Contents
Cold storage is often said to be one of the best practices to secure your crypto holdings against hacking. What are cold wallets and are they the same as hardware? What is the best cold storage wallet for crypto? The ChangeHero team reviews the best cold wallets for crypto in 2025 to show you the options.
Key Takeaways
- What is a cold storage wallet for crypto? Cold wallets store private keys, that essentially equate to ownership over assets in crypto, in offline environments.
- The most popular type of cold wallet is hardware crypto wallets, thanks to their relative ease of use, convenient interfaces, and extra security measures.
- The ChangeHero team recommends six brands of crypto hardware wallets, each fitting various user demands and offering unique advantages.
What Does Cold Wallet Mean in Crypto?
The terms ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ come from system design, where they mean two types of data storage. While hot data is accessed frequently and requires constant accessibility, cold data is kept in slower but more reliable storage. What is a cold wallet in cryptocurrency? In the context of crypto wallets, the meaning is similar but not exactly the same.
A cold wallet in cryptocurrency is a secure storage method that keeps keys to digital assets offline, typically using a hardware device not connected to the internet. Unlike hot wallets, which are online and more vulnerable to hacking, cold wallets provide enhanced security by storing private keys disconnected from potential cyber threats.
Cold wallets are ideal for long-term cryptocurrency storage, protecting substantial sums of digital assets from exploits that occur through outgoing connections. Users can safely store cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum in cold wallets, accessing them only when making transactions by physically connecting the device or scanning the paper wallet’s information.
Cold Storage and Hardware Wallets
Cold storage and hardware wallets are closely related but not identical. All hardware crypto wallet devices are cold storage but the broader term also includes air-gapped, offline devices, and even paper wallets.
Hardware wallets are a specific type of cold storage device — physical electronic devices designed to store cryptocurrency private keys offline securely. They often look like USB drives and allow secure transactions by connecting temporarily to an internet-connected device. Brands like Ledger and Trezor are popular hardware wallet examples.
One major point of conceit with hardware crypto wallets is their cost, although they are marketed toward the audience who can afford the extra expense on security. Luckily, some offline storage methods do not require the added cost at all: for example, you can use a device that can be kept offline (smartphone or computer) to generate a private key without exposing it online. A downside of this method is that you cannot sign and broadcast a transaction from this device (or in other words, spend coins).
The key distinction is that hardware wallets are a specific implementation of cold storage that encompasses multiple offline storage approaches.
How to Store Cryptocurrency Offline?
In other words, there are a few ways you can set up an offline crypto wallet. If you are going to use a dedicated device with no internet connectivity, you can install the software and proceed to set the wallet up normally. To make sure your efforts are not wasted, keep the device consistently offline and check it for any viruses or interferences when making any connection.
How to store crypto offline if you don’t have a spare device? A paper wallet is an option: although you will not be able to spend the coins in that address unless you physically give them all away, it is the cheapest cold storage option available.
If you can afford it, though, hardware wallets are the best option. In addition to having extra security measures, they can briefly connect to your online device to relay the digital signature and send coins. The setup depends on the device, but it is rarely more complicated than plugging it in and using the companion app that guides you through the process.
Regardless of whether you make the extra effort to set up cold storage for crypto, adhere to the best security practices. Use multiple backup locations, protect the notes or devices against physical damage and elements, and keep private keys secret and secure.
ChangeHero Picks for the Best Cold Wallets (2025)
Trezor — The Best Cold Storage Wallet for User Experience
One of the oldest brands in the hardware wallet market and the best Bitcoin cold storage option you can go for is Trezor, established in 2013. During over a decade in the industry, they have developed several cutting-edge devices for Bitcoin and thousands of altcoins and tokens.
In addition to a baseline hardware wallet, the Trezor Model One, they also offer a premium device Trezor Model T with a touchscreen. The most recent addition to the lineup and the flagship device is Trezor Safe 5 which sports a color touchscreen and haptic feedback.
All Trezor devices offer offline private key storage and secure transaction signing, support 1800+ cryptocurrencies, and work on open-source firmware. These devices authenticate with PIN protection, with more recent models having on-device inputs. Physical button confirmation for transactions is supported on all devices.
