Recently, digital assets have been increasingly discussed in a broader context. Mainstream media has started to embrace them, and many investors are seriously incorporating Bitcoin into their portfolios, leading more people to become interested in "self-custody" of digital assets.

One of the most popular devices for serious users is the Hardware Wallet.

But when you start researching... you find too many options, making it hard to choose.

Today, the admin will guide you through the basic, easy-to-understand criteria for choosing a Hardware Wallet, along with a comparison of popular brands for which Bitcast is an official distributor.

Which model is suitable for beginners? Which is suitable for whom? Let's find out.

Security: A Key Criterion for Choosing a Hardware Wallet

Choosing the right Hardware Wallet requires considering several factors to ensure you get a device that best meets your needs.

1. Security

  • Secure Element (SE): This is a special chip designed to keep your Private key safe from tampering. It comes with EAL (Evaluation Assurance Level) certification, which indicates the thoroughness of the testing. The higher the EAL (e.g., EAL6+), the more rigorous the design and testing process.
  • Air-gapped: This means 100% offline operation. The device does not connect directly to the internet or other online devices. Communication occurs only via QR Code or MicroSD Card, completely preventing online threats.
  • Open-Source: The code for both hardware and software is publicly disclosed, allowing anyone to inspect it for vulnerabilities, thereby increasing transparency and trustworthiness.
  • Tamper Protection: Mechanisms designed to detect or prevent unauthorized access to the device, such as box seals or automatic data wiping if tampered with.
  • Backup Options: The standard method is Seed Phrase (BIP39), but some models support Shamir Backup (SLIP39), which splits the Seed Phrase into multiple parts for added security.


2. User Experience and Ease of Use

  • Interface: What kind of display does it have? Touchscreen, color screen, monochrome screen? What is the screen size? Is it a large screen that's easy to use like a smartphone, or a button-based format?
  • Ease of setup and connection to supplementary applications.


3. Technical Specifications

  • Display: Size and resolution affect the clarity of information display and transaction confirmation.
  • Connectivity: What options are available, such as USB-C, Bluetooth, QR Code, MicroSD?
  • Battery: Capacity and type (rechargeable, replaceable, or no battery, etc.).
  • Supported Cryptocurrencies: Does it only support Bitcoin, or does it support other coins and tokens as well?


4. Material & Build Quality

  • The materials used affect durability, feel, and appearance.


5. Price and Availability

  • Is the price suitable for your budget? It should be purchased from a trusted source to avoid counterfeit devices.


6. Suitability

  • Who is this device suitable for? E.g., beginners, those who prioritize maximum security, Bitcoin Maximalists, Multi-coin users, advanced users, etc.


The admin has compiled a comparison of 5 top hardware wallet brands that Bitcast officially distributes, presented in an easy-to-understand format. No need to worry about complexity, as the admin has summarized everything. Which ones are they? Let's take a look.


1. Foundation Passport Core (Batch 2): Grandma's Phone, but for Bitcoin Storage

Key Features

  • Bitcoin-focused only. Highly secure and stable, especially for Bitcoin enthusiasts.
  • 100% Air-gapped. Operates offline via QR Code and MicroSD only. USB-C is for charging only.
  • Open-Source for both hardware and software.
  • Premium Design: Durable materials using special glass and a copper-plated metal frame for a good tactile feel.
  • Removable battery. Uses Nokia BL-5C battery, easy to find and replace yourself.
  • T-9 keypad for input, like old mobile phones.


Security

  • Equipped with a Secure Element (Microchip 608b) to protect Private Keys.
  • Features tamper detection, security status indicator light, and anti-phishing phrases.


Suitable for

  • Users who primarily focus on Bitcoin and demand maximum air-gapped security.
  • Those who prioritize open-source solutions and material quality.
  • Beginners who want to try a premium Hardware Wallet.


Price: 8,550 Baht Foundation Passport


2. Blockstream Jade Plus: Smart Open-Source Device

Key Features

  • Supports Bitcoin and Liquid assets.
  • Virtual Secure Element (VSE): A unique security innovation for Jade. It doesn't use traditional SE chips but employs an encryption method where the decryption mechanism is kept off-device. It must work with a "Blind Oracle" (secret server), making it harder to hack because both the device and the Oracle must be breached.
  • Completely Open-Source.
  • Versatile connectivity with USB-C, Bluetooth, and QR Code.
  • 1.9-inch IPS LCD color screen for clear display.
  • Air-gapped firmware upgrades.


Security

  • Open-Source Virtual Secure Element.
  • Private Key stored offline, and the device does not connect directly to the internet.


Suitable for

  • Bitcoin and Liquid assets users who require high security and open-source transparency.
  • Those who prefer flexible connectivity (wired/wireless/offline).
  • Individuals interested in new and distinct security technologies.


Approximate Price: $149.99 (standard model) - $169 (metal model)


3. Keystone 3 Pro: Large Screen, Easy Touch, Many Coins

Key Features

  • 4-inch touchscreen, large and easy to use like a smartphone.
  • Supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and connects to various software wallets.
  • Air-gapped Design: Operates offline via QR Code and MicroSD. USB-C is for charging only in this mode.
  • Fingerprint unlock for security and convenience.
  • Can create up to 3 sets of Seed phrases.


Security

  • Equipped with 3 Secure Elements, certified EAL5+ or EAL6.
  • Anti Blind Signing system shows transaction details.
  • Automatic tamper protection (wipes data if tampered with).
  • Supports Shamir Backup and Multi-Sig.


