What is the best Bitcoin wallet? Ledger vs. Trezor vs. KeepKey. We put them to the test.
When it comes to storing your Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, there are few options that are as secure as a hardware wallet but finding the right wallet for your needs can seem confusing and overwhelming.
Thanks to our team, you don’t have to spend hours researching and comparing the different cryptocurrency wallets because we have found the most popular wallets and compared them for you.
See our findings below and see which cryptocurrency wallet works best for you.
Superior cold storage technology to store and protect your crypto assets.
Top performer and highly trusted cryptocurrency storage solution.
Affordable, user-friendly, and secure. The KeepKey wallet is a respected cold storage device to keep your coins safe.
Reviewing The Most Popular Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallets
By using a hardware wallet, users are able to keep their funds offline (for the most part), allowing for greater security than a hot wallet. This ability to store funds also enables a person to be responsible for their own funds, without having a custodian to care for their money (such as a bank).
Performing a web search will inevitably bring up 3 different hardware wallet manufacturers: Ledger; Trezor; and KeepKey. Which hardware wallet is the best? We wanted to find out the difference between Ledger vs. Trezor vs. KeepKey.
Each brand has its own unique characteristics that may help you decide which wallet is right for you.
Let’s look and review the three different crypto hardware wallets.
Ledger Wallet
One of the most important pieces in securing your cryptocurrency is the hardware wallet. Ledger has been a leader in this space since 2014, and their products are highly recommended for anyone looking to store cryptocurrencies securely.
Since then, they have sold more than 2,000,000 wallets in over 165 countries. The company has designed two popular wallets to suit different users’ needs which we will discuss in more detail below.
They have also implemented their own operating system called BOLOS into their products for increased security standards; Ledger claims to be the only company in the industry to have performed such a task.
Ledger Wallet Coins List
Ledger originally supported only 22 cryptocurrencies and ERC-20 tokens, but have added 1250 ERC-20 tokens to their list in 2019. This addition opens up secure possibilities for the storage of even the most “exotic” alternative coins that any user may be holding.
From Bitcoin, to Banano, to Jesus Coin, users should be able to find storage for their funds. With the exception of a few instances, most tokens are supported between both the Nano S and the Nano X; Zilliqa (ZIL) for instance, is only compatible on the Nano S. Take a look at Ledger’s full list of supported cryptocurrencies here.
Ledger Wallet Hardware
Ledger wallets are operated with a USB cable that plugs into a computer. The actual hardware wallet is reminiscent of a standard USB flash drive, with a small screen on one side, as well as two push buttons. The screen turns on when either a button is pressed, or the wallet is plugged into a computer. Each of the buttons is used to navigate (left or right) and select (both buttons simultaneously) functions onscreen.
The wallet contains an external shield cover that is hinged to one side, allowing the cover to rotate around the wallet (reminiscent of a sort of Swiss-Army knife/switchblade hybrid combination). Each of Ledger’s wallets contain slightly different characteristics; the right model for the user depends on personal preference.
Ledger Nano S
![Ledger vs. Trezor vs. KeepKey - Best Bitcoin Wallet in [year]? 1](https://cryptowhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ledger-nano-s.png)
The Nano S is Ledger’s first hardware wallet offering. The wallet is sleek, with a small screen, and two external buttons on the side to navigate.
The Nano S features the side-hinged steel shielding unique to Ledger products to help protect the wallet from external mishaps and damages, with a hole in the hinge to allow for a possibility of storage methods.
This model of wallet is the company’s most inexpensive offering, as it is their oldest model.
Ledger Nano X
The Nano X is the newest wallet to come from Ledger, boasting a list of upgrades from the previous Nano S. On the surface, the screen has been updated to a slightly bigger screen that is able to show more than the Nano S.
See our Nano X Hardware Wallet Review
The navigation buttons have also moved from the side to the top face (screen-side) of the wallet, opening the screen on both sides. The external side-hinged shield is hinged through the left button, meaning there is no hole through the hinge. Inside, the wallet contains a CC EAL5+ certified secure chip, as well as bluetooth capabilities.
The Nano X allows the storage of 100 different wallets to be stored in the hardware wallet. Each wallet is back-up enabled to ensure proper security measures.
Ledger Software
Ledger Live
The wallets use Ledger Live as an interface for managing the funds; users are able to use either a desktop or mobile application. The program is fairly straightforward to use, making a simple task out of personal asset management. The desktop application is available for download, and is compatible with Windows, Apple, and Linux. The mobile application is supported by both Android and Apple phones.
