Research

Best Hardware Wallets for Security (2025)

Compare 2025’s most secure hardware wallets—by security model, UX, and coin support. Pick the right cold wallet for your stack.
Sam Monac
5 min
MIN

Why Hardware Wallets Matter in September 2025

If you hold crypto, your keys are everything—and the best hardware wallets still offer the strongest defense against malware, phishing, and exchange failures. A hardware wallet is a dedicated, offline signing device that stores private keys and authorizes transactions without exposing secrets to the internet. In 2025, rising on-chain activity and more sophisticated wallet-drainer attacks make physical key management table stakes for both retail and pros.
This guide is for investors, traders, and builders who want maximum security without killing usability. We compare leading devices across security architecture, open-source posture, coin coverage, UX, and ecosystem readiness—so you can match the right wallet to your risk profile and stack. Secondary considerations include “crypto hardware wallet” setup flows, “cold wallet” signing paths, and “secure crypto wallet” recovery options.

How We Picked (Methodology & Scoring)

  • Liquidity (30%) → Practical access to ecosystems: native apps, partner integrations, staking/buy features, and compatibility with third-party wallets.

  • Security (25%) → Secure elements, open-source/ reproducible builds, air-gapped flows (QR/PSBT), anti-exfiltration, audits, and recovery design.

  • Coverage (15%) → Supported chains and tokens (BTC, ETH/L2s, EVM, Solana, etc.).

  • Costs (15%) → Device price and any ongoing subscription/feature fees.

  • UX (10%) → Screen size, inputs, mobile/Bluetooth, onboarding, backups.

  • Support (5%) → Docs, firmware cadence, and customer support options.

We relied on official product and security pages, device docs, and transparency notes, using third-party market datasets only for cross-checks (no third-party links in body). Last updated September 2025.

Top 10 Hardware Wallets for Security in September 2025

1. Ledger (Nano X • Nano S Plus • Stax) — Best for broad ecosystem + Secure Element

  • Why Use It: Ledger pairs a Secure Element (CC EAL5+/EAL6+) with its BOLOS OS and a polished Ledger Live app for buy/swap/stake and 3rd-party wallet support. It’s the most ubiquitous stack, which means better app integrations and an easy path from cold storage to dApps when you need it. Ledger+2Ledger+2

  • Best For: Multi-chain users, DeFi dabblers, mobile-first holders, NFT collectors.

  • Notable Features: Secure Element, Ledger Live ecosystem, Bluetooth (Nano X), Stax E Ink touchscreen, optional Recover, 50+ wallet integrations. Ledger+1

  • Consider If: You prefer fully open-source firmware elsewhere.

  • Alternatives: Trezor, BitBox02

  • Regions: Global

  • Fees Notes: One-time device purchase; optional services may have fees.

2. Trezor (Model T • Safe 3) — Best open-source experience

  • Why Use It: Trezor prioritizes open-source firmware, transparent security docs, and a clean desktop suite. The Safe 3 adds a Secure Element while keeping passphrase and on-device confirmations simple enough for new users. Trezor+1

  • Best For: Open-source purists, long-term BTC/ETH holders, privacy-minded users.

  • Notable Features: Trezor Suite, passphrase, open-source firmware, Secure Element (Safe 3), Bitcoin-only variant available. Trezor

  • Consider If: You need Bluetooth/mobile-first; consider Ledger or Jade.

  • Alternatives: Ledger, BitBox02

  • Regions: Global

  • Fees Notes: One-time device purchase; no subscription.

3. BitBox02 (Shift Crypto) — Best for microSD backups + minimalism

  • Why Use It: Swiss-built, open-source, and elegantly simple, BitBox02 uses a secure chip plus epoxy potting and a microSD for fast, offline backups. It’s a great blend of transparent design and sane UX. bitbox.swiss+1

  • Best For: Beginners who want a short setup, devs who value open code, travelers who like microSD backups.

  • Notable Features: microSD backup/restore, dual-chip with secure element, open-source, in-app guide. bitbox.swiss

  • Consider If: You need QR signing; look at Keystone or Passport.

  • Alternatives: Trezor, Keystone

  • Regions: Global

  • Fees Notes: One-time device purchase.

