In late 2025, the crypto market swelled to over $4 trillion as Bitcoin hit a new all-time high above $124,000 in August, with Bitcoin dominance touching 57% and stablecoins surpassing $290 billion. As adoption accelerates and investors look forward to an altcoin season soon, so does the urgency for stronger self-custody, making hardware wallets one of the most important tools for securing digital wealth.
Bitcoin dominance touches 57% in September 2025 | Source: Coinmarketcap
If you’re looking to store crypto for the long haul, or simply want offline protection from threats like malware and exchange collapses, the best defense remains a trusted hardware wallet, also known as cold wallet. This article explores the top hardware wallets of 2025, combining expert reviews, real user experience, and official product specifications to highlight their pros, cons, and standout features.
What Is a Hardware Wallet and How Does It Work?
A hardware wallet is a physical device designed to store your crypto private keys offline, keeping them safe from online threats like malware, exchange hacks, and phishing scams. Think of it as a digital safe deposit box; you need the device in your hand to approve any transfer. Every transaction requires a physical action (such as pressing a button, entering a PIN, or scanning your fingerprint), which makes unauthorized access extremely difficult.
When you first set up a hardware wallet, it generates a 12–24 word recovery phrase or seed phrase. This phrase is the ultimate backup to your funds. If the device is lost or destroyed, you can restore your crypto on a new wallet using the same phrase. Without it, the funds are gone forever. Industry estimates by Ledger suggest that between 2.3 million and 3.7 million bitcoins, equivalent to roughly 11–18% of the maximum 21 million supply, are permanently lost, often due to misplaced private keys, forgotten seed phrases, or destroyed storage. This highlights why properly securing your recovery backups is so critical.
Hardware (Cold) Wallets vs. Hot Wallets
Hardware or cold wallets are offline devices like Ledger, Trezor, or Tangem. Because they’re disconnected from the internet, they are far less vulnerable to hacks. They’re best suited for long-term holders and those storing significant amounts of crypto. According to market research by Mordor Intelligence, hardware wallet adoption is expected to grow at a 24–30% annual rate through 2030, as both retail and institutional investors shift to self-custody.
Hot wallets or software wallets (mobile apps, browser extensions, or exchange wallets) that stay connected to the internet. They’re convenient for daily transactions, DeFi, and trading, but more exposed to phishing, malware, and exchange risks. Hot wallets are ideal for small amounts you need quick access to, but not recommended for long-term storage.
In simple terms, hot wallets are best for everyday spending and quick access, while cold wallets are designed for long-term saving and maximum security. Together, they let you balance convenience with protection. By combining the two, many crypto investors strike a balance between convenience and security.
Why Should You Consider a Hardware Wallet in 2025?
The rise in market scale has also brought record risks. By mid-2025, over $2.17 billion had been stolen from crypto services as per Chainalysis, with 16 hacks in August alone draining $163 million. Phishing campaigns have surged 40% year-over-year, fueled by wallet drainer kits and fake exchange websites.
Total crypto lost from services and personal wallets | Source: Chainalysis
In response, hardware wallet sales are up ~31% this year as per research by Mordor Intelligence, with analysts projecting 24–30% annual growth through 2030, as both retail investors and institutions pivot to offline storage. The takeaway: as crypto grows more valuable, keeping your private keys safe offline has never been more critical.
Using a hardware wallet in 2025 isn’t just about security but also about independence and resilience. By holding your keys offline, you cut reliance on exchanges, custodians, and third parties that remain attractive targets for attackers. Hardware wallets also protect against human error, since every transaction requires physical confirmation. For anyone serious about crypto, from long-term holders to active traders safeguarding profits, cold storage is no longer optional but essential.
The Top 7 Hardware Wallets to Use in 2025
Choosing the right hardware wallet depends on your needs, whether it’s simple storage, mobile convenience, or advanced features like inheritance planning. Below are seven of the best hardware wallets in 2025, each trusted by crypto users worldwide for keeping funds safe.
1. Ledger Nano X
The Ledger Nano X is one of the most popular hardware wallets in 2025, known for combining portability with strong offline security. It uses a CC EAL5+ (Evaluation Assurance Level) secure element chip and Ledger’s proprietary BOLOS operating system to isolate your private keys from online threats.
Weighing just 34 grams, it connects to both smartphones and desktops via Bluetooth or USB-C, making it easy to manage on the go. Through the Ledger Live app, users can store and manage over 5,500 assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, stake coins like Tezos, Cosmos, and Polkadot, or even lend stablecoins for passive income. Priced around $170, it comes in multiple colors and occasionally includes bonus offers like $50 worth of Bitcoin.
