Best Hardware Crypto Wallets for Beginners (2025)

Short answer: If you want the cheapest safe start, get Ledger Nano S Plus.
If you want Bluetooth + mobile use, get Ledger Nano X.
If you prefer open-source firmware, choose Trezor Model One (or Model T for touchscreen).

Top picks at a glance

Pick	Why	Link
Ledger Nano S Plus	Best value for first hardware wallet	Ledger Nano S Plus Official Ledger store (Affiliate link — no extra cost for you)
Ledger Nano X	Bluetooth + battery for mobile use	Ledger Nano X Official Ledger store (Affiliate link — no extra cost for you)
Trezor Model One	Open-source, beginner friendly	Trezor Model One Official Trezor store (Affiliate link — no extra cost for you)
Trezor Model T	Touchscreen + extended features	Trezor Model T Official Trezor store (Affiliate link — no extra cost for you)

How to choose (60-second guide)

Budget under $100? → Ledger Nano S Plus or Trezor Model One
Want Bluetooth/mobile? → Ledger Nano X
Care about open-source firmware? → Trezor (One or Model T)
Need touchscreen? → Model T
Mostly desktop, no Bluetooth needed? → Nano S Plus

Quick comparisons

Ledger vs Trezor (for beginners): Read our comparison
Nano S Plus vs Nano X: Which one should you get?
Trezor One vs Model T: Quick beginner comparison

Best for absolute beginners: Ledger Nano S Plus

Secure chip, works with Ledger Live
Widest coin/app support for the price
No Bluetooth (USB-C only)

See Nano S Plus
Go to Ledger store

(Affiliate link — no extra cost for you)

More details: Our Nano S Plus review

Best for phone users: Ledger Nano X

Bluetooth + battery → mobile friendly
More app storage than S Plus
Higher price

See Nano X
Go to Ledger store

(Affiliate link — no extra cost for you)

More details: Our Nano X review

Best open-source pick: Trezor Model One

Open-source firmware, Trezor Suite
Great for a first wallet
Fewer extras vs Model T

See Trezor One
Go to Trezor store

(Affiliate link — no extra cost for you)

More details: Our Model One review

Premium experience: Trezor Model T

Touchscreen (easier PIN/passphrase)
Open-source, extended features
More expensive

See Model T
Go to Trezor store

(Affiliate link — no extra cost for you)

More details: Our Model T review

Hardware vs software wallets (quick refresher)

For long-term savings, prefer hardware wallets (offline keys).
For small daily spending, a software wallet is fine.
Read: Hardware vs Software wallet

Setup in 4 steps (any device)

Unbox and connect (USB-C or Bluetooth on Nano X)
Create wallet and write 24-word recovery phrase (paper/metal)
Install coin apps (Ledger Live / Trezor Suite)
Receive a small test amount first, then migrate your funds

Security tip: Never type or photograph your recovery phrase. No support agent will ever ask for it.

FAQ

Do I need a hardware wallet?
If you hold long-term funds, yes — it keeps private keys offline.

What if I lose the device?
You recover on a new device using the 24-word phrase (keep it safe, offline).

Can I use it with a phone?
Yes: Nano X (Bluetooth). Trezor devices are desktop-first.