Which hardware wallet would you recommend today?

[vv99]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to buy my first hardware wallet for long-term Bitcoin storage, but after reading many discussions online I've become more confused than before.

Some people strongly recommend Trezor, while others prefer Ledger. I've also seen people suggesting Coldcard, Jade and BitBox02.

I'm mainly looking for something that is:

• secure for long-term storage
• easy enough for someone buying their first hardware wallet
• reliable with a good track record
• likely to receive support and updates for years

For those who have actually used hardware wallets, which one would you recommend today, and why?

I'd also be interested to hear if there are any models that you would avoid and the reasons behind that.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[UserU]

Currently I have a Ledger Nano S but if I were to get my next wallet, definitely not from them.

What I don't like is that their desktop wallet app auto-updates without consent and their data breach during COVID lost the trust of many customers. Not to mention trying to upsell their latest products by discontinuing some handy features on their older ones.

[Charles-Tim]

I will prefer to recommend airgapped hardware wallet like the Foundation Passport. But if you see it too expensive, you can go for the most recommended hardware wallet on this forum which is Trezor.

Just avoid Ledger Nano wallets for your own privacy and for not to be tricked to give your seeds phrase to their parties for backup, which only means you may not be in full control of your coins.

[coinrifft]

Or you may want to visit this thread: Open Source Hardware Wallets.

Comprehensive list of open source hardware wallets which everyone prefer.

Or this list: Compare the Best Bitcoin Self Custody Tools for 2026.

[AakZaki]

I think the Trezor Safe 7 is a good choice right now, considering their claim that the Trezor Safe 7 has three layers of hardware security and Quantum-ready security.

I myself have been using Trezor for many years, even with an old-school model until now I have never had any problems.
As for the Trezor Suite App, it never does automatic updates as said by UserU.

Here's an Overview of the Trezor Safe 7:

• 2.5" high-res color display
•• 520 x 380 pixels
• Intuitive touchscreen
•• Efficient, responsive navigation on a large display
• Premium aluminum unibody
•• All-metal body for exceptional build quality
• Three layers of hardware security
•• Two secure elements and an MCU, for ironclad security
• Quantum-ready security
•• Specifically designed to receive quantum-secure updates
• Wireless connectivity
•• Securely pairs with mobile and desktop, no cables needed
• IP54-rated protection
•• Resistant to water splashes and dust
• Buy, sell, swap & stake
•• Securely trade crypto with your device
• Compatible with third-party apps
•• Use with your favorite wallets and dApps

[satscraper]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to buy my first hardware wallet for long-term Bitcoin storage, but after reading many discussions online I've become more confused than before.

Some people strongly recommend Trezor, while others prefer Ledger. I've also seen people suggesting Coldcard, Jade and BitBox02.

I'm mainly looking for something that is:

• secure for long-term storage
• easy enough for someone buying their first hardware wallet
• reliable with a good track record
• likely to receive support and updates for years

For those who have actually used hardware wallets, which one would you recommend today, and why?

I'd also be interested to hear if there are any models that you would avoid and the reasons behind that.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Passport Core, Jade, and BitBox02 would meet all the requirements you listed. Coldcard's latest models are good but a bit complicated for a novice.

Also, you might want to consider Tangem for everyday use on the go. It is the easiest wallet for novice, and even if you buy one of the advanced gimmicks listed above, Tangem will still come in handy.

[OmegaStarScream]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to buy my first hardware wallet for long-term Bitcoin storage, but after reading many discussions online I've become more confused than before.

Some people strongly recommend Trezor, while others prefer Ledger. I've also seen people suggesting Coldcard, Jade and BitBox02.

I'm mainly looking for something that is:

• secure for long-term storage
• easy enough for someone buying their first hardware wallet
• reliable with a good track record
• likely to receive support and updates for years

I'd stick to Trezor devices, very affordable (depending on the model). Fully open source, long track record (given that it's the first hardware wallet manufacturer), multi coin support.

Stay away from Safepal. Horrible UI/UX as I have mentioned in some of my posts before.

[Lucius]

~snip~
Some people strongly recommend Trezor, while others prefer Ledger. I've also seen people suggesting Coldcard, Jade and BitBox02.

