Key Takeaways
- The best cold storage wallet depends on what you value — security, design, price, and/or ease of use.
- Ledger Nano X is the best option for beginners, NGRAVE Zero is best for security, while Trezor Safe 3 is best for affordability.
In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the best cold storage wallets that can help you keep your cryptocurrency secure for the long-term. Our panel of experts reviewed dozens of options on the market and selected the eight best based on user experience, security features, design, price, and ease of use.
| Wallet Name | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ledger Nano X | Beginners | $149 |
| Ledger Stax | Design & UX | $399 |
| Trezor Safe 3 | Affordability | $79 |
| COLDCARD | Bitcoin Security | $157.94 |
| Cypherock X1 | Multisig Security | $199 |
| NGRAVE Zero | Security & Recovery | $398 |
| BC Vault | Cryptocurrency Selection | $96.54 |
| D'CENT | Biometric Security | $99 |
Ledger Nano X
Best for Beginners
The Ledger Nano X is one of the most popular cold storage wallets on the market. The wallet is known for its ease of use and support for a wide range of cryptocurrencies — offering Bluetooth connectivity and support for more than 5,500 cryptocurrencies!
Price: $149
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies
- Bluetooth connectivity for mobile use
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
- Bluetooth may present potential security concerns for some users
Ledger Stax
Best for Design & User Experience
The Ledger Stax brings a sleek, modern design to cold storage wallets, featuring a large touchscreen and a curved E Ink® edge. It's ideal for users who value both aesthetics and ease of use, supporting over 5,500 coins as well as NFTs.
Price: $399
Pros:
- Innovative design with touchscreen
- Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and NFTs
- Wireless charging capability
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Larger size compared to other wallets
Trezor Safe 3
Best for Affordability
The Trezor Safe 3 strikes a fantastic balance between security and affordability. Its EAL6+ certified Secure Element chip protects against brute-force attacks, while its open-source code makes it a fantastic option for users who value transparency.
Price: $79
Pros:
- Affordable without compromising security
- Open-source software
- Supports over 1,000 cryptocurrencies
Cons:
- Lacks Bluetooth connectivity
- Smaller screen size
COLDCARD
Best for Bitcoin Security
COLDCARD is a Bitcoin-only wallet known for its air-gapped feature—meaning that it’s never connected to the Internet and immune to online hacking attempts. COLDCARD is a great choice for Bitcoin investors looking for maximum security.
Price: $157.94
Pros:
- Air-gapped for enhanced security
- Focused solely on Bitcoin
- Advanced security features
Cons:
- Only supports Bitcoin
- Complex setup for beginners
Cypherock X1
Best for Multisig Security
The Cypherock X1 is designed with decentralized key storage to enhance security — allowing you to split the private key into multiple components. This approach ensures no single device holds all the data, minimizing the risk of a hack!
Price: $199
Pros:
- Decentralized key storage
- Supports multiple cryptocurrencies
- No seed phrase required
Cons:
- Higher learning curve
- Limited availability
NGRAVE Zero
Best for Security & Recovery
The NGRAVE Zero wallet is designed for users who want air-gapped, 100% offline security. It features biometric authentication and can come with durable steel plates that can be used to recover access to your account!
Price: $398
Pros:
- Air-gapped and offline
- Biometric authentication
- High-quality build with recovery plates
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bulky design
BC Vault
Best for Cryptocurrency Selection
BC Vault supports millions of cryptocurrencies and is a great option for those looking for a wide selection. While it lacks Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability, it offers encrypted backups for security!
Price: $96.54
Pros:
- Supports a vast number of cryptocurrencies
- Encrypted backups
- Durable design
Cons:
- No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity
- Interface may be less intuitive
D'CENT Wallet
Best for Biometric Security
D'CENT features a biometric fingerprint sensor for an added layer of security. It supports over 3,600 cryptocurrencies and is compact, easy to set up, and offers customer support!
Price: $99
Pros:
- Biometric security feature
- Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations
- Fingerprint sensor may be sensitive
Cold Wallets vs. Hot Wallets
Cold Wallets: These are offline wallets, meaning they are not connected to the internet. They offer enhanced security by keeping your private keys offline, making them less susceptible to hacks.
Hot Wallets: These are online wallets connected to the internet. While they offer convenience for frequent transactions, they are more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Cold Wallet Security Features
Cold wallets come equipped with various security features to protect your assets:
- Secure Element Chips: Protect against tampering and brute-force attacks.
- PIN Protection: Prevents unauthorized access.
- Passphrase Support: Adds an extra layer of security.
- Air-Gapped Devices: Completely isolated from the internet.
- Biometric Authentication: Uses fingerprints or facial recognition for access.
- Encrypted Backups: Ensures your data is securely stored.
How to Set Up and Use a Cold Wallet
- Purchase a Reputable Cold Wallet: Choose from trusted brands like Ledger, Trezor, or NGRAVE.
- Initialize the Device: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set up your wallet.
- Secure Your Recovery Phrase: Write down the 24-word seed phrase and store it in a safe place.
- Install Companion Software: Use official software like Ledger Live or Trezor Suite to manage your wallet.
- Transfer Funds: Move your cryptocurrencies from exchanges or hot wallets to your cold wallet.
- Regularly Update Firmware: Keep your device's firmware up to date for the latest security enhancements