# What is a hardware wallet?

Source URL: https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/wallets/security-and-storage/what-is-a-hardware-wallet
Updated: 2026-04-24T13:56:28.000Z
Category: Wallets
Section: Security and Storage

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A hardware wallet, also referred to as a signing device, is a physical storage device designed to generate and store public and private keys offline, as well as sign transactions.  
  
Despite lacking some of the functionality of other wallet types, it offers improved security and simplicity for a minimal attack surface. It functions as an external device when working with other wallet types, creating and storing keys, and Bitcoin addresses for receiving and signing transactions for spending. The software on the other wallet types handles all other tasks.  
  
Recommended Bitcoin hardware wallets: [Blockstream Jade](https://blockstream.com/jade/?ref=blog.blockstream.com), [Coldcard](https://coldcard.com/?ref=blog.blockstream.com), [BitBotx02](https://bitbox.swiss/bitbox02/?ref=blog.blockstream.com).

Navigation: Blockstream Help Center > Education > Wallets > What is a hardware wallet?

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- [How does a custodial wallet differ from a non-custodial wallet?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/wallets/security-and-storage/how-does-a-custodial-wallet-differ-from-a-non-custodial-wallet)
- [What is a hardware wallet?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/wallets/security-and-storage/what-is-a-hardware-wallet) (current)