Bitcoin Hardware Wallets

What are Bitcoin Hardware Wallets?

Bitcoin hardware wallets are secure devices that let your store your bitcoin offline in a safe environment that is immune to viruses and hackers.   A hardware wallet is similar to a paper wallet in that your funds are secured offline, but unlike a paper wallet you are still able to spend your bitcoin without importing them into a web wallet or computer program.   Most online wallets are vulnerable to thieves or government, here are some common ways that people lose their bitcoins.

Bitcoin Hardware Wallets Prevent All Of These Attacks

  • User’s computer is hacked and web wallet password is stolen
  • Web wallet server gets hacked and bitcoins are stolen
  • Web wallet company goes bankrupt
  • FBI or other enforcement agency confiscates coins
  • Web wallet provider points to ToS violation and takes coins
  • Owners of web wallet company run away with coins
  • Bug in web wallet software leads to loss of coins
  • Computer or cell phone is stolen while you are logged in and thieves then steal your coins

Who Makes Bitcoin Hardware Wallets?

There are several companies who produce bitcoin hardware wallets, but not all are proven to work and trusted by the community.  Some of the most popular devices have been reviewed extensively by professionals and have earned legitimacy.

TREZOR – The Bitcoin Safe $99

bitcoin hardware wallets

Trezor is one of the first bitcoin hardware wallets to gain some real credibility.  The software is open source and their cryptography algorithms code is flawless.

trezor bitcoins wallet

With the TREZOR you can store your bitcoins offline, then use this device and your pin code to sign valid transactions.  The device encrypts and stores all your bitcoin addresses so that if the FBI or some other thief takes your TREZOR, they cannot steal your money.  Plus, you will be able to recover your bitcoins online a new TREZOR if your first one is lost or stolen.

Trezor.io is accepted as the most secure bitcoin hardware wallet, but there are cheaper options that still have a high level of security.

Ledger Wallet – Starting at 15.00 €

bitcoin ledger hardware wallet

Ledger Wallet is an alternative device option that use SmartCard security for your bitcoins.  This device is incredibly easy to use, just plug it into any computer that you want to spend your bitcoins on and confirm your purchase.  Ledger is sleek, lightweight and could pass off as a generic USB device.

bitcoin hardware ledger wallet