Hardware Wallets
A hardware wallet is a dedicated device designed to securely manage crypto assets.
- 🔑 Keep your private keys offline
- 🛡️ Reduce exposure to online attacks such as malware and phishing
- 👤 Allow you to manage your assets yourself
- ♻️ Restore your wallet using a recovery phrase
- 💰 Recommended for long-term holdings and high-value assets
Private Key Management
Rather than storing the crypto assets themselves, hardware wallets securely manage the private keys required to access and use crypto assets on the blockchain.
Protection Against Online Attacks
Because private keys are stored offline, hardware wallets can reduce the risk of private key exposure from online attacks such as malware and phishing compared with software wallets connected to the internet.
Recovery Phrase
When you create a new wallet, a recovery phrase (Secret Recovery Phrase) used to restore the wallet is displayed.
By storing your recovery phrase in a secure location, you can restore your wallet even if your device is lost or damaged.
Recommended for Long-Term Storage
Hardware wallets are recommended for storing assets that you plan to hold for a long period or assets of significant value.
Comparison of Major Hardware Wallets
A variety of hardware wallets are currently available.
While they all share the ability to manage private keys offline, they differ in communication methods, security design, and supported features.
Here, we compare the main specifications of several major hardware wallets.
All hardware wallets provide a high level of security by keeping private keys offline.
However, they differ in communication methods, security design, and supported features.
| Feature | Keystone 3 Pro | Ledger Flex | Trezor Safe 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (at the time of writing) | 149 USD (approx. 24,000 JPY) | 249 USD (approx. 40,000 JPY) | 249 USD (approx. 40,000 JPY) |
| Cardano support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Normal transaction signing | QR code (air-gapped) | USB-C, Bluetooth, NFC | USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Air-gapped (QR code signing) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Touchscreen (screen size) | ✅ (4.0 inches) | ✅ (2.84 inches) | ✅ (2.5 inches) |
| Security chips | 3× Secure Elements | 1× Secure Element | 2× Secure Elements + MCU |
| Open-source firmware | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Fingerprint authentication | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Shamir Backup | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Multiple seed management | ✅ (up to 3) | ❌ | ❌ |
Keystone 3 Pro uses 100% air-gapped QR code communication for normal transaction signing.
Firmware updates, however, are performed using USB-C or a microSD card.
Differences in Communication Methods
Hardware wallets use various communication methods for transaction signing and data transfer.
| Communication Method | Description |
|---|---|
| QR Code | For normal transaction signing, data is transferred by scanning QR codes with a camera without using USB or Bluetooth. The communication path is kept simple by design, helping to reduce the attack surface. |
| USB-C | Provides stable, high-speed communication and makes tasks such as firmware updates convenient. The device connects directly to a computer. |
| Bluetooth | Provides convenient wireless connectivity to smartphones without requiring a cable, making it easy to use while on the go. |
| NFC | A short-range wireless communication method used to connect devices at close proximity. It can be used with compatible accessories and authentication features. |
QR code-based transaction signing does not use wired or wireless communication methods such as USB or Bluetooth, which helps reduce the attack surface of the communication path.
Hardware wallets that use USB or Bluetooth also implement security measures, with each product offering different approaches to convenience and security design.
- Keystone: Focuses on a 100% air-gapped design using QR codes
- Ledger: Focuses on broad crypto asset support and convenience
- Trezor: Focuses on open-source development and transparency
Each product has its own characteristics, so choose a hardware wallet that suits your needs by comparing not only price, but also security, usability, and supported features.
This website uses Keystone 3 Pro as an example to provide detailed guides on setup and usage.
Prices and specifications are current as of the time of writing.