Keystone vs OneKey: QR Signing vs USB and Bluetooth
Keystone and OneKey are Hong Kong-founded hardware wallets built for crypto self-custody. Offline transaction signing on Keystone relies on camera-based QR codes and microSD cards paired with third-party software like MetaMask and BlueWallet. The device features a 4-inch touchscreen and three secure-element chips, with prices starting at $149. In contrast, OneKey builds its own native companion application and browser extension, offering devices from $79 for the battery-free Classic 1S Pure.
Key differences involve connectivity, ecosystem design, and pricing. Keystone enforces physical air-gapped workflows through QR scanning, whereas OneKey pairs an OLED screen and physical buttons with USB-C and Bluetooth connections. Native software lets OneKey cover more than 30,000 tokens across 100 chains directly. Keystone supports over 5,500 assets. Managing those blockchains requires more than 45 external software wallets.
Quick verdict
The choice comes down to physical signing architecture and software integration. Keystone is designed strictly around offline QR codes, a large 4-inch touchscreen, and three separate secure-element chips. This structure eliminates wired connections entirely, though scanning QR codes takes more manual steps. OneKey prioritizes convenience and cost, offering entry-level hardware at $79, Bluetooth and USB-C links, and an all-in-one desktop and mobile application.
Choose Keystone if you prefer air-gapped QR-code signing without Bluetooth or USB connections, want a large touchscreen with fingerprint access, and plan to hold up to three separate recovery phrases on a single device through external wallets like MetaMask or BlueWallet.
Choose OneKey if you want lower hardware costs starting at $79, direct Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity, and unified software managing more than 30,000 tokens across 100 chains without juggling multiple third-party interfaces.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.0/5 | 4.1/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Security | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Build & design | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Coin support | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Value for money | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Specs | ||
| KYC required | Not disclosed | No |
| Price from | $149 | $79 |
| Connectivity | QR code (air-gapped), microSD | USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Secure element | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware | Fully open source | Fully open source |
| Display | Touchscreen | Screen + buttons |
| Air-gapped signing | Yes | Yes |
| Bitcoin-only | No | No |
| Supported assets | 5,500 | 30,000 |
| BIP39 passphrase | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Multisig support | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Companion app | 45+ integrated software wallets, including MetaMask, OKX Web3 Wallet, BlueWallet and Keplr | OneKey app |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Backup options | Three recovery phrases, SLIP-39 mnemonic sharding, Keystone Tablet, Keystone Tablet Plus | Not disclosed |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2018 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | — | Hong Kong |
| Investors | Not disclosed | YZi Labs |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Best for | Long-term self-custody, Air-gapped transaction signing, Multi-chain wallet holders | Long-term multi-chain self-custody, Open-source firmware users, Bitcoin-only cold storage |
Highlighted cells show the stronger value in each row. Data comes from each provider's site and public sources; check details before you sign up.
FAQ
Which wallet is cheaper, Keystone or OneKey?
OneKey is cheaper, starting at $79 for the Classic 1S Pure and $99 for the Classic 1S. Keystone 3 Pro lists at a $149 sale price and retails regularly for $183.90.
How do Keystone and OneKey connect to software wallets?
Keystone connects offline using optical QR codes and microSD cards. OneKey connects via USB-C and Bluetooth to its desktop and mobile apps or browser extension.
Which device supports more cryptocurrencies?
OneKey supports more assets, listing over 30,000 coins and tokens across 100 chains. Keystone supports more than 5,500 assets across networks such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano.
Do both wallets offer Bitcoin-only firmware?
Yes, both brands provide dedicated Bitcoin-only options. Keystone offers a Bitcoin firmware version with multisignature and PSBT support, while OneKey sells a dedicated Classic 1S Pure Bitcoin Edition.