The seed phrase, a vital component of cryptocurrency wallets, holds the key to unlocking your digital treasure. Composed of a group of unique words, this phrase is the lifeline that enables you to restore and regain access to your wallet, should it be stolen, lost, or inadvertently deleted. The repercussions of losing your seed phrase are grave, for without it, your crypto assets can become forever inaccessible. This is why using a metal device designed to protect your seed phrase storage is essential.
Each cryptocurrency wallet relies on a seed phrase, typically consisting of 12 or 24 words, as the ultimate access code. Possession of this phrase grants unrestricted entry into your wallet and allows you to restore access to your crypto in case a wallet is lost or stolen. While there are various methods to safeguard your seed phrase, employing a metal crypto wallet is arguably the best solution. By storing your seed phrase offline, you render it impervious to hacking attempts, effectively bolstering the security of your digital assets.
In this article, we explore the advantages and potential shortcomings of the best metal crypto wallets on the market, enabling you to make an informed decision regarding the optimal means of preserving the security and integrity of your precious seed phrase.
The best metal crypto wallets for offline seed phrase storage in 2023:
- Cryptotag Zeus – The best crypto metal wallet overall
- The Billfodl – A strong contender for the best seed phrase storage option
- Cryptosteel Capsule – A uniquely designed seed phrase storage product
- Trezor Shamir Bundle – A seed phrase backup system for crypto power users
- Cryptosteel Cassette – A lightweight and portable seed phrase storage solution
- Steelwallet – A simple and very practical seed phrase protector
- SecuX XSEED Pro – A crypto metal wallet with a unique opening and closing mechanism
The 7 best metal crypto wallets: Examining the top seed phrase storage picks in 2023
Purpose-made metal devices created to protect your seed phrase can significantly enhance the security of your digital asset holdings. In the following sections, we are going to examine arguably the best metal crypto wallets available in the market today.
1. Cryptotag Zeus – The best crypto metal wallet overall
Cryptotag Zeus is a metal device designed to protect your recovery seed crafted from titanium, a premium material trusted by industries such as aerospace, racing car, and space. The material choice ensures the highest quality and durability for your seed phrase protection.
The resilience of the Cryptotag Zeus is truly remarkable, as it withstands extreme conditions. It can endure temperatures up to 1665°C, bullets, pneumatic hammers, metal rollers, extreme cold, and high pressures. It has achieved the highest score on the Jameson Lopp test, further validating its exceptional resistance capabilities.
In terms of technical specifications, the Cryptotag Zeus can store up to 24 recovery words (2 × 12 recovery words). It measures 14.5 x 12 x 3 cm (5.7 x 4.7 x 1.2 in) and weighs 410g (14.1 oz). The package includes 2 plates, a high-quality center punch, a Conversion Sheet, earplugs, and a setup guide.
Shipping for $139, the Cryptotag Zeus is not the cheapest metal crypto wallet in the market. However, its premium material as well as classic and robust design, make it arguably the best option for protecting your seed phrase today.
Key features:
- Titanium construction (2x 6mm-thich metallic plates)
- Easy setup
- Extreme resilience
- Compact and portable
2. The Billfodl – A strong contender for the best seed phrase storage option
The Billfodl is meticulously engineered to safeguard your seed phrase with unparalleled fortitude. Crafted from solid steel, this robust case provides a secure haven for your 24-word recovery phrase, shielding it from perils such as fire, water, and more.
Setting up the Billfodl is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly design. Simply open the case and retrieve the pack of character tiles provided. Each of the words from your recovery phrase can be easily recreated within the steel unit by spelling out their respective four letters and sliding them into the designated slots. The Billfodl main unit features labels above each slot, ensuring a seamless and organized arrangement.
It is designed to withstand more than double the average house fire, providing an exceptional level of fire resistance. Additionally, it can withstand shocks up to an astonishing one million volts, ensuring it remains intact even in extreme conditions. With its marine-grade 316 stainless steel, the Billfodl boasts resistance to rust, further enhancing its durability and reliability.
At $99, the Billfodl boasts compact dimensions, measuring at 104mm x 58mm x 5mm (4.1in x 2.3in x 0.2in), making it highly portable and easy to store. Despite its robustness, it remains lightweight, weighing a mere 0.4kg (14 oz), making it convenient to carry with you wherever you go.
Key features:
- Solid steel construction (316 marine grade stainless steel)
- Fire, water, and impact resistance
- Compact and lightweight
- 300 stainless steel laser-engraved tiles included in the box
3. Cryptosteel Capsule – A uniquely designed seed phrase storage product
The Cryptosteel Capsule is a solid steel container designed to protect your 24-word Recovery Phrase, providing ultimate security for your crypto assets. It is specifically engineered to withstand extreme conditions and ensure the long-lasting preservation of your valuable digital asset information.
To use the Cryptosteel Capsule, simply assemble your recovery phrase by sliding the first 4 letters of each word onto the core using separators. Once your recovery phrase is complete, lock the Cryptosteel capsule to ensure its integrity. It is essential to store the capsule in a secure place to prevent theft or loss.
Constructed from 303 and 304-grade stainless steel, the Cryptosteel Capsule offers a durable and solid solution to protect your 24-word Recovery Phrase. It is fireproof up to 1400°C/2500°F, ensuring the safety of your recovery phrase even in extreme heat. Additionally, it is stainless, shockproof, and waterproof, capable of withstanding pressures up to 150,000N.
