9 best hardware wallets in Australia

Each year, we conduct an extensive review of the best hardware wallets available in Australia. To arrive at our picks, we review the best hardware wallets on the market for overall safety, functionality, cost and supported digital assets — including coins, tokens and NFTs.

Best hardware wallets in Australia for 2024

• Ledger Nano X – Best hardware wallet overall
• Ledger Nano S Plus – Best value hardware wallet
• Trezor Model T – Best hardware wallet for experienced users
• SafePal S1 – Best budget hardware wallet
• Ledger wallets – Best hardware wallets for staking
• Trezor Model One – Editor's favourite
• Ledger Stax – Best-designed hardware wallet
• COLDCARD Mk4 – Best hardware wallet for Bitcoin
• Blockstream Jade – Best wallet for Bitcoin Layer 2 assets
• Billfodl – Bonus: Best recovery phrase backup device

You've probably noticed that brands like Ledger and Trezor dominate our list of the best hardware wallets. These companies created some of the first-ever cold storage wallets and each has a long track record of producing devices that have successfully protected customers' assets.

This isn't to say that other hardware wallets can't offer suitable security and cold storage functionality. Due diligence is especially important regarding crypto self-custody, so we've chosen only to showcase wallets that our team has first-hand experience with or that meet our strict criteria for inclusion.

Find a crypto hardware wallet

Here you can compare the most popular crypto hardware wallets by price and number of supported coins.

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Product GXFCY-WLT	Wallet type	Supported assets	Price (USD)	Offer	Disclaimer	Link
Ledger Nano X Wallet	Hardware	5,500+	$149			Go to site	loading Fetching your data...
Trezor Model T Wallet	Hardware	1,000+	$77.20			Go to site	loading Fetching your data...
NGRAVE ZERO	Hardware	3,500+	$398			Go to site	loading Fetching your data...
SafePal S1 Wallet	Hardware	30,000+	$49.99	Free shipping when you buy 2 or more products. T&Cs apply.		Go to site	loading Fetching your data...
Ledger Nano S Plus Wallet	Hardware	5,500+	$79			Go to site	loading Fetching your data...
Blockstream Jade	Hardware	4+	$79			Go to site	loading Fetching your data...
Trezor Model One Wallet	Hardware	1,000+	$34.30			Go to site	loading Fetching your data...

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1. Ledger Nano X — Best hardware wallet overall

Go to siteRead review

Ledger Nano X Wallet

★★★★★
Finder score

$149
Price (USD)

5,500+
Assets

Hardware
Wallet type

• Why we chose Ledger
• Pros & cons

Free shipping

The Ledger Nano X is the top-tier USB-style hardware wallet from Ledger, a company that has produced industry-leading security for self-custody of digital assets since 2014.

It was our pick for the best overall hardware wallet because it allows you to securely store the keys to over 5,500 crypto assets and NFTs and put your assets to work through staking — all while on the go.

Unlike Ledger's cheaper Nano S Plus model, the Nano X has Bluetooth functionality and is compatible with both Android and iPhone for maximum portability.

Of the hardware wallets we compared, no other device provided this level of security alongside such a broad range of features.

Mind you, while Ledger devices have not had any recorded security breaches, the software is closed-source. This means that it is not open to independent scrutiny, and you must place some degree of trust in the manufacturer. Read our full review for more information on the pros and cons of Ledger devices.

Pros

• Manage over 5,500 crypto assets
• Run up to 100 blockchain apps simultaneously
• Highly secure - no Ledger device has ever been hacked
• Can be synced with third-party wallets like MetaMask to use with DeFi apps
• Android and iOS compatibility
• Bluetooth functionality

Cons

• Pricier than alternatives
• Can't stake many cryptos via Ledger Live
• Closed-source software

2. Ledger Nano S Plus — Best value hardware wallet

Go to siteRead review

Ledger Nano S Plus Wallet

★★★★★
Finder score

$79
Price (USD)

5,500+
Assets

Hardware
Wallet type

• Why we chose Ledger
• Pros & cons

The Ledger Nano S Plus is our top contender for value because it offers the same high level of security and most of the same features as the Ledger Nano X — but at nearly half the price.

