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Topic: Best open source hardware wallets for BTC? - page 3. (Read 662 times)

hero member
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Does anyone know of any good hardware wallets that are open source? I've been using a Ledger Nano for years but not being open source is a deal breaker for me. With the Ledger Recover feature meant to help restore people's private keys/seeds by complying with KYC, the hardware wallet could be compromised as we know it. If it's not open source, it cannot be trusted.

Any suggestions and/or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Smiley
The real deal-breaker isn't whether wallet is open-source or not (at least for me) but the clear vision of the company that builds that wallet. Ledger is a company with very cynical attitude towards their own customers and they are very money-oriented instead of being a privacy-oriented company.
At some point, the same applies to Trezor. While they are open-source, it doesn't mean their wallet is secure because their devices suffer from unfixable seed extraction vulnerabilities and at the same time, the problem lies within company too. This company is very pro-government, has partnered with Wasabi and Blockchain Analysis companies.

By the way, when it comes to advice, o_e_l_e_o is someone you should listen to, here I'll quote my question and his answer:
That has happened in 2019, do they still suffer from the same problem? Btw they removed the support of AOPP but yeah, what you say about them is true.
It's interesting to know what you think about Coldcard or do you think that no hardware wallet is trustable and airgapped encrypted devices are the only last and one devices to use.
As I said, the vulnerability is unfixable. It still exists and will always exist on these devices. Coldcard is certainly airgapped, but it is not open source as Pmalek points out and the company behind it spread lies about competitors for their own gain. I personally wouldn't use it.

If I had to buy a hardware wallet right now, I would buy a Passport. But I'd much rather continue to use a separate airgapped, encrypted device, running a FOSS OS and wallet.
legendary
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Some are using trezor and they say it is open source and cheaper than Ledger. In my opinion, I don't think anything is 100% secure, and Ledger is an example. We trusted them for years until they announced their damn service. The best way is that you divide your assets into parts and store them in different wallets, I think only then will our assets be more secure.

I think Ledger sold itself to the government. They were pushed to comply with KYC through their own little service. But the community is not stupid. Most hardcore crypto users will now abandon Ledger products because of this. It's a pity because I've thought the company stood for crypto's original values. With open source hardware wallets, you don't need to trust the company other than to verify the code if everything is secure. Who knows if these alternatives ultimately beat Ledger in the long run?

It can be said that what Ledger did has disappointed many people. But we need to realize one thing, all these hardware wallet companies are in business, and they are regulated by the government. If the government cannot control the bitcoin network, then of course, they will target exchanges, hardware wallet companies, or all the companies that provide bitcoin related services to control bitcoin indirectly. I also fear that other hardware wallet companies like Trezor will be unable to avoid government pursuit. They won't stop until they reach their goal. So I have more worries in the future, we should find another solution instead of like before, always thinking that hardware wallet is the safest.
A HW device can remain safe if it is not assembled / created by the hands of such companies as Ledger or Trezor. I am inclined to believe that sooner or later any manufacturer of hardware wallets may come under pressure from states, and even ideological companies (supporters of the ideas of the cryptocommunity) will be forced to surrender. Therefore, I believe that the safest HW wallet will be the device that you assemble with your own hands. The BTC-community needs to look in this direction and develop such an opportunity, when even an ordinary user without special technical skills can assemble such a device as a designer. Assembled the physical part, installed the firmware, connected it to electrum and use it.

Decentralized hardware wallets must also be decentralized, otherwise all this decentralization becomes meaningless. Bitcoin in your wallet should not depend on HW manufacturers anyone.
legendary
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Some are using trezor and they say it is open source and cheaper than Ledger. In my opinion, I don't think anything is 100% secure, and Ledger is an example. We trusted them for years until they announced their damn service. The best way is that you divide your assets into parts and store them in different wallets, I think only then will our assets be more secure.

I think Ledger sold itself to the government. They were pushed to comply with KYC through their own little service. But the community is not stupid. Most hardcore crypto users will now abandon Ledger products because of this. It's a pity because I've thought the company stood for crypto's original values. With open source hardware wallets, you don't need to trust the company other than to verify the code if everything is secure. Who knows if these alternatives ultimately beat Ledger in the long run?