4. COLDCARD (Mk4 / Q) — Best for Bitcoin-only, air-gapped PSBT

  • Why Use It: Long favored by security maximalists, Coldcard is designed for fully air-gapped, PSBT-first workflows. Duress/tamper PINs, seed scrambling, and reproducible builds make it a fortress for BTC savings. coldcard.com+1

  • Best For: Long-term Bitcoin cold storage, multisig operators, security pros.

  • Notable Features: True air-gapped via MicroSD, PSBT (BIP174), anti-tamper features, duress/multisig tooling. coldcard.com

  • Consider If: You need altcoins; choose Ledger, Trezor, or BitBox02.

  • Alternatives: Passport, Jade

  • Regions: Global

  • Fees Notes: One-time device purchase.

5. Keystone 3 Pro — Best for QR signing across many chains

  • Why Use It: Keystone focuses on fully air-gapped QR workflows—no USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC—plus Shamir backups and strong multisig support. The 3 Pro adds three security chips and tight compatibility with leading wallet apps. keyst.one+1

  • Best For: Multisig setups, DeFi users who prefer QR signing, mobile users.

  • Notable Features: QR-only air-gap, multi-chip architecture, wide app compatibility, fingerprint unlock, large screen. keyst.one+1

  • Consider If: You want a huge desktop screen (see Lattice1).

  • Alternatives: Passport, Jade

  • Regions: Global

  • Fees Notes: One-time device purchase; optional accessories.

6. Blockstream Jade (Classic / Plus) — Best affordable open-source (Bitcoin & Liquid)

  • Why Use It: Jade is open-source with optional air-gapped camera signing, Anti-Exfil, and a friendly app. It’s a strong value pick for Bitcoiners who still want modern conveniences like Bluetooth and battery power. blockstream.com

  • Best For: Bitcoin users, Liquid asset holders, open-source fans.

  • Notable Features: Camera for QR, air-gapped transactions, Anti-Exfil, Bluetooth, optional stateless mode. blockstream.com

  • Consider If: You want more chains; consider Ledger/Trezor.

  • Alternatives: COLDCARD, Passport

  • Regions: Global

  • Fees Notes: One-time device purchase.

7. GridPlus Lattice1 — Best for big screen review & SafeCards

  • Why Use It: A 5" touchscreen and SafeCards make policy controls and multi-wallet management feel enterprise-grade. The Secure Enclave and card model are great for households, teams, or power users who hate “blind signing.” GridPlus+2docs.gridplus.io+2

  • Best For: Institutions, multisig coordinators, collectors with many addresses.

  • Notable Features: Large display, Secure Enclave, SafeCards for key portability/limits, policy rules, robust desktop UX. docs.gridplus.io

  • Consider If: You want ultra-portable or budget under $150.

  • Alternatives: Ledger Stax, Keystone

  • Regions: Global

  • Fees Notes: One-time device purchase; SafeCards sold separately.

8. Foundation Passport (Core) — Best for QR + Bitcoin privacy flows

  • Why Use It: Passport emphasizes QR signing, clean UX, and Bitcoin-only focus. Thoughtful hardware (camera, microSD) and transparent docs make it a favorite for air-gapped, privacy-first workflows. Foundation+1

  • Best For: Bitcoin-only users, privacy fans, QR-centric multisig.

  • Notable Features: QR signing, microSD for firmware/PSBT, premium build, open-source ethos. docs.foundation.xyz

  • Consider If: You need altcoins/EVM—choose Ledger or Keystone.

  • Alternatives: COLDCARD, Jade

  • Regions: Global

  • Fees Notes: One-time device purchase.

9. SafePal S1 / S1 Pro — Best budget air-gapped option

  • Why Use It: SafePal delivers QR-based, fully air-gapped signing with a Secure Element (CC EAL6+) at a very accessible price point, plus a companion app for swaps and DeFi. Great for newcomers who still want true offline signing. safepal.com+1

  • Best For: Budget buyers, mobile users, “first hardware wallet.”

  • Notable Features: QR signing, Secure Element (EAL6+), self-destruct/anti-tamper, rich app integrations. safepal.com

  • Consider If: You prefer fully open-source firmware (see Trezor/BitBox/Jade).

