Short answer

Usually not. Accepting crypto takes a phone or tablet you almost certainly already own, plus a free app. A hardware wallet is a separate thing: it protects crypto you decide to hold, and it is optional until your balances are large enough to be worth safeguarding.

Accepting and storing are different jobs

To accept a payment you only need to show a receiving address, which any phone app does for free. To store larger amounts safely over time, a hardware wallet keeps the keys offline. One is about taking money in; the other is about keeping it.

A useful next read

The comparison hot wallet vs. hardware wallet explains when the upgrade is worth it.

Common misconceptions

  • That a hardware wallet is required to start. It is a storage upgrade, not a requirement for accepting payments.

Things to avoid

  • Buying a used hardware wallet. Only buy new, from the manufacturer, to be sure it has not been tampered with.