The start of 2025 hasn’t been great for crypto security.
With rising regulatory pressures, changes in global governments and adoption, exchange hacks, and cyberattacks, crypto self-custody is crucial.
Biggest Crypto Hacks of 2025 So Far…
| 🚨 Target | 📅 Date | 💸 Estimated Loss |
|---|---|---|
| ByBit | Feb. 21 | $1.46 Billion |
| AdsPower | Jan. 21–24 | $4.7 Million |
| Phemex | Jan. 23 | $85 Million |
| Moby | Jan. 10 | $2.5 Million ($1.5M recovered) |
Some crypto investors and traders have had to learn a hard truth: If you don’t hold your keys, you don’t hold your crypto!
Having the best hardware wallet that fits your specific needs is not just an option, it is a fundamental step for staying safe.
But not all wallets are built the same.
Some prioritize user expereince and altcoin support, while others focus on cold storage or compatibility with DeFi and NFT platforms.
You can choose from ultra-secure cold card wallets to devices that sync with MetaMask and Coinbase for diverse management.
Welcome to Material Bitcoin
At Material Bitcoin, we’re not only dedicated to offering top cold storage solutions for your BTC, ETH, and USDT, but we also deliver the latest insights, security tips, and market news from the world of crypto.
Join us as we break down the best crypto hardware wallets available in 2025.
Whether you are a long-term HODLer looking for the best cold storage hardware wallet, an active trader, or a Bitcoin purest searching for the best Bitcoin hardware wallets, we’ll compare the top brands and why they are the best for each niche and type of investor.
To make it easy, we’ve divided the best hardware wallets for crypto into categories based on real user profiles:
1️⃣Long-term investors
2️⃣Active traders
3️⃣Altcoin & NFT collectors
4️⃣Security-focused users
Each section includes insights, technical comparisons, and user feedback to help you choose the best cryptocurrency hardware wallet for your exact needs in 2025.
What Is a Crypto Hardware Wallet?
A crypto hardware wallet is usually a small physical device that stores your crypto’s private keys offline.
It is different from apps or exchanges, known as hot wallets, that are connected to the internet.
Hardware wallets are cold wallets, meaning they provide cold storage.
🔑 What Is a Private Key?
Your private key is what proves ownership of your crypto. It’s like your digital signature.
If someone gains access to your private key, they can then access and steal your funds.
A hardware wallet keeps your private key protected inside the device, never exposing it to the internet or connected apps.
Most hardware wallets come with a seed phrase.
This is a list of 12 or 24 randomly generated words.
This is your backup.
If your crypto wallet is lost or damaged, the seed phrase allows you to recover your crypto and move it to another device.
You must store it somewhere safe, and never digitally.
Material DIY Seed Phrase Storage Wallet
The Material DIY seed phrase storage wallet is an ultra-durable metal backup solution for securely storing your 24-word recovery phrase.
Made from high-quality stainless steel, it protects your cryptocurrency wallet against fire, water, and physical damage.
🔥💦 Fireproof & Waterproof
💪 Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel
✅ Compatible with BIP39 Seed Phrases
In our opinion, the best hardware wallet is air-gapped.
This means that it never connects to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or microSD cards or uses a USB.
Instead, they interact with other devices using QR codes, adding an extra layer of protection.
Key Features of the Best Crypto Hardware Wallets To Look For:
🛡️Self-custody: You’re in full control of your assets with no third-party involvement.
🔑Seed phrase backup: A 12- or 24-word recovery phrase that helps you to restore your wallet if needed.
📦Tamper-proof packaging: This ensures the device hasn’t been accessed or altered during shipping.
🚫Air-gapped connectivity: Prevents remote attacks or physical tampering.
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1️⃣Best Cold Wallets for Crypto in 2025: The Long-Term Investor
When you eliminate any direct connection to the internet, these offline crypto hardware wallets highly reduce the risk of hacking, phishing attacks, and malware.
The main benefit of a cold wallet is using air-gapped connectivity.
