How Does a Multisig Differ from a Hardware Wallet?

A multisig wallet is a smart contract or protocol that requires multiple independent private keys to authorize a transaction. Its security is based on distributed trust and consensus.

A hardware wallet is a physical electronic device that securely stores a single private key offline. Its security is based on isolation from the internet and a secure element.

A common security practice is to use a multisig wallet where each required key is stored on a separate hardware wallet.

How Does Multisig Differ from a Standard Single-Signature Wallet?
Why Is Storing a Private Key Less Secure than Storing a Seed Phrase for Multiple Accounts?
What Is a Hardware Wallet and Where Does It Fit?
How Does a Custodian Ensure the Non-Correlation of Key Loss Risk in a Multisig Setup?
How Does the Use of a Hardware Wallet for Storing Private Keys Enhance the Security of Derivatives Trading?
How Does MPC Differ from a Traditional Multi-Signature (Multisig) Wallet?
What Is the Difference between a Multisig Wallet and a Single-Signature Wallet?
Can an Individual User Benefit from a Multisig Wallet, or Is It Only for Groups?

Glossar