Obviously everything has its advantages and disadvantages: just as you can “lose” a software wallet if the storage device in which you had it breaks, a hardware wallet can also suffer accidents, which is why in these things so It is always advisable to have the information stored in duplicate or even in triplicate, such as having a software wallet at the same time as a hardware wallet.
What are the advantages of hardware wallets?
The main advantage that this type of device provides is having the security that your currencies are stored safely and offline, which means that they will be completely out of the reach of third parties, including hackers and third companies. Unlike software wallets, which are nothing more than an application that you install on your PC and which essentially create a file containing your cryptos, these hardware wallets do not require any other device to store your values safely.
Indeed, this type of device can have the disadvantage that, as an external element, you could break or lose it (and that is why we always recommend having a duplicate in another medium, such as a software wallet), but the advantage is that even if it was stolen Or you lose it and someone finds it, they will not be able to access your cryptocurrencies, since these would be protected by encryption algorithms and, in some of the devices, even by other systems such as PINs or biometric systems.
In short, the advantage they provide is being able to store cryptocurrencies in a safe and practically inviolable way, and offline so that no one but you can access them.
What to look for in the best hardware wallets
Obviously it will depend on your needs, so the first thing you should look for is that the wallet is compatible with the cryptocurrencies that you want to store in it since not all are compatible with all and, in fact, most of them are only compatible with the most popular ones. like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The second thing that you should look for in order of importance is that they are resistant devices, since as an external element they can suffer shocks, falls and accidents, so the more resistant the better. In addition to this, you have to take into account the means of connection you have, since although most have USB there are some that also incorporate, for example, Bluetooth.
Beyond this, you must assess the security measures to protect the information they contain, and other functionalities such as having a touch screen that shows you information so as not to have to connect the device to a PC to check its content or carry out transactions with he.
The best hardware wallets you can buy
Next we are going to tell you which are the best hardware wallets that, in our opinion, you can buy today. Among them you will find various features (which we are obviously going to tell you about), compatibility and security methods, but in any case you can be sure that with any of them your cryptocurrencies will be totally safe and offline.
Trezor Model T
Considered by experts as one of the safest and most versatile hardware wallets out there, the Trezor Model T is a best seller despite its high price because it offers total encryption on its content, including the possibility of setting a PIN on its touch screen. ; furthermore, your USB connection is only initialized after successful authentication, making it impossible to access your content without it.
It incorporates a full color LCD touch screen that shows all the information you need, and it connects to the PC via a USB-C port for maximum compatibility with modern devices. It has a magnetic docking station for convenience.
This hardware wallet supports Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, Dash, and Zcash.
Trezor One
This other purse has all the security features of the previous one, but its screen is not touch-sensitive (instead it has two buttons to move through the menus). It offers the latest cryptographic algorithms so that your data never leaves the wallet if you don’t want to, it connects via USB to the PC and offers compatibility with the same cryptocurrencies as the Model T we have seen before.
Ledger Nano S
After the Trezor Model T, this is the best-selling hardware cryptocurrency wallet. In the form of a USB pen drive, it allows you to send and receive cryptocurrencies safely and easily, keeping the keys protected at all times. It is obviously connected via USB and the data is stored inside a secure chip strongly isolated and protected by an 8-digit PIN code.
In addition, it is one of the hardware wallets that offer greater compatibility, since you can store more than 30 different cryptocurrencies and all the existing ERC20 tokens inside.
SecuX W20 Crypto
This hardware wallet has a full set of security features, including a dedicated chip isolated from everything else to prevent unauthorized access even if your device is lost or stolen. Its main feature is the large 2.8-inch LCD touch screen that shows you your cryptocurrencies in real time and allows you to operate with them; connects to PC via USB and / or Bluetooth and is compatible with Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Ripple, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Digibyte, Dash, Binance, Dogecoin, GRS, Stellar Lumens, and over 1,000 ERC20 tokens.
Archos Safe-T Mini
This is one of the simplest and smallest hardware wallets, but it is still capable of isolating your cryptographic keys offline to protect all your assets safely. It is compatible with Electrum and MyCrypto, and supports over 75% of all existing cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Dash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and ERC20. (https://experience.afrotech.com)
It integrates an electronic ink screen large enough to show all the information you need, and incorporates two physical buttons to be able to operate it.
CoolWallet S
This electronic wallet is really small in size (34 x 21 millimeters) and weighs only 6 grams, but that does not mean that it is not safe because it also incorporates a dedicated security chip. The particularity of this device is that it does not connect via USB but works in conjunction with an application for the smartphone to which it does connect via Bluetooth.
It supports most cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ripple, Tether, Binance, Horizen, ICX and all ERX20.