The Nano S Plus also supports cold storage for 5,500 crypto coins, tokens and NFTs, as well as staking and crypto exchange features through Ledger Live.

If you're content with safe offline storage of your private keys and don't need to use the device on the go with a mobile phone app – there's no Bluetooth functionality in the Nano S Plus – then this hardware wallet will likely tick a lot of boxes.

One potential issue with Ledger devices is that the software is closed-source, which means it is not open to independent scrutiny or review.

The Ledger Nano S Plus strikes such a good balance between security, coin support, features and relative affordability that we were hard pressed to find a better value option on the market.

Pros

• Manage over 5,500 crypto assets
• Run up to 100 blockchain apps simultaneously
• Highly secure - no Ledger device has ever been hacked
• Can be synced with third-party software like MetaMask
• Stores the private keys to NFTs

Cons

• Can't stake many cryptos via Ledger Live
• Not compatible with iOS
• Closed-source software

3. Trezor Model T — Best hardware wallet for experienced users

Go to siteRead review

Trezor Model T Wallet

★★★★★
Finder score

$77.20
Price (USD)

1,000+
Assets

Hardware
Wallet type

• Why we chose Trezor
• Pros & cons

The Trezor Model T gets our pick for best wallet for experienced users because it offers a suite of advanced features that will really appeal to pros.

One of those features is the wallet's multisignature — or multisig — capabilities. Multisig provides an added layer of protection for Bitcoin, as multiple stakeholders must sign off on any transactions.

The Trezor Model T also supports Taproot — an upgrade to the privacy of the Bitcoin network. It also reduces transaction fees and allows users to engage with BTC smart contracts.

If anonymity is important to you, you can anonymise your transactions via the Tor network using the Trezor Suite interface.

You can also utilise the novel Shamir backup system with your Model T. The Shamir backup distributes your recovery phrase across multiple recovery shares, which can be stored in different locations for added security.

Pros

• Features a large touchscreen
• Offline storage for 1,450+ assets
• Multisig protection for your Bitcoin
• Offers transaction anonymity
• Can be synced with third-party apps for DeFi
• Can sync with Exodus Wallet for improved usability

Cons

• One of the more expensive hardware wallets
• Only supports 14 blockchains
• No native staking in Trezor Suite

4. SafePal S1 – Best budget hardware wallet

Go to siteRead review

SafePal S1 Wallet

$49.99
Price (USD)

30,000+
Assets

Hardware
Wallet type

• Why we chose SafePal
• Pros & cons

Free shipping when you buy 2 or more products. T&Cs apply.

The SafePal S1 is a hardware wallet developed by Binance Labs.

Much like how Binance provides you with access to many crypto assets, the SafePal S1 allows you to store potentially unlimited cryptos on 54 different blockchains.

The device has the same internal security hardware – the Secure Element chip – that the more expensive Ledger hardware wallets have, but it's significantly more affordable.

That said, it's been reported that setting up the device has been difficult for some and that sending transactions on the device can be complicated.

So, while this device may be a good choice if you're on a budget, it might not be the best option for crypto newbies.

Pros

• One of the most affordably priced hardware wallets on the market
• Supports 15 languages, 54 blockchains and tens of thousands of cryptos
• CC EAL 5+ security certification (highest level of security against penetration tests)
• Self-destruct mechanism to defend against malware attacks
• 100% offline, air-gapped signing mechanism (fully cold storage)

Cons

• Activation process reported to be difficult
• Sending transactions can be complex
• The SafePal S1 doesn&rsquo
• t integrate with software wallets other than SafePal

5. Ledger wallets — Best hardware wallet(s) for staking

Go to site

Ledger wallets

$79
Price (USD)

5,500+
Assets

Hardware
Wallet type

• Why we chose Ledger
• Pros & cons

We chose Ledger's range as the best hardware wallets for staking because the Nano X, Nano S Plus and even the retired Nano S can be used to stake a wide variety of crypto assets.

