Should I use hardware wallets from multiple manufacturers?
Multi-vendor multisig is a powerful and popular security model, but consider the tradeoffs.
A multisig wallet (such as an Unchained vault) involves combining multiple independent keys. Each key could be generated and used by a different type of hardware wallet, creating the opportunity for equipment diversification.
Hardware wallet diversification can have some advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
If a bug or vulnerability is discovered with a hardware wallet brand or model, having only one of those devices as a part of your multisig arrangement would limit your exposure. Having multiple impacted devices could create a more stressful scenario.
A major example was the Coldcard vulnerability that became public on July 30, 2026. The fewer Coldcards that someone used for a multisig wallet, the less exposed they were to the issue. However, even people using multiple Coldcards benefited from the extra protections offered by multisig itself.
Disadvantages
Becoming familiar and comfortable with a hardware wallet interface comes naturally for some people, but not for everyone. Learning how to use a particular hardware wallet model safely and successfully can take time and effort. Deciding to use multiple different hardware wallets magnifies the operational knowledge needed. As a result, some users might encounter frustrations more often, or have an increased chance of making a mistake.
Furthermore, providing personal data to multiple hardware wallet vendors (while purchasing devices) can increase your "data footprint" and the chance of exposure in the event of a data breach. However, minimizing this risk is also possible, by researching and utilizing common privacy techniques for payment and delivery.
The best choice depends on the individual
People who find hardware wallets intuitive might benefit most from using multiple different hardware wallets. This increases resilience against a device-specific vulnerability.
However, multisig wallets naturally provide resilience against device-specific vulnerabilities, which was demonstrated by the Coldcard incident. Avoiding multiple devices of the same type isn't a necessity, and some people may actually benefit more from a higher degree of familiarity with just one particular device.
Tip: You can view the hardware wallet models supported by Unchained here.
Choice of hardware device is a serious matter. Please do your own research before choosing a device and all use is at your own risk, as Unchained has not performed security review on any devices mentioned herein.