As you may know, few days ago I have written an article What Is a Bitcoin Hardware Wallet (And Why You Must Use It). I recommend you to read it before going further but it’s not mandatory.
Today as I mentioned before, we are going to compare the best hardware wallets available in 2017 — beginning 2018. Feel free to comment and complete this list in comments below.
Trezor
The device was presented in 2014. Main features:
- Support of Bitcoin, Ethereum, (+ all ERC20 tokens), Ethereum Classic, ZCash, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Dash and Bitcoin Testnet.
- Hologram sticker, which ensures that the device has not been tampered with prior to arrival at your doorstep.
- Trezor Password Manager brings advanced cryptography into the hands of computer users regardless of their skill level. With a simple button click, the user encrypts each password entry with his personal TREZOR device. The Password Manager then automatically uploads the encrypted data to user’s private cloud storage, making them always available when needed.
- U2F support (Universal Second Factor).
- SSH/GPG agent.
- Trezor is supported by many of software and online services (full list is available here).
- Every time you connect the device to your desktop or mobile device you have to enter your PIN code to unlock the wallet.
The process of unlocking is quite original. Its showed on the video below:
The manufacturer gives some useful tips how to store your recovery seed:
Price: $99.
Cons: support less cryptocurrencies than Ledger.
Ledger Nano S
Main features:
- Support Ark, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dash, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, Komodo, Litecoin, PoSW, Ripple, Stratis, Zcash and all ERC20 tokens.
- U2F support (Universal Second Factor).
- SSH/GPG agent.
- Use 2 microcontrollers: ST31H320 + STM32F042.
The video below shows the how to enter the PIN code. The process is not very easy especially if you want to recover a backup and need to enter your recovery seed words.
Price: 58€.
Cons: The quality of the device. Left button sometimes triggers twice.
KeepKey
Main features:
- Support Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Namecoin, Testnet, Ethereum and Dash.
- 3.12" OLED screen (256px×64px).
- This is only one wallet allowing you to use your own firmware. It shows a warning when you turn it on.
- FIPS PUB 140–2 and FIPS PUB 180–2 certified.
- Like Trezor wallet, it’s protected by a hologram sticker.
Same unlocking process as for Trezor wallet.
Price: $129
Cons: It’s more expensive than other wallets, but the screen is really good.
Bitlox
Unlike other devices, Bitlox looks more like a smart-card. Main features:
- Support Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- Contains an internal battery.
- Communicates via Bluetooth LE.
- Only 4mm thick.
- E-Ink 2" screen.
- Support of multiple PIN codes: to connect the device, to use different wallets, to make a transaction.
- Random-number generator certified by NIST.
- A special PIN codes that can erase all the data stored on the device.
- Support Tor services (BITLOX2twvzwbzpk.onion) or I2P (BITLOX.i2p).
The manufacturer’s website looks too old.
Price: $98.
Digital Bitbox
Main features:
- No screen.
- Support Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH, ETC, and ERC20 tokens).
- U2F support (Universal Second Factor).
- At any moment you can make a backup of the microSD card.
- Support Tor and Tails OS.
- Private keys stored on a protected chip.
- Very simple design.
- Transactions verification and 2FA via a mobile application.
- Do not require to display or enter recovery seed words. In fact, you just insert a microSD card with a backup.
- USB connection is encrypted by AES-256-CBC.
- Only one physical button.
Price: 54€.
It’s a very short and non-exhaustive comparison of TOP-5 hardware wallets available in 2017 — beginning 2018. I hope it can give you a general overview about the topic. But before to choose one for you, don’t hesitate to visit official websites and read more detailed reviews about each device. Feel free to complete this information in comments!
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Dan Podolan is a blockchain developer and investor.
He is the CEO of LiveMarketCap.com. It provides live ranking of all the active cryptocurrencies and includes latest cryptocurrency news, market prices, charts and analysis.
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