You can use the native Ledger Live interface with any Ledger hardware wallet to stake 9 different cryptos – including Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL) and Cosmos (ATOM).

To stake an even greater assortment of digital assets, you can sync your Ledger hardware wallet with third-party apps like MetaMask or Yoroi and use these software wallets as a bridge to staking interfaces — all while safely storing the private keys to your assets offline.

Pros

• Stake up to 9 cryptos via Ledger Live
• Easily synced with third-party software to stake a wider variety of assets
• Keeps the private keys to assets stored offline while staking

Cons

• Staking certain assets via Ledger Live can be a bit complex
• Syncing your Ledger wallet with third-party software can be complicated at first
• Closed-source software

6. Trezor Model One — The original hardware wallet

Go to siteRead review

Trezor Model One Wallet

★★★★★
Finder score

$34.30
Price (USD)

1,000+
Assets

Hardware
Wallet type

• Why we chose Trezor
• Pros & cons

The Trezor Model One is the original cryptocurrency hardware wallet. It's a small USB device for securely storing the private keys to your digital assets in cold storage – offline and physically separated from your computer.

The Model One is all you need to manage major crypto assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH). It is excellent for using with DeFi applications on Ethereum, including layer-2 networks.

Trezor won Finder's Customer Satisfaction Award for cryptocurrency wallets in 2023, with 84% of users saying they would recommend Trezor products to a friend. Trezor received exceptional scores for its security and overall experience.

Warning: On May 25, 2023 a security firm named Unciphered claimed that they were able to extract the private keys from a Trezor Model T. The exploit requires physical access to the device as well as specialised tools and knowledge. Trezor has previously addressed this type of vulnerability in a blog post and says that the attack can be prevented by using a strong passphrase.

Pros

• One of the most affordable hardware wallets
• Easy-to-use interface and software
• Can be linked with MetaMask for use with Web3 and DeFi
• Highly reputable and rated brand

Cons

• Small number of blockchains supported
• Not Bluetooth enabled
• Not iOS compatible

"I've been using a Trezor One for over five years and it is still my daily wallet for crypto, despite now owning other more advanced and expensive hardware wallets. It's simplicity makes it much easier and faster to use than other wallets I own, which is key for DeFi."

James Edwards

Cryptocurrency editor

7. Ledger Stax – Best-designed hardware wallet

Go to siteRead review

Ledger Stax Wallet

★★★★★
Finder score

$399
Price (USD)

5,500+
Assets

Hardware
Wallet type

• Why we chose Ledger
• Pros & cons

Free shipping

The brand new Ledger Stax was created by Tony Fadell – co-creator of the iPod and iPhone.

The device is just as secure as previous Ledger hardware wallets, but it's more stylish and was designed with everyday users in mind – not just tech geeks.

The stand-out feature of the Ledger Stax is its 3.7in (672x400px) electronic ink (e-ink) touchscreen, which makes managing your assets and clear-signing transactions via the device easy and convenient.

Other features that separate it from previous iterations of Ledger wallets include the fact that you can charge the device wirelessly and customise the lock screen with one of your NFTs.

The device is the size and shape of about 5 credit cards stacked on top of one another, whereas previous Ledger hardware wallets resembled a flash drive.

One potential issue with Ledger devices is that the software is closed-source, which means it is not open to independent scrutiny or review.

Pros

• Large e-ink touchscreen
• Wireless Qi charging
• Bluetooth-enabled
• Enables clear-signing (to prevent hacks and phishing attacks)
• CC EAL 5+ security certification (highest level of security against penetration tests)
• Lock screen can be customised with NFTs
• Strong casing
• Sleek design

Cons

• Most expensive Ledger hardware wallet
• Can't stake many cryptos via Ledger Live
• Closed-source software

8. COLDCARD Mk4 — Best hardware wallet for Bitcoin

Read review

COLDCARD Mk4

$167.94
Price (USD)

1
Assets

Hardware
Wallet type

• Why we chose COLDCARD
• Pros & cons

As a specialist Bitcoin hardware wallet, the COLDCARD Mk4 doesn't have as many of the features of Ledger or Trezor devices, but it does keep the private keys to your BTC stored securely offline.

