thanh tuyen
18/06/2025
In the fast-moving world of digital currencies, protecting your assets is just as important as maximizing profits and minimizing risks. As cryptocurrencies become a prime target for hackers, cold wallets have emerged as a trusted solution, recommended by many experts. So, what exactly is a cold wallet, and which models are worth choosing in 2025? This guide will help you understand and pick the right one for your needs.
A cold wallet, also known as a hardware wallet, is a physical device used to store cryptocurrencies offline. It keeps your private key, which is essential for accessing and managing your crypto, completely disconnected from the internet. Because of this, cold wallets are immune to most types of cyberattacks that target online wallets, minimizing the risk of hackers breaking in or stealing assets.
When you want to make a transaction, you merely connect your cold wallet to a computer or mobile device, sign the transaction offline, and then upload it to the network to complete it. Once done, you disconnect the wallet, ensuring your private key stays protected and fully isolated from any online threats.
As crypto-related cyberattacks become more frequent, protecting your coins is more crucial than ever. Using a cold cryptocurrency wallet to store digital assets is no longer optional, but should be a priority for the following reasons.
One of the outstanding advantages of cold wallets is their strong security. Cold crypto wallets are highly secure because they are never connected to the internet. While hackers can breach hot wallets and steal funds, a cold wallet stores your private keys offline, making unauthorized access nearly impossible. Even if your computer or phone is infected with a virus, your crypto remains safeguarded because your private keys are not connected to the internet.
When you store your crypto on an exchange, you are essentially handing over control of your crypto to a third party. If the exchange gets hacked, freezes withdrawals, or suddenly shuts down, you risk losing access to your assets. With a cold wallet, you are the only one who holds the private key. That means you can send or receive crypto at any time, without relying on any external platform.
The cryptocurrency market has witnessed the collapse of exchanges and security breaches, resulting in millions of dollars disappearing overnight. Cold wallets operate independently of any trading platform, defending you from these risks. As long as you maintain your wallet carefully and implement backup methods such as recovery seed phrases, your coins will be safe regardless of what happens to the exchange.
Cold crypto wallets are ideal for investors who intend to hold their cryptocurrency for the long term. Cold wallets eliminate most security risks by staying disconnected from the internet, while also giving users complete control over their assets. Once properly set up and backed up with a recovery seed phrase, you can store your coins for years, even decades, without worrying about theft or loss.
While cold wallets offer excellent benefits, there are some important notes that every user should not ignore.
First, transactions may take longer compared to hot wallets. Every time you want to send crypto, you need to connect to a computer or mobile device for authentication, which may be inconvenient for those who trade frequently.
Second, you must be extremely careful with your recovery phrase. If you lose your private key or seed phrase without a backup, recovering your assets is almost impossible. That is why it is critical to store your recovery phrase securely; avoid taking careless notes or revealing information to others.
In terms of cost, investing in a quality cold wallet may be slightly higher than a hot wallet. But considering the enhanced security they deliver, it is well worth it for anyone serious about safeguarding their digital assets.
If you want to protect your digital assets with a cold wallet but feel overwhelmed by the countless options available, here are some of the most trusted and widely used cold wallets on the market. Each has its own strengths and aligns with various user needs.
Ledger Nano X from Ledger is one of the most popular cold wallets on the market today. With support for over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, it is an ideal choice for investors managing a diverse crypto portfolio. The device is equipped with a CC EAL5+ certified security chip, the same grade used in banking systems, ensuring your private keys are stored entirely offline. Ledger Nano X secures your account with a recovery seed and PIN code. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can recover your funds using a 24-word recovery seed phrase. In particular, Ledger Nano X adds a layer of protection with the Ledger Recover digital backup service, in case the user loses the recovery phrase.
You can manage your crypto assets through the Ledger Live app, which connects via Bluetooth to smartphones or via USB to desktops, making it easy to manage your crypto anytime, anywhere. While the price tag of $149 may be higher than other options, its robust security and premium features make it a worthwhile investment for serious crypto holders.
SatoshiLabs, a pioneer in the cryptocurrency security industry, launched the premium cold wallet Trezor Model T in 2018. The device impressed with its intuitive interface and smooth user experience. It features a large touchscreen display that enables you to confirm transactions, view wallet addresses, and manage your assets directly on the device without needing to connect to your phone. Unlike many other cold wallets, the Trezor Model T prioritizes security by using an open-source infrastructure that guarantees protection against real-world threats. In addition to PIN protection, the device also supports asset recovery using a 12-word phrase or upgrading to the Shamir Backup standard, which splits your private key into multiple shares for added safety.
It also includes staking for certain cryptocurrencies, giving users more flexibility beyond simple storage. Trezor Model T is ideal for investors looking to store crypto assets securely off cryptocurrency exchanges for long-term peace of mind. However, the Model T is compatible with just over 1,000 coins, fewer than Ledger, and lacks a dedicated mobile app, which may be inconvenient for users who are frequently on the go. Besides, the £159 fee may be a barrier for many.
First released in 2015 by ShapeShift, KeepKey remains a reliable and affordable cold wallet for beginners. It stores your private keys entirely offline and verifies all transactions through physical confirmation on the device. The large, clear display makes it easy to review transaction details before approval. Like most hardware wallets, KeepKey comes with a 12-word recovery phrase generated during setup, allowing you to recover access if the device is lost or damaged.
KeepKey supports almost all coins on the market with a portfolio of over 7,000 cryptocurrencies. Additionally, its $78 price point makes it an accessible option for most users. While it lacks a mobile app and is slightly bulkier than some other devices, KeepKey is an ideal choice for those who want a simple, secure way to store their coins without needing to be tech-savvy.
The last name on the list is SafePal S1 - the first project invested by Binance Labs in the cold wallet segment. Its standout feature is its fully air-gapped signing mechanism, meaning it is not connected to any Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, or NFC devices. All transactions are verified by scanning QR codes, ensuring your private key never comes into contact with any internet-connected device. Beyond EAL5+ security certification, SafePal S1 integrates additional layers of security, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), a PIN code, recovery seed phrases, and a key deletion pool. Thanks to that, the wallet is not only safe under ideal conditions but also helps defend assets even when falling into the wrong hands. This makes it especially useful for active crypto trading users who regularly move assets between wallets and platforms.
At less than $50, the SafePal S1 is an attractive option for those who want to enter the DeFi and NFT space while still maintaining absolute control and security for their assets. However, SafePal S1 is not open-source, so some picky users may want to consider it.
Whether you are a long-term investor, an active DeFi user, or simply someone who wants serious protection for your crypto assets, a trusted cold wallet is a must-have. Each device listed above has its own unique strengths, but all prioritize security as their top feature. Choose the one that best aligns with your usage habits and investment goals.
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