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***Let me begin by saying that NONE of the information in this article should be used as investment advice. We’re reviewing Trezor cryptocurrency hardware wallets because they offer the best platform to safely and securely store cryptocurrencies offline. Any other thoughts or beliefs conveyed about cryptocurrencies are only speculative.
The Bitcoin Boom
Here at Superior Digital News, we talk a lot about PHYSICAL fitness technology, but you should never neglect your FINANCIAL fitness. The ‘new’ world of Bitcoin, Etherum, Dogecoin, NFT’s, and other cryptocurrencies have been gradually gaining momentum with more and more people figuring out beneficial ways to use the platforms. From currency to fraud-proof contracts, the sky is the limit!
Leading advocates, like Michael Saylor, view cryptocurrencies (specifically Bitcoin) as the safest and most efficient way to store “value” in the history of mankind. Even more than gold! Yet, Mr. Saylor also agrees that the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies is still “a few years” in the future, so this market is very volatile. Hence the term, H.O.D.L. (or buy and Hold On for Dear Life).
Where Is The Best Place To HODL?
If you’ve already been in the cryptocurrency space for a while, hopefully, you’re already aware of the value of cold storage. If you’re new to crypto and looking to start collecting coins, Trezor is one of the best platforms to set yourself up for success. Here’s why:
Online Exchange VS Offline Storage
It’s extremely easy to buy any cryptocurrency. You can use any exchange that is compatible with the specific coin you’re looking to stash. The biggest problem is that cryptocurrencies left on exchanges like Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Robinhood are only I.O.U.’s. To TRULY ‘hold’ your crypto assets safely, you need some sort of offline storage.
Trezor has the perfect tech for all the smart-savers and extreme-HODLers out there. Their family of advanced cryptocurrency hardware wallets feature best-in-class security and ever-expanding compatibility with popular cryptocurrencies. Even if you like the panic features of hardware wallets like ColdCard, they’re better than the alternatives.
Offline PC And Phone Storage?
By now, you might be wondering why you can’t just use an offline PC, smartphone (in Airplane Mode), or some other “disconnected” smart device. Besides having numerous other security loopholes, hard drive and battery failures are the Achilles Heel of these types of storage methods. To store your cryptocurrencies, it’s best to have an air-gapped device that’s MEANT to store cryptocurrencies.
To better understand, just look at your hardware wallet the same way you look at a safe for your gold. It ONLY needs to be good at storing the gold safely and discreetly. No more and no less.
What's The Purpose Of TRUE Offline Storage?
Besides the risk of theft or loss of your cryptocurrencies, the worst part of keeping your crypto on an exchange is the tax liabilities. Most investors are aware of numerous taxable events caused by day-trading or swing-trading stocks, but doing the same with cryptocurrencies has some investors in a bit of a pickle during tax season.
Using crypto to purchase things is also a financial jungle. Whether you want to use some Dogecoin to pay for a coffee or you want to pay your employees in Bitcoin, there’s one BIG problem. At least one of the parties in the transaction is going to incur exchange fees and possibly extra taxes on capitol gains, but that’s a debate for another article.
Lock It Up And KEEP The Key
In a nutshell, unless your local economy adopts one specific coin, cryptocurrencies are best used as a “stored value.” This is where hardware wallets come in. There are plenty of good Bitcoin-only hardware wallets, but Trezor makes it easy to store your Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and most other popular altcoins securely in one digital safe.
The Golden Rule Of Buying
Even though Trezor is our favorite, there are other great cryptocurrency hardware wallets out there. It’s understandable if you feel that other options like Ledger, ColdCard, and KeepKey fit your needs better, but there’s one thing you should always do.
ALWAYS BUY YOUR CRYPTOCURRENCY HARDWARE WALLETS FROM THE COMPANY THEMSELVES!!!
Going through a 3rd-party supplier is one of the first ways your crypto hardware wallet can get compromised. You can ‘safely’ purchase on Amazon.com, but make sure the seller is the company themselves. On the other hand, THE BEST WAY is to purchase your cryptocurrency hardware wallets directly from the company website.
Conclusion
The Trezor One and Model T are both fitted with the essential security and compatibility to meet most investors’ needs, so you really can’t go wrong. If you’re more of an active investor interested in the emerging altcoin market then the Trezor Model T is your best bet. Besides the color screen, it has the best compatibility with various altcoins and plenty of extra security features. The only thing I don’t like about Trezor is their lack of compatbility with iPhone and iOS in general.
Here are the main features for both so pick the model that works for you:
Best Cryptocurrency Hardware Wallets
Trezor Model T
Specs
- PIN and passphrase entry via computer or mobile
- Device Recovery via Computer or mobile
- Bitcoin-only firmware option
- Shamir backup integration
- Cloud-based password manager (microSD support soon!)
- U2F secure two-factor authentication
- FIDO2-compatible
- GPG encryption
- Data and file encryption (coming soon!)
Trezor Model One
Specs
- PIN and passphrase entry via computer or mobile
- Device Recovery via Computer or mobile
- Bitcoin-only firmware option
- Cloud-based password manager
- U2F secure two-factor authentication
- GPG encryption