11 Best Cold Storage Crypto Wallets for 2025

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We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More
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Eric HuffmanVerified
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Jan 2024
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Eric Huffman's background includes a decade plus in business management as well as personal finance industry experience in insurance and lending. A strong understanding of consumer finance combined...

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Tsvetomir KoychevVerified
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Feb 2025
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Tsvetomir is a Crypto Editor and Writer at Cryptonews, where he produces data-backed and impactful content focused on cryptocurrencies, exchanges, wallets, and blockchain technology.

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We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More
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We compiled this list of the best cold wallets by analyzing our prospects’ security measures, supported assets, ease of use, and value for money. Based on that research, we recommend Ledger Nano X, Trezor Safe 3, and ColdCard as the best cold wallets on the market right now. These providers excel in different areas, from air-gapped transactions to user-friendly companion apps and broad Web3 and DeFi compatibility.

Cold wallets, also known as hardware wallets, offer safe storage solutions for your cryptocurrencies. That’s because they store your wallet’s private key offline at all times. In other words, if a hacker compromises your PC or smartphone, they still won’t be able to steal your funds.

Read on to learn what sets our top picks apart from the competition and explore alternatives for various use cases:

Table of Contents
  1. In This Article
    1. 1. Ledger Nano X — Overall Best Cold Wallet
    2. 2. Trezor Safe 3 — Best Wallet for Advanced Security Features
    3. 3. ColdCard – Best Hardware Wallet for Bitcoin HODLers
    4. 4. Cypherock X1 – Best Cold Wallet With No Seed Phrase Vulnerability
    5. 5. ELLIPAL Titan Cold Wallet – Best Cold Wallet for Air-Gapped Operation
    6. 6. Ledger Stax — Best Premium Wallet for NFT Management
    7. 7. Tangem – Most Beginner-Friendly Card-Style Wallet
    8. 8. Blockstream Jade – Best Bitcoin-Only Wallet With Multisig Support
    9. 9. SafePal S1 – Most Cost-Effective Cold Wallet
    10. 10. SecuX V20 – Best Cold Wallet With Multi-Platform Support
    11. 11. CoolWallet Pro – Best Cold Wallet for DEX Integration
    1. Cold Wallets Store Your Seed Phrase Offline
    2. You Need to Press a Button to Sign Transactions
    3. Why Is the Seed Phrase Important?
    1. Enhanced Security
    2. Unauthorized Access Protection
    3. Long-Term Safekeeping
    4. Immune to Platform Failures
    1. Assets Safety
    2. Transaction Execution
    3. Use Cases
    1. Security Features
    2. Supported Coins
    3. Companion App
    1. Security and Reliability (30%)
    2. Supported Assets and Compatibility (20%)
    3. User Experience and Interface (20%)
    4. Portability and Build Quality (15%)
    5. Pricing and Value for Money (15%)
  1. In This Article
    1. 1. Ledger Nano X — Overall Best Cold Wallet
    2. 2. Trezor Safe 3 — Best Wallet for Advanced Security Features
    3. 3. ColdCard – Best Hardware Wallet for Bitcoin HODLers
    4. 4. Cypherock X1 – Best Cold Wallet With No Seed Phrase Vulnerability
    5. 5. ELLIPAL Titan Cold Wallet – Best Cold Wallet for Air-Gapped Operation
    6. 6. Ledger Stax — Best Premium Wallet for NFT Management
    7. 7. Tangem – Most Beginner-Friendly Card-Style Wallet
    8. 8. Blockstream Jade – Best Bitcoin-Only Wallet With Multisig Support
    9. 9. SafePal S1 – Most Cost-Effective Cold Wallet
    10. 10. SecuX V20 – Best Cold Wallet With Multi-Platform Support
    11. 11. CoolWallet Pro – Best Cold Wallet for DEX Integration
  2. Show Full Guide
    1. Cold Wallets Store Your Seed Phrase Offline
    2. You Need to Press a Button to Sign Transactions
    3. Why Is the Seed Phrase Important?
    1. Enhanced Security
    2. Unauthorized Access Protection
    3. Long-Term Safekeeping
    4. Immune to Platform Failures
    1. Assets Safety
    2. Transaction Execution
    3. Use Cases
    1. Security Features
    2. Supported Coins
    3. Companion App
    1. Security and Reliability (30%)
    2. Supported Assets and Compatibility (20%)
    3. User Experience and Interface (20%)
    4. Portability and Build Quality (15%)
    5. Pricing and Value for Money (15%)

