03 Jan
03Jan

A hardware wallet is necessary for each owner of crypto assets for their safe cold storage and operations (transactions) with them. The global hardware wallet market in 2022 is represented by more than 30 models from different manufacturers, and therefore, many crypto investors have questions - which hardware wallet is "better", what is the difference between them, which wallet can guarantee 100% security of crypto assets? At the same time, when choosing a hardware wallet, it is important to take into account the optimal parameter "Quality-Features-Price-Security".

Currently, ELLIPALKeystone and SafePal serve millions of users from more than 200 countries around the world with their unique product lines of air-gapped hardware wallets and software wallets that are paired and managed through appropriate Apps, where users can easily secure, manage, swap, trade, and grow their crypto wealth without compromising asset security. 

Most hardware wallets without an air gap have been hacked. For example, Trezor (see here), Ledger (see here). At the same time, not a single hardware wallet with an air gap from different manufacturers was hacked. This is a fact.

However, we will present a comparison table of hardware wallets without an air gap and with an air gap. Wallets without an air gap are cheaper than wallets with an air gap. But this is the price of the security of your crypto assets, isn't it?

Content:

  • The mechanism and technology of the hardware wallet
  • What is the air-gapped signing mechanism?
  • What is Air-gapped Security?
  • Why Hardware Wallets Must Be Air-Gapped?
  • The most popular air-gapped hardware wallets in 2023-2024
  • ELLIPAL Titan
  • Keystone
  • SafePal S1
  • NGRAVE
  • Comparison: which air-gapped hardware wallet to choose?
ELLIPAL Titan is the best cold wallet

Convenience is an important consumer property

ELLIPAL is also very easy to use for any age group, as it has a large 4-inch touch screen with high sensitivity.

To manage crypto assets, you will need to download the ELLIPAL App for your mobile phone. ELLIPAL is easy to use.

Unlike other wallets, ELLIPAL uses a QR code instead of USB or Bluetooth to communicate with the application, which is, firstly, a secure, and secondly, a convenient property.

Comparison of ELLIPAL with other hardware wallets

Compare the models of hardware wallets from leading manufacturers according to various technical and functional characteristics and choose the best option for yourself. 

Use comparison table*.


ModelLedger Nano X BitBox02 TREZOR Model TELLIPAL Titan KeepKey 
Image
   PlatformWindows, MacOS, Linux, Android, Chrome OS, iOSWindows, MacOS, Linux, AndroidWindows, Mac, Linux, AndroidAndroid, iOSWindows, Mac, Linux, Android, Chrome OS
  BrandLedgerSHIFT CryptosecuritySatoshiLabsELLIPALKeepKey
  Altcoin SupportYesYesYesYesYes
FIDO U2F AuthenticatorYesYesYesYesNo
 Supported Coins90+45140+
10000+ Tokens
8
Open SourceNoYesYesNoYes
 Weight34g12g16g138g54g
 InterfacesBleutooth,   USB-CmicroSD,
USB-C
microSD,
USB-C
CameraUSB
Size, mm72x19x1254,5x25,4x9,664x39x10119,4x64x9,938x94x12
Screen 2FAYesYesYesYesYes
Exchange integration   Direct swap between    crypto
integration into the   software 
Yes.
Buy and Sell Crypto
Yes.
Buy and Sell Crypto in the BitBoxApp
Yes.
Buy and Sell Crypto
YesYes
Integrated exchange    platforms; 
Fiat-to-Crypto Gateways
Changelly, Coinify
Wyre
MoonPayChangelly,
ChangeNow,
CoinSwitch, ChangeHero,
Fox.Exchange, MorphToken
Changelly
Simplex
SWFT
MoonPay
ShapeShift

to the Shopto the Shop
to the Shopto the Shopto the Shop

*)Some technical specifications of the products may change. To get acquainted with the current parameters, visit the official websites and online stores of manufacturers.

Use the Coupon Code "178490" and get a discount of $ 5 when buying an Ellipal Titan hardware wallet in the Official ELLIPAL Online Store.


Non-air-gapped Hardware Wallets

Here are some popular non-air-gapped hardware wallets in the world.

