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Cold Wallets: The key to secure self-storage!
When it comes to self-custody, there is no way around Cold wallets (hardware wallet)! Security should always be the priority here – user-friendliness is secondary. Those who place more value on ease of use may be better advised to use a regulated exchange.
There is no “one” perfect cold wallet
First things first: there is no cold wallet that meets all requirements 100%. Nevertheless, there are some excellent models that score particularly well in terms of security. It is important that you have the necessary understanding of how to use them – because security and self-custody go hand in hand.
Getting started: setting up a secure Cold Wallet
If you decide to use a hardware wallet, I recommend my article “Setting up a hardware wallet securely – step-by-step guide”. There I explain in detail how to set up and protect your wallet optimally.
My 6 favorites among the Cold Wallets
Here is a list of my six favorite cold wallets. Before you choose one, you should check which projects, coins, tokens or chains are compatible with it. You can find the relevant links directly at the respective wallet.
BitBox02
The BitBox02 is a minimalist cold wallet from Switzerland that offers high security and ease of use. With integrated MicroSD backup, touch operation and open source firmware, it is ideal for the secure management of Bitcoin (or multi-crypto in the multi-edition). Perfect for beginners and advanced users.
👉 BitBox02 supported coins and tokens
Trezor Safe 3 & Safe 5
Now also with SLIP-0039 backup
- Dividing the seed: Seed divided into several parts (“shares”).
- M of N Principle: Only a certain number (e.g. 3 of 5) required for restoration.
- Secure & Flexible: No single share is sufficient; distributed to secure locations or persons.
👉Trezor supported coins and tokens
OneKey
👉OneKey supported coins and tokens
Keystone Pro
The Keystone Pro is a modern hardware wallet with a focus on security and user-friendliness. It is completely air-gapped and uses QR codes for transactions. With a large touchscreen, open-source firmware and support for multiple cryptocurrencies, it is ideal for mobile and long-term crypto management.
👉Keystone supported coins and tokens
Blockstream
The Blockstream Jade is a user-friendly cold wallet for Bitcoin and Liquid. It offers support for PSBTs, Bluetooth connectivity and open source software. With integrated display signature verification and backup options, it is suitable for secure Bitcoin management and Liquid assets.
👉Recommendation link Blockstream
👉Bitcoin only!
ColdCard
The Coldcard is a highly secure Bitcoin hardware wallet for experienced users. It works completely offline, uses PSBTs for transaction signing and offers strong security features such as PIN protection, secure element and self-destruct option. Ideal for maximum control and long-term Bitcoin storage.
👉Bitcoin only!
Cryptotag
The Cryptotag Zeus is a robust backup system for the secure storage of wallet seeds. It uses heat- and corrosion-resistant titanium plates on which the recovery phrase is engraved. Ideal for long-term security and protection against physical damage. Perfect for anyone who wants to maximize the security of their crypto backups.
👉Recommendation link Cryptotag Zeus
As you can see, choosing the right cold wallet depends heavily on what you want to do and what projects you want to manage. For DeFi applications and wallet integrations such as MetaMask, Trezor, OneKey and Keystone are particularly suitable. However, if you only want to manage Bitcoin (BTC), the following options are ideal: BitBox02 BTC-only, Coldcard, Blockstream and Trezor Safe 5 BTC-only.
Before you decide on a wallet, please check carefully whether all the required functions are available! We would be delighted if you used our referral link when purchasing a hardware wallet. This costs you nothing extra, but helps us with a small commission.
Please note that Crypto Recovery cannot accept any liability for the functionality of cold wallets – this is the sole responsibility of the manufacturers. This is my personal selection of the six best hardware wallets. In the end, of course, the decision is yours and you bear the corresponding risk.
