What is Ethereum and what is Ether
Ethereum is a cryptocurrency developed specifically for intelligent contracts and DAOs (decentralised autonomous organisations). This is also possible on the Bitcoin Blockchain. Ethereum was created especially for this purpose and is therefore also called Bitcoin 2.0 or “The Computer of the Earth”.
Ether is the currency that is used and can be minted and traded in the same way as bitcoin. In common usage, however, ethereum is also used for Ether.
Just like Bitcoin, the value of Ether increases because Ether is also bought by investors. A large number of these investors do not use Ethereum’s applications.
Compatible Hardware Wallets
Not all hardware wallet manufacturers have already implemented Ethereum support. Finally, the currency based on it was developed after Bitcoin and a support of Ether requires adaptations to the hardware wallets.
Nevertheless, there are already numerous models that are compatible with the new cryptocurrency. These are listed in the list above. The best-known models include the following:
Hardware Wallets Ledger
Ledger Blue
The most important facts in brief |
- the Ledger Blue embeds a color display and a large touchscreen in an anti-scratch glass, encased in a robust case
- a hardware wallet with its own battery
- the firmware integrity is guaranteed by cryptographic certification
- the Blue is based on an advanced operating system that makes it easy to install applications accessible via a dashboard.
- supports Bluetooth 4.1, USB 2.0 full speed and NFC interface
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All models from Ledger are based on the same self-developed operating system and thus allow you to use the
This means that all ledgers support hardware wallets ethereum without restrictions. These currently include the models Ledger Blue and Ledger Nano S.
On the software side, there is a self-developed wallet which is the counterpart to Hardware Wallet. Alternatively, you can use the Online Wallet MyEtherWallet, which is also compatible with Ledger Hardware Wallets.
Trezor also supports Ethereum
TREZOR Model One
The most important facts in brief |
- TREZOR is a hardware wallet for the secure storage of cryptocurrencies.
- The hardware wallet supports more than 1000 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- TREZOR is a USB 2.0 device compatible with Windows, Linux and macOS (10.8 or higher).
- Supports a variety of other security features, such as a password manager.
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Trezor is also fully compatible with the cryptocurrency of the Ehtereum. Here, the online wallet’ Myetherwallet’ is used exclusively as the link between the user and the hardware wallet.
The advantage of using’ Myetherwallet’ is that it is also possible to manage the coins of applications based on the ethereum network (e. g. Augur and GUP) with this hardware wallet.
Alternatives to a Hardware Wallet for Ethereum
Of course, a hardware wallet is not a prerequisite to own Ethereum.
There are plenty of other wallets that allow you to manage this currency personally. One example is the online wallet MyEtherWallet.
Such online or software wallets have to be handled with caution, because you are not alone in possession of the private key. Here it is particularly easy to pick it up by attack.
With a hardware wallet, the private keys are generated on the device and never leave it. This makes hardware wallets a very secure way to store your ethereum.
Investing in Ethereum
Should you invest in Ethereum?
Ethereum has recently become very popular with investors. The technology is very promising: interesting applications with intelligent contracts can be created. Many companies across the globe have already tried it.
But the technology is still in its infancy. However, if the trend continues, large profits can be made in the future.
However, it is important to note that Ether has not been designed as an investment currency, since the volume limit is not as strict as Bitcoin. Bitcoin is also working on projects (e. g. Rootstock and Counterparty) to make intelligent contracts on the Bitcoin Blockchain possible. This may be a future threat to Ethereum.
In any case, however, it is important to keep your investment in Ether as safe as possible, just like with Bitcoin. Hardware wallets are recommended to protect against malware and viruses.