Choosing one or more cryptocurrency wallet types is your first step to sending or receiving cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dash, or Litecoin.
Now that we’ve looked at how to get cryptocurrency, let’s explore all 5 different cryptocurrency wallet types –and the advantages and disadvantages for each.
Related Cryptocurrency Terms
Before we begin looking at each of the cryptocurrency wallet types, there are a few additional crypto terms you’ll need to understand first.
Hot Wallet vs Cold Wallet
The difference between a hot or cold wallet is simply whether or not these different crypto wallet types are connected to the internet.
Hot wallets are less secure cryptocurrency wallets because of the risk internet access poses to your privacy and security, however they are much more user-friendly.
Cold wallets are a crypto wallet type used for the “cold storage” of cryptocurrencies, and are stored offline for improved security. They’re more like a real-world safe or a vault than a leather wallet you carry with you for day to day transactions.
You will likely use cryptocurrency wallet types that are connected to the internet and wallets that aren’t, depending on your needs –a hot wallet for small day-to-day transactions, and a cold wallet for long term holding.
Public and Private Keys
Put very simply, cryptocurrency is represented by an entry in the blockchain associated to a public key.
In order to move currency around, exchange it, make a purchase with it, or convert it back to FIAT money, your private key is required to unlock it. Typically, your private key is stored within your wallet, or online.
If you lose your private key, your cryptocurrency is lost. This is why it is very important to consider how your private keys are stored.
In other words, Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies don’t get hacked –the devices that store private keys do. Some wallets keep these private keys offline, and other wallets or exchanges often hold them for you online.
This is why it is up to you to decide how you want your private key to be managed, and you decide this when you choose your cryptocurrency wallet type.
Multisig Wallet
A multisig cryptocurrency wallet, also known as a “multisignature” wallet, refers to a cryptocurrency wallets types that require input from multiple parties in order to complete a transaction.
Consider types of cryptocurrency wallet that use multisig technology like a shared bank account, where all parties need to enter their PIN or order to complete a transaction. A multisig wallet is ideal for use by families and businesses alike.
Multi-Currency Wallet
Some wallets only hold one type of cryptocurrency, while others will allow you to store multiple types of cryptocurrencies in one place –wallets for all cryptocurrency.
For example, a wallet like Exodus can store several currencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, EOS, Dash, and others.
Additionally, some cryptowallets will also allow you to convert “cryptocurrency A” into “cryptocurrency B”. So if you would like to take your Bitcoin and convert it to Ether, you can do this inside specific wallets that havee this feature. This is accomplished through an integration with a third party called ShapeShift.
If your multi-currency wallet cannot convert the cryptocurrencies that it contains, you will need to take additional steps to accomplish this online. This is why it is important to look for ShapeShift integration for your hot wallet before you get started.
From algorithmic trading and Decentralized Finance to navigating the US tax system with cryptocurrency investments, Ivan on Tech has you covered.
Take a CourseThe 5 Crypto Wallet Types
Cryptocurrency wallets can be divided into five types and each comes with varying levels of security to ensure the safety of your private keys; online (web), mobile, desktop, hardware, and paper wallets.
Now that you have a little foundation of terms related to cryptowallets, let’s take a look at the 5 different types of cryptocurrency wallets, their advantages, and their disadvantages.
1. What is an Online Wallet? (Web Wallet)
Online wallets are typically cryptocurrency wallets that you access via your web browser. In some cases people refer to all hot wallets as online wallets, but that only gets confusing when we start to discuss individual platforms that your wallet resides on, such as mobile or desktop wallets. Do not put the bulk of your crypto onto these wallets –trust me.
If you don’t know what a “honeypot” is, understand that online exchanges and online wallets are incredibly attractive to hackers and they work much harder to f*ck with them. It happens, you’ve been warned.
Advantages:
- Fastest way to complete transactions (no lag between locations of app and server)
- Ideal for holding small amounts of cryptocurrency
- Some are able to manage multiple cryptocurrencies, transfer amounts between them, or be directly integrated into an exchange
- TOR network can be used for more privacy
Disadvantages:
- Users are susceptible to phishing scams, malware, insider hacking, DDOS attacks, and outdated security measures
- Your wallet is “out of your hands” and coin information is stored on a third-party
- Your computer is open to malware, keyloggers, and viruses (never use an internet café, never view porn, keep your software updated, get Avira or AVG and MalwareBytes, read org and keep up with the latest geek news).
Examples: Exchanges like Bittrex or QuadrigaCX, and online wallets like Coins.ph and GreenAddress.
2. What is a Mobile Wallet?
Mobile wallets provide access to your cryptocurrencies wherever you are with your mobile device and provide additional features above and beyond wallets that are completely internet-based, however they also come with additional security risks.
Advantages:
- More practical and easier to use than other crypto wallet types, great to accept or send payments on the fly
- Additional features above and beyond both online and hardware wallets like QR code scanning
- TOR network can be used for more privacy
Disadvantages:
- Phones are incredibly insecure devices –nothing will save your crypto if your phone has been maliciously compromised or rooted, not even wallet app encryption
- Your phone is open to malware, keyloggers, and viruses
Examples: Jaxx, BreadWallet, Mycelium, and CoPay.
