What Is A Cryptocurrency Wallet?

You don’t have to spend long learning about cryptocurrencies to come across the word ‘wallet’.

Given the way we use pocket wallets to store cash, you’d be forgiven for thinking that cryptocurrency wallets, or crypto wallets, are used for storing cryptocurrency. Turns out this is not what they are for. Yes, you read that right: Cryptocurrency wallets do not store cryptocurrency.

Cryptocurrency Wallets, Explained

Wait, so if cryptocurrencies aren’t stored in wallets, where are they stored? They are stored on the blockchain to which they are native. For example, the bitcoin (BTC) cryptocurrency is stored in addresses on the Bitcoin blockchain. Another popular cryptocurrency, ether (ETH), is stored in addresses on the Ethereum blockchain.

Then what’s the point of a cryptocurrency wallet? Cryptocurrency wallets have a super important job: To store and protect private keys.

When you have control of a private key, you are able to unlock the right to spend the associated cryptocurrencies. If someone else gets their hands on your private key, they can steal all of the associated cryptocurrencies and you won’t be able to do a thing about it.

This is why cryptocurrency wallets exist. They protect your private key and, by doing so, keep your cryptocurrency safe and secure.

Cryptocurrency Wallets Overview

You now have a basic understanding of what cryptocurrency wallets are and why they are important. Now, let’s cover the different types of wallets that are available to cryptocurrency owners.

Broadly speaking, a cryptocurrency wallet will belong to one of 3 categories: software, hardware, and paper.

Crypto software wallets

The crypto software wallet category is the most vibrant of the 3 categories mentioned above. Within this category, there are 3 sub-categories: web, desktop, and mobile.

Web wallets

A web wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet that is based on cloud technology. When you own a web wallet, you can access it from any device that is able to connect to the internet. Because of this, web wallets are highly convenient for those who perform cryptocurrency transactions on a frequent basis.

Desktop wallets

A desktop wallet is a program that can be downloaded and installed on your computer or laptop. (A program is just a set of instructions for a computer to execute. Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop are 2 examples of programs.)

Desktop wallets are generally considered to be more secure than web wallets. That is because you can only access a desktop wallet from the device that the program was installed to. That said, when compared to other wallet types like hardware and paper, desktop wallets are more prone to malware and other types of viruses.

Mobile wallets

Mobile wallets are generally viewed as the most convenient and user-friendly type of cryptocurrency wallet. As the name implies, they are wallets that are used via a mobile app. Typically, mobile wallets have an accompanying web or desktop version, and vice versa.

Crypto hardware wallets

As the name implies, hardware wallets are physical devices designed to store and protect private keys. Hardware wallets are far more secure than any type of crypto software wallet. Typically, people will buy a hardware wallet if they don’t intend on moving the cryptocurrency any time soon.

Most crypto hardware wallets give you the option of setting a PIN. The reason for setting a PIN on a hardware wallet is the same as a mobile phone: it prevents anyone from accessing your device. In the case of your wallet, the PIN has nothing to do with your seed phrase or private key.

Read: Storing Cryptocurrency In Crypto Hardware Wallets

Crypto paper wallets

Paper wallets are literally a piece of paper that has the private key printed on it. Often, paper wallets will include the corresponding blockchain address. This is done for the sake of convenience and is not necessary.

Whilst comparatively inconvenient, paper wallets are generally considered a safe way to store your private keys. That’s mainly because they can be generated offline and never have to interact with a computer system. This means that paper wallet owners don’t have to worry about hackers, key loggers, and other online computer threats.

However, due to improvements made to hardware wallets over recent years, paper wallets have become a lot less popular.

Hot Wallet vs Cold Wallet

Above, we broke crypto wallets up into 3 categories: software, hardware, and paper. However, there is another way you can think of crypto wallets. That is, in terms of ‘hot’ and ‘cold’.

A hot wallet is a crypto wallet that is not physical. They exist in the digital realm and require an internet connection to function. Because of this, hot wallets are typically used by people who value convenience over security.

Crypto wallet types that classify as hot wallets:

• Web wallets
• Desktop wallets
• Mobile wallets

A cold wallet is a physical crypto wallet. They typically remain offline and are much safer than hot wallets. Cold wallets will often have an online client that lets you manage your cryptocurrencies more easily.

Crypto wallets that classify as cold wallets:

• Hardware wallets
• Paper wallets

What Crypto Wallet Is Right For Me?

In this resource, you have been introduced to several types of crypto wallets. Yes, having so many types can be confusing. However, it’s ultimately a good thing to have a selection. That means there is something for everyone.

Below are some questions you can ask yourself when deciding which crypto wallet type is best for you. (Note that it’s common for people to have multiple crypto wallets. For example, one hardware wallet and one web wallet.)

• What do you need a wallet for? If you bought bitcoin on an exchange, for example. and want to hold it for multiple years, then a hardware wallet or paper wallet would be appropriate. If you are an enthusiast who transacts in cryptocurrencies most days, then a hot wallet would likely be the most suitable option.
• What do you value more, security or convenience? With crypto wallets, you will find that there is almost always a trade-off between security and convenience. If you value security above all else, a cold wallet is for you. If you prioritise convenience, then a hot wallet would be the way to go.

Crypto wallets in 2026: what we teach members

Collective Shift's Storage and Security course module (May 2026) explains the trade-off simply. Hot wallets are convenient but more exposed to hacks, malware and phishing. A cold wallet keeps your private keys completely offline, and with a hardware wallet you confirm every transaction on the device itself.

You do not have to choose one or the other. A hardware wallet can be connected to a browser extension such as MetaMask or Phantom, which gives you the convenience of a hot wallet for using apps while keeping the keys on the device.

The team's buying rule is consistent: buy a new hardware wallet directly from the manufacturer, set it up yourself, and keep the recovery phrase offline on paper or metal.

• Hot wallet: app on a phone, browser or computer.
• Cold wallet: keys kept offline, usually on a hardware device.
• Custodial: an exchange holds the keys for you.
• Self-custody: you hold the keys and the recovery phrase.

How Collective Shift teaches wallet setup

In the live Week 3 security sessions (September and October 2026), the team recommended sticking with the two largest hardware wallet makers, Ledger and Trezor, buying new and direct, and using the recovery phrase only to restore access.

In the July 2026 wallet setup session, they added a practical tip: keep the number of wallets and accounts manageable, because spreading assets across many browsers and accounts makes records and tax much harder.

• Buy hardware wallets new and direct.
• Pair a hardware wallet with a browser extension for apps.
• Keep the number of wallets manageable.

“A cold wallet means your private keys are kept completely offline.”

Collective Shift course module Storage and Security (May 2026)

Where this guide comes from

This guide is written and reviewed by the Collective Shift research team. Collective Shift is a crypto research and education company founded in 2020 in Melbourne, and a research and education partner to Coinbase, Swyftx and CoinSpot. Sources used in this update:

• Collective Shift Knowledge Hub: Course module: Storage and Security (4 May 2026) (ref f3730bc0)
• Collective Shift Knowledge Hub: (Cohort Week 3) Lock It Down: Your Wallet and Security Checklist (15 Sep 2026) (ref 96b95319)
• Collective Shift Knowledge Hub: Foundation Coaching: MetaMask wallet setup (14 Jul 2026) (ref c208d12b)

Last updated 30 October 2026. General information only, not financial advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek professional advice before making investment decisions.

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