Staking on proof-of-stake networks lets you earn rewards on your crypto, but the wallet you choose determines how safe your assets really are. We break down the best hardware and software wallets for staking — from cold storage to custodial — so you can pick the right balance of security and convenience.
If you hold proof-of-stake (PoS) assets like Ethereum, Solana, or Cardano, staking is one of the most straightforward ways to put your crypto to work. But the wallet you choose for staking matters a lot — it determines whether you keep full control of your private keys, how easy it is to earn and access rewards, and how exposed you are to exchange or smart-contract risk.
Here's our take on the best wallets for staking on PoS networks, ranked by security and real-world usability.
Ledger is the gold standard for cold storage, and the Nano S Plus brings that security to staking. Through Ledger Live, you can stake assets like Ethereum, Polkadot, Tezos, and Cosmos directly from the device — your private keys never leave the hardware.1
Why it wins: You earn staking rewards while keeping full custody of your keys. No exchange holds your funds, no third-party risk. The trade-off is that you need to connect the device periodically to claim rewards or re-delegate.
Best for: Anyone who values self-custody and is comfortable with a slightly more hands-on staking setup.
Trezor's Safe 5 is a premium hardware wallet with a color touchscreen and excellent security architecture. While Trezor's native app (Trezor Suite) supports fewer direct staking options than Ledger Live, you can connect it to third-party staking interfaces like Exodus or AllNodes to stake assets like Solana, Polkadot, or Ethereum.
Why it wins: The hardware is top-tier, and the open ecosystem means you're not locked into one staking provider. You maintain private key ownership at all times.
Best for: Users who want a premium hardware wallet and don't mind using external tools to stake.
Coinbase offers the simplest staking experience: buy crypto, toggle staking on, and rewards arrive automatically. Forbes' testing ranked Coinbase Exchange as the best overall crypto staking platform for its ease of use and liquidity.2
Why it wins: Zero friction. You don't need to manage validators, understand delegation, or worry about hardware. But — and this is a big but — you do not control the private keys. Coinbase holds your assets, which means you're exposed to exchange risk (hacks, freezes, or insolvency).
Best for: Beginners who want to start staking immediately and are comfortable with custodial risk.
Tangem is a credit-card-shaped hardware wallet that stores private keys on a secure chip embedded in the card. It's a unique hybrid: hardware-level security with a near-zero learning curve. You can stake supported assets through the Tangem app while the keys stay on the card.
Why it wins: Extremely portable and durable. Great for long-term holders who want to stake without managing a USB device. The trade-off is that supported staking networks are more limited compared to Ledger or Trezor.
Best for: Users who want hardware security in a form factor they can carry in their wallet and stake passively.
| Feature | Cold Storage (Ledger, Trezor) | Custodial (Coinbase) | Hybrid (Tangem) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private key ownership | You hold the keys | Exchange holds the keys | You hold the keys (on card) |
| Ease of staking | Moderate — requires app setup | Very easy — one click | Easy — app-based |
| Reward access | Manual claim via app | Auto-compounded | Manual via app |
| Security against exchange risk | Full protection | No protection | Full protection |
| Best for | Security-first users | Beginners | Long-term holders |
Staking on an exchange like Coinbase is convenient. But it's custodial — meaning the exchange controls the private keys, not you. If the exchange gets hacked, frozen, or goes under, your staked assets could be at risk. History has shown this isn't just theoretical.
Non-custodial staking (via Ledger, Trezor, or Tangem) means you retain full ownership of your private keys. You're delegating your stake to validators, not handing over your funds. The trade-off is that you're responsible for your own security — seed phrase backups, firmware updates, and periodic reward claims.
Our take: if you're staking more than you'd be comfortable losing, go non-custodial. The extra few minutes of setup are worth the peace of mind.
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