Choosing a hardware device for Your Casa vault
Choosing a hardware device for Your Casa vault
A hardware device stores a vault key offline, separate from your phone and internet. You'll need one before setting up your 3-key vault. If you're not sure which device to get, this article will help.
Supported hardware devices
Casa currently supports the following hardware devices for use in your vault:
- Trezor - One, Trezor Model T, Trezor Safe 3, Trezor Safe 5
- Ledger - Nano S, Nano S+, Nano X, Flex, Stax
- Coldcard (Mk3 and above)
- Keystone Pro 2
- Passport by Foundation (Core)
- YubiKey - 5c NFC, C NFC (firmware version 5.5 or higher required)
Note: Not all devices are compatible with both BTC and ETH vaults. Keystone and Coldcard are compatible with BTC vaults only. For ETH vaults, use a Trezor or Ledger device. YubiKey integration is only supported on Windows 11 or later.
For more details, see: Supported platforms and hardware device firmware
Comparison at a glance
| Device | Best for | Connects via | BTC | ETH | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trezor | Beginners; included in Premium packages | USB (via computer) | ✓ | ✓ | $$ |
| Ledger | Widely used; good app ecosystem | USB (via computer) | ✓ | ✓ | $$ |
| YubiKey | Simplest setup; available from Casa | USB | ✓ | ✗ | $ |
| Coldcard | Advanced users; Bitcoin-only | USB / microSD card (air-gapped) | ✓ | ✗ | $$$ |
| Keystone Pro 2 | Air-gapped; QR code signing | microSD card / QR code (no USB) | ✓ | ✗ | $$ |
| Passport by Foundation | Air-gapped; privacy-focused | microSD card / QR code (no USB) | ✓ | ✗ | $$$ |
What does "air-gapped" mean?
Some devices (Coldcard, Keystone, and Passport) never connect directly to a computer or the internet. Instead, they sign transactions using QR codes or microSD cards, so the device is never exposed to an internet-connected machine during use. This is a higher level of security, but it also makes these devices more complex to use and set up.
Which device should I choose?
If you're new to hardware devices: Start with a Trezor or YubiKey. Both have straightforward setup processes and good documentation.
If you're a Standard member purchasing your own device: Trezor and Ledger are the most common choices and have the broadest compatibility, including ETH vaults.
If you're a Premium member or Private Client: Casa typically includes hardware devices in your onboarding package. Contact your Advisor before purchasing a device separately.
If you're an advanced user who wants maximum security: Coldcard, Keystone, or Passport offer air-gapped signing and are popular among experienced Bitcoin users.
Where to buy
Always purchase directly from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller. Never buy a used hardware device from a third-party vendor. It may have been tampered with before it reaches you.
- Trezor: trezor.io
- Ledger: ledger.com
- YubiKey: Available through the Casa checkout, or directly from Yubico at yubico.com
- Coldcard: coldcard.com
- Keystone: keyst.one
- Passport: foundation.xyz