This is the only option for long-term HODLers.
Among all available options, Material Bitcoin is one of the most secure choices for long-term holders.
It’s fully air-gapped, tamper-proof, and metal-based, specifically created to protect your Bitcoin against cyber and physical threats.
There is no firmware to update, therefore eliminating the potential for attack that exists in most electronic wallets.
Best Crypto Hardware Wallet Overview
| Wallet | Air-Gapped | Tamper-Proof | Metal Option | Seed Phrase Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material Bitcoin | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (24-word) Material DIY | Long-term cold storage |
| Keystone Pro | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Advanced cold storage with camera signing |
| Coldcard Mk4 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Hardcore Bitcoiners |
| Ngrave Zero | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | On-the-go traders and investors |
| BitBox02 Bitcoin-only | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Open-source, Bitcoin-only users |
Wallet Feature Breakdown
Material Bitcoin
🏅Best for: Long-term Bitcoin holders who want to “set it and forget it”
🔐Key security features: Fully air-gapped, tamper-proof metal build, supports 24-word recovery phrase, pairs with Material DIY for seed phrase backup
✔️Pros: No connectivity = no remote attack risk and zero maintenance
❌Cons: Bitcoin-only (Ethereum and USDT versions are available)
Keystone Pro
🏅Best for: Users who want air-gapped security with a modern UX and MetaMask compatibility
🔐Key security features: Camera signing, fingerprint scanner, EAL5+ secure chip
✔️Pros: Works well with MetaMask and DeFi apps
❌Cons: Bulkier than other wallets and requires battery management
Coldcard Mk4
🏅Best for: Hardcore Bitcoiners and multisig wallet users (up to 15 co-signers)
🔐Key security features: PSBT support, microSD for offline transactions, open-source
✔️Pros: Great for multisig setups
❌Cons: Learning curve, not beginner-friendly
Ngrave Zero
🏅Best for: Investors who have a large screen with biometric protection
🔐Key security features: Air-gapped, EAL7-certified OS, biometric authentication
✔️Pros: Large screen interface, perfect for on-the-go management
❌Cons: High price point, retailing at $398
BitBox02 Bitcoin-only
🏅Best for: Investors who prioritize open-source
🔐Key security features: USB-C plug, open-source, secure chip
✔️Pros: Easy to use, basic desktop app
❌Cons: No air-gapped support, Bitcoin-only, no mobile app
2️⃣Best Hardware Wallets for Active Traders in 2025
For active crypto traders, the best hardware wallet should balance security with speed, portability, and usability.
These wallets are the complete opposite of cold storage wallets designed for long-term holding since what matters here is connectivity and accessibility to trading platforms like MetaMask, Coinbase, Binance, or DeFi Apps.
Most traders look for features like Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreens, and mobile app compatibility.
Top Hardware Wallets for Active Traders
| Wallet | Screen Size | Connectivity | MetaMask Support | Mobile App | Security Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledger Nano X | Medium OLED | Bluetooth + USB-C | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Certified secure chip | Mobile & desktop trading |
| Trezor Safe 5 | Color touchscreen | USB-C | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Open-source + secure element | Security-focused users & recovery |
| SafePal S1 | Large touchscreen | QR-code only (air-gapped) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | EAL5+ chip + camera | Budget-friendly trading + mobile |
Pros and Cons for Active Traders
✅ Pros
- Fast accessibility connects easily to phones or computers.
- Mobile compatibility: Ideal for on-the-go trades and approvals.
- User-friendly interfaces: Touchscreens and intuitive apps reduce errors.
- Supports thousands of tokens, including altcoins and NFTs.
❌ Cons
- Higher attack surface, especially when compared to air-gapped cold wallets.
- Firmware updates are required to maintain security and compatibility.
- Limited battery life on some models.
- User responsibility and maintenance are needed.
3️⃣Best Wallet for Altcoins, NFTs, and DeFi
As we mentioned before, there are many different types of hardware wallets, just as there are different types of crypto investors!
