A hardware wallet is a physical device on which you store your mnemonic seed phrase offline. Your mnemonic seed phrase is the access key to your cryptocurrencies and can best be stored offline, encrypted, tamper protected and air-gapped. A hardware wallet secures your private keys and ensures they never come into contact with online threats, making it a crucial means for you to practice self-custody of your digital assets.

Most hardware wallets support a wide range of cryptocurrencies, but compatibility varies by device. There are also Bitcoin-only hardware solutions like Blockstream, SeedSigner, and some Trezor models. For each wallet we provide exactly which cryptocurrencies and blockchains are supported by which wallets. Ideally you pick a hardware wallet that supports all the blockchains you want to self-custody. Whether you are a Bitcoin maximalist or hold both Bitcoin and smart contract blockchains. AllCryptoWallets.org is the only place where you find up-to-date cryptocurrency support information of all wallets on the market. We actively keep this information up to date and can be reached if you see an update is needed.

Hardware wallets store your private keys or mnemonic seed words offline and require physical access to sign transactions. This makes them highly resistant to online hacking attempts, phishing attacks, and malware. There are also wallets which do not have the possibility to be connected to your computer to transfer data, which makes it entirely impossible to hack without physical access. The Foundation Passport and SeedSigner are examples of Bitcoin-only wallets that are so called air-gapped. Most wallets have a security chip which you can identify by the 'EAL' mark. For example the Onekey Pro has an EAL6+ certification which is very high. EAL stands for 'Evaluation Assurance Level' and run from EAL1 through EAL7.

Yes, as long as you have your recovery phrase (also called mnemonic seed phrase or private keys), you can restore your wallet and access your funds on a new device. Always store your recovery phrase in a secure and separate location. We highly recommend to make use of a steel backup wallet saved in a secure, locked and hidden place. The reason is that paper can burn, digital places may be prone to hacking, but a safely held steel backup of your private keys (those 12 to 24 words), is both waterproof and fire resistant. It is highly recommended to have multiple locations and methods to keep your private keys securely accessible so that you can always access your assets, no matter what happens. Some wallets like the Foundation Passport allow you to make encrypted backups of your seed phrase on a password protected microSD card which you never plug into an internet-connected device. You can then have several encrypted microSD cards in various safe locations so that you have contingency plans available. Self-custody may be harder, yet is also empowering and right for those who value democratic values and the right to property. As is written in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in Article 17:'1. Everyone has the right to own, use, dispose of and bequeath his or her lawfully acquired possessions.' In the U.S.A. property rights are defended in the Constitution, specifically through the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment. So have other jurisdictions laws to protect property rights. Make yourself familiar with your own jurisdictions' laws regarding property rights and self-custody before buying a cold storage solution.

When selecting a hardware wallet, prioritize security features such as secure element chips (e.g., EAL5+ certified), PIN protection, and firmware updates to safeguard your private keys. Extra secure are devices which are air-gapped and are tamper proof. Tamper proofing means a device will warn you if someone had physical access to your hardware wallet and compromised its security. Coldcard e.g., is unique in flashing a red light when it is tampered. Ensure the wallet supports the cryptocurrencies you intend to store; we provide this information for every wallet. Check if the hardware wallet is compatible with your software wallet of choice. Hardware providers and software wallets need to work together to provide compatibility in case you plan to interact with dApps. Many hardware wallets can store your crypto of choice savely, but always double check on the official website if the hardware wallet has dApp access support for your blockchain of choice because Dapp support is still much more limited than simply the ability to store the cryptocurrency safely. Consider the brand reputation of the brands who offer hardware wallet solutions. Usability is another factor; look for devices with user-friendly interfaces and clear instructions, especially if you're new to crypto. If you are less tech-savvy, a colour touch screen like Ngrave and Onekey offers, might be easiest for you. Evaluate the physical durability of the device and whether it includes features like waterproofing or tamper resistance like with Ngrave and coldcard or if the battery can be replaced like on the Foundation Passport. If you travel a lot internationally and don't want to draw attention, consider a card wallet like the CoolWallet Pro which looks like a credit card, or a wearable like a Tangem Ring or the Ringwallet Ceramic Ring which looks like a health ring. Lastly, confirm that the wallet comes with the kind of customer support you need, thorough documentation, and ongoing security updates. These factors ensure long-term usability and peace of mind when safeguarding your digital assets. Choose a device that aligns with your specific needs and priorities.