Cryptocurrency wallets serve as the guardians of your digital assets, ensuring the security of your private information, commonly referred to as “private keys.” Entrusting these keys to someone else is a risky proposition, as losing access to them can result in the permanent loss of your cryptocurrency.
Non-custodial wallets have gained popularity among crypto enthusiasts due to the control they provide over private data. Unlike custodial wallets offered by cryptocurrency exchanges, non-custodial wallets eliminate the need to rely on third parties for safeguarding private keys. Recent incidents involving crypto platforms like FTX and BlockFi, which have left customers in doubt about the fate of their funds, underscore the risks associated with entrusting your crypto to others.
Nonetheless, non-custodial wallets are not without their own set of risks. They are less forgiving when it comes to issues like forgotten passwords, and their functionality depends on the reliability of both hardware and software.
Frequent asset transfers between wallets can also become costly due to transaction fees imposed by blockchain networks. To address these challenges, some crypto users maintain multiple wallets: one for long-term storage and another for active trading.
When selecting a wallet, one approach is to consider the cryptocurrency you intend to store. While there are specialized wallets for individual cryptocurrencies, if you plan to manage various types of cryptocurrencies in one place, it’s advisable to explore your options. Here’s a guide to help you determine the right choice for your needs.
Choosing the Best Crypto Wallet
If you opt for a non-custodial wallet, the primary decision is whether to go for a hot wallet or a cold wallet. The key distinction lies in their internet connectivity:
- A hot wallet operates on a device connected to the internet. These are often free to use, offering additional services such as trading or staking for a fee. Hot wallets facilitate easy cryptocurrency transactions but are potentially more vulnerable to online threats.
- A cold wallet, on the other hand, resides on an offline device. These typically involve a purchase of physical hardware designed for secure crypto storage. While cold wallets offer enhanced security by being disconnected from the internet, the downside is that losing the physical device can result in a complex recovery process.
7 Best Hot Wallets
- Crypto.com DeFi Wallet (Rating: 4.6)
- Assets supported: Over 1,000
- Conversion to cold storage: Yes, on desktop
- Staking/DeFi support: Yes
- Guarda (Rating: 4.6)
- Assets supported: Over 400,000
- Conversion to cold storage: Yes
- Staking/DeFi support: Yes
- Exodus (Rating: 4.5)
- Assets supported: Over 250
- Conversion to cold storage: Yes
- Staking/DeFi support: Yes
- Coinbase Wallet (Rating: 4.3)
- Assets supported: Thousands (as per Coinbase marketing materials)
- Conversion to cold storage: Yes
- Staking/DeFi support: Yes
- MetaMask (Rating: 3.7)
- Assets supported: Over 700,000
- Conversion to cold storage: Yes
- Staking/DeFi support: Through connected apps
- Trust Wallet (Rating: 3.2)
- Assets supported: Over 1 million
- Conversion to cold storage: No
- Staking/DeFi support: Yes
- Electrum (Rating: 2.4)
- Assets supported: One (Bitcoin)
- Conversion to cold storage: Yes
- Staking/DeFi support: No
3 Best Cold Wallets
- Ledger (Rating: 5.0)
- Assets supported: Over 1,000
- Conversion to online storage: Yes
- Staking/DeFi support: Yes
- Trezor (Rating: 4.0)
- Assets supported: Over 1,200
- Conversion to online storage: Yes
- Staking/DeFi support: Yes
- SafePal (Rating: 3.7)
- Assets supported: Over 30,000
- Conversion to online storage: Yes
- Staking/DeFi support: Yes
Cold wallets, often hardware devices, are designed to securely store crypto data on offline devices, reducing exposure to online threats. Hardware wallets come with preloaded software and additional security features, making them a convenient choice, albeit at a higher cost.
Before selecting a crypto wallet, consider factors such as price, security, and compatibility with your software wallet if you also use a hot wallet. Here are some of WPSteer’s top picks for cold wallets:
- Ledger (Rating: 5.0)
- Ledger, a well-known name in the crypto wallet space, offers a range of products ranging from $79 to $149. It seamlessly integrates with popular software wallets like Crypto.com and Guarda, boasts a highly-rated mobile app, and is in the process of releasing a browser extension. Ledger also offers two-factor authentication and provides educational content for users.
- Trezor (Rating: 4.0)
- Trezor offers high-end hardware options for crypto storage. With an entry-level model starting at around $70 and a more advanced model priced at $219, Trezor provides a range of options. It integrates with crypto platforms like Exodus and offers staking and crypto purchase capabilities through its software products. While Trezor lacks a traditional mobile app, it offers a lightweight option for smartwatches.
- SafePal (Rating: 3.7)
- SafePal combines offline and online elements, offering a hardware device starting at $50. Users can interact with SafePal’s software products, including a mobile app and browser extension, to facilitate buying, selling, and trading. SafePal supports around 30,000 digital assets, the highest among hardware wallets reviewed by WPSteer. However, it does not have a dedicated desktop app.
In conclusion, selecting the right crypto wallet is crucial for safeguarding your digital assets. Whether you opt for a hot or cold wallet, consider factors such as connectivity, asset support, and additional features like staking and DeFi support. Make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Review Methodology
At WPSteer, we take a comprehensive approach to evaluate cryptocurrency wallets, aiming to provide valuable insights to users seeking secure storage, transaction, and management solutions for their digital assets. Our review process encompasses a thorough examination of products available to U.S. customers, enabling them to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies. Here’s an overview of our rigorous methodology:
- Independent Evaluation: Our goal is to deliver impartial and unbiased assessments of cryptocurrency wallet providers. We do not favor any specific wallet or affiliate with any particular brand. Our evaluations are based solely on our research and analysis.
- First-Hand Testing: To ensure the accuracy and reliability of our reviews, we conduct hands-on testing of the wallets we assess. This process allows us to experience the wallet’s features and functionalities firsthand.
- Comprehensive Assessment: We employ a proprietary assessment framework that considers more than 15 critical factors, including security, usability, asset support, connectivity options, fees, and customer support. Each wallet is evaluated based on these factors to provide a well-rounded rating.
- Star Rating: Our assessment process generates star ratings for each wallet, ranging from one star (poor) to five stars (excellent). These star ratings help users quickly gauge the quality and suitability of a wallet for their needs.
Our methodology ensures that our reviews are grounded in rigorous research, enabling users to make informed decisions when choosing a cryptocurrency wallet that aligns with their specific requirements. We uphold strict standards of editorial integrity to maintain the credibility of our assessments and recommendations.
For a deeper understanding of the criteria and considerations that influence our wallet ratings, you can review our full methodology, which provides transparency about our evaluation process. We are committed to helping users navigate the complex landscape of cryptocurrency wallets and make choices that best serve their financial goals and security concerns.
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. However, our reviews and recommendations are entirely unbiased and based on our own evaluations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. WPSteer, does not provide advisory or brokerage services, and it does not endorse or recommend specific stocks, securities, or investments.