It can be said that what Ledger did has disappointed many people. But we need to realize one thing, all these hardware wallet companies are in business, and they are regulated by the government. If the government cannot control the bitcoin network, then of course, they will target exchanges, hardware wallet companies, or all the companies that provide bitcoin related services to control bitcoin indirectly. I also fear that other hardware wallet companies like Trezor will be unable to avoid government pursuit. They won't stop until they reach their goal. So I have more worries in the future, we should find another solution instead of like before, always thinking that hardware wallet is the safest.
hero member
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I can advise you to seriously consider Blockstream's Jade hardware wallet as it has all the code clearly visible on Github and a very low cost of around $70 or so.  And that's not all, you can also compile this wallet on an esp32 card such as the lygo or stick c plus and reduce costs to just a few tens of dollars.  Furthermore, I had already talked about this choice in the thread opened a few weeks ago. 
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.62169741

While if you ask me which is the best software, my choice falls on Electrum.

Pretty cool. I like the fact that the Jade wallet is a lot cheaper than the Ledger Nano X. But your solution seems to be even better using an esp32card. I wonder if this will work on smartphones (Android) or only on PC? I'm usually mobile, so I'd prefer something I could use to pay with BTC wherever I go. With this, who needs Ledger anymore?





Tell me if it works?  Absolutely yes.  If you compile the code in one of the esp32 ones like the basic core (which I recommend because it has the most practical buttons) it already has the integrated bluetooth function if you don't disable it from the config file, so you download the Green wallet again from Blockstream for the management of the wallet and pair with the device via bluetooth.  Done.  I also advise you if you want a top layer of security to add the 25 word or seedphrase and keep it in mind just for you, so even if they come into possession of your seed they would find an empty wallet.  But you can also set up a 2 of 2 multisig wallet with OTP authenticator again using Greeen.
legendary
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I can advise you to seriously consider Blockstream's Jade hardware wallet as it has all the code clearly visible on Github and a very low cost of around $70 or so.  And that's not all, you can also compile this wallet on an esp32 card such as the lygo or stick c plus and reduce costs to just a few tens of dollars.  Furthermore, I had already talked about this choice in the thread opened a few weeks ago. 
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.62169741

While if you ask me which is the best software, my choice falls on Electrum.

Pretty cool. I like the fact that the Jade wallet is a lot cheaper than the Ledger Nano X. But your solution seems to be even better using an esp32card. I wonder if this will work on smartphones (Android) or only on PC? I'm usually mobile, so I'd prefer something I could use to pay with BTC wherever I go. With this, who needs Ledger anymore?


Some are using trezor and they say it is open source and cheaper than Ledger. In my opinion, I don't think anything is 100% secure, and Ledger is an example. We trusted them for years until they announced their damn service. The best way is that you divide your assets into parts and store them in different wallets, I think only then will our assets be more secure.

I think Ledger sold itself to the government. They were pushed to comply with KYC through their own little service. But the community is not stupid. Most hardcore crypto users will now abandon Ledger products because of this. It's a pity because I've thought the company stood for crypto's original values. With open source hardware wallets, you don't need to trust the company other than to verify the code if everything is secure. Who knows if these alternatives ultimately beat Ledger in the long run?
legendary
Activity: 2212
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Does anyone know of any good hardware wallets that are open source? I've been using a Ledger Nano for years but not being open source is a deal breaker for me. With the Ledger Recover feature meant to help restore people's private keys/seeds by complying with KYC, the hardware wallet could be compromised as we know it. If it's not open source, it cannot be trusted.
You won't find one ideal open source hardware wallet device, all of them have some plus and minuses but you can find few of them that works for you.
If you are using only Bitcoin than one of the good hardware wallets is Passport by Foundation, and for multicoin wallets Keystone is not bad and they are both airgapped.
I am not recommending purchase of any closed source wallets like ledger, but I would also skip overpriced Trezor Model T.

Here is the list of Open Source Hardware wallets I am maintaining:

legendary
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After all, I think we’ll all reach one conclusion: the best storage is cold storage by using older hardware (eg. an old laptop). Keep that thing offline and use Electrum, there’s nothing else you’ll ever need, man.

I’m so tired and sick of their BS. All these companies are obviously targets and some of them will kneel to the government. Just.. DIY a great cold storage and roll with it.

I like this method, and I am planning it too, prepare an old pc and install linux os, combine it with Electrum, and keep them always offline. I think it is more secure than any hardware wallet on the market because they are all manufactured by companies, and these companies cannot resist government control. Bad things have happened to Ledger, and if the government doesn't want to stop it, other hardware companies will be next.