Where did you read that someone prefers devices from that company when it comes to this forum? What you could read is that some members have old models of their devices, but after all the scandals (leaks of user data) and that idiotic recovery option, no one with any sense will use that device, especially for long-term storage.

Trezor is a solid device, but if you want a higher level of security, my recommendation is to consider an air-gapped device.

[Stalker22]

~
For those who have actually used hardware wallets, which one would you recommend today, and why?

Personally, I would recommend Trezor Safe 3 or BitBox02 (Bitcoin-only edition).

Since you are a first-timer who wants security, long-term updates, and a clean track record, I commend go with one of these two.  They are both completely open-source, which means their code is public and constantly audited by the global developer community.  Trezor is the grandfather of hardware wallets. Their track record is unmatched, and they will support their devices forever.  BitBox02 is Swiss-engineered, incredibly sleek, and has arguably the best, most intuitive desktop app for beginners.  If you want zero distractions, buy their "Bitcoin-only" edition.

[vv99]

Thanks everyone for the replies. There are definitely more options than I expected.

I was actually surprised by how many people recommended Trezor. Before making this thread I kept seeing mixed opinions online, so I wasn't really sure what to think.

The air-gapped wallets also look interesting, but I'm wondering if they might be a bit too much for someone like me. My plan is just to buy some Bitcoin every now and then and leave it alone for a long time.

Do you think an air-gapped wallet is really worth it in that case, or would something like a Trezor Safe 3 already be more than enough for the average person?

I'll also go through the comparison threads that were shared. Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

[OmegaStarScream]

Thanks everyone for the replies. There are definitely more options than I expected.

I was actually surprised by how many people recommended Trezor. Before making this thread I kept seeing mixed opinions online, so I wasn't really sure what to think.

The air-gapped wallets also look interesting, but I'm wondering if they might be a bit too much for someone like me. My plan is just to buy some Bitcoin every now and then and leave it alone for a long time.

Do you think an air-gapped wallet is really worth it in that case, or would something like a Trezor Safe 3 already be more than enough for the average person?

I'll also go through the comparison threads that were shared. Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

I think a simple Trezor safe 3 would be enough, especially when you're not planning to be spending regulary. You could juse save the master public key, import it to something like Electrum, and generate receiving addresses for whenever you want to buy some BTC and send it to your Trezor.

You could even get a paper wallet (which is free) if the goal is to stack over the years and not touch anything.

[Lucius]

~snip~
The air-gapped wallets also look interesting, but I'm wondering if they might be a bit too much for someone like me. My plan is just to buy some Bitcoin every now and then and leave it alone for a long time.

Do you think an air-gapped wallet is really worth it in that case, or would something like a Trezor Safe 3 already be more than enough for the average person?

Air-gapped makes sense if you want a higher level of security. I'm not saying that "ordinary" hardware wallets are not safe in creating seeds (private keys), but the difference is that they generate that seed on the device that you will connect online because you will occasionally have to upgrade it (software and firmware) and I always wonder if hackers will find a way to attack such devices remotely in 5, 10 or maybe 20 years?

When you generate a seed on an air-gapped device, it will never come into contact with the internet because you will communicate with the UI via QR codes or an SD card. When you're always offline, you don't have to worry about any remote online attacks.

If money is not a problem for you, maybe it's better to get a "normal" hardware wallet first, and if at some point you want more security, you can buy something better, or even make an air-gapped wallet on an old computer.

Additional advice: if at all possible, I advise you to buy such a device and have it shipped to a PO Box or some address that cannot be traced back to you. Of course, that would make sense if you paid with cryptocurrency that again cannot be linked to you.

The reason is that over the years there have been many leaks of databases of people who bought such devices, and you certainly do not want to be the target of phishing or even physical attacks.

[Stalker22]

~

Something like the Trezor Safe 3 is absolutely more than enough.  Honestly, dont sweat the air-gapped stuff right now.  "Air-gapped" basically just means the wallet never plugs directly into a computer; it uses camera and QR codes or an SD card to talk to your app.  B ut it adds a lot of extra steps that are not really necessary in your case.  You said you were for a "buy and hold" strategy anyway.

[Forsyth Jones]

I have a lot of experience with Trezor, but I flirt a lot with airgapped wallets like Coldcard and Passport.