The 11 Most Secure Cold Wallets Ranked

In 2025, cold wallets are among the most viable options for offline crypto security. After testing over 30 leading providers, here are the top 11 cold wallets that made it to our shortlist:

Cold Storage Wallet

Supported Assets

Price

Best for

Compatibility

Ledger Nano X

15,000+

$149

Overall best cold wallet

Desktop, mobile

Trezor Safe 3

9,000+

$79

Advanced security features

Desktop

ColdCard

Bitcoin only

$177.94 to $249.21

Bitcoin HODLers

Desktop

Cypherock X1

9,000+

$129 to $299

No seed phrase vulnerability

Desktop, mobile

ELLIPAL Titan

10,000+

$169

Wide coin support

Mobile

Ledger Stax

NFTs and 15,000+ coins

$399

NFT holders

Desktop, mobile

Tangem

16,000+

$54.90

Cold wallet beginners

Mobile

Blockstream Jade

Bitcoin, Liquid Network

$79 to $149

Affordable Bitcoin storage

Desktop, mobile

SafePal S1

10,000+

$49.99

Value for money

Desktop, mobile

SecuX V20

10,000+

$139

Multi-platform support

Desktop, mobile

CoolWallet Pro

12,000+

$149

DEX integration

Mobile

The Best Cold Storage Wallets Reviewed

The best cold storage wallets should be affordable, useful, and offer high compatibility without sacrificing security and performance. Here are 11 cold wallets that ticked all our boxes.

1. Ledger Nano X — Overall Best Cold Wallet

  • Supported coins and blockchains: 15,000+ coins on 50+ networks
  • Supported devices: Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux Ubuntu); Mobile (iOS, Android)
  • Security features: Secure Element chip, PIN protection, proprietary operating system
  • Price: $79

The Ledger Nano X offers the best combination of security, usability, and functionality among cold wallets. It supports over 15,000 coins across 50+ blockchains, it allows you to store and manage NFTs, and protects your assets with a bank-grade CC EAL5+ certified Secure Element chip that keeps your private keys offline at all times. The wallet is also affordable, at $149.

ledger nano x cold crypto wallet

What makes this hardware wallet stand out, though, is its companion Ledger Live app. It lets you connect to various DeFi platforms for staking and trading, including major ones like Uniswap and Lido. The app also features excellent portfolio-tracking capabilities and provides a visual interface for seamless deposits and withdrawals.

Unlike the older Nano S Plus, the Ledger Nano X supports both desktop and mobile devices via Bluetooth. The wallet is also protected against physical tampering, it’s resistant against dust and water splashes, and its chip can last 20 to 30 years.

Ledger Nano S Plus Key Security Features:

  • BOLOS operating system: Keeps the apps isolated from each other to prevent the vulnerability in one app from affecting others.
  • On-device transactions: Transaction parameters will be displayed on the screen so you can confirm them securely.
  • Optional passphrase: Add an optional 25th word to your recovery phrase to add an extra layer of security.
Learn more

Pros

  • Supports 15,000+ coins and 50+ blockchain
  • Budget-friendly without compromising security
  • Works with Ledger Live for staking and trading
  • USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Integrates with software wallets

Cons

Visit Nano X

2. Trezor Safe 3 — Best Wallet for Advanced Security Features

  • Supported coins and blockchains: 9,000+ across 50+ blockchains
  • Supported devices: Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Security features: On-device transaction confirmation, optional passphrase, PIN
  • Price: $79

The Trezor Safe 3 is the best offering from Trezor because it offers the same advanced security as the most expensive cold wallets, but at an affordable price. Its top-notch safety features include the Secure Element (EAL6+) and a passphrase to unlock your device, both of which make it nearly impossible for hackers to steal your assets.

trezor safe 3

Similar to Cypherock X1, Trezor Safe 3 uses Shamir Backup, which splits your seed phrase into up to 16 pieces. Thus, if you lose one piece or it gets stolen, you can still recover your assets. The wallet also has a monochromatic OLED screen for easy navigation and features a tamper-evident casing.

However, much like Ledger Nano S Plus, it only offers USB-C connectivity, which is fairly limiting, especially in 2025.

