Pros:
1. Best user interface on the market
2. Allows for up to 80 additional wallets
(Example: XRP-Jason, BTC-Retirement)
3. Three additional layers of security:
25th word
Biometric entry
Pass code
4. Skip the exchange and easily buy, sell, swap within the app.
Cons:
1. 25th word setup requires full re-entry of seed phrase - time suck.
2. Recovery process does not include the names of your additional wallets. These must be entered manually for funds to show up.
In Development
Black Seed Ink Research Labs tested the D’Cent hardware wallet and recommends it for cold storage. That’s why we’re forging DX, a precision-fit aluminum case made specifically for D’Cent. It’s lightweight, affordable, and designed for daily access with a clean, CNC forged minimalist profile. Subscribe for first look at specs, pricing, and photos before public release.
Trademark note: D’Cent is a trademark of IoTrust. Black Seed Ink is not affiliated with or endorsed by IoTrust.
Black Seed Ink Research Labs pick: Tangem Wallet
Tangem is a Switzerland company offering a clean on-ramp to cold storage for first-timers, and a fast, reliable grab-and-go option for experienced users. Setup is quick, guided in-app, and uses two (or optionally three) cards to create and back up a single wallet.
When you initialize Tangem, you can typically choose between seedless (card-based backup) or a seed phrase wallet. If you want maximum recovery flexibility, we suggest strongly considering the seed phrase route—because if every card is lost or damaged, you’ll only be able to recover funds if you still have that seed phrase (stored safely, offline). There are plenty of walkthroughs online if you want to preview the flow before you start.
Pros
Cons
Tangem is a hardware wallet in a card (or ring) form factor that uses your phone’s NFC (Near Field Communication) to sign transactions—no cables, batteries, or charging.
Tangem pricing varies by bundle, but on Tangem’s official pricing page the 2-card set is typically listed around $54.90, the 3-card set around $69.90, and larger bundles (like a family pack) higher; ring bundles can land around the $150–$160 range depending on the offer.
To save 10%, enter our discount code 6Y67KD on the pricing page or at checkout (look for the “promo code” field).
With seedless, the backup is handled through the extra card(s). With a seed phrase wallet, you can restore funds even if you lose the cards - as long as your seed phrase is stored safely offline. Tangem supports an optional seed phrase flow on newer cards.
Tangem says it can import a wallet created with a BIP39 (Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 39) seed phrase + passphrase, but it does not support creating a brand-new Tangem wallet with a passphrase (at least per their guidance).
Pros:
1. Secure element certified to EAL6+
2. Easily store XRP, XLM, SOL, ETH, BTC, and ERC20 tokens.
3. Adding a passphrase is easy for an extra layer of protection.
4. Skip the exchange and easily buy, sell, swap within the app.
5. Customer support is solid.
6. Best for last - It's fully open source!
Cons:
1. The UI is not as beautiful nor bountiful as other hardware wallet apps like Tangem and D'Cent, but it's getting better.
2. You can't create a wallet for coins without first having the token (Example: You need an ETH wallet before you can store XCN, Quant, Velo). This can be confusing for newbies.
We make accessories for certain models. Accessory sales do not influence which wallets we recommend or how we review them.
Your seed phrase is the master key to your assets. Never store it in email, screenshots, or cloud notes. Use a durable offline backup such as a metal plate. Always keep backups in separate secure locations.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps fund our continued research of hardware wallets - the key to self-custody and freedom. Pricing and availability can change without notice. Any trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.
The information on this page is for education and entertainment only. It is not financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Do your own research and consult qualified professionals before making decisions. We do not manufacture or control third-party hardware wallets. Use of any product is at your own risk. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding accuracy, reliability, or suitability. We are not liable for any loss, including loss of funds, device failure, misconfiguration, phishing, or user error. You are solely responsible for safeguarding your seed phrase and private keys. By using this site and purchasing through our links, you agree to these terms and to follow all applicable laws in your jurisdiction.