Hardware wallets by Trezor secure private keys by generating and keeping them offline, without exposing them to environments with an Internet connection. The secure element performs encryption and storage, while the air-gapped design prevents malware attacks. In addition to PIN, the user can set up two-factor authentication.
Trezor devices work with the help of a companion app, Trezor Suite, supported on desktop and mobile devices. They can also be accessed with popular software cryptocurrency wallets such as Exodus. The device itself connects to the computer with a USB cable.
The setup process for Trezor wallets is rather simple: connect the device and initialize the wallet software. If you do not have a wallet or seed phrase to import, you will be prompted to generate it — record it, and keep it safely stored for backup purposes. Next, set the PIN code for the Trezor device, and you are ready to transfer cryptocurrencies and manage them.
The most affordable option, Model One, starts at $49, and you can get a Safe 3 for $79 minimum. If you are looking for something in a higher price range, Model T starts at $129, and Safe 5 will cost you $169 at the very least.
Ledger — the Best Crypto Cold Wallet for App Compatibility
Another major brand in the cold wallet market and one of the best cold storage wallets is Ledger, established in 2014. Since then, according to the official website, they have delivered over 6 million devices worldwide.
The lineup of their products has also expanded from the instantly recognizable Ledger Nano series to newer touchscreen models Stax and Flex. The most affordable model, Nano S Plus is USB-only, while the rest of the lineup supports Bluetooth connection. The flagship model Ledger Stax comes with extra features like wireless charging.
Cold wallets by Ledger secure private keys offline with an isolated proprietary secure element chip. For authentication purposes, all devices require a button or on-device input to prevent slips of the hand. To manage the crypto wallet, users can install the companion app Ledger Live or use their preferred software wallet with Ledger integration: those include MetaMask, Coinbase wallet, Binance wallet, and dozens more.
Ledger cold wallets are also not very hard to set up: initialize the device, import or create a seed phrase, set up the PIN code and you’re done. Don’t forget about backing up your wallet’s seed phrase, and even if you lose the device, you will be able to restore access to your assets.
The cheapest Ledger wallet, Nano S Plus, starts at $79. A Nano X will cost you $149 minimum, and if you aim for the flagship model, a Stax is $279 minimum. Pro tip: Ledger Flex has a different form factor but almost all the features of Stax, and costs $249 on average.
Tangem — the Best Cold Wallet for the Crypto- and Style-Conscious
A more recent but promising competitor of Ledger in the mobile-first cold wallet niche is Tangem. Their devices have a completely different and even more inconspicuous form factor: Tangem wallets resemble credit cards for ultra-portable cryptocurrency storage.
Although the brand is preparing to release a new product in a completely new form factor, Tangem Ring, the current flagship device is still the Tangem Note card. In any case, this is the best cold wallet for Bitcoin if you value both style and substance.
The Tangem cards do not have a screen or input devices, which makes them tamper-proof and completely removes the need to charge devices. The cold wallets use an NFC connection to generate the seed phrase, connect the wallet to your smartphone, and sign transactions. Tangem also has a much longer list of supported cryptocurrencies, with tens of thousands of token imports in supported networks. On the flip side, not a lot of software wallets integrate it yet, so you might be limited to Tangem Express.
A Tangem device will need to be activated first, which you can easily do with instructions in the mobile app. Next, you will see options to import or create a new wallet. Follow the instructions because once you set up the device(s), changing the wallet setup might require a factory reset.
The official Tangem shop sells Note cards in sets of two and three for $55 and $70 respectively. Preorders are open for the Ring and two Cards set, priced at $160.
CoolWallet — the Best Crypto Cold Wallet for the Undecided
If you like the card-like form factor but would like more from the hardware side, CoolWallet might be what you are looking for. Their Bitcoin cold storage wallet nails the balance between practicality and sleek design.
The lineup of hardware wallet devices includes two options: CoolWallet S and an enhanced CoolWallet Pro. Both are Bluetooth-enabled crypto wallets in the credit card form factor for seamless mobile-first use. Although the devices require charging, they are fully wireless and waterproof.
The companion app CoolWallet App doubles as a hot software wallet with DeFi and Web3 features for Android and iOS. With it, the number of supported assets reaches over 1,500 coins and tokens.
The price range for the CoolWallet devices starts at $99 for CoolWallet S. The Pro device starts at $149 a piece, with combo offers and customization options available.