Pros
• CC EAL5+ chip with proven bank-grade security
• Supports 5,500+ coins and tokens with staking and lending options
• Portable, lightweight, and works with both mobile and desktop
• Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity for flexibility
• Available in multiple colors with occasional promotional bonuses
Cons
• Requires Ledger Live app for full functionality
• More expensive than entry-level models
• Bluetooth raises minor security concerns for ultra-cautious users
2. Trezor Safe 5
The Trezor Safe 5 is designed for users who value open-source transparency and strong protection. It runs fully on community-audited firmware and uses an EAL6+ Secure Element chip for industry-grade security. A 1.54” color touchscreen with haptic feedback makes confirming transactions clear and simple, while PIN, passphrase, and MicroSD card support provide extra safety.
Weighing just 23 grams, it’s compact yet durable, with a scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass screen that holds up well to daily use. Paired with the Trezor Suite app, you can manage thousands of assets, from Bitcoin and Ethereum to NFTs and DeFi tokens, as well as stake coins and monitor your portfolio. Priced at around $169, the Safe 5 offers a balance of usability, portability, and long-term trust.
Pros
• Fully open-source firmware and design for community audit
• EAL6+ Secure Element with PIN and passphrase protection
• Lightweight (23g) with Gorilla Glass durability
• Supports 12-, 20-, and 24-word recovery plus multi-share backups
• Works with Trezor Suite and third-party apps like MetaMask
Cons
• Higher cost than entry-level wallets
• Touchscreen setup may feel complex for first-time users
• Not as compact as card-based wallets like Tangem
3. Tangem Wallet (Cards and Ring)
The Tangem Wallet offers a card-based alternative to USB devices, using credit card–sized smartcards or the Tangem Ring with Samsung EAL6+ secure chips that generate private keys offline. Transactions are confirmed via NFC taps on your phone, with no batteries, cables, or firmware updates needed.
Each set includes 2–3 cards for redundancy, supports 14,000+ coins and tokens, and pairs with the Tangem app for buying, swapping, staking, and even Visa-linked spending. Built to last with waterproof, dustproof, and X-ray resistance plus a 25-year warranty, Tangem is ideal for beginners, travelers, and mobile-first users who want simple, durable cold storage. Pricing starts around $55 for a 2-card set and about $160 for a ring + 2 cards bundle.
Pros
• Simple NFC tap-to-use system, no charging or cables needed
• EAL6+ secure chip ensures private keys never leave the card
• Nearly indestructible with waterproof, dustproof, and X-ray resistance
• Multi-card redundancy allows easy backup and recovery
• Supports 14,000+ tokens plus Visa-linked payment integration
Cons
• Limited physical interface compared to screen-based wallets
• Seedless backup model may feel unfamiliar to traditional users
• Relies heavily on the Tangem mobile app for asset management
4. OneKey Pro
The OneKey Pro is a high-end hardware wallet in 2025 designed for users who prioritize both enterprise-grade security and multi-chain flexibility. It features four EAL6+ Secure Element chips, a 3.5-inch touchscreen, air-gapped QR signing, fingerprint authentication, Bluetooth/NFC, wireless charging, and a built-in camera with flashlight.
Its fully open-source firmware and app, audited by firms like SlowMist, ensure maximum transparency. Supporting 30,000+ tokens and seamless integration with wallets like MetaMask and Bitcoin Core, it balances beginner-friendly usability with advanced security options. Priced at around $278, the OneKey Pro is one of the most comprehensive wallets available today.
Pros
• Four EAL6+ Secure Element chips for maximum protection
• Air-gapped QR signing with camera for safer transactions
• Fully open-source and independently audited
• Supports 30,000+ tokens across multiple blockchains
• Fingerprint login, Bluetooth/NFC, and wireless charging
Cons
• Higher price point of ~$278 compared to other wallets
• Larger size may be less portable than card- or USB-style wallets
• Advanced features may feel overwhelming for beginners
5. Bitkey by Block
The Bitkey wallet, developed by Block Inc., the team behind Square and Cash App, is a hardware wallet designed to make Bitcoin self-custody simple and accessible. It uses a 2-of-3 multisig system, with one key stored on the device, one in the mobile app, and a third encrypted on Block’s server, so you’re never locked out if one is lost.
Key features include fingerprint login, NFC pairing, and a unique inheritance recovery system that allows heirs or cosigners to access funds if something happens to you. Priced at around $150, Bitkey is built for families, long-term holders, and everyday Bitcoin users who want strong security without complexity.
Pros
• 2-of-3 multisig system ensures redundancy and recovery
• Inheritance recovery feature for long-term asset planning
• Fingerprint login and NFC pairing for convenience
• Backed by Block Inc., a Bitcoin-focused company
• Affordable pricing at ~$150
Cons
• Bitcoin-only support, no multi-chain functionality
• Relies partly on Block’s server for the third key
• Fewer advanced features compared to premium wallets
6. GridPlus Lattice1 and SafeCards
The GridPlus Lattice1, paired with SafeCards, is a hardware wallet designed for serious investors, DAOs, and institutions that need advanced security and scalability. It features a large 5-inch color touchscreen for clear transaction review and supports unlimited SafeCards, each acting as an independent wallet for splitting funds across accounts, users, or teams.
