Cold Storage / Hardware — How It Works & Best Providers
Cold storage keeps your Bitcoin's private keys on devices that never connect to the internet, making them immune to remote hacking. Hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor are the most common consumer cold storage solutions. Institutional cold storage uses HSMs (Hardware Security Modules) in secure facilities.
Trade-offs
Pros & Cons
+Pros
- ✓Air-gapped from internet threats
- ✓Physical security
- ✓Low ongoing cost
- ✓Full ownership
−Cons
- ✗Physical device can be lost/damaged
- ✗Less convenient for frequent transactions
- ✗Requires technical knowledge
- ✗No recovery if seed phrase lost
Ideal Users
Best For
Rankings
Best Cold Storage / Hardware Providers
Ranked by weighted Custody Score across 8 criteria.
Ledger is the world's leading hardware wallet manufacturer. The Nano S Plus and Nano X devices use secure element chips to protect private keys offline. Over 6 million devices sold globally. Supports 5,500+ cryptocurrencies through Ledger Live.
Read full review →Trezor created the first hardware wallet in 2013. Fully open-source firmware and software. The Model T features a touchscreen. Trezor Suite desktop app provides portfolio management. Strong focus on transparency and open-source ethos.
Read full review →Coldcard is a Bitcoin-only hardware wallet designed for maximum security. Features air-gapped operation (microSD or NFC), duress PIN, secure element, and full PSBT support. Favorite of Bitcoin maximalists and security experts.
Read full review →BitBox02 by Shift Crypto is a Swiss-made hardware wallet with dual-chip architecture (secure element + microcontroller). Bitcoin-only edition available. Minimalist design with touch sliders. Open-source firmware.
Read full review →Foundation Passport is a premium air-gapped Bitcoin hardware wallet with a distinctive design featuring a camera for QR code scanning. Open-source hardware and firmware. Envoy companion app. Designed in the USA.
Read full review →Blockstream Jade is an affordable open-source hardware wallet with unique 'virtual secure element' technology. Camera for QR-based air-gapped signing. Backed by Blockstream, a leading Bitcoin infrastructure company.
Read full review →SeedSigner is a DIY air-gapped Bitcoin signing device built from off-the-shelf Raspberry Pi components. Completely open-source. Stateless design — never stores keys. Camera-based QR code signing. Community-driven project.
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