If you’ve been buying crypto for a while now, or you’re new to the game but already taking it seriously, a cryptocurrency hardware wallet is probably the most cost-effective way to secure your coins.
Fortunately, here in 2018, there are many great hardware wallets to choose from, but only a few worth your consideration: the Ledger Nano S, TREZOR, and KeepKey.
All three are reasonably priced, support popular coins and operating systems, and offer good security. That said, there are some notable differences that should make your decision much easier.
Let’s dive right in with the comparison.
What’s a Hardware Wallet?
A hardware wallet is a small device that stores your cryptocurrency (and “private keys”) offline, a major security advantage over online wallets.
Ledger Nano S vs Trezor vs KeepKey
Here’s an at-a-glance look at some of the key similarities and differences between the Nano S, Trezor, and KeepKey cryptocurrency hardware wallets:
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | €58.00 ($68.96 today) | €89 ($105.80 today) | $129.99 |
| Our Rating | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Contents | Ledger Nano S USB cable Instructions Recovery sheet Keychain | Micro USB cable Recovery seed booklet User guide | Nylon USB cable Recovery backup card Quick start guide |
| Dimensions | Height: 98 mm Width: 18 mm Depth: 9 mm Weight:16.2g | Height: 60 mm Width: 30 mm Depth: 6 mm Weight:12 g | Height: 38 mm Width: 93.5 mm Depth: 12.2 mm Weight:54 g |
| Key Features | OLED Display & Buttons Supports Companion Apps Fido Certified U2F | OLED Display & Buttons U2F Password Manager | OLED Display & Buttons Exchange between assets directly on device using ShapeShift |
| Compatibility | Windows (7+), OS X (10.8+), Linux | Windows (7+), OS X (10.8+), Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux Android |
| Supports | Bitcoin Bitcoin Cash Ethereum Ethereum Classic Ripple Litecoin Dogecoin Zcash Dash Stratis Komodo Ark PoSW ERC20 tokens | Bitcoin Bitcoin Cash Ethereum Ethereum Classic Namecoin Litecoin Dogecoin Zcash Dash ERC20 tokens | Bitcoin Ethereum Litecoin Namecoin Dogecoin Dash |
| Buy It | Buy It | Buy It |
Accurate as of Dec 29, 2017.
Ledger Nano S Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallet
Hands holding a Ledger Nano S cryptocurrency hardware wallet. // Image via ledgerwallet.com
Ledger Nano S is a cryptocurrency hardware wallet for storing crypto assets and securing digital payments. It connects to any computer via USB and is super simple to use.
With Ledger Nano S, your private keys are never exposed and your operations are locked by a PIN code. Transactions must be physically verified on the embedded OLED display with a simple tap of a button.
If your Ledger Nano S ever gets lost or stolen, have no fear! No one can gain access to your crypto assets because it’s protected with a 4-8 digit PIN set by you. If it is ever lost or stolen it can be easily restored using a 24-word seed phrase.
The Nano S supports more cryptocurrencies than any other hardware wallet on the market. It’s easy to send and receive payments, check your accounts balances and manage multiple addresses with the free apps that work seamlessly with the device.
Pros
- Supports the widest variety of currencies
- Small, strong and lightweight
- Cheaper than the Trezor or Keepkey
Cons
- Frequently back-ordered
Related: How to Use a Ledger Nano S with MyEtherWallet (MEW)
TREZOR Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallet
Trezor Wallet attached to a laptop. // Image via Trezor.io
The TREZOR is another cryptocurrency hardware wallet which allows you to store crypto and make secure transactions. It connects to a computer just like the Ledger Nano through a USB cable.
With the TREZOR you can feel safe. In order to sign a transaction, you need to have a special key or password which is held on the device. Thieves cannot misuse the device to steal your crypto assets if your TREZOR gets ever got lost or stolen because its protected with a PIN just like the Ledger Nano S, and can be restored the same way too.
TREZOR supports the most common cryptocurrencies, but not quite as many as the Ledger Nano S and is the original Bitcoin hardware wallet. It’s easy to use and priced just a tad bit higher than the Ledger Nano S.
Pros
- Slightly larger screen than Ledger Nano S
- Multiple passwords for multiple accounts
Cons
- Supports fewer coins than Ledger Nano S
- Plastic construction
KeepKey Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallet
KeepKey Wallet attached to a computer // Image via KeepKey.com
KeepKey is a USB cryptocurrency hardware wallet that works with the wallet software on your computer to help you easily manage and sign transactions.
Just like the other devices we’ve talked about, each transaction must be manually approved using the confirmation button and the large display, which gives you the ability to clearly see every coin coming to or going from the device. It’s also PIN-protected, which renders it useless even if it fell into the wrong hands.
KeepKey doesn’t have the industry recognition like the other two hardware wallets we discussed have, but it still has some great features! We especially like that you can exchange between assets directly on the device using ShapeShift. For now, KeepKey only stores a few of the most popular cryptocurrencies but we know how fast things change in the crypto world!
Pros
- Easy to read screen
- Exchange between assets directly on device using ShapeShift
Cons
- Limited cryptocurrencies supported
- Much larger than the Ledger Nano S and Trezor
- Limited Brand recognition
The Verdict
Some decisions are easier than choosing between BTC and ETH, and this is one of them. In the cryptocurrency hardware wallet world, the Ledger Nano S (buy it) is the hands-down favorite coming in cheaper than any of the competition and with support for a wide range of currencies, the ability to connect to any computer, and solid construction.
The only catch… the Ledger is frequently out of stock thanks to massive demand and limited supply, so actually getting one can be harder than scoring Taylor Swift tickets for your kid.
If the Ledger isn’t available and you’re looking for instant gratification, consider the Trezor cryptocurrency hardware wallet instead (buy it). It doesn’t support quite as many currencies as the Ledger, but it’s still small, light, and an all-around great value that’s versatile enough for most portfolios.
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