Cryptocurrency hardware wallets are one of the safest ways to store your digital assets. They are small devices connected to any computer or tablet to send payments, check balances, and complete transactions.
One of the main advantages of using a USB crypto wallet is the extra layer of security that these devices provide. The hardware wallet is offline and interfaces with your computer via a USB port.
So, even if someone gains access to your computer or device through an unsecured Starbucks WiFi connection (for example), they won’t be able to access your cryptocurrencies stored in a hardware wallet.
Some considerations
While a cold wallet prevents hackers from stealing your crypto online, that 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 Be Stolen
Nothing can stop a desperate criminal from threatening you with harm and forcing you to hand over your crypto wallet.
3 Best USB Encryption Wallets
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the best USB crypto wallets on the market.
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 many mainstream cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple XRP, and more. This makes it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who regularly deal with various forms of cryptocurrency.
Other updated features that brought the Ledger Nano S plus into the new era include support for Web3 applications and NFT storage compatibility.
We can see that the team at Ledger have taken steps to protect users’ privacy with this wallet. It has a small screen that shows only basic information when sending/receiving money.
I also liked the small keyboard, which allows you to type on it quietly and discreetly (which makes it difficult for anyone trying to spy on you to see what you’re doing).
Ledger is fully compatible with Android, you can check this article from Tezro: https://blog.tezro.com/best-crypto-wallet-for-android/
2. The first vault
If you want an encrypted USB wallet from a famous brand, look no further than Trezor. This well-known brand has been around since 2014, producing a wide range of hardware wallets that are used by thousands of people all over the world.
The first product they launched was called Trezor One (hence why it is called “Trezor One”). It was originally designed to only support Bitcoin 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 you’ll be able to use it at work or home without having to install any additional software or drivers beforehand!
3. Archos Safe-T mini
Archos Safe-T mini is a small and compact USB wallet that can be used to store many cryptocurrencies.
It has a built-in OLED display, which allows you to discreetly manage your keys and transactions.
This device is compatible with Bitcoin and Ethereum, so if you are looking for a reliable storage solution for your other crypto holdings, this might be the best option for you.
Archos Safe-T mini has several security features that make it one of the most secure cold wallets available today. Two interesting features are the anti-tamper seal and the fingerprint scanner. These features make it impossible for any third party to access your wallet even if they steal it from you.
How to Find the Right USB Crypto Wallet
Now that you are familiar with the different types of wallets, let’s take a look at how to find the one that best suits your needs.
The first step is to decide what type of cold wallet you want. Do you need a hardware wallet? Software portfolio? Or are you OK with using a paper wallet or a brain?
Next, consider how many coins and tokens you want to store and whether they are suitable for your device.
If you have a lot of different currencies, it can 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 mini USB stick It will do the trick.
Finally, consider the features that are most important to you when buying an offline wallet: security features such as PIN codes; Usability features like automatic backups can save you a lot of trouble.
concluding thoughts
I hope this article helped you decide the best USB crypto wallet for your needs. If you’re looking for a portable and inexpensive option, I recommend the Trezor One or the Ledger Nano S.
However, if you want something more substantial with extra features like passcode protection, you might go with Archos Safe-T mini. Whatever your choice, make sure it meets all your requirements before buying!