Trezor Safe 3 Key Security Features:

  • Secure Element (EAL6+) chip: A tamper-resistant chip that protects private keys from sophisticated attacks.
  • Passphrase: Create a new wallet linked to your existing wallet backup.
  • SLIP39 backup compatibility: Split your wallet backup into multiple shares.
Learn more

Pros

  • Secure Element (EAL6+) for top-tier protection
  • Shamir Backup for extra recovery security
  • Coinjoin for transaction anonymity
  • Supports 9,000+ cryptocurrencies

Cons

  • Limited NFT management capabilities
  • USB-C connectivity only
Visit Trezor Safe 3

3. ColdCard – Best Hardware Wallet for Bitcoin HODLers

  • Supported coins and blockchains: Bitcoin only
  • Supported devices: Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Security features: Dual Secure Element chips, dual microSD slots for backups, open-source
  • Price: $177.94 to $249.21

ColdCard is a Bitcoin-only cold wallet with advanced security features. These include dual Secure Element chips, true air-gap operation, and open-source code that allows you to verify that the device’s security measures are properly implemented.

coldcard bitcoin wallet

The air-gap operation, however, is the best overall feature. Unlike other cold wallets that have partial air gaps, ColdCard does it fully throughout its life cycle: you can generate your seed and sign transactions offline. This hardware wallet comes with a numeric keypad for fast PIN unlock and an OLED screen featuring transaction details. It also has a micro-SD card slot for backing up your devices and data storage.

A couple of things we didn’t like about it, though, are the lack of a mobile app and the relatively cumbersome setup process. Price is also on the higher side, which might make it a less compelling option for users on a budget.

ColdCard Key Security Features:

  • Countdown to Brick PIN: This PIN forces a time delay when logging into the wallet.
  • MicroSD backup: Save your seed phrase to microSD cards.
  • Key Teleport: Transfer confidential data between ColdCard wallets using encrypted QR codes.

Pros

  • Focus on Bitcoin maxis
  • Air-gapped security with no online exposure
  • Open-source firmware for full transparency
  • MicroSD card slot for offline backups

Cons

  • Lacks a mobile app
  • Pricey
Visit ColdCard

4. Cypherock X1 – Best Cold Wallet With No Seed Phrase Vulnerability

  • Supported coins/ blockchains: 9,000+ across 50+ networks
  • Supported devices: Mobile (iOS, Android); Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Security features: Dual-chip architecture, PIN protection, NFC encryption
  • Price: $129 to $299

Cypherock X1 eliminates the need for a traditional seed phrase by using Shamir’s Secret Sharing to split your private key into four X1 cards. In combination with the main hardware vault, this allows easy recovery in case you lose one or two of your X1 cards and makes it nearly impossible for a single point of failure to compromise your assets.

cypherock x1 best cold storage wallet

Another big advantage is the wallet’s open-source nature, which allows the crypto security community to verify the provider’s safety measures. In addition, Cypherock X1 has been independently audited by KeyLabs, which found no security vulnerabilities.

This cold wallet is also surprisingly versatile, as it integrates with MetaMask and WalletConnect for DeFi accessibility. However, the relatively high starting price of $129 may deter budget-conscious users.

Cypherock X1 Key Security Features:

  • Shamir Secret Sharing: Shamir’s Secret Sharing splits the private key into five shards and stores them in the X1 vault and X1 cards. This eliminates a single point of failure.
  • Cypherock Cover: Non-KYC hardware-based security service that allows recovery of digital assets in case of PIN loss and death.
  • PIN protection: Choose between 4-8 characters to add an extra layer of protection. PIN protection also comes with an exponential time function.

Pros

  • Uses Shamir’s Secret Sharing to eliminate seed phrase risks
  • Open-source and audited by a top security firm
  • PIN-protected vault for added security
  • Compatible with MetaMask and WalletConnect

Cons

  • Comparatively pricey
  • Less proven key storage concept
Visit Cypherock

5. ELLIPAL Titan Cold Wallet – Best Cold Wallet for Air-Gapped Operation

  • Supported coins and blockchains: 10,000+ coins, 40+ chains
  • Supported devices: Mobile via QR codes
  • Security features: Air-gapped transactions, CC EAL5+ secure chip, offline recovery
  • Price: $169

The ELLIPAL Titan 2.0 is a fully air-gapped cold wallet. This means it has no Bluetooth, WiFi, or USB connectivity but rather uses QR code scanning for transactions. Regarding versatility, it supports 40+ chains, including Ethereum, Solana, and Base, and lets you store and manage over 10,000 cryptocurrencies.

ellipal titan wallet

The wallet also features anti-tamper protection, self-destruct mechanisms, and offline firmware updates via a microSD card to minimize security vulnerabilities. In addition, the ELLIPAL Titan is highly durable, with a metal casing and solid resistance to physical damage, water, and dust.

