Bitcoin Hardware Wallet Showdown 2025

Finding Your Perfect Hardware Wallet

Choosing the right hardware wallet is a deeply personal decision that depends on your security needs, technical expertise, and usage patterns. While all hardware wallets provide significantly better security than software wallets, they each have distinct strengths and trade-offs.

Common Strengths Across Hardware Wallets

  • Private Key Isolation: Your private keys never leave the device
  • Transaction Verification: Visual confirmation of transaction details on device screen
  • Malware Resistance: Protection against compromised computers
  • Multi-signature Support: Most support advanced security setups
  • Backup & Recovery: Standardized seed phrase recovery across devices

Key Considerations & Trade-offs

Security Architecture

Secure Elements provide hardware-level protection against physical attacks but are often closed-source. Open-source firmware allows community auditing but may lack specialized hardware protections.

Connectivity

Air-gapped wallets (QR codes, microSD) offer maximum security but require more steps. USB/Bluetooth connections are convenient but increase potential attack surface.

User Experience

Touchscreens improve usability but add complexity. Button-only interfaces are simpler but can be cumbersome for complex operations.

Coin Support

Bitcoin-only wallets have smaller attack surface and focused development. Multi-coin wallets offer flexibility but increased complexity.

Hardware Wallet Comparison

Select Name ↕ Vendor ↕ Price (USD) ↕ Security Score ↕ Beginner Friendly Multi-sig Advanced Features
Ledger Nano X Ledger $149 8/10 ✓ ✓ ✓
Ledger Nano S Plus Ledger $79 8/10 ✓ ✓ ✓
Trezor Model T SatoshiLabs $219 8/10 ✓ ✓ ✓
Trezor Model One SatoshiLabs $69 7/10 ✓ ✓ ~
Trezor Safe 3 SatoshiLabs $79 9/10 ✓ ✓ ✓
Coldcard Mk4 Coinkite $147 10/10 ✗ ✓ ✓
Coldcard Q Coinkite $239.99 10/10 ✗ ✓ ✓
Keystone 3 Pro Keystone $149 9/10 ✓ ✓ ✓
Ledger Stax Ledger $399 8/10 ✓ ✓ ✓
Trezor Safe 5 SatoshiLabs $169 9/10 ✓ ✓ ✓
BitBox02 Shift Crypto $150 8/10 ✓ ✓ ✓
Foundation Passport Batch 2 Foundation $259 9/10 ✓ ✓ ✓
Blockstream Jade Blockstream $55 6/10 ✓ ✓ ✓
Blockstream Jade Plus Blockstream $149 9/10 ✓ ✓ ✓
KeepKey ShapeShift $49 6/10 ✓ ✓ ✗
SafePal S1 SafePal $49 7/10 ✓ ~ ✓
Ellipal Titan 2.0 Ellipal $169 7/10 ✓ ✓ ✓
NGRAVE ZERO NGRAVE $398 9/10 ✗ ✓ ✓
Cypherock X1 Cypherock $159 9/10 ✗ ✗ ✓
GridPlus Lattice1 GridPlus $399 8/10 ✗ ✓ ✓
Tangem Wallet Tangem $50 5/10 ✓ ✗ ✗

Detailed Wallet Reviews

Wallets ordered by security score, then price

Coldcard Mk4

Coldcard Mk4

by Coinkite $147 Security: 10/10

Coldcard Mk4 is a top-tier Bitcoin-only wallet built for air-gapped, multisig cold storage and security maximalists.

Strengths:

  • • Air-gapped with microSD
  • • Dual secure elements
  • • Bitcoin-only, open-source

Weaknesses:

  • • Steep learning curve
  • • No altcoin support
Display: 128x64 OLED | Power: USB or AAA battery (with adapter) | Released: 2022-03
Designed for maximum offline protection; no Bluetooth/USB reliance and battle-tested security.
Coldcard Q

Coldcard Q

by Coinkite $239.99 Security: 10/10

The Coldcard Q is a high-end Bitcoin-only hardware wallet from Coinkite featuring a full QWERTY keyboard and a large LCD screen for easier passphrase entry. These capabilities make the Coldcard Q one of the most secure and feature-rich options for Bitcoin self-custody.