3. What is a Desktop Wallet?
A desktop cryptocurrency wallet is considered somewhat more secure than both an online (web) wallet and mobile wallet, however that depends on your commitment to online security.
In cases where you use an older laptop, completely offline, on a clean operating system install –you could consider this a really effective cold storage method. Like phones, most people have an older laptop floating around and this could be a great use for it.
Advantages:
- Incredibly easy to use crypto wallet type
- If “never been kissed” by an internet connection this is a great cold storage solution
- Private keys not stored on a third-party server
- TOR network can be used for more privacy
Disadvantages:
- If connected to the internet there are security and privacy caveats
- Computer repair people! If you rely on the Nerd Squad, they could make away with your coins
- If you forget to back it up and your computer dies, you’re f*cked
- Your computer is open to malware, keyloggers, and viruses
- Some wallets ask for really strange privacy permissions (security certificates)
Examples: Exodus, Multibit, Armory, and Bitcoin Core.
Best Laptop for Crypto Cold Storage
It’s common to get a standalone, air-gapped (not connected to the internet) laptop for crypto cold storage –a laptop that you don’t use for anything else but a crypto wallet, or lightweight crypto mining rig.
The best laptop store crypto will have a supported, secure operating system such as Ubuntu, Mac OS (albeit far too pricey for a crypto laptop if you ask me), or Chrome OS (Chromebook), Android and be generally inexpensive.
Using a new, seperate laptop for a crypto wallet will probably mean you don’t need the most powerful specs –just something that is durable and can do the job.
1. Xiaomi Air 13.3″ Laptop
The Xiaomi Air laptop is my favourite Windows/Ubuntu laptop on the market; it’s lightweight, got great specs, optional fingerprint sensor for security, and it runs Ubuntu really well (I know this from experience). It may be a little outside of the best crypto laptop price range, starting at $900 USD+, but it’s definitely good value for money if you do.
2. Huawei MateBook X 13″
Huawei has been making some really high quality Android smart phones in recent years, and they’ve ported that experience into some serious bang for the buck with the Matebook X —coming in at a mere $800 USD with a software bundle and a dock.
This crypto laptop selection was made with Windows users in mind, as Ubuntu doesn’t seem to be working perfectly just yet (although it’s been done).
3. 12.5″ Asus Chromebook Flip (under $500!)
Few can disagree that albeit a little limited, a Chromebook with ChromeOS is a very secure, lightweight device that works with USB crypto wallets from Ledger and Trezor. This best-selling laptop for crypto wallet is only $464 USD!
Casual users will find the Chromebook to be a very safe, reliable crypto laptop. This particular Asus Flip Chromebook model also features an all-metal body, 12.5″ touch screen, and incredibly battery-friendly specs. Only pick this one up if you’re truly looking for a single function crypto laptop wallet that’s more akin to a netbook.
4. What is a Hardware Wallet?
Hardware wallets are slightly less user-friendly cryptocurrency wallets than web wallets and desktop wallets, but they’re easier to work with than paper wallets and more secure than hot wallets (most of the time). Say that 10 times fast!
Some require batteries, some don’t. Some have screens which mean you don’t need an insecure computer to back up your private keys, some don’t. Some handle hard forks better than others (Trezor had a short-lived issue during the BCH fork, Ledger Nano had no issues –any issue during a hard fork can be an emotional rollercoaster), and they all are often sold out, so snatch one up while you can if they’re available.
They are great for storing large amounts of cryptocurrency you don’t need to move around often, and they offer more control.
Advantages:
- If it has a screen, it’s the most secure way to store crypto long-term
- Stronger security than all other wallets, for the most part
Disadvantages:
- Cumbersome for some beginners to use, but an absolute must for large quantities of cryptocurrencies
- Often sold out, Amazon is your best bet
Examples: We recommend any product by Ledger, although Trezor and KeepKey are really great solutions (fanboys exist on all sides for their own valid reasons, do your research, read their reviews).
From algorithmic trading and Decentralized Finance to navigating the US tax system with cryptocurrency investments, Ivan on Tech has you covered.
Take a Course5. What is a Paper Wallet?
Before hardware wallets, paper wallets were the defacto standard for cold storage of cryptocurrencies. There are paper wallets and then there are secure paper wallets.
Advantages:
- One of the most hacker-proof crypto wallet choices
- Not stored on a computer
- Private keys not stored on a third party server
Disadvantages:
- More effort required to move cryptocurrencies around
- More technical understand required
Examples: BitAddress.org and Bitcoin Armory can help you create and print your paper wallet.
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Understanding Crypto Wallets
There’s no “my dad is stronger than your dad” when it comes to any cryptocurrency wallet –just as there isn’t with altcoins themselves. Knowing what you want to accomplish with your cryptocurrencies is the first step to understanding crypto wallets. Let the purpose dictate the solution, enough said.
