September 25, 2025
By Anjali Kochhar
The 2025 Global Hardware Wallet Survey, based on responses from more than 2,100 participants worldwide, offers key insights into the preferences, priorities, and behaviours of cryptocurrency holders. The findings highlight how users balance their concerns over security, convenience, and usability as digital assets become more mainstream.
Security as the Primary Concern
Unsurprisingly, security emerged as the most important factor for hardware wallet adoption. 72% of respondents identified security as their top priority, confirming that asset protection remains non-negotiable for investors. Within security features, secure-element chips ranked highest (41%), followed by open-source firmware (23%) and multi-signature backups (21%). These results emphasize that users seek a combination of both robust hardware protections and transparent, verifiable software.
Connectivity Preferences
When it comes to wallet connectivity, the survey reveals a clear split. 37.6% of users prefer USB-C or wired connections, underlining a continued reliance on direct, stable links over convenience. However, 32.7% support Bluetooth connectivity, showing significant interest in mobility and wireless interaction. Meanwhile, 17.9% favor air-gapped wallets, which use QR codes to avoid direct internet exposure. These preferences demonstrate the tension between convenience and maximum isolation in protecting digital assets.
Display and User Interface
The survey shows growing expectations for wallet interfaces. 46% of participants prefer large, color touchscreens, reflecting the desire for clarity and confidence during transaction verification. Smaller displays or basic designs are increasingly seen as outdated. Hardware wallets are no longer perceived merely as storage devices but as user-friendly management tools for digital wealth.
Multi-Asset and Blockchain Support
Another notable finding is the growing demand for multi-chain support. Only 11% of respondents are satisfied with wallets supporting only Bitcoin and Ethereum, while nearly 50% prefer devices that accommodate multiple blockchains. This shift mirrors the diversification of user portfolios across DeFi, NFTs, and emerging digital assets. Wallet providers that fail to support a wide range of networks risk being sidelined in a multi-chain ecosystem.
Brand Trust and Recognition
Trust remains closely tied to established names. Ledger leads with 43% of users’ trust, followed by Trezor at 26%, with ELLIPAL gaining traction as a third option. Although innovation and features matter, brand reputation is still a critical factor in user adoption. New entrants face significant barriers to building credibility without a proven track record.
Price Expectations
Cost remains an important, but secondary, consideration. The survey indicates that nearly 40% of respondents are willing to spend $100–$150 on a hardware wallet, while another third prefer devices priced under $100. Premium devices above $200 attract fewer buyers, though they appeal to users seeking advanced features. The willingness to invest underscores that most users view wallets as essential long-term safeguards rather than optional accessories.
Key Takeaways
The 2025 survey highlights several overarching trends:
- Security remains paramount, with emphasis on both hardware protections and open-source transparency.
- User experience matters, as larger displays and intuitive interfaces become standard expectations.
- Connectivity preferences are split, showing the ongoing trade-off between convenience and maximum isolation.
- Multi-chain functionality is critical, reflecting diversified portfolios beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- Brand reputation drives trust, with Ledger and Trezor maintaining strong positions.
- Price sensitivity exists, but most users are prepared to pay for peace of mind.
Conclusion
Overall, the hardware wallet market is evolving from simple cold storage to comprehensive, user-friendly security solutions. Users demand a blend of strong protection, wide asset support, and convenient interfaces, while still placing significant weight on trusted brands. The survey makes clear that as digital asset adoption grows, hardware wallets must continue adapting balancing security, usability, and innovation to meet the expectations of a global crypto community.
About the author
Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency and blockchain stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over four years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.
