CoinDesk
Crypto investigator ZachXBT publicly criticized hardware wallets on Thursday, calling them "complete garbage" for signing transactions or storing meaningful funds. His view: every hardware wallet on the market today falls short on security and usability for high-stakes operations.
ZachXBT recommended using a dedicated iPhone stripped down to wallet purposes as a signing device, arguing it offers better control and fewer vulnerabilities. He added a tongue-in-cheek caveat: "Only do this if you are not low iq." He singled out Ledger as the worst offender, citing frequent Ledger Live updates that overhaul the UI and apps while breaking basic functions.
Why it matters
The post reignited a recurring debate on crypto social media over whether mainstream hardware wallets actually deliver on the self-custody promise they sell. Coming from an investigator with a large on-chain following, the take carries weight with users weighing cold-storage tradeoffs.
Frequently asked questions
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What did ZachXBT say about hardware wallets?
The on-chain investigator called hardware wallets "complete garbage," arguing that all current options fall short on security and usability for high-stakes operations or meaningful fund storage.
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Which hardware wallet maker did ZachXBT criticize most?
ZachXBT singled out Ledger as the worst offender, citing frequent Ledger Live updates that overhaul the UI and apps while breaking basic functions in the process.
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What does ZachXBT recommend instead of a hardware wallet?
He suggested using a dedicated iPhone, stripped down to wallet purposes only, as a signing device, arguing it offers better control and fewer vulnerabilities. He added a tongue-in-cheek caveat: "Only do this if you are not low iq."
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How did the market react to ZachXBT's comments?
BTC held steady near $65,000 as the discussion unfolded, with no immediate price reaction to the posts.
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Why did ZachXBT's take spark renewed debate?
Coming from an investigator with a large on-chain following, the criticism reignited a recurring community argument over whether mainstream hardware wallets actually deliver on the self-custody promise they market.
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