Unpopular opinion : you probably don't need a hardware wallet!

I see many question from newcomers regarding the need to get a hardware wallet : you probably don't.

First let's clear a misconception : a wallet, hard or soft, doesn't store any coins. It store only a couple of public and private key for every coin you own. Public key is like and address in the blockchain, where are stored your coins. Private key is the password only needed to move coins out of this address (you can send coins or check the amount of coin in this address without the private key) ????

So your hardware wallet is mainly a fancy usb key where you store your public/private keys couples.The main benefit is that people can't remotely access these keys, even if your computer is compromised. Plus some of them offer a button for physical confirmation before moving your coins.

So why not getting one if you're a beginner?

- Well, you're still exposed to the same main security breach as software wallets : someone can steal your seed phrase, and use it to restore your wallet somewhere else, and then empty it. Because even with an hardware wallet, you'll have to make backup of your seed phrase, in case your wallet is stolen, stops working, burnt or broken, etc... If someone restore your wallet with your stolen seed phrase, the hardware wallet will be totally useless, and it's probably the most common theft :

https://np.reddit.com/r/ExodusWallet/comments/pfekyb/50000_usd_stolen_from_exodus_wallet/

A hardware wallet is safer than a software one but only if you respect some basic safety principles. So never backup your seed phrase digitally, no picture, no text file on your computer. Write it on paper, engrave it on metal, memorise it, but don't store in on your computer.

- Second problem is that for you to move all you coins to the "wallet" (in fact to you own address as I explained), you'll have to pay a lot of fees. Really a lot, so if you start with small amounts, it's really not worth it (ask me how I know ????). Plus not all wallet accept every coin, especially the small caps ones.

- Last your hardware wallet will render most things complicated, like staking, that is quite limited and depending on the wallet itself, and the % can be disappointing. Setting sell orders and stop loss are also impossible.

So as a beginner/small holder you should ... let your coins in exchanges. I know, not your keys not your coins, but exchanges are pretty safe, with more levels of protection that you could set up by yourself, and multiple access protection (IP detection, password, 2 factor auth - strongly recommended).

I think up to $10k, unless you have a good background in how to secure digital things, you should consider leaving your coins on exchanges, they are safe enough these days, plus staking is easier there, for some nice monthly benefits ????