  • Alternatives: Tangem, Ledger Nano S Plus

  • Regions: Global

  • Fees Notes: One-time device purchase; in-app services may incur fees.

10. Tangem Wallet (2- or 3-card set) — Best card-based, seedless recovery model

  • Why Use It: Tangem uses NFC cards with an EAL6+ secure chip and a 25-year warranty, removing seed phrases in favor of multi-card backups. Tap-to-sign is intuitive, and the rugged, battery-free design suits travel and daily carry. Tangem

  • Best For: Everyday spenders, beginners who fear seed phrases, travelers.

  • Notable Features: Seedless multi-card backup, EAL6+ chip, IP69K-rated durability, NFC tap-to-sign, long warranty. Tangem

  • Consider If: You want a traditional BIP39 seed and broad third-party wallet support.

  • Alternatives: SafePal S1, Keystone

  • Regions: Global

  • Fees Notes: One-time card set; no charging required.

Decision Guide: Best By Use Case

  • Broad multi-chain + best ecosystem: Ledger

  • Fully open-source first: Trezor, BitBox02, Blockstream Jade

  • Bitcoin-only vaulting: COLDCARD, Passport, Jade

  • QR / air-gapped multisig: Keystone, Passport, Jade

  • Large screen & team workflows: GridPlus Lattice1

  • Budget under $100 (often): SafePal S1, Jade (promos), Trezor Safe 3

  • Seedless, card-based: Tangem

  • Mobile/Bluetooth convenience: Ledger Nano X, Jade

How to Choose the Right Hardware Wallet (Checklist)

  • Confirm security model: Secure Element, open-source, air-gap/QR, PSBT.

  • Match coverage to your assets (BTC-only vs multi-chain/EVM/Solana).

  • Check ecosystem access: companion app, 3rd-party wallet support.

  • Weigh UX: screen size, buttons/touch, Bluetooth, mobile pairing.

  • Review recovery: BIP39/Shamir vs seedless cards; where you’ll store backups.

  • Validate firmware cadence and support.

  • Red flags: blind-signing unclear data; closed update channels; no documented security page.

Use Token Metrics With Any Hardware Wallet

Turn cold storage into a smarter strategy:

  • AI Ratings to screen tokens you plan to hold.
  • Narrative Detection to catch momentum early.

  • Portfolio Optimization to size positions and balance risk.

  • Alerts & Signals to monitor entries/exits—without moving your keys.

Workflow: Research on Token Metrics → Pick assets → Acquire & secure with your wallet → Track performance + alerts.

Primary CTA: Start free trial

Security & Compliance Tips

  • Enable PIN + passphrase (where supported) and store backups offline.

  • Prefer air-gapped/QR or PSBT flows for high-value moves.

  • Verify addresses and amounts on-device; avoid blind signing.

  • Keep firmware up to date; download only from official sources.

  • Separate daily hot spending from long-term cold storage.

This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

  • Keeping the only seed phrase in a single location.

  • Re-using the same device for testnets and main funds.

  • Blind-signing smart-contract approvals you don’t understand.

  • Leaving device uninitialized/unpinned in a desk drawer.

  • Buying from unofficial marketplaces or “pre-set up” resellers.

FAQs

What is a hardware wallet?
A hardware wallet is a physical device that stores private keys and authorizes transactions offline, reducing exposure to malware and phishing compared to software wallets.

Do I need a hardware wallet if I use a centralized exchange?
If an exchange is hacked or freezes withdrawals, you can lose access. A hardware wallet lets you self-custody, so you control keys and recovery—many users keep long-term holdings in cold storage and only move funds when needed.

Is a Secure Element required?
Not required, but many devices use a CC EAL5+/EAL6+ Secure Element to resist physical extraction. Open-source firmware and verifiable builds also matter—evaluate the whole model, not just one spec. Ledger

What’s the difference between air-gapped QR and USB/Bluetooth?
QR/PSBT keeps signing data offline via camera or microSD. USB/Bluetooth devices can still be safe if the secret keys never leave the secure chip and screens verify data—choose the flow you’ll actually use correctly. coldcard.com+1

Can I use one wallet for multiple chains?
Yes—multi-chain devices (e.g., Ledger, Trezor, Keystone) support many networks. Bitcoin-focused devices (COLDCARD, Passport, Jade) prioritize BTC security and workflows.