Strengths:

  • • Dual secure elements (two chips from different vendors) protect private keys
  • • Fully air-gapped via QR codes, NFC, and microSD (no USB required for transactions)
  • • Full QWERTY keyboard and large screen for easy BIP-39 passphrase entry
  • • Battery-powered (3×AAA) option for wireless operation
  • • Advanced security features (duress PINs and "Brick Me" self-destruct PIN) add to safety

Weaknesses:

  • • High price compared to basic hardware wallets
  • • Not very beginner-friendly; geared toward advanced users
  • • Some early units had hardware reliability issues (needed replacement)
  • • Bulky form factor (BlackBerry-like size with keyboard and batteries)
Display: 320x240 pixels LCD (3.2-inch diagonal) | Power: Powered by 3×AAA batteries (air-gapped use) or via USB-C connection | Released: 2024-03
Implements dual secure elements, open-source firmware, and air-gapped design for top-tier security (no known vulnerabilities)
Trezor Safe 3

Trezor Safe 3

by SatoshiLabs $79 Security: 9/10

Trezor Safe 3 is a modernized wallet with secure element hardware and Bitcoin-only firmware options, making it ideal for new users.

Strengths:

  • • Now includes secure element
  • • Open-source firmware
  • • Supports Bitcoin-only firmware

Weaknesses:

  • • No touchscreen
  • • New product (less field-tested)
Display: 128x64 OLED | Power: USB powered | Released: 2023-10
Secure element + open-source firmware combines the best of both worlds for high confidence security.
Keystone 3 Pro

Keystone 3 Pro

by Keystone $149 Security: 9/10

Keystone 3 Pro uses QR codes for complete air-gap and includes fingerprint security and a large touchscreen for ease-of-use.

Strengths:

  • • Fully air-gapped (QR)
  • • Fingerprint unlock + secure element
  • • Open-source firmware

Weaknesses:

  • • Battery reliant
  • • Newer product with less field testing
Display: 4-inch touchscreen | Power: Rechargeable battery or AAA battery pack | Released: 2023-07
Strong security with QR-only airgap, fingerprint unlock, and secure chip. Fully open firmware.
Blockstream Jade Plus

Blockstream Jade Plus

by Blockstream $149 Security: 9/10

The Blockstream Jade Plus is an upgraded Bitcoin hardware wallet featuring a larger, brighter screen and enhanced security features. Designed for both beginners and advanced users, it supports air-gapped operations and integrates seamlessly with popular Bitcoin wallets.

Strengths:

  • • 66% larger and 25% brighter screen for improved readability
  • • Enhanced camera for faster QR code scanning
  • • Supports air-gapped operations via SD card and built-in battery
  • • Open-source hardware and firmware
  • • Advanced security features including Blind Oracle PIN protection and Secure Boot

Weaknesses:

  • • Limited to Bitcoin and Liquid assets only
  • • No touchscreen; relies on physical navigation buttons
  • • Metal variants are priced higher at $169
Display: 1.9-inch LCD, 320×170 resolution | Power: 280 mAh rechargeable battery; USB-C for charging and connectivity | Released: 2025-01
Offers robust security with open-source design, air-gapped capabilities, and advanced features like Blind Oracle PIN protection. However, it lacks a secure element chip, which some users might consider a drawback.
Cypherock X1

Cypherock X1

by Cypherock $159 Security: 9/10

Cypherock X1 uses distributed recovery cards for seedless storage and is designed for advanced key protection.

Strengths:

  • • Seedless key sharding
  • • NFC smart cards
  • • Secure element in device and cards

Weaknesses:

  • • Complex recovery process
  • • Less field-tested
Display: OLED | Power: USB-C powered | Released: 2023-01
Unique seedless recovery with strong cryptography, but usability has learning curve.
Trezor Safe 5

Trezor Safe 5

by SatoshiLabs $169 Security: 9/10

Trezor Safe 5 offers touchscreen usability, a secure element, and open-source firmware for ultimate transparency and protection.

