Software Free / open source
Sparrow Wallet
Desktop Bitcoin wallet. Watch-only, offline signing, multisig coordinator.
Free
Gear
What we'd use
Free options first. Prices are approximate as of November 2026. Some links are affiliate links; see the disclosure.
Free tools
Start here. These cost nothing and are enough to learn, practice and even hold a small amount cold.
Software Free / open source
Tails
Operating system that runs from a USB stick and forgets everything on shutdown.
Free
DIY signer Free / open source
SeedSigner
Open-source, build-it-yourself Bitcoin signer with no radios and no storage.
~$50–70 in parts
Software Free / open source
Bitcoin Core
The reference Bitcoin node. Run it to check your own balances privately.
Free
Hardware wallets
Worth it once the amount would hurt to lose. Buy only from the maker's own site.
Hardware wallet
Coldcard Q
Bitcoin-only, air-gapped by QR, microSD or NFC. Built for serious storage.
~$320
Hardware wallet
Coldcard Mk5
Smaller Bitcoin-only Coldcard. Air-gapped by microSD, with optional NFC.
~$220
Hardware wallet
Keystone 3 Pro
QR-only, multi-coin, large touchscreen. Good if you hold more than Bitcoin.
~$150
Hardware wallet
Foundation Passport Prime
Open-source signer by QR or encrypted Bluetooth. Also does 2FA and security keys.
~$350
Hardware wallet
Blockstream Jade
Low-cost Bitcoin signer. The Classic model has a camera for QR signing.
~$80
Hardware wallet
Trezor Safe 5
Multi-coin, open-source firmware, connects by USB-C.
~$130
Hardware wallet
BitBox02 Bitcoin-only
Swiss-made, simple, Bitcoin-only edition available. Connects by USB-C.
~$150
Seed backups
Steel survives fire and flood. Paper doesn't.
Seed backup
Steel washer stamping kit
Letter punches and stainless washers. Cheapest fire- and flood-proof backup.
~$25
Seed backup
Billfodl
Stainless steel tile backup. No stamping needed.
~$100
Seed backup
Cryptosteel Capsule
Steel tube with letter tiles. Compact and tough.
~$100
Air-gapped builds
Parts for the DIY and laptop kits.
Air-gapped laptop
Used ThinkPad T480
USB-C charging, removable Wi-Fi card. A classic offline signing machine.
~$150–250 used
SeedSigner part
Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3
The version with no Wi-Fi chip. Not the Zero W or Zero 2 W.
~$15
SeedSigner part
Waveshare 1.3" LCD HAT
The 240×240 screen and buttons SeedSigner is built for.
~$15
Buying and multisig services
Places to buy bitcoin and withdraw it to your own wallet.