05 Jul Types of Cryptocurrency Wallets: All their features and offerings.

Bitcoins are saved in a wallet, just like we keep cash or credit cards in a real wallet. The digital wallet might be hardware or software-based. The wallet can also be kept on a mobile device, a computer desktop, or printed on paper with the private keys and access addresses. But, how secure are these digital wallets? The solution is dependent on how the individual handles his or her money. Every wallet has a set of private keys that the bitcoin owner cannot access without.

The most serious threat to bitcoin security is individual users losing or having their private keys stolen. The user will never see her bitcoins again if she does not have the private key. Aside from losing the private key, a user might also lose her bitcoin due to computer faults (hard drive crashes), hacking, or physically losing the machine where the digital wallet is stored.

Hot and Cold Wallets:

Hot Wallets:

Online wallets are often referred to as “hot” wallets. Hot wallets are wallets that can be accessed using internet-connected devices like as PCs, cellphones, and tablets. Because these wallets produce the private keys to your money on these internet-connected devices, this might lead to vulnerability. While a hot wallet might be incredibly handy in terms of immediately accessing and transacting with your money, it also lacks security. These wallets are designed to hold modest quantities of bitcoin. A hot wallet is similar to a bank account. According to conventional financial wisdom, you should keep just your spending money in a checking account and the rest in savings or other investment accounts.

Cold Wallets:

Cold wallets are the most secure storage solution and the next type of wallet. A cold wallet is just a wallet that is not linked to the internet and hence has a much lower chance of being hacked. These wallets are also known as offline wallets or hardware wallets.

These wallets hold a user’s address and private key on a device that is not connected to the internet, and they often include software that functions in parallel so that the user may browse their portfolio without exposing their private key. Cold wallets are the most secure method of storing Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. However, they often need a bit more understanding to set up.

The Safest Crypto-Wallets:

Following are some of the safest wallets to store cryptocurrency:

Exodus:

Exodus makes bitcoin administration easier by allowing you to transfer, receive, and trade it using its simple desktop and mobile wallets.

Exodus hardware wallet effortlessly interacts with other apps to let you better handle your cash and earn more interest using these apps. You will receive live charts and portfolios, a built-in exchange, and 24/7 assistance to make your cryptocurrency trading more enjoyable. It supports over 100 cryptocurrencies. Android and iOS mobile apps allow you to better govern your virtual assets no matter where you are. Data can be synchronised with their desktop programme, bitcoin can be exchanged in two clicks, and market fluctuations can be easily tracked..

Trezor:

Trezor is a great cold wallet alternative. Experts recommend a Trezor physical hardware wallet, such as the Trezor Model T, for the security-conscious crypto investor. It’s not inexpensive at $280. The Model T, on the other hand, offers a number of distinguishing characteristics, such as a huge, full-color touchscreen display and optional features such as Shamir Backup, a Trezor-designed security standard that is exclusively available for the Model T. Shamir backup allows you to save 16 recovery phrases as backups. The security standard also protects you in the event that your wallet is stolen or damaged by allowing you to retrieve the complete thing with the help of a recovery seed.

MILAN, ITALY- FEBRUARY 2: Black Trezor hardware wallet for cryptocurrency with golden bitcoin with black reflection and ethereum coins on keyboard on February 2, 2018 in Milan

BitPay:

BitPay allows you to manage and exchange cryptocurrency while maintaining total control over it. BitPay allows you to create numerous wallets, transfer cash, experiment with testnet currencies, and much more.

Secure your cash using key encryption and multi-signature, and shop securely with Payment Protocol. Get emails and push alerts for every update, such as bids, payments, and transfers, in real-time.

Coinbase:

Coinbase has established a powerful formal presence in the United States as a result of government license and regulation. It’s another all-in-one solution that works in tandem with their bitcoin exchange. The simplicity of Coinbase’s UI makes it incredibly appealing, particularly to beginning customers. However, the simpler interface takes a minor advantage of newcomers by charging somewhat higher costs.

Coinbase initially supported solely Bitcoin, but it now supports practically everything. Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and several other currencies have been added to the list. They’ve also stated that other currencies would be accessible shortly.

Ledger:

It’s a bitcoin wallet that keeps users’ private keys safe and secure in a physical device. Its primary goal is to isolate your vulnerable computer/smartphone from your secret keys. Ledger enables you to sell, purchase, manage, and trade your cryptocurrency using a single software on your PC, tablet, or smartphone. It is compatible with over 1500 tokens and 27 currencies.

Ledger’s sophisticated hardware wallet technology offers the highest level of protection for your crypto valuables. Their solutions integrate a unique operating system and a Secure Element to protect your assets. It empowers you to control and own your private keys.

Mycelium:

Mycelium has been present from the beginning of the cryptocurrency era, and the Mycelium wallet was one of the first and most well-known bitcoin wallets. There is no desktop version of this wallet that supports both Android and iOS at the moment. You will have total control over your private key and PIN since the Mycelium wallet is noncustodial. This wallet is also the only one on our list that is completely open-source. Mycelium supports QR codes, allows you to create custom transaction fees, and is compatible with Trezor, Ledger, and KeepKey hardware wallets for more advanced users.

ZenGo:

ZenGo prioritizes simplicity. It eliminates the need for private keys, passwords, and secret phrases. Instead, it uses face biometrics as an authentication method. ZenGo has its own set of security measures in place. They keep two secret keys, one on the user’s mobile device and one on ZenGo servers. Transactions need the use of both keys. ZenGo claims to have removed a single point of failure in this manner.

There is no getting around the fact that ZenGo is new to the market. However, if you look at their app reviews, you’ll notice that the consumers are raving about them. The user interface is simple and designed for the people.

Conclusion:

You might lose all of your money if you choose the wrong wallet for your cryptocurrency. It is recommended to spend your time researching and learning about various Cryptocurrency wallets in order to protect yourself from current scams and fraud.