If you’re actively investing in altcoins, NFTs, or DeFi, your hardware wallet needs more than just high-security features.
It also needs to be compatible and easy to use with platforms like MetaMask and EVM chains.
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In 2025, the best hardware wallet for these cases will provide fast transactions, multi-token support, and third-party tools (to interact with dApps).
Best EVM-Compatible and MetaMask-Compatible Wallets
| Wallet | MetaMask Compatible | Altcoin Support | NFT Viewing | DeFi Apps | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledger Nano X | ✅ | 5000+ | ✅ (Ledger Live + MetaMask) | ✅ | Strong ecosystem |
| Trezor Safe 5 | ✅ | 1000+ | ✅ (via third party) | ✅ | Open-source alternative |
| SafePal S1 | ✅ | 1000+ | ✅ | ✅ | Great for mobile/web3 users |
| Keystone Pro | ✅ | 200+ | ✅ | ✅ | Secure air-gapped QR signing |
Wallet Feature Breakdown
Ledger Nano X
🏅Best for: Altcoin investors and DeFi users who want large-scale compatibility
📲Key features: Bluetooth connectivity, 5,000+ token support, works with MetaMask and Ledger Live
✔️Pros: Great support for EVM chains and NFTs, positive DeFi experience, strong mobile app
❌Cons: Closed-source firmware, had past controversy over recovery feature
Trezor Safe 5
🏅Best for: Users who want open-source transparency and MetaMask integration
📲Key features: Touchscreen display, USB-C, support for 7,000+ coins and tokens, open-source firmware, compatible with MetaMask, Exodus, and other third-party wallets
✔️Pros: Fully open-source, upgraded UX with large color screen, enhanced security chip
❌Cons: No native mobile app, some DeFi tools require third-party use
SafePal S1
🏅Best for: Budget investors looking for mobile-first interaction
📲Key features: Air-gapped QR signing, EAL5+ secure chip, 1000+ coins, built-in NFT viewer
✔️Pros: Works with MetaMask, supports staking and DeFi, quality design for price
❌Cons: Has slower signing flow due to QR method
Keystone Pro
🏅Best for: DeFi users who want MetaMask without USB/Bluetooth
📲Key features: Air-gapped with QR-code signing, open-source firmware, fingerprint scanner
✔️Pros: Great for NFT minting and multisig
❌Cons: Fewer altcoins than Ledger or SafePal, bulkier design
4️⃣Most Secure Hardware Wallets
When it comes to protecting your crypto, not all wallets are created equal.
In our opinion, the best secure hardware wallet is one that mixes strong offline protection with physical and digital safeguards.
The most secure wallets use multiple layers of defense to protect your private keys from both online threats and physical tampering.
What Makes a Wallet Secure?
To be considered secure, the best hardware wallet for crypto should include most, or ideally all, of the following features:
🧱Secure enclave: A specialized chip that protects sensitive data like PINs and private keys.
🔓Open-source: Allows independent audits and full transparency of the wallet’s code.
👆Biometric security / 2FA: Adds extra verification to prevent unauthorized access.
🚫Air-gapped technology: Keeps the device completely offline, reducing the risk of remote attacks.
🧑🤝🧑Multisig support: Requires multiple signatures to authorize a transaction, ideal for added protection.
📦Tamper-proof packaging: This ensures the device hasn’t been compromised before it reaches you.
Top Secure Wallets 2025
| Wallet | Secure Enclave | 2FA / Biometric | Open Source | Air-Gapped | Multisig | Notable Security Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material Bitcoin | N/A | N/A | ❌ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Material Shadow Wallet) | Cold metal security |
| Ledger Stax | ✅ Yes | ✅ (NFC support) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Yes | Secure chip + touchscreen |
| Trezor Safe 5 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Yes | ❌ | ✅ Yes | Full open-source audibility |
| Keystone Pro | ❌ | ✅ Fingerprint | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | QR code air-gapped signing |
| Ngrave Zero | ✅ Yes | ✅ Biometric | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | EAL7-certified secure OS |
🧑⚖️Verdict
If you want the best secure hardware wallet with zero connectivity and durable protection, then Material Bitcoin is the ideal option.
