prove things about information.
- •Hashing: A process that takes any input (a sentence, a file, a list of transactions) and produces a fixed-length output called a hash. Even tiny changes in the input produce completely different hashes, but the same input always produces the same hash.
- •Public Key: The publicly accessible address associated with a blockchain account. Someone can send assets to you using this key.
- •Private Key: This is like your password for your account. This is how you take actions involving your account. Without a private key you can't take any actions for an account.
- •Transaction: A transfer of goods, services or assets between two parties. With respect to blockchains a transaction is the action you take to change the current state of your wallet. This might be reducing your balance by sending money or exchanging one asset for another by trading.
- •Seed Phrase: A list of 12 or 24 words that can be used to access your wallet. This is a human readable format of your private key.
Below are three of the most popular and widely used hardware wallets today.
Ledger
Ledger is one of the most widely used hardware wallet brands in the world. While Ledger offers several models, the Ledger Nano X is the most commonly used. It includes Bluetooth support, allowing users to connect to mobile phones as well as computers, which makes it more convenient than earlier models.
Ledger devices store private keys inside a secure element chip and require users to physically confirm transactions using buttons on the device. Ledger supports a very large number of blockchains and tokens, which has helped it become a standard choice for long-term crypto holders and active users alike.
Ledger’s growth closely tracks the broader crypto market, especially during periods of heightened security awareness. While powerful, Ledger wallets can feel more complex for beginners due to seed phrase management and the need to use companion software.
Tangem
Tangem takes a very different approach from traditional hardware wallets. Instead of a USB-style device, Tangem wallets are physical cards that look and feel like a credit card. The most commonly used Tangem product is the Tangem Wallet card, often sold in multi-card packs for backup and redundancy.
Private keys are generated and stored securely inside the card’s chip and never leave the card. Transactions are approved by tapping the card on a phone using NFC. There is no screen, no battery, and no cables, which makes Tangem feel closer to a physical object than a piece of technology.
Tangem’s popularity has grown among users who want strong cold-storage security without dealing with seed phrases, firmware updates, or complex setup steps. Its growth reflects demand for hardware wallets that feel simple, portable, and familiar.
Trezor
Trezor was the first hardware wallet ever created and helped define the category. Its most widely used and flagship model today is the Trezor Model T, which features a touchscreen and supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
Trezor focuses heavily on transparency and open-source software. Users can clearly see and confirm transaction details directly on the device’s screen, which reduces the risk of approving malicious transactions. This emphasis on clarity and openness has earned Trezor a loyal following among security-conscious users.
Trezor’s growth has been steady and trust-driven rather than hype-driven. It is often chosen by users who prioritize long-term security, open design, and proven reliability over convenience or cutting-edge features.
Conclusion
Hardware wallets are designed for security first. They protect private keys by keeping them offline and requiring physical approval for transactions. Tangem focuses on simplicity and ease of use, Ledger emphasizes broad support and flexibility, and Trezor prioritizes transparency and long-term trust.
For many users, the safest setup is a combination of both worlds: a hot wallet for everyday activity and a hardware wallet for long-term storage.