Securely store your crypto holdings in a wallet for long term storage in lieu of leaving them on an exchange – if you don’t hold the private keys, you don’t own the coins! There are several options and pros/cons of using one vs. the other:
Hardware – Arguably, most secure wallet format as they are completely offline and provide “cold storage” for your crypto. Cold storage is only accessible by having direct, physical, access to the hardware along with the passcode/password for the hardware
Paper – Provides cold storage via a hardcopy (paper) printout of your wallet generated either from a software client or a web-based client. Paper wallets are very secure, but also easier to misplace or damage – store them somewhere safe and not susceptible to water, fire, etc. damages
Software (mobile/desktop/web) – Not as secure as their hardware and paper counterparts, software wallets use “hot storage” but serve the purpose of providing relatively secure coin storage for crypto users wanting quick/easy access to funds. These wallets come with inherent risks due to their online accessible nature, choose wisely and take the necessary precautions to safe guard your device and credentials
Purchase new hardware wallets directly from the manufacturer or from a retailer (it is NOT recommended to buy used wallets. If you do, perform a factory reset of the wallet and personally reconfigure the device before you start using the device; Regardless, you are still at risk of using a compromised device via internal tampering). A few options:
ColdCard – An ultra secure hardware wallet that signs transactions offline for its entire lifecycle
CoolWallet S – Multi-currency support. This wallet stands out with its bendable, credit card sized format. It also uses secure bluetooth connectivity for wireless communication to your device
KeepKey – Multi-currency support and built-in Shapeshift integration
Ledger – Multi-currency support including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and a growing list of alt coins. This wallet is available in the Nano S, Nano X (Bluetooth enabled), and Nano Blue (touchscreen) form factors
Opendime – “The Bitcoin stick”. Opendime is a small USB stick that allows you to spend Bitcoin like a dollar bill. Load funds, and pass it along. Easily check the balance by plugging into any USB port. The private key is internal to the stick and is not revealed until the visible seal is broken to enable spending
Trezor – Multi-currency support including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and various alt coins. Available in the original (two-button) and Model T (touchscreen) form factors
Software (desktop based) Wallets:
Coinomi – The desktop version of the mobile wallet
Daedalus – The first wallet launched for Cardano (ADA), Daedalus is a thick client wallet so an initial sync of the blockchain is required and, and system dependent, may take several hours. Once complete, expect a much shorter load time for the re-sync each time the wallet is launched
Trinity – The desktop version of the mobile wallet, currently in beta release, is a worthwhile upgrade from the previous Iota desktop wallet. The Trinity desktop wallet also supports the Ledger hardware wallet
Wasabi – Privacy focused Bitcoin wallet
Software (mobile based) Wallets – Search the app store supporting your mobile device for availability:
Coinbase Wallet – Stores Ethereum, ERC tokens, and Bitcoin. Support for other coins is in their roadmap
Coinomi – Multi-currency support, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and ERC 20 tokens
Eidoo – This wallet supports Bitcoin, Ethereum and ERC20 tokens. Eidoo is also a hybrid exchange and has some ICO offerings. Note: Citizens/Residents of the United States of America can not participate in ICOs as yet. This site will be updated when it becomes legal
Lobstr – A hybrid wallet/exchange supporting Stellar Lumens (XLM) storage, and purchase/storage of other assets (including Bitcoin) by using your lumens. Lobstr continues to increase the list of assets available for purchase, so check the in-wallet list often
Toast – XRP (aka Ripple) wallet. Quick and easy to setup. Simple and straightforward to use
Trinity – Currently in beta release. You can learn more more about the wallet and download it for your mobile platform by first downloading the Test Flight app (for iOS users). Android users can download it directly from the Play Store
Trust – This wallet supports Ethereum, ERC20, and ERC223 tokens
Yoroi – An ADA (Cardano) wallet for Android and iOS
Software (web based) Wallets:
Lobstr – A hybrid wallet/exchange supporting Stellar Lumens (XLM) storage, and purchase/storage of other assets (including Bitcoin) by using your lumens. Lobstr continues to increase the list of assets available for purchase, so check the in-wallet list often
MyEtherWallet (MEW) – Supports Ethereum and ERC20 tokens. This wallet also integrates with Ledger, Trezor, and other hardware wallets
Samurai – Privacy centered Bitcoin wallet for Android devices
Tron Chrome Wallet – A Chrome plug-in/extension based wallet to store TRX. Download the wallet from the Chrome Web Store
Yoroi – A light client wallet for storing ADA (Cardano) and supports use of the Trezor hardware wallet. Ledger support is in progress