Well-known on-chain analyst ZachXBT has sharply criticized Ledger hardware wallets, calling them the worst choice among major manufacturers. In his opinion, these devices are unsuitable for signing important transactions and storing significant amounts of crypto assets. Instead, he proposes an alternative solution: purchasing a separate iPhone and managing cryptocurrency exclusively through it.
ZachXBT's key complaint against Ledger is the frequent software updates to Ledger Live, which, he says, disrupt the basic functionality of the devices. This makes the transaction signing process less reliable and predictable, which is critically important for the security of large sums. He emphasizes that hardware wallets are generally not an ideal solution for long-term storage, as their vulnerabilities can emerge at the most inopportune moment.
As an alternative, ZachXBT recommends using a dedicated iPhone with only the necessary applications for cryptocurrency operations installed. In his view, this approach provides a higher level of control and security, as it eliminates risks associated with hardware failures and software updates. However, it is worth noting that this opinion is not universally accepted: many experts still consider hardware wallets to be one of the most reliable ways to store crypto assets when properly configured.
Expert comment: ZachXBT's criticism deserves attention, especially regarding Ledger Live updates, which can indeed cause inconvenience. However, his proposal to use an iPhone as the primary wallet is a controversial step, as smartphones remain vulnerable to malware and phishing attacks. In my opinion, the best strategy is to combine hardware wallets for long-term storage with cold backups, and for active operations, use trusted mobile applications with minimal permissions.