Methodology · Hardware wallets
Methodology: hardware wallets
Here we explain how the wallet comparison shows features, price bands and sources — and what we leave out. There is no overall editorial score and no test winner. You filter and sort yourself.
On this page
No ranking
We do not award grades, points or awards. Wallets start in a neutral order — this is not a recommendation or a “best wallet” verdict. Security, connection and asset fit are in the matrix; you sort and filter yourself.
Feature comparison without an overall score
The matrix shows documented features — SE claim, open source share, connection (USB, Bluetooth, NFC, air gap), backup (BIP39, SLIP39) and chain support. Security is multi-signal: never derived from a single characteristic.
Personal suitability (Bitcoin-only, iPhone, Air-Gap) are filters — they do not influence an editorial ranking. Commercial placement (sponsored/partner) requires labeling and is not included in the matrix sorting.
Missing information and source conflicts
If a documented number or statement is missing, the cell remains empty (—). We do not invent and handle 0 values unknown not as negative. We mark contradictory sources as contradictory — not still as a better value.
Outdated or unclear information appears expressly; Without a proven source and test date, critical claims will not be released as indexable facts.
Entry level / mid-range / top models
The three presets use RRP price bands; they are not test winners or security rankings. Entry-level: lower-priced models. Mid-range: the middle price band. Premium: higher-priced devices. Without a saved selection or products specified in the link, your comparison starts empty. Choose two wallets, use a preset or open the full catalogue. The overview with six examples always remains visible.
Affiliate separation
Commission, EPC or cookie duration are not included in the matrix. Affiliate redirects only go over /go/{id}; A lack of affiliate offers is not a ranking disadvantage. More on this inMethodology Hub.
Market scope
The category hardware-wallets is a curated MVP(limited number of products), not a complete market overview. Missing models are not a devaluation of the listed devices.
Update
Specs, sources and offers are maintained on an ad hoc basis - no fixed weekly or monthly cycle (see Methodology Hub and About Us). Source retrieval/verification data is visible on product pages. Internal quality warnings (not a user promise): Features and sources 90 days, offers and affiliate links30 days without retrieval — without scraping. The risk-based review waves and escalation to the editorial team/owner are documented in the update process.
Apply comparison
The rules above apply to the feature comparison matrix. Return to the general methodology or go straight to the wallet comparison.