BCVault — the Best Cold Crypto Wallet in Apocalypse Scenario
What is a cold wallet that a crypto enthusiast who needs the best hardware should choose? The BC Vault is a brand for those who value state-of-the-art hardware above anything else. The products focus on the most secure chips and components, although the customizability of the devices leaves an impression as well.
The difference between the Original and One model is in shell material only. Even if you save up by opting for plastic instead of aluminum, you still get the full security provided by the hardware.
BC Vault works only through a USB connection, securing the device against wireless attacks and faults, as well as removing the need for charging. They also put a larger emphasis than competitors on backups that last, providing an SD card slot for this purpose. The extra memory can also be used to create up to 2,000 independent wallets on one device.
Like other cold wallets on the list, BC Vault essentially works only with its native application. However, it has all the necessary features and integrations for day-to-day use.
The cheapest option without shipping is about $120 but depending on the customization, you can get a BC Vault for up to $1,200 if you so choose.
Ellipal — the Best Bitcoin Cold Wallet with Multi-Coin Support
Last but not least, a hardware wallet that can provide a familiar experience with the industry security standard. Ellipal devices appear not too different from smartphones but are purpose-built for secure cold crypto storage.
Users can choose from Ellipal Titan with a full touch-screen input system to a compact Ellipal Mini. Due to design, Ellipal has to be the best offline crypto wallet. All of them are air-gapped, and instead of connecting to a device, rely on QR codes to communicate. Even the updates for the devices can only be provided via firmware.
An Ellipal Mini costs $99 minimum, and for a Titan 2.0, the flagship design, you will have to dish out at least $169. Not quite cheap but comparison to competitors puts the price tag in perspective.
Conclusion
What’s a cold wallet in crypto and what does cold storage for Bitcoin achieve that other wallets don’t do? We hope you now know the answers to these questions!
If you found our top hardware wallets list useful, learn more about cold storage and crypto from the ChangeHero blog! What do you think about our Top cold wallets for crypto storage? Let us know your thoughts on Telegram, X, and Facebook, and don’t forget to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are non-custodial crypto wallets?
Non-custodial crypto wallets are digital wallets where users have complete control and ownership of their private keys, unlike custodial wallets managed by third-party services. In these wallets, the user is solely responsible for securing and managing their cryptocurrency assets, which means they have full autonomy but also bear the entire responsibility for protecting their funds.
Can I move crypto from a traditional online broker to a crypto wallet?
Yes, most online brokers, crypto exchanges, and fintech apps like Robinhood, Coinbase, and PayPal allow users to transfer cryptocurrencies to external wallets by providing a withdrawal address. However, some brokers may charge transaction fees and require verification steps before enabling crypto withdrawals.
How do I buy crypto?
The go-to destinations for buying Bitcoin and crypto are cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken and online brokers like Robinhood or PayPal. However, they almost always require user identification and have trading and withdrawal fees. You can purchase crypto instantly on ChangeHero through our providers with a bank card or local APMs.
What is the most secure cold wallet for crypto?
Based on user reviews, Ledger and Trezor are tied for the most secure cold wallet. The Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T earned the title of the safest cold wallet thanks to top-tier security features, secure element chips, and comprehensive cryptocurrency support.
What is the best cold wallet for beginners?
Trezor Model One or Ledger Nano S Plus are ideal for beginners. They offer user-friendly interfaces, affordable pricing, and robust security features. Although there are less pricey options available, they require some knowledge and experience with wallets to set up.
Should I keep my crypto in a cold wallet?
The overall consensus is affirmative, especially for significant cryptocurrency holdings. Cold wallets provide superior security by keeping assets offline and protecting against online hacking risks and potential exchange breaches.
What is the best crypto seed phrase storage?
Often, a securely stored seed or recovery phrase can help even if you lose the BTC cold storage device. To make sure you don’t lose access to your wallets for good, your seed phrase should be kept in a safe place, away from the elements. Many hardware crypto wallet manufacturers also offer products for lasting backup such as metal tablets. Having multiple copies of a backup is also considered a good practice.
Learn more:
Quick links:
- TRON Price Prediction
- Exchange Bitcoin to Ethereum
- Exchange Bitcoin to Bitcoin Cash
- Exchange Bitcoin Cash to Bitcoin