We also like its large and responsive touchscreen with an intuitive interface that makes managing crypto and signing transactions easy, even for complete beginners. This, however, puts a strain on the device’s battery life, which can be inconvenient when traveling.

ELLIPAL Titan Security Features:

  • Air-gapped technology: No Bluetooth, WiFi, or USB connectivity. Sign transactions by scanning QR codes.
  • Auto-self-destruct: If physical tampering is detected, the wallet will automatically wipe all private keys and data.
  • Secret secondary wallet: Create a backup account with a separate password.
Learn more

Pros

  • Supports 10,000+ cryptocurrencies across 50+ chains
  • 100% air-gapped for offline security
  • Anti-tamper self-destruct feature
  • Works with MetaMask and WalletConnect for DeFi access

Cons

  • Lacks a desktop app
  • QR code system takes some time to get used to
Visit Visit ELLIPAL

6. Ledger Stax — Best Premium Wallet for NFT Management

  • Supported coins and blockchains: NFTs and 2,000+ coins on 50+ chains
  • Supported devices: Mobile (iOS, Android), Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux Ubuntu)
  • Security features: Secure Element chip, 2FA for online management, secure touchscreen
  • Price: $399

Ledger Stax is one of the most innovative cold wallets you can find. Because of its curved E Ink touchscreen, it looks like a small eBook reader. It’s mostly designed to store your NFT collections, as you can put your favorite NFT on the screen like an eBook cover.

ledger stax

As the name suggests, you can “stack” multiple Ledger Stax wallets. For example, one Stax could hold your Ethereum NFTs, a second one could store your Solana NFTs, and a third could store your coins. As with all other models, you also get the handy Ledger Live app for dApp and DeFi connectivity.

The Ledger Stax is undoubtedly among the most innovative cold wallets out there, but the $399 price feels steep, even for such a premium device.

Ledger Stax Key Security Features:

  • 24-word secret recovery phrase: Use this phrase to restore access to your wallet if it gets lost or damaged.
  • Transaction check: A tool that analyzes EVM transactions for potential threats.
  • Ledger Recovery Key: Provides a private backup for your 24-word secret recovery phrase.
Learn more about Ledger's flagship model

Pros

  • Unique E Ink touchscreen for an intuitive experience
  • Wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Designed for both crypto and NFT storage
  • Allows multi-wallet management

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Moderate learning curve
Visit Ledger Stax

7. Tangem – Most Beginner-Friendly Card-Style Wallet

  • Supported coins and blockchains: 16,000+ tokens, 85+ blockchains
  • Supported devices: Mobile (iOS, Android)
  • Security features: NFC authentication, non-updatable firmware, private keys stored solely on the card
  • Price: From $54.90

Tangem stands out as a highly secure wallet designed for those who value simplicity and data protection. The wallet is as slim as a standard bank card and offers optimal security thanks to its EAL6+ certified chip – the highest standard for chip technology. Plus, with biometric authentication and passcode protection, the wallet guarantees multi-layer security.

tangem cold wallet

With more than 16,000 supported digital assets, there are few wallets in the world that can match Tangem’s compatibility, stretching across 85 networks. For NFT lovers, the wallet gets even better, supporting NFTs across Arbitrum, Avalanche, Base, BSC, Chiliz, Cronos, Ethereum, Fantom, Moonbeam, Moonriver, Optimism, Polygon, and Solana.

Setting up the Tangem Wallet takes just three minutes. During this process, the embedded chip also generates a private key that is never exposed, providing you greater autonomy. The device also doesn’t require firmware updates, so you’ll spend no time on maintenance. This ease of use, however, comes with trade-offs like the lack of native dApp and DeFi integrations, and there’s no way to use the wallet with a PC.

Tangem Key Security Features:

  • Biometric authentication: Unlock the Tangem app by placing your finger on the fingerprint scanner.
  • Hazard protection: The wallet is resistant to X-rays, electromagnetic pulses, and electrostatic discharge.
  • Non-updatable firmware: Once the firmware is downloaded into the chip, it cannot be updated again, which eliminates the risk of installing malware.

Pros

  • Compact, card-style design for portability
  • NFC-enabled for easy mobile transactions
  • No seed phrase required for security
  • Supports a massive variety of 16,000+ cryptocurrencies and is a leader in NFTs.