Ledger Security
Ledger wallets use a combination of different methods to help keep their products secure. The first is the use of a PIN code, implemented directly into the hardware wallet via the use of the on-board buttons. The PIN code can be either 4 or 8 digits long.
Ledger Live also requires the use of its own password. A unique seed phrase is used to back up the wallet in the event of an emergency mishap.
To dive even deeper into the security of the device and how it backs up and transacts, here is an explanation directly from the Ledger site.
In simple words, every time you use a Ledger device to process a critical action at the firmware level (such as updating the OS, installing or removing apps), an HSM (secure server) will send a challenge to the device (a randomly generated number). This means it is requesting the device to prove its genuineness. The device can prove that it is genuine by providing a correct signature for the challenge.
Warranty and Quality Information
Each Ledger device comes with a limited 2-year warranty. Their policy states that if a wallet is faulty or defective in any way, the user will need to send their invoice to the company for warranty service solutions.
Ledger Prices, and Where to Buy a Ledger Wallet
Ledger wallets are fairly inexpensive, making them a very reasonable option for the storage of cryptocurrencies. The price of the wallet varies between models, with the Nano S being the least expensive (and the oldest model), at $59.
The Nano X is a little more expensive, at $119, though it is Ledger’s current model as of 2022. The company also offers a BackUp bundle pack of 1x Nano X, and 1x Nano S, at a discounted price of $149. To buy a wallet, make your purchase directly through the manufacturer’s website here. Never buy wallets from websites such as Amazon or eBay, as these sources cannot be completely trusted; many have been scammed by buying compromised or fake products from these retailers.
Trezor Wallet
Trezor is a veteran wallet manufacturer, building wallets and a solid reputation since 2014. The Trezor wallets are developed by SatoshiLabs, and had originally began as a project between two programmers. Since Trezor’s inception, their wallets have been sought after by novices and experts alike.
Trezor Wallet Coins List
Trezor currently supports over 1000 different cryptocurrencies varied across their different wallet platforms, with more being added regularly. The tokens supported range from the most well known cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin; Ethereum; LINK;) to obscure and “exotic” tokens that may not be supported with other wallets. View the Trezor supported tokens list here to see the which tokens are compatible with each of Trezor’s wallets.
Trezor Wallet Hardware
Each Trezor wallet is operated via a USB cable that attaches to a computer. The wallets have a screen on the face side of the device, with one model also featuring navigational/confirmation buttons. The wallets are also shaped in an intuitive design, providing a unique trademark that allows Trezor to stand out in a visual way. It should be noted that all of Trezor’s hardware is open-source.
Choose between the Trezor One and Model T
Trezor One
Released July 29, 2014, the Trezor One is the first hardware wallet offered by Trezor. It features a rectangular screen, as well as two buttons below, on the face of the device. The external casing is made of plastic.
This model of wallet is Trezor’s most inexpensive offering. Trezor’s software allows users to swap and exchange different tokens within their wallets. The Trezor One also has Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dash, and more as native tokens; this essentially means that a user will be able to manage certain cryptocurrency funds without having to connect/visit an external wallet.
Trezor Model T
The Model T is Trezor’s newest (as of 2022) model of wallet available for sale. The wallet features a number of upgrades from the Trezor One.
Notably, one of the most recognizable differences is the absence of navigational/confirmation buttons in exchange for a touchscreen. The touchscreen makes it so that the user hardly needs to use a computer to use the wallet (such as entering a PIN, which, with the Trezor One, could only be done on a computer).
The wallet also comes with a magnetic storage device that allows the user to hang their wallet on any magnetic surface, and may come in handy to ensure a safe, secure physical location for your wallet. In addition to this, the Model T also has a slot for a MicroSD card, enabling encrypted storage in the near future.
Trezor Software
Trezor uses its own software, called Trezor Bridge, as the user interface (much like Ledger). This software allows for the communication between the hardware wallet and other devices.
Within the software, users are able to add wallets of different cryptocurrencies, as well as the sending and receiving of funds. Currently, Trezor Bridge is offered on Windows, Apple, and Linux operating systems. As with the hardware, the Trezor software is also open source.
Trezor Security
Trezor wallets employ a few different ways of ensuring the security of their products. The wallets all require the use of a PIN code that only the user knows. Another unique method of security lies in the actual packaging of the wallets. Each box is “self-destructing,” meaning that the box has to be destroyed in some manner when opening the box. The box also contains holographic security stickers to provide validity as to whether a package has been previously tampered with. The Model T also has a security hologram over the USB input.