The COLDCARD Mk4 was created by cypherpunks — technologists who advocate for privacy-enhancing cryptography — for Bitcoin minimalists.

Like Ledger hardware wallets, the COLDCARD Mk4 uses a Secure Element chip — the same type of chip found in passports and credit cards — to protect the private keys to your Bitcoin.

Using the Sparrow Wallet desktop software and a microSD card, you can send Bitcoin to and from your COLDCARD Mk4 without ever plugging the device in. The obvious downside to this is that you'll have to purchase a microSD card adapter for your computer if you plan to transfer data this way.

Pros

• Highly secure
• Contains 2 Secure Element chips sourced from different manufacturers
• Doesn't require a connection to computer
• Features a high-contrast 128 x 64 pixel screen for messaging
• Multisig enabled

Cons

• Only supports BTC
• The user interface for Sparrow Wallet is less intuitive than competitor alternatives
• You will have to purchase a microSD card adapter for your computer if you prefer to transfer data via the card

9. Blockstream Jade — Best for Bitcoin Layer 2 assets

Go to site

Blockstream Jade

$79
Price (USD)

4+
Assets

Hardware
Wallet type

• Why we chose Blockstream
• Pros & cons

Blockstream is involved in many Bitcoin-related endeavours from Bitcoin mining to the development of the Liquid Network — a Layer 2 on Bitcoin for digital asset issuance.

Given its extensive experience with the Bitcoin network, it's no wonder that the Blockstream Jade is one of the most respected hardware wallets in the Bitcoin community.

Like the COLDCARD Mk4 — another beloved Bitcoin hardware wallet — the Blockstream Jade is a secure Bitcoin cold storage wallet designed with open-source code and multisig capabilities.

But the Blockstream Jade differs from the COLDCARD Mk4 in a number of ways including:

• Blockstream Jade supports assets like Tether (USDT) on the Liquid Network
• Blockstream Jade has native software: Blockstream Green
• Blockstream Jade is significantly cheaper

The device also doesn't have a Secure Element chip — the primary security mechanism for the COLDCARD Mk4 and Ledger wallets.

Pros

• Developed by a seasoned team that specialises in securing Bitcoin
• Affordably priced
• Multisig support
• Air-gapped with a built-in camera for QR code scanning
• Open-source hardware and software code
• Supports remote blind server authentication as a security mechanism
• Bluetooth-enabled
• Offers passphrase protection (a level of security on top of your seed recovery phrase)

Cons

• No support for blockchains other than Bitcoin
• No Secure Element chip
• Bluetooth only works with iOS mobile devices

Bonus: Billfodl — Best recovery phrase backup device

Go to site

Billfodl

$89
Price (USD)

N/A
Assets

Seed backup device
Wallet type

• Why we chose Ledger
• Pros & cons

Free shipping

We chose to give Billfoldl an honourable mention as the best recovery phrase backup device because it helps protect your chosen hardware wallet's recovery phrase from fire, flooding and any type of decay.

Most hardware wallets will prompt you to write down your recovery phrase on a sheet of paper when you set up your wallet. But if your recovery phrase sheet gets damaged or lost, you can lose access to your crypto – permanently.

Billfodl is a solid steel case that allows you to stamp your 24-word recovery phrase using metal tiles engraved with letters.

The tiles slide into three different rows on both sides of the device, and the device comes with a cover that swivels over your recovery phrase once you've properly arranged the tiles.

It's worth considering the added layer of security and peace of mind afforded by recovery phrase backup devices like Billfodl if you invest in a hardware wallet.