Ledger

Ledger

The Ledger brand is the most popular hardware wallet brand in the world. They hold the advantage of being one of the first companies to manufacture hardware wallets. With their simple device design that looks like a USB stick and affordable pricing, the Ledger is an easy choice for many. Nevertheless, recent device hacks and database hacks have created many discussions online.

Ledger's most famous product, the Nano S uses a USB to connect with a computer to carry out transactions. 

The newest model, the Nano X, uses both USB and Bluetooth. Using Bluetooth allows the Nano X to connect with a smartphone as well to carry out transactions. It supports buying, selling, trading, accessing DAPP, managing NFTs which makes it a very useful wallet.

Trezor

Trezor

Trezor is the first company to manufacture hardware wallets for the masses. It is as famous and popular as Ledger. Trezor's best specialty is its open-source software. Many experienced traders prefer the Trezor because it is can be used with other third-party Apps outside of Trezor's PC App. 

The Trezor uses a USB cable to connect to the PC to carry out transactions. 

It supports buying, selling, trading, staking, managing NFTs, but no DAPPs.

Keevo

Keevo

Keevo is similar to Ledger X because it can utilize both USB and Bluetooth connections. It can be paired with a PC, smartphone APP, and also other 3rd party Apps. It is considered to be a very useful and versatile wallet.

One very unique feature of the Keevo is the fingerprint sensor that is used to verify the identity of the owner, similar to our smartphones. This helps increase the security of the wallet and makes sure that no one else except the fingerprint owner can unlock the wallet.

It supports buying, trading, DAPPs, and managing NFTs.


Air-gapped Cold Wallets

Although there are many great hardware wallets out there, it is best to choose ones that are air-gapped for the best security. With connections such as USB or Bluetooth, it provides attack vectors that hackers can exploit. 

Currently, every cold wallet depends on QR-code technology instead of USB or Bluetooth to keep its air-gapped state. The cold wallet will have a camera and it will be used to scan QR codes to perform set up and sign transactions. As using a camera to scan requires no physical or wireless connection, it allows the wallet to stay air-gapped.

The mechanism and technology of the hardware wallet

A hardware wallet is a type of hardware device to keep the seed phrase in an offline and isolated environment. This means that a hardware wallet cannot access the internet, pull data from the blockchain, or automatically update the balance.

In order to execute a transaction, a hardware wallet needs a secure way to interact with the external environment so that it can sign and approve a transaction and transfer the signature to the blockchain. Furthermore, users also need a user-friendly interface to view the most updated balance and manage crypto assets.

To realize these purposes, a lot of hardware wallets are connected with special external software for crypto management purposes. Some use desktop applications, some use web clients, and some use mobile Apps.

With the help of external software, a hardware wallet is able to receive an unsigned transaction from the software, sign the transaction, and then transmit the signature to the external software, so that the software can broadcast to the blockchains.

There are different ways to communicate between the hardware wallet and the software end, such as Bluetooth, NFC, USB connection, QRcode, etc. Radio-frequencies and USB connections are often considered not secure enough because they still potentially expose the connection with the hardware wallet to an internet-accessible environment. 

Air-gapped signing mechanism becomes a new option for a hardware wallet to communicate with the external environment without exposing the seed to any online environment.

What is the air-gapped signing mechanism?

What is the air-gapped signing mechanism?

The Air-gapped signing mechanism is a technology to enable crypto transaction signing without using any radio frequencies or physical connection. This type of signing is usually done through QRcode communication, which uses image recognition technology and thus does not rely on any internet or external signal.

You Sign What You See:

By using QR code transmission, air-gapped hardware wallets (such as ELLIPAL, Keystone, SafePal) reliably eliminate potential malware infiltration risks and delivered a level of transparency that just isn't possible with Bluetooth or USB. 


What is Air-gapped Security?

Air-gapped describes a state where a device or a system becomes fully disconnected from other devices and systems. It is the maximum protection for a device or system against hacking.An air-gapped state can be achieved by isolating a device or system electromagnetically, electronically, and, most importantly physically - from other networks, especially those that are not secure.