Trezor Warranty and Quality Information
Should a customer receive a faulty device, Trezor has a limited 2-year warranty for individual customers, and a 1-year warranty for business customers, starting from the date of purchase. Once received, the product will be tested. The customer will receive their original device if everything is found to be in working order; otherwise, the device will be sent to their labs for further testing. A new replacement will only be sent if the product is indeed faulty; if the product is found to be faulty due to customer misuse and/or mishandling, the original product will be sent back to the customer.
Trezor Prices, and Where to Buy Trezor Wallets
The cost of a Trezor wallet depends greatly on the wallet one decides to buy. While being the older model, the Trezor One is a highly affordable wallet at $55. If an up-to-date model is preferred, the Model T is a reasonable option, weighing in at $169.99.
Never buy Trezor wallets from anywhere but the Trezor website (located here), or from a verified affiliate seller. If an individual decides to purchase from anywhere but those locations, they run the risk of buying a counterfeit, or a product that has been previously tampered with.
KeepKey Wallet
KeepKey is a wallet company that was officially launched in 2015. Since then, it has been acquired by ShapeShift, founded by CEO Erik Voorhees (who previously worked as a developer in Charlie Shrem’s BitInstant, one of the first Bitcoin exchanges in the budding industry). The acquisition allowed for the integration of the wallet with ShapeShift’s platform. From their inception, the company has forged its name as one of the most reputable wallets in the industry.
KeepKey Wallet Coins List
Currently, the KeepKey supports 40 cryptocurrencies natively, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, and more. The wallet also offers support for ERC-20 tokens, with compatibility with nearly 1000 tokens when the wallet is integrated with MyEtherWallet. More information on KeepKeys supported assets can be found here.
KeepKey Wallet Hardware
As a whole, the design of the KeyKey is unique to KeepKey and no other wallet manufacturer. The wallet is shaped as a rectangle, and features a screen on nearly the entire side of the wallet, and a button on the side. The shell of the wallet is made of metal, which helps to secure the wallet from any external damages. A USB cable attaches the wallet to a computer.
KeepKey Wallet Product
As of 2022, KeepKey has only one wallet available for purchase. The KeepKey wallet functions in a very simple manner, allowing for an easy, and enjoyable experience whilst managing funds. The wallet features the ability to store a limitless amount of wallets within the device. KeepKey also features customizable transaction speeds that allow a user to pay what they want for a transaction (in relation to how fast they want the transaction).
KeepKey Software
Since ShapeShift’s acquisition of KeepKey, the company has successfully integrated the wallet into their platform. ShapeShift is a non-custodial cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to manage their funds, as well as trade and exchange different cryptocurrencies directly from their wallet, using ShapeShift as the user interface. This is an innovative breakthrough for wallets, and means that a user can trade and exchange without having to send funds to an exchange. The platform is web-based, and can be used in conjunction with Trezor wallets, with support for Ledger coming soon. The KeepKey client itself is compatible with Windows, Apple, and Linux based machines.
KeepKey Security
The Keepkey uses a PIN number for one layer of security on the wallet. As the wallet is a hard drive wallet, it can be backed up with a 12 word phrase (default) to ensure that funds can be retrieved in the event that something happens to the wallet. KeepKey supports also seed phrases of 18 and 24 words. The phrases are always generated offline to ensure that the phrase will never be public.
KeepKey Warranty and Quality Information
KeepKey offers a limited 1-year warranty, valid from the point of purchase, for their wallet product. Should any problems arise, the customer should contact support@keepkey.com with valid proof of purchase during the warranty period. The company will either repair or replace the device depending on the situation.
KeepKey Price, and Where to Buy KeepKey Wallet
The KeepKey wallet is a very affordable wallet option, costing only $49 (as of 2022). The wallet can be purchased directly on KeepKey’s website, or through any of their verified affiliate sellers.
As a security measure against tampered wallets, KeepKey wallets should never be bought from any sellers such as Amazon, or eBay.
Final Thoughts
Cryptocurrency allows for individuals to be the custodians of their own money, without the need for the use of a bank. The proper storage of funds is the sole responsibility of the individual. Ideally, a secure location would be the best place for these funds, and a hardware wallet is a fundamental solution to this complex responsibility. Though there are many different wallets available on the market, it is the individual’s responsibility to perform thorough research on the appropriate wallet for their needs, as well as purchasing the wallet through either the manufacturer, or verified sellers.
Choose which hardware wallet works best for you
This was just a review on three of the most common crypto hardware wallets but there are several others to choose from and as the industry grows, more companies are popping up with hardware wallet solutions every day.