Strengths:

  • • Color touchscreen
  • • Secure element
  • • Open-source firmware

Weaknesses:

  • • More expensive than Safe 3
  • • New product (needs time to prove itself)
Display: 240x240 color touchscreen | Power: USB powered | Released: 2024-06
Secure element plus touchscreen usability makes it the most feature-rich Trezor to date.
Foundation Passport Batch 2

Foundation Passport Batch 2

by Foundation $259 Security: 9/10

Passport is a premium Bitcoin-only hardware wallet with an emphasis on open-source, air-gapped use and intuitive design.

Strengths:

  • • Bitcoin-only
  • • Air-gapped with QR and microSD
  • • Secure element + open-source

Weaknesses:

  • • No altcoin support
  • • Smaller screen than others
Display: 128x64 OLED | Power: USB-C + removable AAA battery | Released: 2022-03
Open hardware and firmware, secure element, and strong design — ideal for Bitcoiners.
NGRAVE ZERO

NGRAVE ZERO

by NGRAVE $398 Security: 9/10

The ZERO offers air-gapped QR signing and EAL7-grade protection for maximum resilience against attacks.

Strengths:

  • • EAL7 secure element
  • • Air-gapped with QR
  • • Biometric access

Weaknesses:

  • • Closed-source firmware
  • • Very expensive
Display: 4-inch color touchscreen | Power: Rechargeable battery via USB-C | Released: 2020-10
Top-tier hardware security, but closed firmware limits full transparency.
Ledger Nano S Plus

Ledger Nano S Plus

by Ledger $79 Security: 8/10

Nano S Plus brings enhanced memory and screen to Ledger's affordable model, without Bluetooth, making it ideal for secure desktop use.

Strengths:

  • • Secure element
  • • Larger memory than Nano S
  • • Great value

Weaknesses:

  • • No wireless connectivity
  • • Closed firmware
Display: 128x64 OLED | Power: USB-C powered | Released: 2022-04
Strong hardware security like Nano X, no Bluetooth reduces attack surface, but still closed-source firmware.
Ledger Nano X

Ledger Nano X

by Ledger $149 Security: 8/10

Ledger Nano X is a secure, Bluetooth-enabled wallet with strong hardware protection and mobile capability via Ledger Live.

Strengths:

  • • Secure element (ST33)
  • • Bluetooth connectivity
  • • Ledger Live app support

Weaknesses:

  • • Closed-source firmware
  • • Controversial Ledger Recover feature
Display: 128x64 OLED | Power: USB-C rechargeable battery | Released: 2019-01
Uses a secure element and is widely vetted, but loses trust points for closed-source firmware and Ledger Recover concerns.
BitBox02

BitBox02

by Shift Crypto $150 Security: 8/10

BitBox02 is a compact Swiss-made wallet with strong open-source credentials and microSD backups, ideal for beginners and intermediate users.

Strengths:

  • • Open-source firmware
  • • Secure element (ATECC608A)
  • • MicroSD backup

Weaknesses:

  • • No air-gap support
  • • Passphrase input via app
Display: 128x64 OLED | Power: USB-C powered | Released: 2019-09
Secure chip and open-source design, with good physical protections and easy usability.
Trezor Model T

Trezor Model T

by SatoshiLabs $219 Security: 8/10

Trezor Model T is a highly trusted open-source wallet with a touchscreen interface and advanced backup options.

Strengths:

  • • Open-source firmware
  • • Color touchscreen
  • • Shamir Backup support

Weaknesses:

  • • No secure element
  • • Higher price
Display: 240x240 color touchscreen | Power: USB-C powered | Released: 2018-02
Open-source and well-audited, but lacks a secure element for physical extraction resistance.
Ledger Stax

Ledger Stax

by Ledger $399 Security: 8/10

Ledger Stax is a luxury hardware wallet with a curved E-Ink display and wireless charging for design-conscious users.