The Cryptosteel Capsule measures 255 x 185 x 25 mm (10 x 7.3 x 1 in) and weighs 515 g (1.1 lb), which makes it a bit bigger than other products on our list. However, the added bulk gives it a feel of robustness and security, so it is a decent tradeoff. Retailing for $99, each Cryptosteel Capsule package includes the Cryptosteel Capsule container itself, along with a tile set comprising over 800 tiles.
Key features:
- Unique cylindrical design
- Made out of 303 and 304-grade stainless steel
- Fireproof up to 1400°C (2500°F)
- 800 tiles included in the box
4. Shamir Shamir Bundle – A seed phrase backup system for crypto power users
Trezor Shamir Bundle is designed to accommodate the needs of cryptocurrency power users and those who take their crypto security with utmost care. The bundle includes a Trezor Model T hardware wallet and five Cryptosteel Capsules. The bundle’s contents allow you to store your seed phrase in multiple locations, making it harder to get lost due to physical damage.
In addition, you can choose to store parts of your recovery phrase in each capsule, which makes it that much harder for a malicious actor to steal your seed phrase and get access to your digital holding.
The metal wallets can withstand temperatures as high as 1400°C (2500°F), and each measures 16.5 in x 7.9 in x 3.3 in (420 mm x 200 mm x 85 mm). The bundle includes five Cryptosteel Capsules (reviewed earlier in the article) and a Trezor Model T hardware wallet.
At $585, Trezor Shamir Bundle is certainly a pricey option. However, if prefer using Trezor devices and value your cryptocurrency security highly, then investing in the Trezor Shamir Bundle, might be a very smart choice.
Key features:
- A premium security-focused crypto bundle
- Includes 5 Cryptosteel Capsules and 1 Trezor T hardware wallet
- Can withstand temperatures of up to 1400°C (2500°F)
- Aimed at crypto power users
5. Cryptosteel Cassette – A lightweight and portable seed phrase storage solution
Cryptosteel Cassette offers a lightweight and portable solution while delivering exceptional durability and security for your seed phrase. Designed with a classic and timeless aesthetic, the Cryptosteel Cassette is a pocket-sized stainless steel unit specifically crafted to provide secure storage for alphanumeric data. It eliminates the need for specialized tools or involvement from third parties. Each Cassette comes with its own set of stainless steel tiles, engraved on both sides.
With manual assembly of codes and passwords using the supplied character set, you can store up to 96 characters of data quickly and effectively. Once your desired sequence is locked into the Cassette, it achieves offline permanence, making it resistant to physical damage, including fire, flooding, corrosive conditions, electric shock, and impact from accidents.
Crafted from high-quality AISI 304 stainless steel, both the Cassette and its accompanying tiles are built to withstand the test of time. Shipping for $144, the Cassette also conforms to Product Specification PS-1-2016 and carries a Declaration of Conformity with CE-1-2016 standards, providing assurance of its quality and compliance.
Key features:
- Shell, core, separators, fasteners, and character tiles made of AISI 303
- Packaging includes all printable ASCII characters (96 different characters)
- Shamir backup support
- Designed to survive extreme conditions
6. Steelwallet – A simple and very practical seed phrase protector
Steelwallet is a robust metal crypto wallet boasting several key features that make it a reliable choice. Made of high-quality stainless steel, it provides exceptional durability, resisting mechanical force, fire, radiation, and corrosion.
The Steelwallet is compatible with all cryptocurrency wallets that use up to 24 recovery words, adhering to the BIP-39 standard. Setting it up is a straightforward process, involving punching holes in the steel plate in appropriate locations.
The Steelwallet retails for $65, making it one of the most affordable options on our list. The Steelwallet box contents include detailed instructions, two engraved stainless steel sheets, an automatic puncher, and a storage pouch.
Key features:
- Simple yet very functional design
- Two steel sheets included in the box
- A great budget option
- Resistant to mechanical force, fire, radiation, and corrosion
7. SecuX XSEED Pro – A crypto metal wallet with a unique opening and closing mechanism
XSEED Pro is a virtually indestructible seed phrase backup system manufactured by SecuX, a company focused on crypto and blockchain security products. The XSEED Pro features a familiar design, with two metallic plates protecting stainless steel letters from fire, water, and other types of physical damage.
The XSEED Pro can withstand temperatures of up to 1454°C (2649°F) thanks to the 6 mm-thick stainless steel body. The device can serve as a seed phrase protector for both hardware and software wallets, offering an additional layer of protection for your mnemonic phrase.
At $89, the XSEED Pro features a unique opening mechanism that allows you to insert metallic letters by releasing the safety lever by pressing inside the long slot. After interesting all the letters, you can lock the device by turning the screw clockwise.
Key features:
- A practical opening/closing mechanism
- Cheaper than some other options on the list
- Resistant to extremely high temperatures
- Lightweight and portable
The bottom line: Enhance your crypto security with a crypto metal wallet
A purpose-made metal device designed to protect your seed phrase can significantly enhance the overall security of your digital holdings. Storing a recovery phrase in a digital form is way too risky due to various phishing attempts and hacking attacks. On the other hand, storing a seed phrase in paper form makes it susceptible to physical damage.
Metal crypto wallets can alleviate much of these vulnerabilities, providing an additional layer of security for seed phrase storage, and in turn, for the overall security of your crypto assets. On a related note, check how to securely generate a 12 or 24-word seed phrase, so that you can rest assured that it cannot be stolen by anybody.
About the Author: Nathan Rivers
