Why Hardware Wallets Matter in 2026
After multiple exchange collapses and security breaches in recent years, the crypto community's mantra has never been clearer: "Not your keys, not your coins." Hardware wallets are the gold standard for securing cryptocurrency.
We tested 8 of the most popular hardware wallets across security features, supported cryptocurrencies, ease of use, build quality, and value for money. Here are our top picks.
Best Overall: Ledger Nano X
Ledger Nano X
by Ledger · Hardware Wallet
- Bluetooth connectivity for mobile use
- Supports 5,500+ cryptocurrencies
- Excellent Ledger Live app
- Strong track record on security
- 100 app capacity
- Closed-source firmware
- Ledger Recover feature controversial
- Bluetooth adds attack surface (minimal risk)
- Plastic build feels less premium
Runner-Up: Trezor Safe 5
Trezor Safe 5
by SatoshiLabs · Hardware Wallet
- Fully open-source firmware
- Color touchscreen display
- Intuitive setup process
- No controversial cloud backup feature
- Excellent for Bitcoin-focused users
- Fewer supported coins than Ledger
- No Bluetooth
- Slightly more expensive than competitors
- Touch input can be finicky
Full Comparison
| Feature | Ledger Nano X | Trezor Safe 5 | Ledger Nano S Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $169 | $79 |
| Supported Coins | 5,500+ | 1,400+ | 5,500+ |
| Display | 128x64 OLED | Color touchscreen | 128x64 OLED |
| Connectivity | USB-C + Bluetooth | USB-C | USB-C |
| Open Source | Partial | ✓ | Partial |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✓ | Via OTG |
| Security Chip | CC EAL6+ | ✓ | CC EAL6+ |
| Battery | 8 hours | ✗ (USB powered) | ✗ (USB powered) |
How We Tested
Each wallet was tested over two weeks with the following process:
- Setup experience: How intuitive is the initial setup and seed phrase backup?
- Transaction flow: Sending and receiving Bitcoin, Ethereum, and smaller altcoins.
- App experience: Testing the companion apps on desktop and mobile.
- Recovery process: Wiping the device and recovering from seed phrase.
- Build quality: Physical durability, button/screen quality, and materials.
Verdict
For most people, the Ledger Nano X is the best hardware wallet you can buy. It has the widest coin support, Bluetooth convenience, and a mature software ecosystem.
If open-source firmware is important to you (and it should be for maximum trust), the Trezor Safe 5 is an excellent choice with a better screen and interface.
On a budget? The Ledger Nano S Plus at $79 gives you most of the Nano X's features without Bluetooth — a fantastic deal.