Skip to main content

What is the Difference Between a Hot Wallet and a Cold Wallet?

Published on
10 Apr, 2025 | 15:12

Wallets come in two main categories: hot and cold. The difference is whether they’re connected to the internet.

Hot Wallets:

  • Always connected (e.g. apps, browser extensions)

  • Easy to access and use

  • Good for small amounts or frequent transactions

  • More vulnerable to hacks

Cold Wallets:

  • Offline storage (e.g. hardware wallets, air-gapped devices)

  • Very secure

  • Ideal for long-term storage or large amounts

  • Less convenient for everyday use

A good strategy: use both. Keep a little in a hot wallet, and the rest in cold storage.

Live Bitcoin price illustration with upward chart and Bitcoin logo – bitcoin24.com
Last updated:

Source: CoinGecko