This article compares Tangem Wallet (a cold, hardware wallet) and Trust Wallet (a hot, software wallet) as options for securely storing cryptocurrency. Tangem stands out for its offline, seedless, and beginner-friendly design, making it ideal for long-term security and ease of use, while Trust Wallet offers free, convenient access and broad asset support but is more vulnerable to online threats. Ultimately, Tangem is recommended for those prioritizing security and peace of mind, whereas Trust Wallet suits active traders seeking quick, on-the-go transactions.
In 2025, self-custody has become the defining principle of crypto ownership. With centralized exchanges under constant scrutiny and hackers finding new ways to exploit online wallets, the decision of where to store your digital assets matters more than ever. For many, the choice comes down to hardware-backed cold storage versus mobile-first hot wallets.
In this comparison, we compare Tangem Wallet and Trust Wallet—two very different approaches to securing your crypto. One promises offline, seedless protection in a sleek card form, while the other offers quick, app-based access to the entire Web3 ecosystem. The question is simple: which one should you trust in 2025?
What’s the difference between cold and hot wallets?
The biggest discussion around crypto storage is about cold versus hot wallets. A hot wallet stays connected to the internet for easy access, while a cold wallet keeps your private keys offline, adding extra protection. It’s like keeping your keys securely in offline hardware, which makes it harder for hackers to reach them. For example, Tangem is a cold wallet that keeps your assets secure by removing online access.
On the other hand, a hot wallet like Trust Wallet is always online, making transactions quick and easy and increasing exposure to risks such as hacking, phishing, and malware.
The main difference essentially boils down to internet access. If your wallet isn’t online, attackers can’t access your keys.
Many long-term holders and serious investors prefer cold wallets because of their enhanced security, while active traders mainly opt for hot wallets due to their "convenience".
Tangem Wallet: the most convenient cold wallet
Tangem is designed to make crypto ownership feel effortless. Shaped like a simple bank card, it removes all the usual complications—no tiny screens to fumble with, no cables to carry, and no confusing recovery setups. You just tap the card on your smartphone, and your transaction is ready.
Because Tangem is seedless by default, you never have to worry about writing down or guarding a recovery phrase. Instead, you can create backup cards in minutes, giving you peace of mind without the stress of managing sensitive words.
Your private keys stay protected inside a secure element, meaning they never leave the card. But you don’t need to think about the tech. What matters is that your crypto always stays safe.
Tangem also supports over 16,000 cryptocurrencies and NFTs, so everything is at your fingertips
Most importantly, Tangem is as easy as tapping your bank card at a checkout terminal—there are no QR codes, no Bluetooth, and no hassle.
For beginners, Tangem offers one of the simplest and most secure ways to gain full control of crypto.
Trust Wallet: the mobile-first hot wallet
Trust Wallet is a software wallet owned by Binance, designed for mobile and browser use. It’s one of the most popular non-custodial wallets in the world.
Seed phrase required: Trust Wallet relies on a 12-word recovery phrase for backup, like most hot wallets.
Accessibility: available as a mobile app and browser extension.
Features: supports 10M+ tokens across dozens of blockchains, integrates with DeFi, NFTs, and staking.
Ease of use: quick setup and smooth integration with dApps, exchanges, and Web3 services.
Trust Wallet is extremely versatile, but as a hot wallet, it’s more exposed to risks like malware and phishing than hardware solutions.
Tangem vs Trust Wallet: Key Features Compared
Feature
Tangem Wallet (Cold)
Trust Wallet (Hot)
Design & use
Credit card–style, tap with phone (NFC)
Mobile app & browser extension
Setup
No seed phrase by default, backup cards
Requires seed phrase backup
Ease of use
Simple tap-to-sign, no cables/screens
Very user-friendly, but phrase required
Connectivity
NFC tap-to-sign, offline
Online app (internet-connected)
Security
EAL6+ secure element, fully offline
Non-custodial, but always online
Supported assets
16,000+ tokens
10M+ tokens and NFTs
Best for
Beginners, travelers, cold storage
Active DeFi & NFT users, convenience focus
Pricing
~$54.90 (hardware purchase)
Free (app download)
Open Source
✅ Yes
❌ Not fully open-source
Security: Offline vs Online Risks
The key difference between Tangem and Trust Wallet is their internet exposure. Tangem is a cold wallet, meaning your private keys stay secure inside a tamper-proof, air-gapped chip that never connects to the internet. Each transaction is securely signed through simple NFC taps on your smartphone, keeping your keys offline and isolated. In contrast, Trust Wallet functions as a hot wallet that always remains connected to the internet. While this provides quick access and easier trading, it also increases security risks. Hot wallets are more vulnerable to phishing, fake apps, malware, and clipboard hijacking. Clipboard hijacking malware can secretly replace copied wallet addresses with those controlled by attackers, causing users to unknowingly send crypto to scammers instead of the intended recipient.