Cons

  • Doesn’t work on desktop
  • Limited Web3 integration
Visit Tangem

8. Blockstream Jade – Best Bitcoin-Only Wallet With Multisig Support

  • Supported coins and blockchains: Only Bitcoin and Liquid Network assets
  • Supported devices: Mobile (iOS, Android), Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Security features: Anti-tamper design, air-gapped, Virtual Secure Element for key storage
  • Price: $79 to $149

Blockstream Jade is a Bitcoin-only cold wallet that comes with several unique features, including a camera for scanning QR codes and multi-sig technology. Essentially, the device requires multiple keys to send a transaction, which makes it even harder for hackers and scammers to steal your funds.

blockstream bitcoin-only cold wallet

With multisig, there are two keys. The first key is held on your device, which is backed by your seed phrase. Next, the second key is held on the Blockstream Green servers, which are protected by two-factor authentication. Blockstream Jade’s QR camera is another safety feature that allows you to scan QR codes and sign transactions without connecting to any other device.

However, we can’t recommend it for altcoin holders and traders, as the wallet only supports BTC, and there’s no way to expand its functionality.

Blockstream Jade Key Security Features:

  • Air-gapped transactions: Sign transactions by scanning QR codes.
  • Oracle-enforced PIN protection: The wallet uses oracle-enforced PIN protection to encrypt your recovery phrase.
  • Anti-Exfil: Adds random data to transaction signatures to prevent hackers from guessing your private keys.

Pros

  • Ideal for Bitcoin and Liquid Network assets storage
  • Multisig support for added transaction protection
  • Camera-based QR code signing for offline security
  • Robust security features

Cons

  • Doesn’t support altcoins
  • Doesn’t work on iOS
Visit Blockstream Jade

9. SafePal S1 – Most Cost-Effective Cold Wallet

  • Supported coins and blockchains: 10,000+ across 100+ networks
  • Supported devices: Mobile (iOS, Android), Desktop (browser extension)
  • Security features: QR transaction signing, self-destruct mechanism, true random number generator for key generation
  • Price: $49.99

At just $49.99, SafePal S1 is a highly affordable hardware wallet that doesn’t skimp on security or quality-of-life features. It offers 100% air-gapped transaction signing, meaning there are no Bluetooth, WiFi, or USB connection vulnerabilities.

safepal wallet

To manage your portfolio, however, you need to download the SafePal app, which is designed to simplify the process of managing cryptos and NFTs. Also, with DeFi and Binance Earn products, you can access decentralized applications, make cross-chain swaps, and take advantage of yield farms.

SafePal’s only drawback is its lack of USB or Bluetooth connectivity. While that’s replaced by QR codes, new users may find it difficult to make the transition if they’re used to more standard cold wallets.

SafePal S1 Key Security Features:

  • Self-destruct mechanism: In case of tampering, the wallet automatically wipes the private keys from its memory.
  • Multiple security sensors: The wallet uses light, temperature, frequency, and pulse sensors to detect tampering.
  • SafePal Cypher: A steel plate that offers enhanced seed phrase storage.

Pros

  • Fully air-gapped for superior offline security
  • QR code signing eliminates online exposure
  • Supports 100+ blockchains
  • Tamper-resistant with a self-destruct function

Cons

  • QR code-only transaction signing
  • Moderate learning curve for beginners
Visit SafePal

10. SecuX V20 – Best Cold Wallet With Multi-Platform Support

  • Supported coins and blockchains: 10,000+ tokens, 300+ blockchains
  • Supported devices: Mobile (iOS, Android), Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS)
  • Security features: Certified CC EAL5+, dynamic PIN support, tamper-proof design
  • Price: $139

The SecuX V20 cold wallet offers Bluetooth technology, meaning you can sign transactions wirelessly from your phone or computer. It also has an LCD touchscreen, making it easy to monitor your portfolio and track token prices. The device also comes with web and desktop apps, so you can send and receive coins and manage your crypto portfolio. Plus, you can easily update its firmware via its mobile apps for iOS and Android.

secux multi-platform cold crypto wallet

Furthermore, the wallet’s security is enhanced with a PIN code or a passphrase. Unless someone knows either of these, they won’t be able to access your cold wallet, even if they have physical access to the device.

With that said, SecuX V20 uses proprietary software, which isn’t fully open-source, making it less appealing to users who appreciate transparency and frequent security audits.

SecuX V20 Key Security Features:

  • Hidden wallet: Create a parallel wallet that appears when you enter a hidden wallet PIN.
  • Dynamic PIN entry: The numbers on the touchscreen will change their positions each time you enter the PIN to prevent attackers from tracing your fingerprints.
  • X-SEED: A fireproof and waterproof metal plate where you can engrave your recovery words.

