The best cold storage wallets for keeping your crypto safe in 2025

In crypto, self-custody doesn’t guarantee security. Decentralized technology removes counterparty risk, but managing cryptocurrencies in non-custodial wallets introduces unique threats. Hacks and thefts happen all the time, costing billions in irreversible losses each year. And with no insurance on the blockchain, anyone who takes ownership of their crypto assets needs to make data protection a top priority.

Fortunately, there are practical ways to keep your crypto safe, like cold storage wallets, which don’t connect to the internet 24/7 – a design feature that keeps attackers at bay.

In this guide, we’ll explain what cold wallets are and how they differ from hot wallets. We’ll also highlight some of the best cold storage wallets to consider in 2025.

What’s a cold storage wallet?

In short, a cold storage wallet keeps the code that protects the crypto it contains – the private key – completely offline. But to understand how cold storage works, you first need to know the basics of crypto wallets. 

Every crypto wallet has two keys: a public key and a private key. The public key points to the wallet’s address, which you share with others so they can send you crypto, like sharing an email address to receive messages. The private key, by contrast, acts like a password. Whoever has it can unlock the wallet, move funds, and prove ownership of the assets. The two keys are linked mathematically, but cryptography makes it impossible to determine a private key from its public counterpart.

In addition to two types of keys, two main types of crypto wallets also exist: hot wallets and cold wallets.

Hot wallets are mobile or desktop apps that are always connected to the internet. That makes them convenient but also more prone to hacks, phishing, and malware, even with security features like encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA). 

Cold storage wallets, on the other hand, store private keys completely offline while still allowing users to confirm – or “sign” – crypto transactions.

The earliest cold storage wallets were paper wallets, physical printouts showing the wallet’s public and private keys. Today, hardware wallets are far more common. These devices resemble USB drives but contain specialized technology that protects private keys. When users transfer cryptocurrencies to a hardware wallet, they connect it to a computer or mobile device by cable or Bluetooth to approve transactions while the private keys remain offline. 

Cold wallets cost more and in some ways are less convenient than hot wallets, but most crypto traders prefer them because they’re more durable, offer stronger security, and come with features that make them easier to manage.

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What to look for in crypto cold storage wallets

No matter the specific cryptocurrencies you keep in a cold storage wallet – whether Bitcoin (BTC), altcoins, or both – protecting your assets is paramount. Security features like a Secure Element chip, PIN codes, and biometric login should come first, but reputation, usability, and recovery tools also matter. Here’s what to consider when comparing cold storage wallet options.

Reputation

The maker of a cold wallet matters as much as the device itself. Research how long the provider has been in business and read third-party reviews to gauge what the crypto community thinks of the product. A wallet from an unproven company may cut corners on security – or disappear altogether – putting your assets at risk.

User interface

A cold wallet’s design can make the difference between a smooth transaction and an expensive mistake. Blockchain transfers are final – once you send digital assets, you can’t undo it. A clunky or confusing interface might increase the odds of user error, especially for traders new to crypto.

Asset and blockchain support

Not every crypto wallet works with every blockchain, so check the cold storage wallet’s list of compatible coins and tokens before you buy. If the wallet can’t store your assets, the security it offers won’t matter.

Backup and recovery

Even the most secure wallet fails if you lose access. Most self-custodial devices provide a 12- to 24-word seed phrase during setup, your master key if something goes wrong. Some wallets also include safeguards like Shamir backups, which split a recovery phrase into multiple parts, and passphrases, which act as a second password on top of the seed phrase. 

What are the best crypto cold wallets in 2025?

As crypto moves further into the mainstream, so does the need for reliable cold storage. With more wallet manufacturers entering the marketplace to meet demand, distinguishing quality devices from weaker ones can be challenging. Still, a handful of brands have earned lasting credibility within the crypto community for their security and innovation.

Ledger Flex

Ledger has become one of the leading names in crypto cold storage, thanks to its strong security standards and steady product innovation. The Paris-based hardware wallet manufacturer’s recent model, the Ledger Flex, takes its name from the device’s flexible design. Each unit has a responsive 2.84-inch E Ink touchscreen display and supports USB-C, Bluetooth, and NFC connections for easy use on both desktop and mobile.

Like Ledger’s other wallets, the Flex includes the company’s signature EAL5+ Secure Element chip, the same technology in passports and credit cards, to defend against attacks. Ledger also offers its Recovery service as a PIN-protected backup option for seed phrases. And it’s versatile, too. With support for thousands of cryptocurrencies, the Ledger Flex can store major coins, niche altcoins, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). 

Trezor Safe 5

Trezor is the original name in hardware wallets. Co-founders Marek Palatinus, Alena Vránová, and Pavol Rusnák launched the first mass-produced crypto hardware wallet, the Trezor Model One, in 2014. That model is still available, but the company has since expanded its lineup with devices that add more modern conveniences while keeping the same high security standards.

The newest release, the Trezor Safe 5, balances usability with strong protections. It features a bright color touchscreen with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and haptic feedback for smoother navigation. The Safe 5 also includes a Secure Element chip and a default 20-word recovery phrase for extra defense against attacks. Unlike many of its rivals, the Safe 5 connects only through USB-C, a design choice some traders prefer because it eliminates the wireless vulnerabilities of Bluetooth.

COLDCARD Mk4

Coinkite’s COLDCARD Mk4 ranks among the most secure cold wallets for investors focused exclusively on Bitcoin (BTC). There’s no color touchscreen or other flashy design features. Instead, the Mk4 keeps things simple with an OLED display to verify transactions and a physical keypad. 

What the Mk4 lacks in style, it makes up for in protection, with two Secure Element chips and multiple PIN layers. It also features full air-gapped technology that allows it to operate without ever connecting directly to another device. While it only supports Bitcoin, traders who prioritize BTC often consider it one of the safest wallets available. 

Ledger Nano X

The Nano X gives users Ledger’s hallmark security at a lower entry price. Released in 2019 as an alternative to the flagship Nano S, it continues to be a popular choice, thanks to features like a Secure Element chip, Bluetooth connectivity, and support for thousands of cryptocurrencies. The Nano X lacks the touchscreen that higher-end Ledger models feature, but its OLED display is bright enough to review and confirm transactions. And at about half the cost of the Ledger Flex, it’s a more affordable option for those who want reliability without paying for extra conveniences. 

Trezor Model 3

Like the Ledger Nano X, the Trezor Model 3 is a budget-friendly wallet that trims some features but keeps the brand’s signature security standards. There’s no touchscreen display or haptic feedback, but the Model 3 supports thousands of cryptocurrencies through a straightforward OLED display. It also includes a Secure Element chip, 2FA compatibility, and Trezor’s transparent open-source code – a combination that gives users confidence even at a lower price point. 

Follow all your crypto on CoinTracker 

No matter how many wallets or exchange accounts you use, CoinTracker makes monitoring and reporting your transactions easy. CoinTracker’s Portfolio Tracker links exchange APIs and public wallet addresses to give you a clear view of your transfer history, balances, and overall net worth in real time.

CoinTracker also organizes this data into IRS-compliant documents like Form 8949 and Schedule D for stress-free tax reporting. Whether you work with a CPA or use software like TurboTax or H&R Block, CoinTracker delivers accurate, detailed reports that fit seamlessly into your filing process.

Get started with a free CoinTracker account today and see why millions of traders and investors trust us with their crypto taxes. 

Disclaimer: This post is informational only and is not intended as tax advice. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.