Pros

• Preserves your recovery phrase much better than paper and pen solutions
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Slightly bulky design
• Sliding tiles into place can be a clumsy experience

What is a hardware wallet?

A hardware wallet is a physical vault designed to offer safe storage for your cryptocurrency private keys. These specially designed hard drives usually connect to your computer or smartphone via USB and, because you keep them offline, provide cold storage for your coins and tokens.

Hardware wallets contain a range of security features to protect your digital currency keys.

They're protected by a PIN and often include other security measures, such as a screen for viewing transaction details and buttons on the device for manually verifying transactions.

There are essentially two separate parts to a hardware wallet. The first part is a desktop, mobile or web client connected to the internet and performs nearly all the same functions as any ordinary hot wallet.

This software wallet creates the transactions but can't sign them — which is where the second part, the physical hardware wallet that contains your private keys, comes in. The transaction must be sent to your offline hardware wallet, verified by you and signed by the device before it can be completed.

Why use a hardware wallet?

Generally speaking, crypto hardware wallets are considered the safest way to store the private keys to your digital assets for the following reasons:

• Private keys stored offline. Unlike browser extensions, mobile and desktop wallets — which are exposed to risks like hacking, malware and phishing scams — hardware wallets store the private keys to your assets offline.
• 12- to 24-word recovery phrase. If you lose your hardware wallet, you can regain access to your private keys using your 12- to 24-word recovery phrase.
• PIN and password protected. Hardware wallets are PIN or password protected for additional security.

A hardware wallet is essential for anyone serious about cryptocurrency. They offer the highest level of security for your long-term investments and can be paired with a Web3 wallet for use with DeFi. I never use crypto without one. After security, the main difference is the number of blockchains supported, so make sure to choose one that suits your portfolio.

James Edwards
Finder's Global Crypto Editor

How to choose the best hardware wallet

If you've decided that offline storage in a hardware wallet is the best option, the next step is actually choosing a wallet. There are several reputable options available, so make sure you consider the following factors when deciding which one is right for you:

• Security features. How secure is the wallet, and what features does it offer? Is it secured by a PIN? Does it include its own screen? Can you verify transactions by manually pressing buttons? Have there ever been any reported instances of security breaches involving the wallet?
• Ease of use. Consider how easy the wallet is to set up and use. If you don't completely understand the processes involved, there's always the very real risk of losing some or all your funds. With this in mind, make sure the wallet makes it as simple and straightforward as possible to keep track of your crypto holdings.
• Supported coins. Check the fine print to make sure the coins, tokens or NFTs you want to store are actually supported by the wallet you're considering using.
• Supported operating systems. Is the device compatible with the operating system you're running on your computer or smartphone?
• How you actually access your crypto. Hardware wallets usually come with their own native software interface (like Ledger Live or Trezor Suite). Many devices also allow you to interact with your crypto holdings using a third-party wallet — for example, if you were storing Ether (ETH) on a Ledger Nano X, you could manage your tokens using either the Ledger Live app or the third-party wallet MyEtherWallet.
• Back up and restore. Read up on the process required to back up your wallet, and restore your coins if something goes wrong. Is this process easy, and will it increase the level of security for your funds?
• Price. This is an important factor for many as hardware wallets aren't free. Compare the prices of competing wallets, including exchange rates and shipping costs if buying from an overseas retailer, to get a better idea of which option offers the best value.
• Portability. This may not be an important feature for all users, but if you want to transport your wallet with you, consider how easy it would be to carry it around daily.
• Independent reviews. Do your research to find some independent reviews of any wallet you're considering. What do those reviewers list as the wallet's pros and cons? What problems (if any) have they had when using it, and do they recommend it?

By considering these important features, you'll have a much better idea of which hardware wallet is right for you.

Ask the experts: What are the most important features in a crypto wallet, besides security?