Ellipal Titan Cold Wallet: Air Gap Technology

Why Hardware Wallets Must Be Air-Gapped

Hardware wallets are used to store private keys and prevent anyone from stealing it in any way possible. If a hardware wallet can be fully air-gapped at all times, there will be no way for hackers to reach the private keys inside, hence being incredibly secure.Not only that, if the hardware wallet is infested with malware, your keys will not be broadcasted out because there is no outlet. Similarly, hacker can never be able to control your wallet remotely because its not possible to form a connection to begin with.

The most popular air-gapped hardware wallets in 2023

ELLIPAL  Titan, SafePal S1 and Keystone are the world leaders in the market of air-gapped hardware wallets.

NGRAVE Zero is an innovative air-gapped hardware wallet project by Belgian engineers. In 2022, NGRAVE wallets were sold out worldwide with record growth rates. 100% OFFLINE - Generate and protect your keys offline.

NGRAVE ZERO is fully "air-gapped", it does not rely on USB or any network connection capability such as WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, or 4G. All communication takes place via transparent QR codes. ZERO is the only financial product to integrate an EAL7-certified OS. Biometric security - ZERO's biometric sensor adds an additional layer of security for authentication and transaction signing. Your fingerprint is used as a variable to create your Perfect Key, unlocks your device, and signs transactions in combination with a solid 8-digit PIN code. Custom ZERO Operating System - whereas some hardware wallets rely on mobile phone operating systems, NGRAVE removes any associated vulnerabilities with its own OS.

PASSPORT: an elegant and secure air-gapped Bitcoin hardware wallet. Airgapped security, fully open source, assembled in the USA.

Alternative options - hardware wallets of ELLIPAL and Keystone use the same technology that is implemented in the SafePal hardware wallet. This is an air gap technology.

But for a number of technological, consumer, functional and structural solutions, these wallets have certain significant advantages compared to the SafePal hardware wallet. 

This affects the retail prices of these wallets - it is slightly higher than the price of the hardware wallet of the SafePal.

In a number of alternative options, the ELLIPAL Titan is the most optimal option in terms of  "Price / Quality / Reliability / Security".

#LogoModelBasic Price*Website
1$139.00*
2$169.00 (Pro)*
$119.00 (Essential)*
$479.00 
(Ultimate)*
3$49.99*
4$398.00*
5$199.00 

*) - Prices are indicated on the date of writing the article - find out the current prices in the official online stores of manufacturers. Discounts are possible!


1. ELLIPAL Titan

ELLIPAL Titan is one of the most popular hardware wallets. Its unique technical characteristics and consumer properties, absolute protection against remote, physical, online attacks, protection against disassembly and hacking, full control when transferring data from a cold wallet using a QR code, no need for a network connection-these are the main competitive advantages of this wallet.

ELLIPAL Titan is the best cold wallet

Air-gapped: Keep remote attacks away

  • Complete network isolation offline cold storage.
  • Built with no online components or ports.
  • Can never be connected to the internet.
  • Absolute protection against remote and online attacks.
  • Private keys stored will never touch the internet.

Anti-disassembly & Anti-tamper: Protection against physical and supply chain attacks

  • Cannot be disassembled without leaving serious damages - preventing supply chain attacks.
  • The chip will delete every data when it detects a breach.
  • Dust and waterproof hardware.
  • Resistant to impact and crush.

Check Anti Disassembly and Anti Tamper Testing Video:

Trustless trust: Full control: sign what you see

  • You don't have to trust ELLIPAL or anyone, but you can trust the cold wallet.
  • ELLIPAL's QR codes are open data format. It is public, verifiable, and offline.
  • Only QR codes are used to transfer data from the cold wallet, the QR code format is controlled, verifiable and transparent.
  • You can be sure that the private keys are never transmitted through the QR code.
  • Supports importing mnemonic phrase and private keys from other wallets, you do not need to trust keys generated by ELLIPAL.
  • Advanced Features: passphrase support

Hardware Specs

  • Size: 118 * 66 * 9.7mm
  • Material: aluminum alloy
  • Camera: 5M AF
  • LCD: 3.97 Inches
  • Battery: 1400 mAh
  • Standby time: 259 hours
  • Storage temperature: -20°C to 70°C

Coin List

40+ Blockchains and 10,000+ Tokens supported. New assets are added every week.