Built with a secure enclave, tamper-detection mesh, and offline key storage, it supports Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, Binance Smart Chain, L2s, and other EVM-compatible networks. Priced at around $397 with three SafeCards included, it is bulkier than standard wallets but offers enterprise-grade flexibility and control.
Pros
• Large 5-inch touchscreen for easy transaction verification
• Unlimited SafeCards for multi-account and team use
• Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, BSC, L2s, and EVM tokens
• Secure enclave with tamper-detection mesh for offline key storage
• Ideal for DAOs, businesses, and large holders needing advanced controls
Cons
• Higher price (~$397) than consumer wallets
• Larger, less portable design
• Complexity may be excessive for casual or beginner users
7. Cypherock X1
The Cypherock X1 is a hardware wallet built around Shamir’s Secret Sharing (SSS), splitting your private key into five parts, one stored in the X1 Vault and four on separate NFC-enabled smartcards. To approve transactions, you need the Vault plus at least one card, ensuring that losing a single piece doesn’t compromise your funds. Each card contains an EAL6+ secure element chip, offering bank-grade security, and can be stored in different locations for redundancy.
Supporting 18,000+ assets, DeFi, NFTs, and WalletConnect, the Cypherock X1 eliminates the need for seed phrases while prioritizing redundancy and peace of mind. Priced competitively in the premium wallet range, it’s best suited for families, long-term holders, and investors managing larger portfolios.
Pros
• Shamir’s Secret Sharing splits keys across vault + cards for extra safety
• No seed phrase needed, reducing theft or loss risks
• EAL6+ secure element for banking-grade security
• Supports 18,000+ assets, DeFi, NFTs, and WalletConnect
• Cards can be stored separately for redundancy or inheritance planning
Cons
• More complex setup than card- or USB-based wallets
• Requires keeping track of multiple smartcards
• Higher price than entry-level wallets
How to Choose the Best Hardware Wallet for You
The “best” hardware wallet depends on your needs, budget, and how you plan to use your crypto. Here are some practical profiles to help you decide:
• For Beginners and Everyday Users: If you’re new to self-custody, start with something simple like the Ledger Nano X or OneKey Classic 1S. Both offer easy setup, mobile pairing, and straightforward interfaces that make them less intimidating for first-time users.
• For Security-Conscious or Multi-Chain Investors: If you hold assets across several blockchains, wallets like OneKey Pro, Trezor Safe 5, and Ledger Nano X provide broad token support with strong offline protection. These options balance usability with high security, making them ideal for active, diversified portfolios.
• For Long-Term Cold Storage: If you’re storing crypto for the long haul, choose durable, low-maintenance devices like the OneKey Classic 1S Pure (battery-free) or Tangem Wallet Cards. These solutions focus on reliability and redundancy, perfect for “vault” savings strategies.
• For Minimalist, Mobile-First Users: If you want convenience without cables or apps, Tangem Cards/Ring and Bitkey offer tap-and-go functionality with NFC and fingerprint verification. They’re compact, easy to carry, and built for quick confirmations on the move.
• For Open-Source Advocates: If transparency is your top priority, OneKey Pro, OneKey Classic 1S, and Trezor Safe 5 stand out. Their open-source firmware allows community audits, giving you extra peace of mind that your wallet is free from hidden risks.
Final Thoughts
There isn’t a single “best” hardware wallet, only the one that matches your priorities. Some users may value mobile convenience, while others prefer open-source transparency or ultra-secure offline storage. The wallets highlighted above are among the most trusted options in 2025, each offering a balance of usability and protection.
That said, managing your own keys comes with responsibility. Always back up your recovery phrase securely, never purchase second-hand devices, and verify transactions directly on the wallet screen. Crypto is a bearer asset; if you lose your keys, your funds are gone. Treat your hardware wallet not just as a tool, but as the foundation of your digital sovereignty.
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FAQs on Cold (Hardware) Wallets
1. Are hardware wallets safe?
Yes. Hardware wallets are among the safest options for storing crypto because your private keys remain offline, but safety also depends on securing your recovery phrase and buying devices directly from trusted sources.
2. How to move crypto to a hardware wallet？
On BingX, go to Withdraw, choose the crypto (e.g., BTC or ETH), paste your hardware wallet’s receive address, and confirm with 2FA. Always test with a small amount first before transferring larger funds.
3. Does it cost money to transfer crypto to and from a hardware wallet?
Yes. Moving funds to or from a hardware wallet involves paying blockchain network fees (e.g., gas or miner fees). These fees vary by network but are unrelated to the wallet itself.
4. Can you stake crypto from a hardware wallet?
Yes. Many hardware wallets integrate with apps like Ledger Live or Trezor Suite, allowing you to stake assets such as ETH, ATOM, or DOT directly while keeping keys offline.
5. How much does a hardware wallet cost?
Most hardware wallets range between $50 and $300, depending on features like touchscreens, Bluetooth, open-source firmware, or multi-chain support. Basic models are cheaper, while advanced enterprise-grade devices cost more.