Crypto custody has always been a matter of heated debates. Gladly, these debates just kicked industry off harder to foster enthusiasts with new means of security and user experience.
How to choose a wallet for your needs, and what are the criteria to heed? The article discloses this topic below – and presents a handpicked collection of possible options for crypto custody.
A cryptocurrency wallet is a device or program that stores cryptocurrency keys and allows users to access the assets.
Wallets contain an address and the private keys needed to sign cryptocurrency transactions. Anyone who knows the private key can control the coins associated with that address.
Generally, there are two main types of wallets: custodial and non-custodial. Custodian wallets are hosted by a third party that stores user’s keys. This could be a company that provides security services, or cryptocurrency exchange. On the other hand, non-custodial wallets put responsibility for storing keys to users. These are the most widely-used custodian options in the market.
Both types of wallets are divided into two subcategories: hot, which has a constant connection to the internet, and cold, which does not.
Lastly, all wallets can be either software, hardware, or paper-based. The latter one stands for the wallet that includes the keys and QR codes on paper so wallets on mobile devices could scan them.
Generally, cold hardware wallets are considered to be the most secure yet lacking in versatility. However, this bias is levelled with top-notch hot wallets and non-custodial software wallets, which deliver more comfort to the user.
Trustee is a new word in crypto wallets. Simply put as a mobile application, the platform is not limited to secure custody, but offers an array of facilities for crypto enthusiasts. With Trustee, users can immediately swap cryptocurrencies and exchange ones to fiat with direct deposit or withdrawal to the bank account.
Trustee’s gig is a full-fledged payment card for users to make convenient purchases directly with crypto.
The wallet supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a fair share of other cryptocurrencies to choose from. Not to mention a top-notch UI, making Trustee one of the no-brainer options for beginners, medium-investors, and active crypto operators.
MetaMask is highly-compatible with almost any blockchain and Web3-solution, which makes it one of the most widely used wallets with over 30 million monthly active users. It combines all the characteristics for a decent custody option – it is user-friendly for beginners, versatile for Web3-pros, and secure for both.
The wallet’s hallmark is the flexibility of Web3 integration. Thus, MetaMask fully supports Polygon, Optimism, Avalanche, Whitechain, and other popular networks. What is more, it allows users to access popular NFT marketplaces like OpenSea, custode, and swap a variety of collectibles.
All things combined make MetaMask the best wallet for DeFi traders and Web3-enthusiasts.
While many exchanges provide the custody of assets, WhiteBIT – one of the biggest European crypto exchanges – managed to take this role several steps further.
WhiteBIT wallet offers a wide variety of balance categories for more comfortable user experience and funds diversification. What is more, it offers swift exchange to other cryptocurrencies and even fiat currencies – from USD and EUR to Turkish lira and Polish zloty. But what makes it even better for both newbies and pros is quick peer-to-peer withdrawal and Web3-integration with Polygon, Optimism, Arbitrum, and other widely-used blockchains.
The standout advantage for WhiteBIT is Whitepay – its own payment service. With Whitepay integration, users can purchase real-life goods just using the mobile application or browser wallet.
Ultimately, WhiteBIT is one of the most secure exchange-based wallets, as noted by Hacken.io and CER.live rate, seeing that 96% of assets is stored in cold custody.
Ledger has been leading among the hardware wallets for a durable time span. Its products stand out for using a Secure Element component – a type of chip often seen on passports, credit cards and payment systems – to provide an extra layer of security.
This made Ledger the first and only hardware wallet to be certified by a government agency – ANSSI, the French cyber security agency.
Apart from cutting-edge security, Ledger serves as a user-friendly custody tool. For less than $100, the owner can install up to 100 apps and conduct transactions through a specialised application – Ledger Live. This self-sustained app can be also used to monitor, lend, and stake crypto – a lifesaving solution for a robust cold wallet.
Importantly, Ledger products are compatible with 50 other hardware wallets, debunking the myth of hardware wallets’ limitedness.
Initially a desktop-only wallet, Exodus now has apps for iOS and Android, and is also compatible with Trezor wallets, who shares the top place in hardware wallets industry with Ledger. Its client, available on all PC softwares, uses simple payment verification and does not download complete blockchains in order to speed up transactions.
Nevertheless, it’s not swiftness which makes Exodus one of the best hot wallets in the market. Its main draw is the number of currencies it supports – more than 335 cryptos and NFTs.
This makes Exodus a top option for diversified, large portfolios.
The market of crypto wallets is diverse with functions and methods of custody. Still, ultimately, it is your needs that matter the most.
If you prioritise security over comfort, cold hardware wallets are your no-brainer. Ledger, Trezor, and other similar products will meet your requirements at best.
Meanwhile, if you don’t operate with large capitals and seek an everyday solution, you won’t find better than software wallets for you. WhiteBIT, MetaMask, Trustee – these wallets allow for swift transaction carry-outs with decent security back-ups. Let alone their compatibility with mobile devices, making them the best options for frequent use.