A wallet should have an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. The ability to store and manage a variety of cryptocurrencies is crucial, as the crypto market consists of numerous digital assets. A good wallet should provide a reliable backup and recovery system to protect against data loss or theft of the wallet's private keys. Access to transaction history and reporting features is essential for tracking your cryptocurrency holdings and activities.

Paul Levy
Senior Lecturer, University of Brighton

Interoperability with web3-enabled sites is probably the most important feature after security for crypto wallets today. WalletConnect makes it possible to use a wide range of wallets to interact with web3 sites. Cross-chain compatibility and the ability to do swaps inside the wallet can also make life a lot easier.

Ruadhan O
Creator, Seasonal Tokens

The wallet should be easy to use and navigate. Users should be able to easily send, receive, and store their cryptocurrencies. The wallet should support the cryptocurrencies that users want to use. Multi-signature wallets require multiple signatures to authorize transactions. This makes them more secure than single-signature wallets.Cold storage wallets allow users to store their cryptocurrencies offline. This is the most secure way to store cryptocurrencies, as it protects them from hackers. Some crypto wallets offer additional features, such as staking, lending, and decentralized exchange (DEX) integration.

Mitesh Shah
Founder & CEO, Omnia Markets

Hardware wallet security tips

Keep the following tips in mind to help ensure the security of your crypto coins and tokens:

• No wallet is 100% secure. If you want to ensure the safety of your funds, the buck stops with you. The most secure wallet in the world is useless unless you properly follow wallet setup or security instructions, so exercise caution at all times.
• Only buy from a reputable seller. Only buy hardware wallets direct from the manufacturer or an authorised reseller since buying a second-hand wallet puts you at risk of hacking and theft.
• Keep private details private. You should never disclose your hardware wallet's secure PIN and your crypto private keys to anyone.
• Don't lose your recovery seed. You need your recovery seed to access your crypto coins if your wallet is lost or stolen, so make sure you write this seed on a piece of paper and keep it safe. Better yet, write it on several pieces of paper and keep them all in separate but secure places. Consider purchasing a recovery phrase backup device like Billfodl for even greater peace of mind.

Risks of using a crypto wallet

When you use a non-custodial crypto wallet, you reduce the risk of a third-party custodian like a crypto exchange going under and taking your funds with it. However, there are still risks to using both software and hardware crypto wallets.

Software wallets are always connected to the internet, and, for that reason, can more easily be hacked. Also, if the code for a software wallet is closed-source, you are placing trust in the creator of that wallet to not extract your private keys and, therefore, gain access to the digital assets you manage via the wallet.

Hardware wallets are generally more secure than software wallets in that they remain disconnected from the internet when they aren’t in use, while some never have to be connected to the internet. However, if you use a hardware wallet that has native software — like a Ledger or Trezor wallet — there is always the risk that your private keys can be extracted through an issue with the underlying software.

For extra safety, it’s best to create a multisignature — or “multisig” — set up in which you use two or more wallets to sign transactions and protect your crypto.

Bottom line

You might balk at spending more money to protect your crypto investments, but as countless well-publicised stories of exchange theft and insolvency have demonstrated over the years, "not your keys, not your coins."

Storing the private keys to your crypto assets on a hardware wallet is widely recommended for anyone planning to make significant investments or to hold crypto for the long term.

As always, though, do your own research to find the crypto wallet that's right for you. Our guide to the best crypto wallets covers the different types of wallets and can help you decide which will best suit your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Written by

Frank Corva

Senior analyst

Frank Corva is the senior analyst for digital assets at Finder. Frank has turned his hobby of studying and writing about crypto into a career with a mission of educating the world about this burgeoning sector of finance. He worked in Ghana and Venezuela before earning a degree in applied linguistics at Teachers College, Columbia University. He taught writing and entertainment business courses in Japan and worked with UNICEF in Namibia before returning to the States to teach at universities in New York City. He spent years as a publicist and graphic designer in the music industry, working for record labels like Warner Music Group and Triple Crown Records, and he's also a former music journalist whose writing and photography has been in published in Alternative Press, Spin and other outlets. See full bio