Pros

  • Supports 10,000+ tokens and 70+ blockchains
  • Large touchscreen for better usability
  • Bluetooth connectivity for mobile access
  • Military-grade encryption for top-tier security

Cons

  • Closed-source software
  • Processing transactions depends on SecuX servers
Visit SecuX

11. CoolWallet Pro – Best Cold Wallet for DEX Integration

  • Supported coins and blockchains: 12,000+ coins on 30+ chains
  • Supported devices: Mobile (iOS, Android)
  • Security features: AES-256 Bluetooth encryption, auto-lock after five failed PIN attempts, CC EAL 6+ certified
  • Price: $149

CoolWallet Pro is a cold storage crypto wallet that looks like a credit card. Despite its minimal size, it can connect to your mobile device via Bluetooth, which is where you can send, receive, and even stake your coins.

coolwappet pro

The wallet supports Binance DEX and WalletConnect, which are used for safe connections within decentralized exchanges. It also supports NFTs via OpenSea and Rarible. On top of supporting over 12,000 coins, CoolWallet Pro allows you to stake Ethereum, Polkadot, Tron, Cosmos, and many more.

However, unlike Blockstream Jade, this wallet doesn’t support multi-signature transactions and lacks the extra anonymity features of competitors like Trezor.

CoolWallet Pro Key Security Features:

  • Encrypted Bluetooth: The wallet uses encrypted Bluetooth to pair with your mobile device. The wallet will function only if it’s within 10 meters of your mobile device.
  • Smart Scan: This feature is built into the CoolWallet App, and it analyzes the security of dApps.
  • Tamper-resistant hardware: The wallet utilizes patented cold compression technology to reduce the risk of hidden tampering.

Pros

  • Credit card-sized for portability
  • Bluetooth-enabled for seamless mobile transactions
  • Supports DEXes and staking for multiple cryptos
  • Works with WalletConnect for DeFi access

Cons

  • Lacks multi-sig transactions
  • No live customer support
Visit CoolWallet Pro

What is a Crypto Cold Wallet?

A crypto cold storage wallet, also known as a hardware wallet, is a device that encrypts and stores your wallet’s seed phrase offline. They’re different from hot wallets, which store your seed phrase online. If a hacker has access to your computer, they can see your seed phrase and use it to steal your funds.

Cold wallets typically have physical buttons or touchscreen buttons, which are used for signing transactions on the blockchain. This makes it hard for scammers and hackers to steal your funds unless they physically hold the device.

Additionally, each cold wallet is locked with a PIN, a passphrase, or 2FA. Anyone attempting to access your device will also need to know that to unlock it.

Using a companion app, these wallets can store crypto assets, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs. You can also trade, swap, stake, and do much more with these apps, giving cold wallets the same functionality as hot wallets but with added security.

What’s more, you can connect your cold wallet to a hot wallet like MetaMask or Phantom. For every transaction you make, you will have to sign it with the buttons on your device.

How do Cold Wallets Work?

All cold storage crypto wallets have a seed phrase consisting of 12 or 24 words. This particular feature allows you to restore your wallet and access your crypto funds in case something happens to your computer or smartphone.

Keep in mind that your crypto wallet and assets are stored on the blockchain. Using the seed phrase, you’ll prove that you own the cold wallet crypto.

Cold Wallets Store Your Seed Phrase Offline

Cold wallets generate and store the user’s private keys on a physical device. This means the seed phrase is never exposed on your computer screen while you’re connected to the internet.

What Our Expert Says...
Tsvetomir Koychev
Content Lead, Exchanges & Wallets
“Ultimately, hackers can't access your seed phrase via your computer, even if it's compromised. If you need to restore a private key, you'll enter the seed phrase directly on the device itself, which is encrypted and offline.“
Tsvetomir Koychev
Content Lead, Exchanges & Wallets

You Need to Press a Button to Sign Transactions

Aside from keeping your seed phrase safe, cold wallets have another important safety feature. You have to physically press buttons on the cold wallet to authorize transactions. This way, no one can authorize the transaction except the person who holds the cold wallet device.

For additional security, cold wallets require a PIN number, a passphrase, or 2FA for you to unlock the device. If someone manages to steal your hardware wallet, they’ll need to know your access codes to unlock it.

Why Is the Seed Phrase Important?

The crypto wallet seed phrase, often made of 12 to 24 randomly generated words, is the backup key to your wallet. This sequence of words is linked to the private keys and acts as a mnemonic representation to retrieve access to the assets within the wallet.

cryptotag

For example, let’s say you create a crypto wallet, but you don’t save the seed phrase. At some point, you’ll need to reinstall your operating system, but someone steals your computer, or your cold wallet breaks, and you don’t know your wallet’s seed phrase. If this happens, you won’t be able to access your digital wallet, and your funds will be trapped.