How often should I rotate or back up?
Back up at setup, test recovery once, and review backups quarterly. Rotate seeds if you suspect exposure, or after major life changes.

Conclusion + Related Reads

If you want the widest ecosystem, Ledger is tough to beat. Prefer open-source? Trezor or BitBox02 are excellent defaults. For Bitcoin vaulting, COLDCARD, Jade, or Passport shine. Need team or household management? Lattice1. Budget-friendly air-gap? SafePal. Seedless and ultra-portable? Tangem.
Pick a model you’ll use correctly—then let Token Metrics guide what goes inside it.

Related Reads:

  • Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges 2025

  • Top Derivatives Platforms 2025

  • Top Institutional Custody Providers 2025

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Token Metrics Team
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Recent Posts

Research

Top 100 Crypto Index: What It Is, How It’s Built, and Who It’s For (2025)

Token Metrics Team
6
MIN

If you’ve tried to “own the market” in crypto, you’ve felt the pain: chasing listings, juggling wallets, and missing rebalances while prices move. A top 100 crypto index aims to fix that—giving you broad exposure when the market is bullish and standing down when it’s not. Token Metrics Global 100 is our rules-based version of that idea: it holds the top-100 by market cap in bull regimes, moves to stablecoins in bear regimes, and rebalances weekly. You can see every rule, every holding, and every rebalance—then buy the index in ~90 seconds with an embedded on-chain flow.‍ → Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why a “Top 100 Crypto Index” Matters in October 2025

The market keeps cycling. New leaders emerge quickly. A “set-and-forget” bag can fall behind, while manual baskets burn hours and rack up slippage. Search interest for crypto index, regime switching, and weekly rebalancing keeps growing because people want a simple, disciplined core that adapts.

A top 100 crypto index is a rules-based basket that tracks the largest 100 crypto assets by market cap, typically rebalanced on a schedule to keep weights aligned with the market. In 2025, that alone isn’t enough. You also need discipline for downtrends. Token Metrics adds a regime-switching layer to move to stablecoins during bear phases—so you can participate in upside and sit out major drawdowns with a consistent, rules-based approach.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

Regime switching:

  • Bullish: The index holds the top-100 assets by market cap.
  • Bearish: The index exits positions and moves fully to stablecoins until a bullish re-entry signal.

Weekly rebalancing:

  • Every week, the composition and weights update to reflect current market-cap rankings. No manual list maintenance. No “oops, I missed the new entrant.”

Transparency:

  • Strategy modal explains selection criteria and regime logic.
  • Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log shows the signal, the real-time holdings view, and every rebalance/regime switch.

You’ll always see what you own, how it changed, and why.

What you’ll see on launch

  • Price tile, 100 tokens, “rebalances weekly,” and one-click Buy.
  • Gauge to visualize the market signal.
  • Holdings Treemap and Table to inspect exposure.
  • Transactions Log to review every rebalance.
  • See the strategy and rules.

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time saved: Skip hours of asset chasing and manual spreadsheets; rebalances happen automatically.
  • Lower execution drag: One index buy can reduce slippage vs. piecing together 20–50 small orders across chains.
  • Never miss a rebalance: Weekly updates and on/off risk switches run by rules, not vibes.
  • Rules-based switching: A clear trigger defines when to sit in stablecoins—no second-guessing.
  • Full visibility: The gauge, treemap, table, and log make the process auditable at a glance.
  • Operational simplicity: An embedded wallet, 90-second buy flow, fee and slippage estimates upfront.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

  1. Open the Indices hub and tap TM Global 100.
  2. Join the waitlist with your email—this flags you for day-one access.
  3. (Optional) Connect your wallet so you’re ready for the embedded checkout.
  4. Launch day: You’ll get an email and in-app prompt when trading opens.
  5. Buy in ~90 seconds: Connect, review fees/slippage/estimated value, confirm.
  6. Track positions: See your holdings, rebalances, and P&L in My Indices.
  7. Repeat or add funds: Rebalancing is handled weekly; you can add or sell anytime.

Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want broad market exposure without managing coin lists? Consider it.
  • Active Trader: Want a disciplined core you don’t have to watch while you chase setups? Consider it.
  • TM Member (Research-Heavy): Prefer to keep your picks, but want a market base layer? Consider it.
  • New to Crypto: Need transparency + clear rules? Consider it, with a small test first.
  • Hyper-Niche Maxi: If you only want 1–2 coins, an index may be too broad.
  • Short-Term Scalper: You may still benefit from a core allocation, but active trading stays your main driver.
  • Tax-/Jurisdiction-Sensitive Users: Check your local rules before investing.
  • Institutional Explorers: Looking for transparent rules, logs, and weekly governance? Worth evaluating.

FAQs

What is a top 100 crypto index?

A rules-based basket tracking the largest 100 assets by market cap, typically with scheduled rebalancing. Token Metrics Global 100 adds regime switching to stablecoins during bear markets.

How often does the index rebalance?

Weekly. In addition, if the market signal flips, the entire portfolio may switch between tokens ↔ stablecoins outside the weekly cycle.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?

A proprietary market-regime signal. When it’s bearish, the index exits tokens to stablecoins and waits for a bullish re-entry signal.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?

On launch, funding options surface based on your connected wallet and supported chains. USDC payouts are supported when selling.

Is the wallet custodial?

The embedded wallet is self-custodial—you control your funds.

How are fees shown?

Before you confirm a buy, you’ll see estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and minimum expected value—all up front.

How do I join the waitlist?

Go to the TM Global 100 page or the Indices hub and click Join Waitlist. You’ll get notified at launch with simple steps to buy.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody: Embedded, self-custodial smart wallet; you control keys.
  • 2FA & device checks: Standard authentication best practices.
  • Fee/slippage transparency: All estimates are shown pre-trade; you confirm with eyes open.
  • On-chain visibility: Holdings, rebalances, and regime switches appear in the Transactions Log.
  • Rule constraints: Signals can be wrong; spreads and volatility can impact outcomes.
  • Regional considerations: Availability and tax treatment vary by jurisdiction.

Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

A top 100 crypto index is the simplest path to broad market exposure—if it’s built with discipline. Token Metrics Global 100 combines transparent rules, weekly rebalancing, and a regime switch to stablecoins, so you can focus on your strategy while the core maintains itself. Now’s the time to claim early access.‍ → Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Research

The Case for Rules-Based Crypto Indexing After a Volatile Cycle (2025)

Token Metrics Team
5
MIN

After a whipsaw year, many investors are asking how to stay exposed to crypto’s upside without riding every drawdown. Rules-based crypto indexing is a simple, disciplined answer: follow a transparent set of rules rather than gut feelings. The Token Metrics Global 100 puts this into practice—own the top-100 in bullish regimes, rotate to stablecoins in bearish regimes, and rebalance weekly. On top of that, you can see what you own in real time with a Holdings Treemap, Table, and Transactions Log. Less second-guessing, more process.

Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Rules-Based Crypto Indexing Matters in October 2025

In a volatile cycle, emotion creeps in: chasing winners late, cutting losers early, or missing re-entry after fear. Rules-based crypto indexing applies consistent criteria—constituent selection, weighting, and rebalancing—so you don’t have to improvise in stress.

For readers comparing crypto index options, think of it as a codified playbook. A rules-based crypto index is a methodology-driven basket that follows predefined signals (e.g., market regime) and maintenance schedules (e.g., weekly rebalancing), aiming for repeatable behavior across cycles.

Rules-based crypto indexing is a systematic approach that tracks a defined universe (e.g., top-100 by market cap) and maintains it on a fixed cadence, with explicit rules for when to hold tokens and when to de-risk into stablecoins.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching: When the market signal is bullish, the index holds the top 100 assets by market cap; when bearish, it moves to stablecoins until conditions improve.
  • Weekly rebalancing: Constituents and weights update weekly to reflect the latest market-cap rankings—capturing leadership changes without manual effort.
  • Transparency: A Strategy modal and Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log show the signal, current mix, and every change recorded.

What you’ll see on launch: Price tile, “tokens: 100,” “rebalances weekly,” and a fast ~90-second Buy flow with fee/slippage previews.