I have also seen some investors using this method, a friend of mine had a hard time owning a hardware wallet because their country completely banned cryptocurrencies. Using a separate computer just to store bitcoins and always offline is something he has been doing for years. So far, I haven't heard any problems from him, and they are fine with this method. With what happened to Ledger is something we need to be more concerned about because I think it will not only occur to Ledger, but maybe other companies will also be the next target of the government. They cannot control the bitcoin network, but they can control crypto-related companies. That will also seriously affect us.
legendary
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After all, I think we’ll all reach one conclusion: the best storage is cold storage by using older hardware (eg. an old laptop). Keep that thing offline and use Electrum, there’s nothing else you’ll ever need, man.

I’m so tired and sick of their BS. All these companies are obviously targets and some of them will kneel to the government. Just.. DIY a great cold storage and roll with it.

I like this method, and I am planning it too, prepare an old pc and install linux os, combine it with Electrum, and keep them always offline. I think it is more secure than any hardware wallet on the market because they are all manufactured by companies, and these companies cannot resist government control. Bad things have happened to Ledger, and if the government doesn't want to stop it, other hardware companies will be next.
hero member
Activity: 504
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I can advise you to seriously consider Blockstream's Jade hardware wallet as it has all the code clearly visible on Github and a very low cost of around $70 or so. 
I'm torn between this and Trezor. I am using their blockstream green wallet software and also saw their other product which is the hardware wallet. But I think, there's more confidence in the usage of Trezor as it's the other hardware wallet that's next or now over than the Ledger hardware wallets.

While if you ask me which is the best software, my choice falls on Electrum.
Yeah, it's an open source and one of the best wallets but it's not a hardware wallet.

I really don't like Trezor and its way of storing the seed, please note that Jade does not have a secure element but it has a double PIN function that protects the seed and it can be self hosted this part as well.  Also with the camera and QR system you have implemented an excellent airgapped function.  Keep these things in mind, as well as the fact that if you opt for the auto compile code solution you won't have to trust any third party but yourself.
jr. member
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After all, I think we’ll all reach one conclusion: the best storage is cold storage by using older hardware (eg. an old laptop). Keep that thing offline and use Electrum, there’s nothing else you’ll ever need, man.

I’m so tired and sick of their BS. All these companies are obviously targets and some of them will kneel to the government. Just.. DIY a great cold storage and roll with it.
legendary
Activity: 2170
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Since it's a software wallet, you can risk losing your BTC if the hacker gets access to your device. With a hardware wallet, they'd need to get physical access to the wallet and enter a PIN to steal all of your coins. Electrum allows you to create a cold storage wallet, but I'd certainly won't be using that to make day-to-day payments with BTC. That's why I prefer hardware wallets, even though some are expensive.
I believe you can also install Electrum on a live USB if you don't want to expose your wallet continuously to the internet. For example, buying a mini-PC dedicated to running a live USB with Electrum, or just an air-gapped device in general.

Some are using trezor and they say it is open source and cheaper than Ledger. In my opinion, I don't think anything is 100% secure, and Ledger is an example. We trusted them for years until they announced their damn service. The best way is that you divide your assets into parts and store them in different wallets, I think only then will our assets be more secure.
I don't think they expect Trezor or other open-source hardware wallets to be immune from exploits or bugs in the first place. However, it is certainly better compared to using Ledger after their latest fiasco. You can simply build your own device and verify the firmware/etc since it is open source. Using multiple wallets increases the burden of making backups. Sure you can do it, but if you use closed-source software then I don't see it as a significantly better option. CMIIW.
sr. member
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Some are using trezor and they say it is open source and cheaper than Ledger. In my opinion, I don't think anything is 100% secure, and Ledger is an example. We trusted them for years until they announced their damn service. The best way is that you divide your assets into parts and store them in different wallets, I think only then will our assets be more secure.
hero member
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Ledger is a good hardware wallet. 
It used to be. I still have it and I have a choice to find another one and these concerns really are valid. Although the recover feature is an opt-in, we don't like it to be like that.

I can advise you to seriously consider Blockstream's Jade hardware wallet as it has all the code clearly visible on Github and a very low cost of around $70 or so. 
I'm torn between this and Trezor. I am using their blockstream green wallet software and also saw their other product which is the hardware wallet. But I think, there's more confidence in the usage of Trezor as it's the other hardware wallet that's next or now over than the Ledger hardware wallets.