What's Inside the Box of ELLIPAL Titan?

What's Inside the Box of ELLIPAL Titan?
  • 1*ELLIPAL Titan cold wallet
  • 1*Security adapter plus
  • 1*Memory card
  • 1*Instruction manual
  • 1*Charging cord
  • 2*Mnemonic phrase paper

Briefly about ELLIPAL Titan

ELLIPAL Titan is the World's first fully metal sealed air gapped hardware wallet.

  • Protection against remote attacks

ELLIPAL is a fully air-gapped hardware wallet, relying only on QR code to transfer data. It does not rely on any connections such as USB, Wifi or Bluetooth. The ELLIPAL has a natural protection against network attacks.

  • Protection against physical attacks

The only way to hack a wallet or install malware is to first open up the wallet and access the circuits inside. To eliminate any risk and doubts caused by this threat, the ELLIPAL Titan is now constructed from a single piece of metal to make a strongly sealed metal hardware wallet. It cannot be opened without destroying the circuits inside.

The ELLIPAL Titan is specifically designed to counter any supply chain and evil maid attacks.

  • Improved user experience

Added dark mode display. Other updates such as the finance function and exchanges can be updated in the App and is compatible with first ELLIPAL model.


Exclusive Deal: ELLIPAL Titan - Get a discount of $ 5 !

Use the Coupon Code "178490" and get a discount of $ 5 when buying an ELLIPAL Titan Cold hardware wallet in the Official ELLIPAL Online Store.
Best Cold Wallet on Sale - ELLIPAL Titan Cold Wallet

The "ON SALE" section of the ELLIPAL official online store: discounts up to 35% ! 

The official ELLIPAL online store has a special "ON SALE" section in which offers for discounts (up to 35%) are constantly updated on all devices and accessories of the ELLIPAL product line, including a new product - the ELLIPAL Joy Seed Phrase Generator.


Details - about the new product line of ELLIPAL in 2023-2024:


2. Keystone

Keystone Hardware Wallet (Formerly Cobo Vault): 100% Air-gapped QR code communication hardware wallet for Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, BCH, XRP, Tron, LTC, Dash, Polkadot, Kusama and 1000+ crypto. Keystone offers convenient cold storage solution with an open source firmware and PSBT multisig support.

The Keystone Cold Wallet features open source software, a proprietary bank-grade security element, and transaction signing using a secure QR code method with Air-gapped technology. The Keystone hardware wallet looks like a real smartphone and has a fingerprint unlock feature.

Currently, the manufacturer produces models of wallets:

Keystone Essential, Pro and Ultimate cost $119, $169, and $479 respectively (as of the date of this writing).

The Keystone Pro Version has fingerprint sensor and self-destruct mechanism, while the Keystone Ultimate version ($479) on top of this is also waterproof, with aluminium body and hardshell protection case.

The first is a hardware device that has no connection to the Internet and the signature of transactions occurs through a QR code that is displayed on a large touch screen. And the second is a metal device for storing the most important password-a mnemonic phrase. With it, you can restore access to all your digital assets from anywhere in the world.'

The Keystone mobile application allows you to track the balance of funds, transaction history, prepare raw transactions for subsequent signing and translation into the blockchain. The wallet is also compatible with Specter, BlueWallet, Electrum, Wasabi Wallet, and Sparrow.PSBT multi signature wallet is now also supported.

Distinctive features of the Keystone Hardware Wallet

You Sign What You See

The transmission of QR codes eliminated the potential risks of malware penetration and provided a level of transparency that is simply not possible with Bluetooth or USB.

EAL 5+Secure Element

A proprietary bank-grade Secure Element ensures your private keys never leave the Keystone Vault. The Secure Element generates a true random number for your private keys and is vital to ensuring your crypto assets are stored in the safest way possible. BIP32, BIP39, and BIP44 compliant firmware is also open source.