• secure for long-term storage
• easy enough for someone buying their first hardware wallet
• reliable with a good track record
• likely to receive support and updates for years

Most wallets meet these requirements, in fact, they were designed to be secure and durable in the long term, but prioritize the legal warranty (in this respect, Trezor wins, as it provides up to 2 years of warranty, AFAIK).

But you can exclude Ledger from this list, as it has done some questionable things (search for ledger recover on the forum).

I think you should look more at your user profile. Do you use more coins than Bitcoin? If so, go with Trezor, airgapped wallets aren't for you. If you are a bitcoin-only user, look at airgapped wallets. Although they are a bit more expensive than Trezor, airgapped wallets have more security features (logically, a device that signs transactions offline/PSBT mode, without a USB cable or bluetooth, is more secure than conventional devices).

Once you gain experience, you can build your your own DIY hardware wallet like Krux, Seedsigner which is cheaper than a Ledger/Trezor.

stay away from ledger 

[vv99]

Thanks everyone. I honestly didn't expect to get this many helpful replies.

When I made this thread I was almost sure I'd end up buying a Trezor Safe 3, but after reading everything here I'm actually leaning more towards an air-gapped wallet. Since I'm only planning to buy and hold Bitcoin, I don't really mind the extra steps if it gives me a bit more peace of mind.

I've got some reading to do first, especially about Passport, Jade and Coldcard, but at least now I know what direction I want to go.

One more question since I'm still pretty new here. Is it common to edit the title and mark a thread as solved once you've made your decision, or do people usually just leave it open?

[m2017]

that you will connect online because you will occasionally have to upgrade it (software and firmware) and I always wonder if hackers will find a way to attack such devices remotely in 5, 10 or maybe 20 years?

Don't air-gapped devices require firmware updates? Hackers can also fake their firmware.

Air-gapped makes sense if you want a higher level of security.

With the threat of quantum computers looming on the horizon, if we're talking about a high level of protection, perhaps we should consider hardware wallets that can counter this threat?

Trezor Safe7. Of course, if this is not just a marketing ploy and these devices are really capable of resisting this threat (the threat of which is not overestimated).

Quantum-ready architecture
Trezor Safe 7 is the first hardware wallet using post-quantum cryptography to secure firmware updates, device authentication, and the boot process, defending your wallet against the quantum computing threats of tomorrow.

Source: https://trezor.io/trezor-safe-7

Additional advice: if at all possible, I advise you to buy such a device and have it shipped to a PO Box or some address that cannot be traced back to you. Of course, that would make sense if you paid with cryptocurrency that again cannot be linked to you.

Order a device in a neighbor's name and address? When delivered to any delivery service or courier service, you'll be asked for documents to receive the package. The question is, why bother with all this secrecy if you'll voluntarily present your documents?

The reason is that over the years there have been many leaks of databases of people who bought such devices, and you certainly do not want to be the target of phishing or even physical attacks.

Therefore, you can buy from official dealers, where you buy a hardware wallet just like in a store, without identifying yourself in any way (except for facial recognition).

I won't recommend purchasing from offline stores or online stores with unofficial resellers. The risks (purchasing a counterfeit device) may not be great, but they remain.

[The Sceptical Chymist]

Currently I have a Ledger Nano S but if I were to get my next wallet, definitely not from them.

What I don't like is that their desktop wallet app auto-updates without consent and their data breach during COVID lost the trust of many customers. Not to mention trying to upsell their latest products by discontinuing some handy features on their older ones.

They're shady, no doubt.  But aside from the data breach and native app, doesn't the whole Recover debacle trump all of that?  Someone please correct me if I'm wrong--and I'm 95% sure I'm not--that showed everyone that their customers' private keys could be exfiltrated from the secure element of whatever device they had, minus the Nano S....but wasn't there some concern about that device as well?

OP, you didn't mention if you were interested in bitcoin only or altcoins as well, and that makes a huge difference.  Assuming bitcoin only, I'd recommend whatever Bitbox devices are currently available (I haven't checked in a while but they came out with an Apple-compatible one and still have the Bitbox02, which has already been recommended).  Most of the others I can't say anything about from experience, but that's only because I researched them before buying one and that ruled a lot of them out.  

Edit:  Whoops, I missed this:

My plan is just to buy some Bitcoin every now and then and leave it alone for a long time.

Good luck.  It's a large playing field out there when it comes to those expensive little devices.