Illustrative scene with Trezor Safe 5, Ledger Flex and BitBox02 Nova.

Explained before you buy

Find your hardware wallet.

I’ll use it with , for , with .

Clear reasons for every pick. Prices at the official store.

Illustrative composition · Image credits

Your picks

Three wallets we’d start with.

Your setup: phone or computer, several cryptocurrencies, no control preference. They differ in apps, controls, and backup options. Choose the setup that suits you. Compare wallets

Three wallets we’d start with. Your setup: phone or computer, several cryptocurrencies, no control preference. Trezor Safe 5, Ledger Flex, and BitBox02 Nova

USB and a colour touchscreen

Our wired pick for Trezor Suite on a computer or compatible Android phone. Enter your PIN and recovery words on the colour touchscreen; USB also supplies power.

Approve transactions with Trezor Suite

  • Computer:USB
  • iPhone:Not supported
  • Android:USB

Before you choose: This model connects by USB; choose another model if you need to sign with an iPhone.

Bluetooth and an E Ink touchscreen

Choose Flex for Ledger Wallet on iPhone or Android and an E Ink touchscreen to review requests. Charge it before using Bluetooth without a cable.

Approve transactions with Ledger Wallet

  • Computer:USB
  • iPhone:Bluetooth
  • Android:USB · Bluetooth

Before you choose: NFC does not replace USB or Bluetooth for ordinary transactions. Cryptocurrency support depends on the app.

BitBoxApp and a microSD backup

Choose BitBoxApp, edge controls and a microSD backup made during setup. Keep the card separate: the default backup can restore access without the old device password. You’ll still need any optional passphrase.

Approve transactions with BitBoxApp

  • Computer:USB
  • iPhone:BluetoothMust stay plugged in
  • Android:USBPhone needs USB OTG

Before you choose: You control it by touching its edges, not the screen.

Our picks are a starting point. 41 wallets: support for more than one cryptocurrency — browse them all

Compare these three

Start with your device or priorities above to see our picks.

Wallet comparisons

Which wallet fits you better?

Choose a pair to compare phone compatibility, controls and how each wallet gets power.

Key difference

Both use Bluetooth on iPhone, but power differs

Nova

Consider Nova if you want a compact wallet with microSD backup. When using it with an iPhone, you need to connect it to the phone or another suitable power source.

Flex

Consider Flex if you want more screen space for checking transactions and a rechargeable battery for Bluetooth use with Ledger Wallet.

Key difference

For iPhone signing, choose Nova

BitBox02

Your routine stays on USB with a computer or Android device. You do not need iPhone support and are comfortable reviewing details on the original OLED display.

Nova

You need iPhone signing or prefer Nova's glass-covered display. Allow for external power and Bluetooth pairing when using it with an iPhone.

Key difference

Start with the phone you want to use

Safe 5

You prefer Trezor Suite, a colour touchscreen and USB. You are not depending on this device to approve transactions from an iPhone.

Flex

You want an E Ink touchscreen and Bluetooth for use with a phone. You prefer Ledger Wallet; some cryptocurrencies may need a compatible third-party app.

The 9 rules

A good wallet. Even better habits.

Build safer habits for any wallet. Open a rule to see why it matters.

01Control your keysKnow who can authorize a transaction.

Self-custody starts with knowing who holds the keys. An exchange account and a wallet you control are different arrangements. Before moving funds, understand who can sign and how you would recover access.

Understand who controls the keys
02Separate savings from spendingGive each wallet a clear purpose.

Consider separate wallets for everyday transactions and long-term savings. Keep only what you need in the wallet you connect to apps.

Separate savings from app activity
03Keep keys on a separate deviceSign transactions on your hardware wallet.

A hardware wallet can isolate signing keys from your everyday computer. It still depends on careful setup, a protected backup, and checking what you authorize.

How a hardware wallet signs a transaction
04Protect your recovery phraseNever share the words that restore your wallet.

Your recovery phrase gives access to your wallet. Never share it with support or enter it into a website. Follow the manufacturer’s official recovery instructions.

Know what you need to recover your wallet
05Keep your recovery phrase offlineNo screenshots. No cloud copies.

Write down your recovery phrase and keep it somewhere safe. Protect it from loss, damage and anyone who should not have access to your wallet.

Store your recovery phrase offline
06Verify before signingCheck the payment before approving.

Review the full address and payment details in the app before approving. If that payment uses hardware approval, check the details your model shows there too. A screenless wallet has no separate hardware display to check. Pause if you cannot understand the request.

Use the signing checklist
07Expect phishingVerify links, downloads and support requests.

Use saved official addresses and verify downloads at the source. A familiar logo or a convincing support message is not proof of authenticity. No legitimate support agent needs your recovery phrase.

Check a suspicious request
08Plan for device failureKnow how to recover before you need to.

Learn how you would restore access before your device is lost or broken. If your model offers a backup check, follow its official instructions and preparation, and understand what the result confirms. Keep the backup separate from the device.

Understand what a backup check confirms
09Plan for inheritanceMake recovery possible for someone you trust.

Plan how a trusted person could locate instructions and recover access without exposing your keys in everyday life. Complex arrangements may need appropriate professional advice.

Prepare an inheritance plan

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