To protect your seed phrase, you need to write it down on a piece of paper and store it somewhere safe. The best Bitcoin cold wallet makers, like Ledger, sell metal seed phrase protectors that can withstand fire and damage.

Advantages of Cold Crypto Wallets

The main advantage of a cold wallet is enhanced security. Since you need to physically press buttons on the wallet, you are safe from remote access hacks. With that said, we’d like to cover all the other advantages that these devices offer:

Enhanced Security

Cold crypto wallets provide superior protection against online vulnerabilities. Cold wallets aren’t connected to the internet, making them immune to cyber-attacks. This includes protection from hacking attempts, phishing schemes, malware infections, and other malicious activities.

Recently, many wallets have also included advanced biometric security measures such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. This makes the wallets much more secure while reducing and even limiting unauthorized access.

Unauthorized Access Protection

Cold wallets require that you physically press a button to sign a transaction. In the unfortunate event that a malicious actor has gained access to your computer accounts and companion cold wallet app, they can’t move your funds without you pressing the buttons. This acts as a physical barrier against unauthorized access and theft, giving you peace of mind that your funds are protected even when you sleep.

Long-Term Safekeeping

Crypto cold wallets are designed to store your crypto assets for a long time. That’s because the safety feature of pressing buttons to authorize transactions can become a nuisance if you plan to use your cold wallet device for active trading.

What’s more, active trading requires that you connect to multiple decentralized apps, which could potentially pose a threat if they’re hacked. Unlike hot wallets, designed for frequent transactions and daily use, cold wallets are better suited for maintaining long-term safety.

Immune to Platform Failures

Online platforms and exchanges also experience downtimes, glitches, and even hacks. For example, in January 2025, the Singaporean exchange platform Phemex Exchange lost approximately $69.1 million from the platform after it was attacked, marking it as one of the largest hacks of the year.

If you had funds in these two platforms or any other where the assets were compromised, you could have lost everything. Cold, decentralized wallets eliminate this risk because you have full control over your assets and how they move.

Limitations of Cold Wallets

While cold wallets offer security advantages, there are some limitations to consider. Before opting for a cold wallet, weigh the benefits against the potential inconveniences associated with cold storage:

  • Physical Risks: Your hardware wallet could be stolen, damaged, or lost. Also, if you don’t have your seed phrase ready, you won’t be able to recover your assets.
  • Inconvenience: Cold wallets are designed for storage, which makes them inconvenient for everyday transaction signing. That’s because you have to physically press a button every time you wish to make a transaction.
  • Pricing: While software wallets are free to use, cold wallets come with a purchase price. Of course, this is a small price to pay for the safety of your crypto assets. But you still have to determine if you really need a cold wallet for its intended uses.

Cold Wallets vs Hot Wallets

Both cold wallets and hot wallets are designed to store your digital assets like cryptocurrencies and NFTs. However, there are some differences between the two, which we’d like to explain.

Assets Safety

One of the main differences between cold wallets and hot wallets is safety. Hot wallets provide you with a seed phrase visible on your computer screen or smartphone when you open a new wallet.

Cold wallets, however, provide you with a seed phrase directly on the screen of the hardware wallet, which isn’t connected to the internet. Someone looks directly at your hardware wallet’s screen when you read and write the 12 to 24 words. Otherwise, there is no way that they can know your seed phrase to access your funds.

Transaction Execution

Another difference between these two types of wallets is how transactions are executed. You can sign transactions with one click using hot wallets, which makes it an excellent choice for frequent trading or using decentralized apps.

Cold wallets, however, have buttons that you have to physically press to sign the transaction. What’s more, you’ll unlock your crypto cold wallet device with a PIN, a passphrase, or 2FA. Signing and confirming every transaction is more complex but also safer.

Use Cases

Because they’re safer, the best cold wallets are designed for long-term storage. This means that once you buy your crypto assets, you’ll send them to your cold wallet and leave them there until you decide to sell.

Hot wallets are designed to be used a lot more frequently. You’ll connect your hot wallets to decentralized exchanges and be free to sign as many transactions as you wish. That said, you can always move your profits into your cold wallets for safekeeping.

How to Choose a Cold Crypto Wallet

Choosing the best cold wallet requires you to consider several different factors. They include security features, supported cryptocurrencies, mobile app experience, and pricing.