Strengths:

  • • E-Ink curved display
  • • Wireless charging + Bluetooth
  • • Premium design

Weaknesses:

  • • Very expensive
  • • Still closed-source firmware
Display: 3.7-inch E-Ink touchscreen | Power: Wireless charging or USB-C | Released: 2024-05
Strong Ledger base security but costly and still closed-source.
GridPlus Lattice1

GridPlus Lattice1

by GridPlus $399 Security: 8/10

GridPlus Lattice1 is a powerful enterprise-grade wallet with touchscreen and smartcard architecture, ideal for developers.

Strengths:

  • • Smartcard support
  • • Large touchscreen
  • • APIs for dev integrations

Weaknesses:

  • • Expensive
  • • Network-connected (increases surface area)
Display: 5-inch color touchscreen | Power: USB powered | Released: 2020-01
Very secure enclave and unique design but online status reduces air-gapped appeal.
SafePal S1

SafePal S1

by SafePal $49 Security: 7/10

SafePal S1 is an inexpensive, air-gapped wallet with secure QR-based signing and native app support.

Strengths:

  • • Fully air-gapped with QR
  • • Secure element chip
  • • Multi-coin support

Weaknesses:

  • • Closed-source firmware
  • • Limited multisig tools
Display: 1.3-inch color screen | Power: Rechargeable battery via micro-USB | Released: 2019-01
Affordable, good protection, but proprietary firmware and less transparency are concerns.
Trezor Model One

Trezor Model One

by SatoshiLabs $69 Security: 7/10

Trezor One is the original hardware wallet, still relevant for its simplicity, affordability, and proven security record.

Strengths:

  • • Open-source firmware
  • • Very affordable
  • • Long security track record

Weaknesses:

  • • No secure element
  • • Monochrome display
Display: 128x64 monochrome OLED | Power: USB powered | Released: 2014-08
Secure in practice, but outdated hardware and no physical protection via secure element.
Ellipal Titan 2.0

Ellipal Titan 2.0

by Ellipal $169 Security: 7/10

Ellipal Titan 2.0 is a rugged, fully air-gapped wallet with metal body and QR-based signing for multi-chain support.

Strengths:

  • • Air-gapped QR
  • • Self-destruct tamper protection
  • • Supports many coins

Weaknesses:

  • • Closed source
  • • Sealed battery
Display: 3.97-inch touchscreen | Power: Rechargeable internal battery | Released: 2023-11
Good tamper protections and air-gap but lacks open-source review and has past trust issues.
KeepKey

KeepKey

by ShapeShift $49 Security: 6/10

KeepKey is a visually sleek wallet from ShapeShift with a large display and beginner-friendly interface at a low price.

Strengths:

  • • Large screen
  • • Affordable
  • • Open-source firmware

Weaknesses:

  • • No secure element
  • • Limited firmware updates
Display: 256x64 OLED | Power: USB powered | Released: 2015-09
Safe for low-risk usage, but aging hardware and no secure chip hurt long-term confidence.
Blockstream Jade

Blockstream Jade

by Blockstream $55 Security: 6/10

Blockstream Jade is a budget-friendly wallet supporting Bitcoin and Liquid with QR and Bluetooth signing support.

Strengths:

  • • Low cost and open source
  • • QR code support and Bluetooth
  • • Integrates with Blockstream Green

Weaknesses:

  • • No secure element
  • • Battery can drain fast
Display: 240x135 color LCD | Power: Rechargeable battery via USB-C | Released: 2021-01
Solid open-source tool but no secure element limits resistance to physical attacks.
Tangem Wallet

Tangem Wallet

by Tangem $50 Security: 5/10

Tangem offers a minimal NFC-enabled card-based wallet great for gifting or spending but limited for serious custody.

Strengths:

  • • NFC smartcard wallet
  • • Portable and minimal
  • • Supports multi-card backup

Weaknesses:

  • • No screen
  • • Relies on phone for display
Display: None | Power: NFC-powered (uses phone) | Released: 2018-01
Strong chip-level security but reliance on external UI reduces trust.