Cryptocurrency hardware wallets are one of the safest ways to store your digital assets. They are small devices plugged into any computer or tablet to send payments, check balances, and complete transactions.
One of the most significant advantages of using a USB crypto wallet is the added layer of security such devices provide. A hardware wallet is not connected to the internet and interfaces with your PC via a USB port.
So, even if someone could access your computer or device through an unsecured WiFi connection at Starbucks (for example), they still wouldn’t be able to access your cryptocurrencies stored on a hardware wallet.
Some Considerations
While a cold wallet prevents hackers from stealing your cryptos via the internet, this doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. This is because:
Hardware wallets are still vulnerable to phishing
Scammers can use social engineering to trick you into handing over your private keys by impersonating a member of your wallet’s customer service team.
Your USB crypto wallet can get stolen
Nothing stops a desperate criminal from threatening you with harm and forcing you to hand over your crypto wallet.
Top 3 Best USB Crypto Wallets
With that out of the way, let’s look at the best USB crypto wallets on the market. Various experts and sources including Crypto News suggest that these are the best:
1. Ledger Nano S Plus
The Ledger Nano S Plus replaces the Nano S, which was one of the most popular and best-selling hardware wallets on the market.
It supports multiple mainstream cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple XRP, and more. This makes it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who regularly transact with different forms of cryptocurrencies.
Other updated features that bring the Ledger Nano S plus into the new age include support for Web3 applications and NFT storage compatibility.
We can see that the team at Ledger has taken steps to protect users’ privacy with this wallet. It has a small screen that only displays essential information when sending/receiving funds.
I also liked the tiny keyboard, which lets you quietly and discreetly type on it (making it difficult for anyone trying to spy on you to see what you’re doing).
Ledger is completely compatible with Android, as you can check in this article from Tezro: https://blog.tezro.com/best-crypto-wallet-for-android/
2. Trezor One
If you want a USB crypto wallet from a reputable brand, then look no further than Trezor. This well-known brand has been around since 2014, and they produce a wide range of hardware wallets used by thousands of people worldwide.
The first product they released was called Trezor One (hence why it’s called “Trezor One”). It was originally designed to support Bitcoin only but now also supports Ethereum, Litecoin, Dash, and Zcash too!
You can use this device with Windows or Mac computers as well as Linux machines – so there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to use it at work or home without needing any extra software or drivers installed beforehand!
3. Archos Safe-T mini
The Archos Safe-T mini is a small and compact USB cold wallet that can be used to store multiple cryptocurrencies.
It has an integrated OLED screen, which allows you to manage your private keys and transactions discreetly.
This device is compatible with Bitcoin and Ethereum, so if you’re looking for a reliable storage solution for your other crypto holdings, this might be the best choice for you.
The Archos Safe-T mini has several security features that make it one of the most secure cold wallets available today. Two exciting features are the tamper-proof seal and the fingerprint scanner. These features make it impossible for a third party to access your wallet even if they steal it from you.
How to Find the Right USB Crypto Wallet
Now that you’re familiar with the various types of wallets let’s take a look at how to find the best one for your needs.
The first step is to decide what kind of cold wallet you want. Do you need a hardware wallet? A software wallet? Or are you OK with using a paper or brain wallet?
Next, consider how many coins and tokens you want to store and whether they’ll fit on your device.
If you have lots of different coins, it might be worth investing in more than one device – but if all your holdings are just Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), or Bitcoin Cash (BCH), then even a tiny USB stick will do the trick.
Finally, consider what features matter most to you when buying an offline wallet: security features like PIN codes; ease-of-use features like auto-backups can be safe you a tonne of trouble.
Closing Thoughts
I hope this article has helped you decide on the best USB crypto wallet for your needs. If you’re looking for a more portable and inexpensive option, I recommend the Trezor One or Ledger Nano S.
However, if you want something more significant with extra features like passcode protection, then maybe go with the Archos Safe-T mini. Whatever you choose, make sure it meets all your requirements before buying!