Security Features

This is the main reason why you should buy a cold wallet. However, there are nuances that you have to consider, as not all cold wallets are created equal. For example, some users prefer Bluetooth connectivity to easily sign transactions on their smartphones without using cables.

Other users may consider Bluetooth a liability and prefer to have air-gapped devices. In other words, they have no wireless contact of any kind that could affect security.

Also, look for wallets that have a proven track record of security and employ strong encryption methods. Additionally, you need to consider the wallet’s recovery options.

In case the wallet is lost or damaged, you will have to use your seed phrase to access it. But sometimes, you could lose your seed phrase as well. Every Trezor cold wallet has a solution for this via something called Shamir Backup, which allows you to split your seed phrase into several pieces. If one piece is lost or stolen, you can still recover your wallet.

most common crypto security risks infographic

Ledger has recently employed a similar wallet recovery feature called Ledger Recover. This is a paid feature, and you have to submit valid ID documents and a selfie recording.

Once approved, your device will encrypt your seed phrase and split it into three fragments, which will be used to recover it. Because your seed phrase is locked to your ID, you can be the only one who can request the recovery fragments.

Supported Coins

Most crypto cold wallets support the most popular coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Moreover, they also support thousands of other altcoins and tokens. However, certain hardware wallets, like Blockstream Jade, support only Bitcoin.

This is why you have to consider what you really need before buying a cold wallet. If you only want to hold Bitcoin and sell it in 10 years, then Blockstream Jade could be a perfect wallet. But if you want to store multiple coins and do multi-chain swaps, then Trezor or Ledger wallets are typically the way to go.

Companion App

Even though cold wallets are designed to be offline storage devices, most of them come with companion apps. You can use them to monitor your portfolio, initiate transactions, stake your idle coins, and more.

Ultimately, it’s important to consider cold storage wallets that meet your requirements. Ledger’s Ledger Live app is one of the best companion apps for staking your idle coins. This feature isn’t available in most other cold wallet apps.

ledger live swap feature

Our Methodology – How We Rated the Best Crypto Cold Storage

Picking the best cold wallets isn’t just about slapping a score on them; we dug deep into what makes each one worth using. Here’s how we broke it down:

Security and Reliability (30%)

The whole point of a cold wallet is to keep your crypto safe, so security is the biggest factor. We looked at the kind of encryption they use, whether they support multi-signature transactions, and if they can handle physical attacks. We also checked their track record.

Supported Assets and Compatibility (20%)

No one wants a wallet that only works with a handful of coins. We ranked wallets based on how many cryptocurrencies they support, whether they play nice with DeFi apps, and if they can connect with popular hardware or software wallets. Bonus points if they work with major blockchain ecosystems.

User Experience and Interface (20%)

A wallet can be super secure, but if it’s a pain to use, no one’s going to stick with it. We checked how easy it is to set up, how smooth the interface is, and if they provide solid guides and tutorials. Extra points for multiple language options and accessibility features.

Portability and Build Quality (15%)

A cold wallet isn’t much use if it breaks easily. We looked at their physical design, durability, and whether they can survive water, shocks, or extreme temperatures. Basically, can you toss it in a bag without worrying?

Pricing and Value for Money (15%)

Some cold wallets cost a fortune, but are they actually worth it? We compared price tags to features, looked at long-term usability (like free firmware updates), and checked if they offer extra perks like staking support. If a wallet gives you more bang for your buck, we ranked it higher.

Conclusion

When searching for a cold wallet, you have to look for one that stands out for its robust security features, companion apps, crypto coin support, and innovative functionalities. Whether you’re a beginner in the crypto space or a seasoned investor, buying a cold wallet is a wise decision you can make.

Based on our analysis of the top providers, we rank Ledger Nano X as the overall best cold crypto wallet in 2025. It supports thousands of coins across, it’s easy to set up and use, and it’s both affordable and secure.

With that said, remember that no cold wallet is completely foolproof. Physical loss or damage can make your assets inaccessible. Also, you have to manage your private key properly to prevent theft. Using a tampered device puts your assets at a higher risk. If you incorrectly set up the wallet or fail to update the firmware, you might compromise its security. So, always follow best practices for storage and usage to keep your assets safe.

Visit Ledger

Cold Wallet FAQs

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Is Coinbase Wallet a cold wallet?

References

  1. SDCard.org: SD Memory Cards Secure Store Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies Offline
  2. therecord.media: At least $69 million stolen from crypto platform Phemex in suspected cyberattack

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