While if you ask me which is the best software, my choice falls on Electrum.
Yeah, it's an open source and one of the best wallets but it's not a hardware wallet.
hero member
Activity: 504
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I can advise you to seriously consider Blockstream's Jade hardware wallet as it has all the code clearly visible on Github and a very low cost of around $70 or so.  And that's not all, you can also compile this wallet on an esp32 card such as the lygo or stick c plus and reduce costs to just a few tens of dollars.  Furthermore, I had already talked about this choice in the thread opened a few weeks ago. 
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.62169741

While if you ask me which is the best software, my choice falls on Electrum.
copper member
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I would let you go through this link and choose your own wallet for Bitcoin: https://bitcoin.org/en/choose-your-wallet
It will make you go through some steps and you will be educated enough to select the wallet which is best for you.

Some people mentioned Electrum, it's a software wallet and not a real hardware wallet.
legendary
Activity: 3220
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Who need a closed source hardware wallet?

I can use an open source non custodial wallet like Electrum wallet, and set up a multisig wallet with Electrum or a cold wallet with Electrum. It is safer than using a closed source hardware wallet.

Electrum is nice. But it's not as convenient as a hardware wallet per se. Since it's a software wallet, you can risk losing your BTC if the hacker gets access to your device. With a hardware wallet, they'd need to get physical access to the wallet and enter a PIN to steal all of your coins. Electrum allows you to create a cold storage wallet, but I'd certainly won't be using that to make day-to-day payments with BTC. That's why I prefer hardware wallets, even though some are expensive.

The list of open source hardware wallets seems to be growing each day, so only time will tell us if Ledger will become history. Bitcoin is all about self-custody, so who needs to trust a company for securing your keys? Smiley
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Trezor, paper wallet, i love paper wallet. When needed, use Electrum to spend from the paper wallet.
hero member
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Does anyone know of any good hardware wallets that are open source?

I didn't used open source hardware hardware wallet yet and those who already used these wallets can give better answer. I am using safepal hardware wallet because i am holding new Altcoins chains also and Safepal is suitable for me but this wallet is not open sourced and also multi coins hardware wallet is not best option to store btc.

However i searched on google and found that trezor and keystone are recommended by many users.  Trezor are most demanded wallet and i saw many users are reviewing positive about this wallet. ledger nano are now changing and it's becoming more centralized which is against the reason users want to choose hardware wallet


I asked ChatGpt about best open source btc hardware wallet and here is answer

Quote

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there are several open-source hardware wallets available for storing Bitcoin (BTC). However, it's important to note that the landscape of hardware wallets can change over time, so it's recommended to conduct your own research and verify the latest information before making a decision.

One popular open-source hardware wallet for Bitcoin is the Trezor Model T. Trezor is a well-established brand known for its security features and user-friendly interface. The Trezor Model T supports multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, and offers features like a touch screen, passphrase encryption, and a secure recovery process.

Another option is the Coldcard Wallet, developed by Coinkite. It is designed specifically for Bitcoin and offers advanced security features such as multi-signature support, hardware-based entropy, and air-gapped signing. The Coldcard Wallet is open source, and its firmware is available on GitHub, allowing the community to verify and audit the code.

While these are popular choices, it's essential to consider your own requirements, security preferences, and any additional features you may need before selecting a hardware wallet. Additionally, it's always a good practice to check for the latest information and reviews to ensure you make an informed decision based on the most up-to-date knowledge available.
legendary
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They are losing customers. Closed source, and their Ledger Recovery Service broke basics of a good wallet.
I heard they plan to make more of their code open-source in the future. I guess that's inevitable unless they want to go out of business after their last recovery fiasco. Kinda weird that it needs to go this far before they even consider asking themselves whether they are doing a smart thing or not.

You are speaking fact here but do you know that the Electrum wallet stays online most times because you are running on your smartphone with a 24/7 internet connection?
I believe he refers to using Electrum with a cold storage setup., not a phone/a hot wallet. You can also force yourself to use a phone and never turn on the internet I guess, but why not use other devices at that point? Anyone who uses their phone to manage their crypto should realize the risk in the first place. CMIIW.
legendary
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You are speaking fact here but do you know that the Electrum wallet stays online most times because you are running on your smartphone with a 24/7 internet connection? This is where hardware wallets beat got wallets, staying offline is what hardware is good at and this makes them the best type of crypto wallet, but Electrum as a open source wallet is better than hardware wallets that are closed source, your point is valid.

I did not see anyone talking about the Electrum mobile app for smartphones.

Electrum mobile is great if you want to make frequent transactions or payments, but if safety is your primary concern I recommend using Electrum on an offline computer. If you need to make transactions, you can always use Electrum on a smartphone or online computer in watch-only mode.

I am not saying you should not use a good open-source hardware wallet, but if one is too expensive for your budget there are other options that can be almost as secure (if not more so).
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