Bitcoin-only cold storage solutions are purpose-built for maximum Bitcoin security with zero altcoin complexity. COLDCARD, Foundation Passport, SeedSigner, and Jade focus exclusively on Bitcoin, implementing advanced features like PSBT (Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions), multisig coordination, and coin control. By eliminating multi-chain support, these devices reduce attack surface and codebase complexity.
PSBT native support (BIP-174), Coin control for UTXO management, CoinJoin/PayJoin integration (some wallets), Multisig coordination tools, Air-gapped signing (QR or microSD), Open-source firmware (all major options), Duress PIN and brick/wipe features (COLDCARD), Stateless signing (SeedSigner — no persistent storage)
Pros: minimal attack surface (Bitcoin only = smaller codebase), advanced Bitcoin features not available on multi-chain devices, cypherpunk ethos, fully open-source, strongest security models. Cons: no altcoin support, steeper learning curve, some require DIY assembly (SeedSigner), less polished UX than Ledger/Trezor, smaller community support.
1. Choose device: COLDCARD (premium), Foundation Passport (balanced), SeedSigner (DIY/budget). 2. Verify authenticity and tamper evidence. 3. Generate or import seed (24 words). 4. Set up passphrase for additional security. 5. Pair with Bitcoin wallet software (Sparrow, Electrum, Specter). 6. Configure multisig if desired (2-of-3 recommended). 7. Test receive and send with small amounts. 8. Implement proper seed backup (metal, multiple locations).
Bitcoin maximalists, large BTC holdings, multisig setups, privacy-focused Bitcoiners, anyone who values minimal attack surface
COLDCARD + Sparrow Wallet is the gold standard for Bitcoin self-custody. For ultimate security, use a 2-of-3 multisig with three different hardware wallets (e.g., COLDCARD + Passport + Jade). SeedSigner is an excellent budget option — you build it yourself from a Raspberry Pi Zero, camera, and display for under $50.
The Solana ecosystem has a rich wallet landscape optimised for Solana's high-speed, low-cost architecture. Phantom dominates with the best UX, but Backpack offers xNFT programmable wallets, Solflare is the veteran Solana-native option, and mobile wallets like Tiplink enable wallet-less onboarding via links. All support SPL tokens, Solana NFTs, and DeFi protocols like Jupiter, Raydium, and Marinade.
EVM multi-chain wallets seamlessly manage assets across Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Polygon, Avalanche, BSC, and other EVM-compatible networks. Rabby, MetaMask, and Rainbow lead this space with automatic chain detection, cross-chain views, and unified portfolio tracking. As L2s proliferate, a wallet that handles multi-chain complexity is essential for DeFi users.