Firmware Open Source

Keystone has pioneered the hardware wallet industry’s first open source Secure Element firmware. It allows you to see how private keys are derived from physically generated entropy (TRNG) and stay entirely confined within the Secure Element. Keystone hardware wallet application layer, device schematic (circuit diagram), and bill of materials (BOM) are also open source, soon to be followed by our operating system layer code.

The third-party code audit report is open, the first ever made public by a hardware wallet company. 

Coin Support

  • Bitcoin-Only Version Firmware 
  • Multi-Coin Version Firmware

GB-level memory supports unlimited, simultaneous coin storage for BTC, ETH, BCH, DASH, LTC, ETC, TRX, EOS, USDT, XRP, XZC, IOST and DCR, as well as ETH, EOS, and TRX tokens.

Security, Durability, and Ease of Use In Every Measure

  • 4-inch Touchscreen - maximizes usability to prevent human error
  • Detachable Battery - prevents corrosion damage
  • MicroSD Card Firmware Upgrading - minimizes potential for attacks
  • Fingerprint Authentication - never worry about onlookers or surveillance cameras
  • Self-Destruct Mechanism - thwart physical attacks before they begin
  • Web Authentication - innovative protection against supply chain attacks 
  • Dice Entropy - easily generate your own entropy by rolling dice
  • Multi-Signature Support - enables added security
  • PSBT Support - PSBT compatibility with third-party wallets
  • Shamir Backup - counteracts the two greatest risks for recovery phrase: theft and destruction

3. SafePal S1

SafePal securely stores your crypto assets in the most simple and easy way. Truly mobile-friendly, supporting major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, BNB, Ethereum, and all ERC20 tokens in one wallet. Start your worry-free crypto life with SafePal everywhere, every day
SafePal securely stores your crypto assets in the most simple and easy way. Truly mobile-friendly, supporting major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, BNB, Ethereum, and all ERC20 tokens in one wallet. Start your worry-free crypto life with SafePal everywhere, every day

SafePal is a multi-blockchain cryptocurrency wallet that enables secure and convenient crypto storage and management for the masses. It is the first hardware wallet invested and backed by Binance, and also the first IEO launchpad project on Binance in 2021.

SafePal provides hardware wallet and software wallet product lines, all paired and managed through the SafePal App, a mobile portal for users to secure, manage, swap, trade, and grow their crypto wealth. Right now, nearly 2.5 million users across the globe are using SafePal to manage their cryptocurrencies every day.

Briefly about the SafePal S1

SafePal securely stores your crypto assets in the most simple and easy way. Truly mobile-friendly, supporting major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, BNB, Ethereum, and all ERC20 tokens in one wallet. Start your worry-free crypto life with SafePal everywhere, every day
Binance - Want to trade Bitcoin?
  • SafePal S1 is a new hardware wallet project backed by Binance Labs.
  • It’s using the air-gapped connection mechanism and EAL 5+ security certification with the self-destruct mechanism in case of offline forceful attacks. Size of a credit card with 1.3 inch screen and 400mAh battery.
  • SafePal S1 supports 32 blockchains and 30,000+ tokens. It works with a SafePal App wallet available for Android and iOS devices.
  • SafePal S1 has an integrated DApps explorer for with the DApps nicely sorted networks tabs, but you can access them directly entering a link or search for it in order to connect.
  • SafePal S1 App also has an integrated swap for the coins and tokens and the exchange which s the Binance DEX (decentralized exchange) you can all use without leaving the App.
  • SafePal S1 and the SafePal App which acts on front end is a very functional wallet which allows quick swaps among coins and tokens on various networks, ability to buy them, and great for accessing DApps for many networks, DeFi – DEXes, lending, borrowing, yield farming, marketplaces.
  • SafePal specially made accessories to protect your Recovery Phrase.
  • SafePal Cypher Seed Board is made to protect your 12, 18 or 24 words wallet’s recovery phrase is made of 304- grade stainless steel fully resistant to water, salt and acid and can stand temperatures up to 2548°F/1398°C. 
  • The price is: $44,99

Visit to the SafePal Official Online Store >>>

SafePal - Your best guardian f crypto asset

SafePal S1 Discount Codes & Special Deals: 19 % Off

SafePal S1 Hardware Wallet + SafePal Cypher Seed Protection Board + SafePal Leather Protective Case (which looks really nice with SafePal logo) for $104.97 $129.97 (19% save) + Free shipping

You can find this offer in the SafePal official online store using our link.


