As the adoption of Cardano continues to grow, the need for secure storage options for ADA has become crucial. Hardware wallets are considered one of the safest ways to store cryptocurrencies, as they offer a high level of security against hacking and theft.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best hardware wallets for Cardano. We will take a closer look at their features, security, ease of use, and other factors to help you choose the right hardware wallet for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned Cardano investor or just starting, this guide will help you make an informed decision on the best Cardano hardware wallet to keep your ADA safe and secure.
The selection of the best wallets for Cardano overlaps quite significantly with our list of best crypto hardware wallets, as what makes a great ADA wallet is not much different from a top BTC or ETH wallet, for instance. With that in mind, here are the best hardware crypto wallets for Cardano in 2023:
- Ledger Nano X – The best overall hardware wallet for Cardano
- Trezor Model T – A flagship option for Cardano investors
- Ledger Nano S Plus – The best budget option for storing Cardano
- CoolWallet Pro – A uniquely designed Cardano hardware wallet
- BitBox02 – A hardware wallet with a stellar design and a smooth user experience
- Tangem – A crypto hardware wallet with a card form factor and Cardano support
The 5 best Cardano hardware wallets: Examining top cold storage options for ADA in 2023
All wallets featured on our list work seamlessly with Cardano and offer an extra layer of protection against theft and hacks. They come from reputable brands, so you shouldn’t have any problems with built quality or customer support.
1. Ledger Nano X – The best overall hardware wallet for Cardano
Ledger Nano X is a state-of-the-art hardware cryptocurrency wallet that ticks all the right boxes – it supports more than 5,000 crypto assets (with Cardano obviously included), offers Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity, and has native support for non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Ledger Nano X comes in three colors: Onyx Black, Blazing Orange, and Cosmic Purple.
Ledger’s top-of-the-line hardware solution is not exactly cheap – at $149 it is more expensive than some other options on the market. However, the robust build quality, easy-to-use Ledger Live software, and native support for both iOS and Android devices more than make up for it. For an extra layer of physical protection for your Nano X’s seed phrase, you can use Cryptotag Zeus, which is one of the best metal crypto wallets on the market and arguably the best ADA wallet kit.
- Supports over 5000 coins and tokens
- NFT and DeFi support
- Certified secure chip (CC EAL5+)
- Bluetooth connection
- Built-in battery
- Entering PIN takes some getting used to
Buy Ledger Nano X
2. Trezor Model T – A flagship option for Cardano investors
Trezor Model T is the most premium wallet option for holders of Cardano and other supported cryptos (at least until Ledger Stax comes out later this year). “Model T” has a 1.54-inch touchscreen LCD, which makes entering your PIN a breeze – and in turn, makes accessing your crypto quicker and more user-friendly.
Trezor Model T comes in a box with a USB-A to USB-C cable, two recovery seed cards, some stickers, and a magnetic dock. The wallet integrates seamlessly with the Trezor Suit software suit, which allows you to manage crypto wallets and crypto via a unified interface on desktop, browser, and Android. As of April 2023, Trezor Model T retails for $219.
- The 1.54-inch touchscreen LCD makes it easy to operate the device
- NFT storage
- MicroSD card support
- Password and digital identity management
- One of the more expensive options
Buy Trezor Model T
3. Ledger Nano S Plus – The best budget option for storing Cardano
Ledger Nano S Plus is one of the most popular and best ADA hardware wallets. Over the years, Nano S Plus has become a staple among crypto traders and investors that are searching for the best ratio between quality and price. The main difference between Nano S Plus and Nano X is that the former lacks an in-built battery, has no Bluetooth connection, and is not compatible with iOS.
With 1.5 MB of onboard storage, users can install up to 100 applications, while its slim profile and weight of just 21 grams mean you can easily carry it around wherever you go. With a price tag of just $79, it’s hard to beat Ledger Nano S Plus’ combination of features, build quality, and affordable price.
- Supports over 5000 coins
- Affordable alternative to the more expensive Nano X
- One of the most popular hardware wallet in the market
- Certified secure chip (CC EAL5+)
- No Bluetooth support
- No in-built battery
Buy Ledger Nano S Plus
4. CoolWallet Pro – A uniquely designed Cardano hardware wallet
CoolWallet Pro is one of the most interesting cryptocurrency hardware wallets in the market. With a rectangular shape and just 0.8 mm in width, the device borrows its design cues from credit cards. This brings an added layer of functionality, as CoolWallet Pro’s slim profile means it can be easily carried in a wallet, or even in a pocket.
CoolWallet Pro is a great option for those wanting to buy, sell, transfer, and trade crypto on the go, as it can be easily connected to iOS and Android devices via the in-built Bluetooth connection. It can also be used for various DeFi, dApp, and NFT use cases. CoolWallet Pro retails for $149.
- Good mobile support
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Easy-to-use interface
- Limited cryptocurrency support
Buy CoolWallet Pro
5. BitBox02 – A hardware wallet with a stellar design and a smooth user experience
The BitBox02 is a hardware crypto wallet that impresses with a very minimalistic design that has no buttons and can be used without a cable. The BitBox 02 features capacitive touch sensor on the edges of the device, allowing users to make inputs without having to click any buttons.
The BitBox02 hardware wallet is fully open sourced, which includes its firmware, software apps, and even the device’s schematics. It features a “dual chip” security design and allows users to quickly back up their seed phrase to a microSD card. The wallet supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Cardano.
While the BitBox02 is an excellent cryptocurrency wallet, it’s pricier than alternatives available on the market that offer comparable security. At $151, the BitBox02 is worth it if you appreciate its elegant design and open-source approach. However, if you prioritize getting the most bang for your buck, you should probably look elsewhere.
- Elegant design with a smooth user experience
- Fully open sourced
- MicroSD seed backup option
- A bit on the expensive side
Buy BitBox02
6. Tangem – A crypto hardware wallet with a card form factor and Cardano support
Tangem is a hardware cryptocurrency wallet that has no display and closely resembles a credit card. The wallet is designed for use with NFC-enabled devices, like smartphones.
Despite its simple design, Tangem is compatible with over 6,000 crypto assets and 30 blockchain networks, Cardano included. It meets the EAL6+ security criteria and has been thoroughly inspected by Kudelski Security. Tangem typically sells its wallets in sets, allowing users to maintain a backup wallet easily, with up to three cards in each set.
The Tangem wallet stands out for its unique design and excellent portability. You may even find it simpler to use than other hardware wallets that often have clunky buttons and small displays. In addition, Tangem provides a replacement guarantee that applies for over 25 years.
- Extremely portable
- 25-year replacement warranty
- Supports over 30 blockchain networks
- Must be used with an NFC-compatible device
Buy Tangem Wallet
What are the best Cardano wallets for staking?
If you are looking to earn passive income by staking your ADA coins, we suggest you use either Ledger’s Nano X or Nano S Plus, or Trezor’s Model T. These wallets offer a great mix of software and hardware and are some of the best options for delegating ADA in exchange for staking rewards.
The bottom line: Cardano investors looking for a Cardano hardware wallet have plenty of choices
There are several worthy hardware wallet candidates for storing Cardano available in 2023. You can’t go wrong with either of them, but keep in mind that (at least in our opinion) Ledger and Trezor provide the best software experience of the bunch. While this isn’t as important if you plan to access your funds very infrequently, it can become an important factor if you’re planning to make transactions on a regular basis.
Source: https://coincodex.com/article/25566/best-cardano-hardware-wallets/