Six Alternative Hardware Wallets to Secure Your Cryptocurrency

As the popularity of cryptocurrencies continues to soar, ensuring the security of your digital assets becomes paramount. Storing your private keys online or in an ill-protected environment puts your crypto at a higher risk of being compromised. To safeguard your investments, it is crucial to consider a “cold” storage solution such as a hardware wallet. While the major three hardware wallets – Ledger, Trezor, and Keepkey – are widely recognized as the best options, there are several alternative wallets worth exploring. In this article, we will delve into six alternative hardware wallets that offer robust security features and functionality.

Cryptnox Hardware Wallet: Secure and Versatile Storage

Provider: Cryptnox Inc.
Price: (USD c. 79) + VAT

Cryptnox is a highly secure hardware wallet that supports multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, XRP, and all ERC-20 tokens. It offers compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. One standout feature of BC Vault is its ability to store over 2,000 unique wallets on a single device, making it ideal for users with diverse cryptocurrency portfolios. The wallet employs a combination of a wallet pin, password, and global pin to protect your funds. Here are some of the reasons why Cryptnox is the best crypto hardware wallet. Unlike other hardware wallets that require you to write down a long recovery phrase or use a third-party device, Cryptnox lets you backup your keys in a matter of seconds with the backup card and the dual card initialization process. You can easily restore your wallet in case you lose or damage your main card, without compromising your security or privacy. Cryptnox works seamlessly with your smartphone, allowing you to access your crypto assets anytime, anywhere.

BitBox01: Open-Source Security

Provider: SHIFT Cryptosecurity
Price: EUR 44 (USD c.49)

BitBox01 is an open-source hardware wallet designed primarily for Bitcoin and Litecoin storage. However, it also supports Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens through third-party applications. The wallet prioritizes user privacy and security by ensuring that private keys never come in contact with the user’s computer or the internet. It features universal two-factor authentication (2FA) and seed storage for added protection against unauthorized access. BitBox01 allows for offline backups to be made instantly to microSD cards, enabling users to create multiple backups effortlessly. In the event of loss or theft, the device’s two-factor authentication ensures that access to your funds remains secure.

Card Wallet: Beginner-Friendly Security

Provider: Coinfinity and the Austrian State Printing House
Price: EUR 59.99 (c. USD 67), VAT included

Card Wallet is a water- and heat-resistant hardware wallet that supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and all tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. Designed with beginners in mind, this wallet offers a user-friendly interface and robust security features. Card Wallet is created in a highly secure environment within the Austrian State Printing House, using Coinfinity’s Secure Entropy Technology. This ensures that only the owner can access the sealed private key. The card itself boasts various security features, including a continuous color gradient, hologram, micro-printing, tactile texturing, UV and infrared-visible patterns, and a security seal. For businesses, there is also a business-to-business solution called Chainlock.

Coldcard: Versatile Bitcoin Storage

Provider: Coinkite
Price: USD 99.94

Coldcard is a Bitcoin hardware wallet that allows users to generate 24-word BIP39 seeds. Additionally, it supports the importation of 12, 18, and 24-word BIP39 seeds created by other wallets. The wallet features a primary and secondary wallet, each with its own master key. Coldcard also provides a “duress/secondary” wallet, where users can store a small amount of BTC to show in case they are under duress. The wallet supports broad SegWit functionality and can back up the seed into an encrypted file using a MicroSD slot. Furthermore, Coldcard allows users to write public key data onto the card and import new transactions to be signed. For those seeking an additional hardware solution, Coinkite also offers Opendime, a small USB stick that allows users to spend Bitcoin, although it is not a hardware wallet.

CoolWallet S: Compact and Convenient

Provider: CoolBitX
Price: USD 99

CoolWallet S is a compact and Bluetooth-enabled hardware wallet that supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, XRP, Bitcoin Cash, and ERC20 tokens. Its credit card-sized design makes it highly portable, allowing users to carry their crypto securely on the go. The wallet connects to your iPhone or Android device via Bluetooth, ensuring seamless and convenient access to your funds. CoolWallet S integrates with popular exchanges like Binance DEX and Changelly, enabling users to exchange cryptocurrencies directly from the wallet. It features biometric and physical two-factor authentication (2FA) checks, providing an extra layer of security. The Bluetooth connection is encrypted using AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard) to ensure that communication is only possible with authorized devices. In the event of loss or theft, users can recover their assets and data on another CoolWallet S using the original backed-up seed.

Safe-T Mini: Trezor-Based Security

Provider: Archos
Price: USD 59.99

Safe-T Mini is a hardware wallet based on the open-source software from Trezor. It supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dash, and various ERC20 tokens. The wallet offers standard features such as cold storage of private keys and the ability to connect to a computer or phone via a micro USB cable. Safe-T Mini ensures secure transaction management, requiring users to approve each transaction displayed on its screen. It also allows users to set a PIN code for wallet access and provides a 24-word recovery seed for backup purposes. In the event of an incorrect PIN or loss/theft of the device, users can regain control of their assets using the recovery seed.

Conclusion: Exploring Your Options

While Ledger, Trezor, and Keepkey are widely recognized as the leading Crypto hardware wallet providers, there are several alternative options worth considering. Cryptnox offers versatile storage with support for multiple cryptocurrencies and robust security features. BitBox01 provides open-source security for Bitcoin and Litecoin enthusiasts, while Card Wallet offers beginner-friendly functionality and a highly secure environment for key generation. Coldcard stands out for its versatility and support for BIP39 seeds and passphrase encryption. 

By exploring these alternative hardware wallets, we find the Cryptnox perfect hardware wallet to safeguard your cryptocurrency investments. Remember to conduct thorough research and choose a wallet that