Different Types of Crypto Wallets Explained: Which One Should You Choose?

Types of Crypto Wallets: Which One Is Right for You?

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Cryptocurrency is one of the most widely talked about topics today. People are rushing to buy crypto and other digital assets in hopes of making a profit.

While cryptocurrencies and the blockchain generally gained wide acceptance due to the concept of decentralization and increased control over your finances, many risks have come with it. One of the most troubling is the possibility of scammers, hackers, and other malicious actors gaining access to your digital assets.

To protect yourself and your assets, choosing the right type of crypto wallet is essential. This article will discuss the different types of crypto wallets and which one might be right for you.

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What is a crypto wallet?

Before we dive into the different types of crypto wallets, it's essential that you first understand what a crypto wallet is.

A crypto wallet is a digital or software-based device that stores your private keys and public addresses, allowing you to send, receive, and manage your digital currency holdings.

Crypto wallets come in many forms, including hardware, desktop, mobile, web-based, and paper. Each type of wallet has advantages and disadvantages you should consider before choosing one.

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Crypto exchanges vs. crypto wallets

Now that you understand that a crypto wallet is essentially a digital bank account for your digital currency, it's essential to know the difference between a crypto exchange and a crypto wallet.

A crypto exchange is a platform that allows you to buy, sell, or trade digital currency. The most popular exchanges are Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken. While these exchanges offer wallets for storing your digital currency, they're not as secure as other options. Here's why.

When you store your cryptocurrencies in a wallet on an exchange, you entrust the company with your private keys. If the exchange was hacked or went out of business, there's a risk that you could lose all your funds. These wallets are known as custodial wallets, which we will break down later in this article.

For this reason, it's generally recommended that you use an exchange only to buy and sell cryptocurrencies and store your assets in a more secure wallet.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's look at the different types of crypto wallets available.

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Cold wallets

A cold wallet is a wallet that's not connected to the internet. Because they're offline, they're considered much more secure than hot wallets.

The most popular type of cold wallet is a hardware wallet. These devices look and function like a USB drive and can be used to store your private keys offline.

Some popular hardware wallets include the Trezor, Ledger Nano S, and KeepKey.

While hardware wallets are the most popular type of cold wallet, other options are also available, such as paper wallets and desktop wallets.

Paper wallets are simply a piece of paper with your public and private keys printed on them. They are considered to be secure (as long as you don’t lose them!). However, they are not as user-friendly as other options. 

Desktop wallets are software wallets that are installed on your computer. They are considered less secure than hardware wallets but more secure than hot wallets.

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Advantages of using a cold wallet

Here are the primary pros to using a cold wallet:

• They're not connected to the internet, which makes hacking them much more difficult.
• They typically come in a physical form, so you can store them in a secure location only you can access.
• You have complete control over your private keys, which means you're the only one who can access your cryptocurrencies.

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Disadvantages of using a cold wallet

Here are the disadvantages of using a cold wallet:

• They can be difficult to set up for people who aren't tech-savvy.
• They can be lost or stolen if physical wallets aren't stored properly.
• It's more challenging to buy or trade digital assets when stored in your cold wallet.

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Hot wallets

Hot wallets are connected to the internet and are commonly used to purchase blockchain-related items. They're considered less secure than cold wallets. Hot wallets are often used to buy different digital assets, such as NFTs, and are linked to various websites. This is one of the highest risks of hot wallets. When they're connected to a website, scammers can put malicious code on the site, which can then steal your private keys.

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Advantages of using a hot wallet

Here are the advantages of using a hot wallet:

• Hot wallets are typically much easier to set up and use than cold wallets.
• They're much more convenient than cold wallets.
• They can be used to buy or trade cryptocurrencies quickly and easily.
• Some hot wallets offer built-in security features, such as a password manager and two-factor authentication.

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Disadvantages of using a hot wallet

Here are the disadvantages of using a hot wallet:

• They are connected to the internet, which makes them more susceptible to hacking.
• They often have fewer security features than cold wallets.
• Some hot wallets require you to input your private keys, which can be risky.

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How to keep your hot wallet secure

It's a good idea to follow some standard practices if you're keen on using a hot wallet. Here are some tips to help you keep your hot wallet secure:

1. Don't click on unsecured or random links. This could lead to a phishing attack.
2. Make sure you use a strong password and two-factor authentication if possible.
3. Check the URL of the website you're visiting to make sure it's legitimate. You can do this by looking for HTTPS at the URL's beginning and a green or dark gray lock icon.
4. Only input your private keys into a hot wallet if you trust the source.
5. Use only one hot wallet to make online purchases, and keep the majority of your holdings in a cold wallet or non-custodial wallet.

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Custodial vs. self-custodial wallets

Another popular category of wallets is custodial and self-custodial wallets. As the name suggests, custodial wallets don't provide control over your private keys. Instead, a third party such as an exchange or online wallet service stores them. Self-custodial wallets, on the other hand, give you complete control over your private keys and allow you to store them yourself.

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Advantages of using a custodial wallet

• Convenience - One of the most significant benefits of custodial wallets is that they’re convenient. Since a third party manages your private key, there’s no major risk if you were to misplace it.
• Integration - Many exchanges only let you trade using a custodial wallet.

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Disadvantages of using a custodial wallet

• Higher risk - A custodial wallet gives someone else access to your holdings. This puts you at higher risk for theft.
• A KYC or verification is required - Since custodial wallets are centralized, you must go through a Know Your Customer (KYC) or verification process to use one.

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Advantages of using a self-custodial wallet

• Your keys and crypto: With self-custodial wallets, you’re entirely in control of your keys and crypto. This means you have exclusive access to your holdings, and no one else can take them from you.
• Faster setup: With self-custodial wallets, you don’t need to go through a lengthy KYC verification process, which makes the setup process instantaneous. 
• Lower fees: Without management over your keys and assets, self-custodial wallets have much lower fees.

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Disadvantages of using a self-custodial wallet

• Risk of non-recovery: If you lose your keys, you lose your crypto. Make sure to put your keys in a secure location only you can access.

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Which cryptocurrency wallet is right for you?

Now that you understand the different types of crypto wallets, it's time to figure out which one is right for you. The best way to decide is by considering how you'll use your wallet.

A cold storage wallet is the best option if you're looking to store digital currency for the long-term and don't plan on making many transactions. But if you're looking to trade or use your digital currency regularly, a hot wallet might be more suitable.

There are no right or wrong answers when choosing a digital currency wallet. It all depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Whatever type of crypto wallet you choose, take the necessary precautions to keep your digital currency safe. Remember, if you lose your private keys, you'll lose access to your digital currency. So keep them in a safe, secure place.