Comparison: which air-gapped hardware wallet to choose?

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question - "Which wallet is better?". 

All wallets differ in price, technical characteristics and consumer properties.

Each user chooses a wallet based on their desires, capabilities and needs.

  • In general, ELLIPAL, Keystone and SafePal wallets use the same air gap technology and this is their overall competitive advantage (in terms of crypto asset security) compared to other hardware wallets, such as, for example, Trezor and Ledger.
  • ELLIPAL, Keystone, SafePal are fully hardware wallets with an air gap that use only a QR code to transmit data. They do not depend on any connections such as USB, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. These wallets have reliable protection against network attacks.
  • The build quality of all wallets is excellent.
  • The cases of the ELLIPAL and Keystone wallets are made of metal, unlike the case of the SafePal wallet, which is made of durable plastic. Thus, ELLIPAL and Keystone have high impact resistance and physical compression.
  • Keystone has a wide product line of wallet models with various technical characteristics (3 models) both for ordinary owners of crypto assets and for institutional investors. Therefore, prices for Keystone models have a wide range of $119, $169, and $479.
  • ELLIPAL, Keystone and SafePal offer a wide range - the hardware wallet itself, a seed phrase backup, a mobile application, useful accessories. Additionally, ELLIPAL offers a new product - ELLIPAL Joy Seed Phrase Generator.
  • All manufacturers of these wallets offer bundles of products, providing the buyer with significant discounts. At the same time, as a rule, the purchase of a bundle is the most profitable deal (discounts on purchase, discounts or free shipping).
  • The prices for wallets vary: 
  • SafePal is the lowest price level -  $49.99,
  • ELLIPAL is the average price level - $139.00,
  • Keystone is a wide range of prices ($119, $169and $479) from medium to high for 3 different models (at the consumer's choice).

In general, according to some expert opinion leaders, ELLIPAL Titan is the best air-gapped hardware wallet in terms of "price / quality / reliability / security".

ELLIPAL Titan is the best cold wallet

Cryptotag

Learn more about the best TOP 30 hardware cryptocurrency wallets

You can see this list here.


TOP 29 Hardware Wallets, the Official Online Stores

1
Trezor hardware wallet, the official online store
2
Ledger hardware wallet, the official online store
3
KeepKey hardware wallet, the  official online store
4
BitBox02 hardware wallet, the official online store
5
CoolWallet hardware wallet, the official online store
6
ELLIPAL hardware wallet, the official online store
7
D'CENT hardware wallet, the official online store.
8
SafePal hardware wallet, the official online store
9
SecuX hardware wallet, the official online store
10
BC Vault hardware wallet, the official online store
11
BitLox hardware wallet, the official online store
12

Keystone hardware wallet, the official online store

13
ProKey hardware wallet, the official online store
14
NGRAVE hardware wallet, the official online store
15
Keevo hardware wallet, the official online store
16
GridPlus hardware wallet, the official online store
17
Ballet hardware wallet, the official online store
18
OPOLO hardware wallet, the official online store
19
Foundation (Passport) hardware wallet, the official online store
20
ImKey hardware wallet, the official online store
21
Tangem hardware wallet, the official online store
22
HashWallet hardware wallet, the official online store
23
Material Bitcoin hardware wallet, the official online store
24
ShieldFolio hardware wallet, the official online store
25
OneKey hardware wallet, the official online store
26
Blockstream Jade hardware wallet, the official online store
27
Cypherock hardware wallet, the official online store
28
Keepser hardware wallet, the official online store
29
NEXA hardware wallet, the official online store
ELLIPAL Titan is the best cold wallet

TOP 20 Best Metal Cold Storage Seed Phrase Backups, the Official Online Stores

Coinplate metal seed phrase backup