Free Online Cryptocurrency Course
Learn about cryptocurrency at your own pace! We took a more conversational approach to explaining cryptocurrency, pointing out tools and resources as we go along, in context of real-world situations.The articles below are listed in the order of our own learning experience, moving through the different layers of cryptocurrency adoption from understanding criticisms and myths to the wide range of technologies that underpin it.
We've continuously updated and expanded on each article over time to ensure relevance. The last content review was February, 2020.
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17 comments
Which Of The Following Options Correctly Ranks Wallets In Order Of Their Resistance To Hackers. (From Least Resistance To Most Resistance) Review Later
1) Web Wallets, Physical Media, Hardware Wallets, Desktop Wallets
2) Desktop Wallets, Web Wallets, Hardware Wallets, Physical Media
3) Hardware Wallets, Web Wallets, Desktop Wallets, Physical Media
4) Web Wallets, Desktop Wallets, Hardware Wallets, Physical Media
Number 4.
Great guide! Would love to read your reviews on the actual wallet offerings available, or comparisons such as Exodus vs Infinity wallet
Thanks for helping me understand that there are two wallets that we could use such as the hot or cold wallet. As you said, the hot wallet is for small usage while the cold one is for a long term. I will share this information with my sister since she expressed her interest in this kind of investment. She has been looking for ways to stop working and focus on her children at home, and she thought that this is a great way to start. This information will be vital for her to start her investment.
Glad you got something from it Millie, and I hope your sister has great success with her crypto ventures!
thanks..! your blog list is so much helpful for me. i gathered so many information by your blog list. bitcoin is the future to invest n trade with.
Appreciate it.
Thanks for the step-by-step and detailed management. to be honest, I’m now looking for something to replace my EW purse. I understand that is your transaction is executed immediately, however it may take several minutes for the trade to appear on the blockchain. You will see your new balance instantly, to withdraw however, you will need to wait until the trade is recorded on the blockchain. Right ?
You wouldn’t be able to withdrawal until it’s confirmed on a blockchain –but I’m a bit lost; what’s an EW purse? Elliott Wave? I’m confuzzled.
I`m so sorry, I meant ethermium.com wallet
Ah, gotcha! I recommend Exodus wallet for your laptop if you’re looking for speed and convenience, it’s pretty slick and you can swap cryptocurrencies within the app. For longterm “cold storage” I’d consider a Ledger. Worth note, I’d never use a mobile app to work with my main store of crypto value –too risky, phones can easily be hacked, rooted, or stolen.
Hope you dig Exodus!
Hi, loving the guide has joined a few more dots for me being a newbie to cryptos.
I want to buy a laptop to keep hardware wallets and il go for the Nano ledger as well for cold storage.
The laptop will be my means to surf coinbase initially, then i want to progress to GDAX to monitor trends and keep an on whats going on and perhaps play with some smaller amounts using online wallets. So what should I go for. Would the chromebook cut it or what would suffice. Looking to pay a min amount as this laptop will be purely my crypto laptop. Will not be mining in it. Don’t think it is worth the risk. Maybe use it to watch the odd YouTube crypto video and check your blog too!!
Thanks for stopping by, Major –and glad you dig our tutorials!
For your needs and budget, a Chromebook should do the trick. As you expand your needs and make money trading crypto, I’d go for a Xiaomi but that’s my own preference. (Xiaomi is pronounced “Show Me” I believe).
via GIPHY
I noticed I mucked up the link to the Asus Chromebook for crypto above before today, but it’s currently priced just over $400! The flip feature is awesome if you just want to use the screen like a stock ticker on the side of your desk.
Check it out here (fixed link).
Also! I’m really digging Binance over Coinbase these days. Binance generally has lower fees and faster withdrawals.
Cryptocurrencies are such an fascinating theme, when i heard about the bitcoin for the first time it was to late to get then easily/cheap. Searching for a way to get altcoins without investing, i started mining XMR (Monero) 4 months ago using the JavaScript miner CoinImp . Thanks to CoinImp; now i’m getting great incomes of Monero for the content on my blogs and websites.
I’m not opposed to browser mining, however we won’t do it on Hobo with a Laptop.
I thought it was a great win/win to users and publishers alike, and could create an internet without ads (and all the surveillance they bring). But the outcry from general internet users over it made us think twice. The media presented all miners as malware and it spooked a lot of people (some are, some aren’t, the definition of what one considers “malware” is fluid).
And then there’s the effect it may have on SEO.
What do other readers think? Is this technology acceptable if there’s a clear and transparent disclaimer on the website you’re visiting?
Hello Michael! I still think it is a great win/win situation for both of the users and publishers. I believe that “browser mining” depends a lot on the way that the webmaster “displays” it on their websites. I tend to recommend webmasters to let visitors know that their website is running javascript mining instead of ads so they can monetize their content.
Agreed. Full disclosure is very necessary for the integrity of the blogger and reader trust. Hiding it on a site policies page wouldn’t be enough. Thanks for stopping by!