See the strategy and rules. (TM Global 100 strategy)

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time & operational drag: Skip juggling 20–100 tickers, wallets, and venues.
  • Execution quality: A single indexed flow can help reduce piecemeal slippage and duplicated fees.
  • No missed rotations: Weekly rebalancing and regime switching reduce the cost of being late to trends—or late to de-risk.
  • Always-on visibility: Holdings treemap + table + transactions log remove the black box.
  • Behavioral edge: Clear rules can limit panic sells and FOMO buys during turbulence.
  • Portfolio role: A disciplined core that you can complement with selective satellites.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

  1. Open the Token Metrics Indices hub and select TM Global 100.
  2. Click Join Waitlist and enter your email for launch-day access.
  3. (Optional) Connect your wallet so you’re ready to fund.
  4. On launch, review the Gauge → Treemap → Transactions to confirm the current mix.
  5. Tap Buy Index, review fees/slippage, and confirm (about 90 seconds end-to-end).
  6. Track your position and every weekly rebalance in My Indices and the Transactions Log.

Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want broad market beta with an explicit de-risking rule. Consider if you resist micromanaging.
  • Active Trader: Prefer a disciplined core that moves to stablecoins in bears while you express edge with satellites.
  • Long-Term Believer: Seek systematic participation in leadership changes via weekly rebalancing.
  • Transparency-First User: Require auditable holdings and a transactions log—no black boxes.
  • Tax/Compliance Conscious: Prefer consolidated rebalances over many ad hoc trades.
  • TM Research Follower: Want to pair Token Metrics insights with a rules-based execution layer.
  • New to Crypto Baskets: Want to avoid building and maintaining a DIY index.

FAQs

What is a rules-based crypto index?

A methodology-driven basket that follows predefined rules for asset selection, weighting, and maintenance. In TM Global 100, that means top-100 exposure in bullish regimes and stablecoins in bearish regimes, with weekly rebalancing and full transparency.

How often does the index rebalance?

Weekly. This cadence refreshes constituents and weights to align with current market-cap rankings; separate regime switches can move between tokens and stablecoins.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?

A documented market signal. When it turns bearish, the index exits to stablecoins; when bullish resumes, it re-enters the top-100 basket.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?

Funding options will surface based on your connected wallet and supported rails. USDC settlement on sells is supported; fiat on-ramps may be added over time.

Is the wallet custodial?

No. The embedded wallet is self-custodial—you control your keys and assets.

How are fees shown?

Before confirming a trade, you’ll see estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and min expected value—so you can proceed with clarity.

How do I join the waitlist?

Go to the Indices hub, open TM Global 100, and enter your email. You’ll receive a launch-day link to buy.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody by default: You control your wallet.
  • Defense-in-depth: 2FA/account security features and explicit transaction prompts.
  • Clear economics: Fee and slippage previews before you confirm.
  • Auditability: Holdings treemap + table + transactions log document every change.
  • Methodology limits: Regime logic may not capture every market nuance; weekly cadence can differ from intraday moves.
  • Regional availability: On-ramps and features can vary by jurisdiction.

Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Research

The Case for Rules-Based Crypto Indexing After a Volatile Cycle (2025)

Token Metrics Team
5
MIN

After a whipsaw year, many investors are asking how to stay exposed to crypto’s upside without riding every drawdown. Rules-based crypto indexing is a simple, disciplined answer: follow a transparent set of rules rather than gut feelings. The Token Metrics Global 100 puts this into practice—own the top-100 in bullish regimes, rotate to stablecoins in bearish regimes, and rebalance weekly. On top of that, you can see what you own in real time with a Holdings Treemap, Table, and Transactions Log. Less second-guessing, more process.→ Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Rules-Based Crypto Indexing Matters in October 2025

In a volatile cycle, emotion creeps in: chasing winners late, cutting losers early, or missing re-entry after fear. Rules-based crypto indexing applies consistent criteria—constituent selection, weighting, and rebalancing—so you don’t have to improvise in stress.

For readers comparing crypto index options, think of it as a codified playbook. A rules-based crypto index is a methodology-driven basket that follows predefined signals (e.g., market regime) and maintenance schedules (e.g., weekly rebalancing), aiming for repeatable behavior across cycles.

