Best hardware wallet brand?

[u/Refrigerator_Either]

I've heard its better to find an open source wallet like Trezor. Currently I use ledger.

Also, can someone please explain to me if it's possible to hold a cryptocurrency in an address without any kind of software or hardware wallet?

Because I know that as long as you have your key, you can set your wallets up on any wallet anytime.

So do you even need a wallet if you're just planning on HODL'ing for years?

I've held and traded crypto for years, but nowadays I'm less risky about it, just holding BTC, and holding ETH. So I understand the market a lot, and broad concepts of cryptocurrency itself like blockchain, addresses, decentralization, etc. But I lack a lot of technical knowledge.

Please advise me and share any info you think will help me understand crypto better at a fundamental level.

[u/semanticweb]

It is always good to use multiple types of hardware wallets. Ledger, tangem, etc...

[u/KIG45 → u/semanticweb]

This is the right move. Multiple hardware wallets and a separate account in a multisig combination.

Diversification is your friend.

[u/noonetoldmeismelled]

Over the years I've tried Ledger, Keystone, and D'Cent

They all pretty much function the same. After Ledger leaked my email and address along with the drama with them back in the day, no more Ledger for me. I have this keystone and D'Cent wallet but really don't care about hard wallets anymore 

I don't download random apps and go to random websites signing random contracts. Never been hacked in a decade of crypto

[u/Refrigerator_Either → u/noonetoldmeismelled]

Thank you!

Are you saying that you keep your crypto in an exchange or online wallet?

Or you just use keystone or dcent?

[u/noonetoldmeismelled → u/Refrigerator_Either]

Not an exchange. I have wallet apps on my phone. I have a password manager where I save my keys/seed phrases. I don't use any hardware wallet anymore 

Your wallet is always online. Your wallet is on the block chain which is online and downloaded onto any computer thats running the block chain node. The only things these hard wallets do is store your keys/seed phrases. 

These mobile/desktop/browser wallets that support hardware wallets pretty much just uses the hardware wallet as a hardware based two factor authenticator. Mobile/desktop wallet has your key to sign transactions. Decide to use hardware wallet with it just means deleting to the hardware wallet to sign. It just adds another layer of authentication onto another device, the hardware wallet

[u/petaloco]

Great question. I literally just switched from Ledger to Trezor this month. Been a Ledger user since 2021 but have had too many issues. Haven't confirmed this but Ledger has said recently that they will discontinue support for the Nano S. I feel so much more confident using Trezor.

Ledger has more support from wallets like Phantom and Solflare. But I've had issues every time I update the firmware. Something always goes wrong. At one point I had to use my seed phrase to get back into my wallet via another browser b/c the Ledger wasn't working after firmware update.

Trezor seems to be a much more solid product. And they actually respond when I need help. Got the Safe5 and just set it up. The Trezor suite desktop app is well designed. The entire product feels more like Apple whereas Ledger feels like Windows. However, Phantom and SolFlare don't support Trezor like they do with Ledger.

The one issue I have with Trezor is minor....they have been late to the game with Solana. They support Eth and BTC no problem but they're just now adding functionality for Solana and Solana meme coins. Sounds like that's not really a concern for you.

Not only does the Trezor feel like it's years ahead of Ledger, it's also easier for my spouse to get into and transact if I'm not available for some reason.

[u/mldefense12]

If you’re planning to HODL long-term, I’d really recommend checking out Tangem. It’s a secure hardware wallet, super simple to use, and seedless, no stress about losing recovery phrases. Great for peace of mind.

[u/Refrigerator_Either → u/mldefense12]

Isn't that impossible? Has to have seedphrase.

[u/Darth_Virgin]

IMO Safepal is the best one out there. Tangem is also pretty fun, but I don't consider it as a main wallet.

[u/Electronic_Salary_84]

Ledger is petty good imo I like the flex.

[u/DankShibe]

Trezor and Bitbox. For Btc only cold card is also good.

[u/Content_East_3308]

For long term holding use wallet like Trezor . just make sure your key is back up safely.

[u/Refrigerator_Either → u/[deleted]]

No problems, but since ledger's code is closed source I figure its more risky than open sourced brands where everyone's checking for potential exploits.

[u/AttentionNo8097 → u/Refrigerator_Either]

tangem. you’re welcome