The Ledger Nano X is the top-tier USB-style hardware wallet from Ledger, a company that has produced industry-leading security for self-custody of digital assets since 2014.

It was our pick for the best overall hardware wallet because it allows you to securely store the keys to over 5,500 crypto assets and NFTs and put your assets to work through staking – all while on the go.

Unlike Ledger's cheaper Nano S Plus model, the Nano X has Bluetooth functionality and is compatible with both Android and iPhone for maximum portability.

Of the hardware wallets we compared, no other device provided this level of security alongside such a broad range of features. Mind you, while Ledger devices have not had any recorded security breaches, the software is closed-source. This means that it is not open to independent scrutiny, and you must place some degree of trust in the manufacturer. Read our full review for more information on the pros and cons of Ledger devices.

The Ledger Nano S Plus is our top contender for value because it offers the same high level of security and most of the same features as the Ledger Nano X – but at nearly half the price.

The Nano S Plus also supports cold storage for 5,500 crypto coins, tokens and NFTs, as well as staking and crypto exchange features through Ledger Live.

If you're content with safe offline storage of your private keys and don't need to use the device on the go with a mobile phone app – there's no Bluetooth functionality in the Nano S Plus – then this hardware wallet will likely tick a lot of boxes.

One potential issue with Ledger devices is that the software is closed-source, which means it is not open to independent scrutiny or review.

The Ledger Nano S Plus strikes such a good balance between security, coin support, features and relative affordability that we were hard pressed to find a better value option on the market.

The Trezor Model T gets our pick for best wallet for experienced users because it offers a suite of advanced features that will really appeal to pros.

One of those features is the wallet's multisignature – or multisig – capabilities. Multisig provides an added layer of protection for Bitcoin, as multiple stakeholders must sign off on any transactions.

The Trezor Model T also supports Taproot – an upgrade to the privacy of the Bitcoin network. It also reduces transaction fees and allows users to engage with BTC smart contracts.

If anonymity is important to you, you can anonymise your transactions via the Tor network using the Trezor Suite interface.

You can also utilise the novel Shamir backup system with your Model T. The Shamir backup distributes your recovery phrase across multiple recovery shares, which can be stored in different locations for added security.

The SafePal S1 is a hardware wallet developed by Binance Labs.

Much like how Binance provides you with access to many crypto assets, the SafePal S1 allows you to store potentially unlimited cryptos on 54 different blockchains.

The device has the same internal security hardware – the Secure Element chip – that the more expensive Ledger hardware wallets have, but it's significantly more affordable.

That said, it's been reported that setting up the device has been difficult for some and that sending transactions on the device can be complicated.

So, while this device may be a good choice if you're on a budget, it might not be the best option for crypto newbies.

We chose Ledger's range as the best hardware wallets for staking because the Nano X, Nano S Plus and even the retired Nano S can be used to stake a wide variety of crypto assets.

You can use the native Ledger Live interface with any Ledger hardware wallet to stake 9 different cryptos – including Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL) and Cosmos (ATOM).

To stake an even greater assortment of digital assets, you can sync your Ledger hardware wallet with third-party apps like MetaMask or Yoroi and use these software wallets as a bridge to staking interfaces – all while safely storing the private keys to your assets offline.

We wanted to give a shoutout to the Trezor Model One – the original hardware wallet – because Trezor has been pioneering the way for offline private key storage since 2012.

The Trezor Model One was released only months after the infamous Mt. Gox crypto exchange hack in February 2014.

Many investors had just learned the hard way that if you don't hold the private keys to your digital assets, they aren't technically yours. The Trezor Model One was a first-of-its-kind way to guarantee self-custody through this era, and it's kept a commendable track record ever since.

So, while the Trezor Model One might not have the highest functionality of all the hardware wallets on the market today, it remains a dependable option at an affordable price point.

The brand new Ledger Stax was created by Tony Fadell – co-creator of the iPod and iPhone.

The device is just as secure as previous Ledger hardware wallets, but it's more stylish and was designed with everyday users in mind – not just tech geeks.

The stand-out feature of the Ledger Stax is its 3.7in (672x400px) electronic ink (e-ink) touchscreen, which makes managing your assets and clear-signing transactions via the device easy and convenient.

Other features that separate it from previous iterations of Ledger wallets include the fact that you can charge the device wirelessly and customise the lock screen with one of your NFTs.

The device is the size and shape of about 5 credit cards stacked on top of one another, whereas previous Ledger hardware wallets resembled a flash drive. One potential issue with Ledger devices is that the software is closed-source, which means it is not open to independent scrutiny or review.

As a specialist Bitcoin hardware wallet, the COLDCARD Mk4 doesn't have as many of the features of Ledger or Trezor devices, but it does keep the private keys to your BTC stored securely offline.

The COLDCARD Mk4 was created by cypherpunks – technologists who advocate for privacy-enhancing cryptography – for Bitcoin maximalists.

Like Ledger hardware wallets, the COLDCARD Mk4 uses a Secure Element chip – the same type of chip found in passports and credit cards – to protect the private keys to your Bitcoin.

Using the Sparrow Wallet desktop software and a microSD card, you can send Bitcoin to and from your COLDCARD Mk4 without ever plugging the device in. The obvious downside to this is that you'll have to purchase a microSD card adapter for your computer if you plan to transfer data this way.

Blockstream is involved in many Bitcoin-related endeavours, from Bitcoin mining to the development of the Liquid Network – a layer-2 on Bitcoin for digital asset issuance.

Given its extensive experience with the Bitcoin network, it's no wonder that the Blockstream Jade is one of the most respected hardware wallets in the Bitcoin community.

Like the COLDCARD Mk4 – another beloved Bitcoin hardware wallet – the Blockstream Jade is a secure Bitcoin cold storage wallet designed with open-source code and multisig capabilities.

But the Blockstream Jade differs from the COLDCARD Mk4 in the following ways including:

• Blockstream Jade supports assets like Tether (USDT) on the Liquid Network
• It has a native software, Blockstream Green
• It's significantly cheaper

The device also doesn't have a Secure Element chip — the primary security mechanism for the COLDCARD Mk4 and Ledger wallets.

We chose to give Billfodl an honourable mention as the best recovery phrase backup device because it helps protect your chosen hardware wallet's recovery phrase from fire, flooding and any type of decay.

Most hardware wallets will prompt you to write down your recovery phrase on a sheet of paper when you set up your wallet. But if your recovery phrase sheet gets damaged or lost, you can lose access to your crypto – permanently.

Billfodl is a solid steel case that allows you to stamp your 24-word recovery phrase using metal tiles engraved with letters.

The tiles slide into three different rows on both sides of the device, and the device comes with a cover that swivels over your recovery phrase once you've properly arranged the tiles.

It's worth considering the added layer of security and peace of mind afforded by recovery phrase backup devices like Billfodl if you invest in a hardware wallet.