It’s fully air-gapped, physically strong, and tamper-proof, and it offers multisig support through Material Bitcoin Shadow.
On the other hand, if you need a balance of usability and advanced security features like fingerprint access or MetaMask compatibility, our suggestion is either Keystone Pro or Ngrave Zero.
They both use biometric verification, open-source firmware, and air-gap technology to give you control.
❗Remember: A crypto wallet is only as safe as its user.
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Find Out Which Wallet Is Best For You
Not sure which hardware wallet suits your needs?
Take our short quiz to find the best hardware wallet based on how you store, trade, or use your crypto.
Best Hardware Wallet For You
With so many hardware wallets available, choosing the right one comes down to your specific goals: Are you holding long-term, trading daily, or interacting with DeFi?
Each wallet has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on how you use crypto.
Best Hardware Wallet Comparison by User Type
| Wallet | Price | Best For | Seed Phrase | MetaMask | Altcoin Support | Biometric | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material Wallets | $89 | Long-term HODL | ✅ | ✅ With Material Ether | BTC, ETH, & USDT | ❌ | Metal cold storage |
| Ledger Nano X | $149 | Trading, Altcoins | ✅ | ✅ | 5500+ | ❌ | Bluetooth, secure chip |
| Trezor Safe 5 | $169 | Security, Open Source | ✅ | ✅ | 9000+ | ❌ | Full transparency |
| Keystone Pro | $149 | Multisig, Security | ✅ | ✅ | 200+ | ✅ | Fingerprint & QR |
| SafePal S1 | $49.99 | Budget, DeFi | ✅ | ✅ | 1000+ | ✅ | Mobile-focused |
| Ngrave Zero | $398 | Security maximalists | ✅ | ❌ | BTC + ETH + few | ✅ | EAL7 security |
| BitBox02 BTC-only | $162 | Simplicity | ✅ | ❌ | BTC | ❌ | Bitcoin Only |
Takeaways
🛡️ Long-term HODLers: Go with Material Bitcoin or Coldcard Mk4 for deep cold storage ❄️🔐
📱 Active Traders: Ledger Nano X and Arculus give great mobile-friendly experiences 📲⚡️
🌐 DeFi/NFT Users: SafePal S1 and Keystone Pro have advanced accessibility and security🛡️
🔓 Open-source Fans: Choose Trezor, or BitBox02, for audibility and transparency 🧑💻📖
Final Thoughts on the Best Hardware Wallet For Crypto
Choosing the best hardware wallet depends entirely on how you use crypto.
What requires a long-term holder, active trader, or DeFi user is so diverse.
With many options available, from easy-to-use and ultra-secure cold storage like Material Bitcoin to mobile-ready wallets like Ledger Nano X and Arculus, there’s a solution for every person.
The key is to identify your needs and balance security and functionality to match your goals.
No matter which wallet you choose, using a hardware wallet is the first step to taking full control of your crypto.
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FAQs
What is the best hardware wallet in 2025?
- It depends. For cold storage, use Material Bitcoin. For trading and DeFi, go with Ledger Nano X or SafePal S1.
What’s the best crypto hardware wallet for beginners?
- Trezor Safe 5 is ultra secure and great for multicrypto use. Material Wallets are easy to use and with no set up for Bitcoin, Ethereum or Tether users.
What’s the difference between cold and hot wallets?
- Cold wallets stay offline for security. Hot wallets stay online and are more exposed to risks.
Do all hardware wallets support altcoins and NFTs?
- No. For example, Ledger, Keystone, and SafePal support thousands. Coldcard, Material Bitcoin, and BitBox02 BTC-only do not.
Do all wallets use seed phrases?
- Most do (12 or 24 words). Tangem is a rare option with no seed phrase required.
Can I use a hardware wallet with MetaMask?
- Yes, there are plenty of options available that all support MetaMask.
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