Rules-based crypto indexing is a systematic approach that tracks a defined universe (e.g., top-100 by market cap) and maintains it on a fixed cadence, with explicit rules for when to hold tokens and when to de-risk into stablecoins.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching: When the market signal is bullish, the index holds the top 100 assets by market cap; when bearish, it moves to stablecoins until conditions improve.
  • Weekly rebalancing: Constituents and weights update weekly to reflect the latest market-cap rankings—capturing leadership changes without manual effort.
  • Transparency: A Strategy modal and Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log show the signal, current mix, and every change recorded.

What you’ll see on launch: Price tile, “tokens: 100,” “rebalances weekly,” and a fast ~90-second Buy flow with fee/slippage previews.

See the strategy and rules. (TM Global 100 strategy)

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time & operational drag: Skip juggling 20–100 tickers, wallets, and venues.
  • Execution quality: A single indexed flow can help reduce piecemeal slippage and duplicated fees.
  • No missed rotations: Weekly rebalancing and regime switching reduce the cost of being late to trends—or late to de-risk.
  • Always-on visibility: Holdings treemap + table + transactions log remove the black box.
  • Behavioral edge: Clear rules can limit panic sells and FOMO buys during turbulence.
  • Portfolio role: A disciplined core that you can complement with selective satellites.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Early Access (Waitlist)

  1. Open the Token Metrics Indices hub and select TM Global 100.
  2. Click Join Waitlist and enter your email for launch-day access.
  3. (Optional) Connect your wallet so you’re ready to fund.
  4. On launch, review the Gauge → Treemap → Transactions to confirm the current mix.
  5. Tap Buy Index, review fees/slippage, and confirm (about 90 seconds end-to-end).
  6. Track your position and every weekly rebalance in My Indices and the Transactions Log.

Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want broad market beta with an explicit de-risking rule. Consider if you resist micromanaging.
  • Active Trader: Prefer a disciplined core that moves to stablecoins in bears while you express edge with satellites.
  • Long-Term Believer: Seek systematic participation in leadership changes via weekly rebalancing.
  • Transparency-First User: Require auditable holdings and a transactions log—no black boxes.
  • Tax/Compliance Conscious: Prefer consolidated rebalances over many ad hoc trades.
  • TM Research Follower: Want to pair TM insights with a rules-based execution layer.
  • New to Crypto Baskets: Want to avoid building and maintaining a DIY index.

FAQs

What is a rules-based crypto index?

A methodology-driven basket that follows predefined rules for asset selection, weighting, and maintenance. In TM Global 100, that means top-100 exposure in bullish regimes and stablecoins in bearish regimes, with weekly rebalancing and full transparency.

How often does the index rebalance?

Weekly. This cadence refreshes constituents and weights to align with current market-cap rankings; separate regime switches can move between tokens and stablecoins.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?

A documented market signal. When it turns bearish, the index exits to stablecoins; when bullish resumes, it re-enters the top-100 basket.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?

Funding options will surface based on your connected wallet and supported rails. USDC settlement on sells is supported; fiat on-ramps may be added over time.

Is the wallet custodial?

No. The embedded wallet is self-custodial—you control your keys and assets.

How are fees shown?

Before confirming a trade, you’ll see estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and min expected value—so you can proceed with clarity.

How do I join the waitlist?

Go to the Indices hub, open TM Global 100, and enter your email. You’ll receive a launch-day link to buy.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody by default: You control your wallet.
  • Defense-in-depth: 2FA/account security features and explicit transaction prompts.
  • Clear economics: Fee and slippage previews before you confirm.
  • Auditability: Holdings treemap + table + transactions log document every change.
  • Methodology limits: Regime logic may not capture every market nuance; weekly cadence can differ from intraday moves.
  • Regional availability: On-ramps and features can vary by jurisdiction.

Crypto is volatile and can lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

After a volatile cycle, the edge is process. Token Metrics Global 100 combines rules-based crypto indexing, weekly rebalancing, and full transparency so you can participate in upside and step aside during bears—without running your own spreadsheets. If that’s the core you’ve been missing, join the waitlist now.

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