Backup & Recovery
One of Tangem’s biggest advantages is its chip-based multi-card recovery system. This approach removes the risks that come with paper backups, no chance of someone stealing a photo of your seed phrase, no risk of fire or water damage to a paper note, and no stress about forgetting where you stored it.
Like most hot wallets, Trust Wallet relies on the traditional 12-word seed phrase system. While effective, it puts the burden of security entirely on the user. You must store your seed phrase somewhere safe—offline, out of reach from hackers, and ideally backed up in multiple secure locations. Unfortunately, this system also creates opportunities for phishing attacks. If a scammer tricks you into revealing your recovery phrase, they can take full control of your funds.
Usability & setup
Getting started with Tangem is refreshingly easy! Just tap the card to your smartphone and follow the prompts in the Tangem app. The whole process takes only about 2–3 minutes. Even if you're new to crypto, Tangem feels as familiar as using your bank card at a payment terminal. This simple setup is especially great for newcomers who might feel overwhelmed by more complex wallet setups.
Trust Wallet is also designed to be user-friendly and can be set up in just a few minutes. After installing the app, you create a new wallet and receive a 12-word recovery phrase to back up. While this process is straightforward, it’s important to handle that phrase carefully.
For new users, this step can feel a bit stressful, especially with warnings about losing access if the phrase is lost. It’s also vital to stay alert against phishing attempts aimed at recovery phrases. Overall, Trust Wallet’s setup is simple, but it requires a bit more caution compared to Tangem’s seedless approach.
Price & value
Tangem costs around $54.90 for a hardware wallet that includes backup options through additional cards, offering a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive wallets like Ledger or Trezor. It's a one-time fee that ensures great value without hidden charges.
On the other hand, Trust Wallet is completely free and perfect for beginners who want to start without hardware. However, since it’s a hot wallet, it requires users to handle security carefully. It's a great choice for small amounts of crypto.
Ideal user profiles
Tangem is a great choice for beginners, long-term collectors, and travelers. Its seedless design makes crypto storage easier by removing the need to manage recovery phrases. Plus, it’s compact and resembles a regular bank card, so you can easily carry it anywhere with discretion. For those who prioritize security, simplicity, and peace of mind, Tangem offers an excellent cold storage option. It’s especially perfect for gifting crypto, saving funds, or securely storing assets that aren’t used every day.
FAQs: Tangem vs Trust Wallet
What is the difference between Tangem and Trust Wallet?
The main difference between Tangem and Trust Wallet is that Tangem is a cold wallet (hardware, fully offline) while Trust Wallet is a hot wallet (software, internet-connected).
Is Tangem better than Trust Wallet?
Yes, for beginners and long-term holders, Tangem is often considered better than Trust Wallet. As a seedless hardware wallet, Tangem eliminates the need for a 12-word recovery phrase and works entirely offline. That makes it a secure crypto wallet without internet access, ideal for protecting funds against online attacks. However, if you need quick access to decentralized apps or want to trade actively, Trust Wallet might be more practical.
What is a cold wallet, and how does Tangem compare?
A cold wallet is a crypto wallet that stays completely offline, keeping private keys isolated from the internet. Tangem is a great example—it’s an offline crypto wallet that uses NFC to sign transactions without exposing sensitive data. Trust Wallet, by contrast, is a hot wallet that’s always connected, which makes it easier to use but also more vulnerable to malware, phishing, and other hot wallet security risks.
Is there a good Trust Wallet alternative?
Yes. Tangem is one of the most recommended Trust Wallet alternatives for 2025. Unlike Trust Wallet, which relies on seed phrases, Tangem is a crypto wallet with no seed phrase, instead using backup cards for recovery. This makes Tangem a strong choice if you want a secure crypto wallet without internet access for long-term storage.
What do Trust Wallet reviews say compared to Tangem?
A typical Trust Wallet review highlights its accessibility, broad token support, and smooth DeFi integration. However, reviews also point out that, being a hot wallet, it carries risks if your phone is compromised. By contrast, reviews of Tangem emphasize its seedless hardware wallet design, ease of use, and offline security. In short, Trust Wallet is praised for flexibility, while Tangem is praised for uncompromising safety.
Cold vs hot wallet: which is right for me?
When comparing cold vs hot wallets, the right choice depends on your needs. A hot wallet like Trust Wallet is excellent for quick, everyday use and interacting with dApps. But if you’re storing larger amounts of crypto or holding for the long term, a cold wallet like Tangem is safer because it works as an offline crypto wallet without exposure to the internet.
What is the best wallet for long-term storage?
A cold wallet like Tangem is the best choice for long-term storage. Its design as a seedless hardware wallet ensures your crypto stays safe without the risks of managing a recovery phrase. Trust Wallet is convenient for short-term use, but Tangem is the more secure choice for serious funds.
In summary, Trust Wallet is a strong hot wallet if you want flexibility. But if you’re asking, “Is Tangem better than Trust Wallet for security and peace of mind?”—the answer is yes. Tangem delivers the safest offline crypto wallet experience, making it the best wallet for long-term storage.