Suitable for

  • Investors holding various coins and requiring high security.
  • Those who prefer large-screen Hardware Wallets with easy touch operation.
  • Regular users of software wallets.
  • Suitable for individuals with multiple portfolios or who separate assets.


Price: 5,390 Baht Keystone 3 Pro

 

4. OneKey

4.1) OneKey Classic 1S: Small, Thin, Portable, Many Coins

Key Features

  • 0.96-inch OLED monochrome screen (128x64 pixels).
  • USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Battery: 110mAh (standard model), "Pure" model has no battery.
  • Supports over 5,000 cryptocurrencies.
  • Extremely portable (thin and light).


Security

  • Security chips: ATECC608A and THD89.
  • Secure Element (EAL 6+).
  • Open-Source 📖.
  • Well-sealed packaging to prevent tampering during transit.


Suitable for

  • Users who require extreme portability.
  • Budget-conscious individuals.
  • Those with diverse Altcoin/NFT portfolios.
  • Users who value open-source and certified security.

 

Price

Onekey Classic 1S: 3,790 Baht One Key Classic 1S

Onekey Classic 1S Pure: 3,390 Baht One Key Classic 1S Pure


4.2) OneKey Pro 🔑: Top-tier, Feature-rich, Maximum Security

Key Features

  • 3.5-inch IPS color touchscreen with multi-touch support.
  • Wireless charging, just place it down to charge, super convenient.
  • Fingerprint unlock on the power button.
  • Supports over 5,000 cryptocurrencies and compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
  • Connects via Bluetooth, USB-C, and Air-Gapped (QR code).

 

Security

  • Equipped with 4 Secure Elements, certified EAL6+.
  • Air-gapped Signing via camera (scan QR to sign transactions).
  • Tamper-evident labels: can indicate if the box has been opened before.
  • Well-sealed packaging to prevent tampering during transit.

 

Suitable for

  • Users who demand ultimate Hardware Wallet security (with multiple and high-level Secure Elements).
  • Investors with diverse portfolios who require comprehensive premium features.
  • Those who appreciate convenience of use, such as wireless charging and fingerprint scanning.


Price: 10,900 Baht: One Key Pro

 

5. Trezor: Master of Open-Source and Reliability

5.1) Trezor Model One: Classic, Original, Affordable

Key Features

  • Lowest price.
  • 0.96-inch OLED monochrome screen with two buttons.
  • Reliable, having been in the market for over 10 years.
  • Used with the Trezor Suite app.


Security

  • Fully Open-Source.
  • Enter PIN/Passphrase directly on the device.
  • Tamper-evident seal.
  • Can be used as 2FA.


Suitable for

  • Beginners and budget-conscious users.
  • Those seeking reliable and easy-to-use Cold Storage.
  • Individuals who don't require complex features or extensive coin support.


Price: 3,315 Baht: Trezor model one


5.2) Trezor Safe 3: Small Model with Secure Element, Great Value

Key Features

  • Accessible price.
  • 0.96-inch OLED monochrome screen with two buttons (classic).
  • Available in Bitcoin-only and multi-currency versions.
  • 20-word Seed phrase (SLIP-39 standard) and also supports BIP-39.
  • Used with the Trezor Suite app.


Security

  • Equipped with a Secure Element certified EAL6+ (this model adds an SE).
  • Open-Source.
  • Enter PIN/Passphrase directly on the device.


Suitable for

  • Beginners who want a good quality Hardware Wallet with a Secure Element at an affordable price.
  • Those who want Bitcoin-only at a budget price.


Price: 4,360 Baht

Bitcoin-only model: Trezor Safe 3 - Bitcoin only

Standard model: Trezor Safe 3


5.3) Trezor Safe 5: Color Touchscreen, Smooth, Ultimate Security

Key Features

  • 1.54-inch color LCD touchscreen, 240x240 pixels with Haptic Feedback.
  • USB-C connectivity.
  • 160MHz embedded ARM processor (Cortex M33).
  • MicroSD slot.
  • Available in Bitcoin-only and multi-currency versions.
  • 20-word Seed phrase (SLIP-39 standard) and also supports BIP-39.
  • Used with the Trezor Suite app.


Security

  • Secure Element (EAL 6+) 🛡️.
  • Shamir Backup.
  • Open-Source 📖.
  • Gorilla® Glass 3 screen 🦍.
  • Enter PIN/Passphrase directly on the device.


Suitable for

  • New and experienced investors.
  • Those who prioritize security.
  • Those who desire an easy-to-use user experience.

 

Price: 10,440 Baht

Bitcoin-only model: Trezor Safe 5 - Bitcoin only

Standard model: Trezor Safe 5 


Conclusion: Choose the Right Hardware Wallet for You

Deciding on the best Hardware Wallet depends primarily on your needs and priorities.

  • Budget: What is your budget? From the affordable Trezor Model One to the feature-rich and higher-priced OneKey Pro.
  • Types of coins you hold: Do you focus solely on Bitcoin, or do you have a diverse portfolio?
  • Level of security and type you require: Do you need air-gapped? Or do you need the highest level of Secure Element, or more than one Secure Element?
  • Expected ease of use: This depends on personal preference, such as whether you prefer buttons or a touchscreen, monochrome or color screen, small or large size, etc.


The admin hopes this article helps you choose a Hardware Wallet that suits your investment style and usage.