ZachXBT Slams Hardware Wallets as 'Garbage', Advocates for iPhones Instead

Hardware wallets have long been considered a secure way to store cryptocurrencies, but recent criticism from on-chain investigator ZachXBT has raised questions about their reliability. In an interview with BlockchainReporter, ZachXBT called current hardware wallet models 'garbage' and singled out Ledger as the worst offender.

ZachXBT's main issue is that many hardware wallets are prone to bugs and firmware updates that can disrupt transaction signing and weaken crypto self-custody security. He pointed to Ledger Live updates that repeatedly cause problems for users, including bricking devices after a rushed firmware push.

The suggestion by ZachXBT that a dedicated iPhone could be a more reliable signing environment has sparked debate about the trade-offs between different security tools. While some argue that iPhones are inherently more exposed than purpose-built hardware devices, others see value in using a clean, factory-reset phone for crypto management.

As regulators continue to push for stricter custody standards, the inadequacy of popular hardware wallets could create a gulf between official guidance and practical reality.