Crypto Basics

Hot Wallets vs. Cold Wallets: What’s the Difference and Which Crypto Wallet To Use in 2025?

Discover the key differences between hot and cold crypto wallets. Learn which one suits your needs and how Token Metrics helps secure and grow your crypto investments.
Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

As cryptocurrency adoption accelerates globally in 2025, one critical question for both beginners and experienced investors is: Where should you store your crypto assets safely?

The answer lies in understanding the difference between hot wallets and cold wallets — the two main categories of cryptocurrency storage. This highly informative and SEO-optimized blog will help you understand:

  • What hot and cold wallets are
  • Key differences between them
  • Pros and cons of each
  • Which one is right for you
  • How platforms like Token Metrics help you choose and manage your wallet securely

🔐 What Is a Cryptocurrency Wallet?

A crypto wallet stores your private and public keys, enabling you to send, receive, and manage digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or altcoins. Unlike traditional bank accounts, crypto wallets give you full control over your funds — but with that control comes the responsibility of securing them.

Wallets are typically categorized as:

  • Hot Wallets – connected to the internet
  • Cold Wallets – offline storage solutions

⚡ What Is a Hot Wallet?

A hot wallet is a crypto wallet that is connected to the internet. It’s designed for easy access and quick transactions, making it ideal for active traders and everyday use.

🔹 Examples of Hot Wallets:

  • Web wallets: MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Phantom, Rainbow
  • Desktop wallets: Exodus, Electrum
  • Mobile wallets: Coinbase Wallet, Atomic Wallet
  • Exchange wallets: Binance, Coinbase (custodial)

✅ Pros of Hot Wallets:

  • Instant access to crypto
  • User-friendly interfaces
  • Ideal for frequent trading or DeFi
  • Compatible with most crypto platforms

❌ Cons of Hot Wallets:

  • Vulnerable to hacks and phishing
  • Depends on internet connection
  • Risk of malware or keylogging
  • Not ideal for large holdings

Hot wallets are often recommended for storing smaller amounts of crypto for daily use.

🧊 What Is a Cold Wallet?

A cold wallet refers to any crypto wallet that is not connected to the internet. It’s a form of offline storage designed for maximum security.

🔹 Examples of Cold Wallets:

  • Hardware wallets: Ledger Nano X, Trezor Model T
  • Paper wallets: Printed QR codes with private keys
  • Air-gapped computers: Devices permanently offline

✅ Pros of Cold Wallets:

  • Immune to online attacks
  • Long-term storage for HODLing
  • Control over private keys
  • Ideal for institutional and high-net-worth users

❌ Cons of Cold Wallets:

  • Less convenient for quick access
  • Physical loss or damage is a risk
  • Requires technical knowledge
  • More expensive (hardware wallets can cost $50–$200)

Cold wallets are ideal for long-term investors storing large amounts of crypto.

🔄 Hot Wallet vs. Cold Wallet: Key Differences

🔧 How to Use Hot and Cold Wallets Together (Hybrid Strategy)

Many crypto investors in 2025 use a dual-wallet strategy:

  • Hot wallet for trading, staking, and DeFi
  • Cold wallet for long-term storage and high-value assets

This balances convenience and security while minimizing exposure to threats.

For example:

  • Use a hot wallet like MetaMask to access the Token Metrics Moonshots tab and buy trending altcoins.
  • Transfer profits to your cold wallet (e.g., Ledger) for safekeeping.

🧠 How Token Metrics Helps You Manage Wallet Security

🔹 Wallet Integrations

Token Metrics supports:

  • MetaMask, WalletConnect, and other hot wallets
  • Portfolio tracking synced with your wallet
  • Real-time alerts when assets in your wallet are surging or at risk

🔹 Smart Trading with AI

Token Metrics helps reduce the need to frequently move funds by:

  • Identifying only high-quality tokens using AI Trader and Investor Grades
  • Sending price alerts, so you know when to buy/sell
  • Providing in-platform swap tools for direct trades from your hot wallet

🔹 Moonshot Monitoring

For early-stage altcoins, timing is everything. Token Metrics lets you:

  • Monitor your Moonshot investments
  • Get notified when to take profits or exit
  • Transfer to cold storage with a single click

🔒 Hot Wallet Security Tips (2025 Edition)

If you’re using a hot wallet:

  • Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
  • Use a hardware wallet to sign large transactions
  • Avoid clicking suspicious links or connecting to unknown dApps
  • Disconnect wallets after use

Always back up your seed phrase and store it securely offline.

💬 Which Wallet Should You Use?

🧩 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re storing $100 or $100,000 in cryptocurrency, your wallet choice directly impacts your security, accessibility, and peace of mind.

  • Hot wallets offer convenience, but must be used with caution
  • Cold wallets offer security, but come with trade-offs in usability
  • Platforms like Token Metrics bridge the gap by offering real-time insights, wallet integrations, and AI-driven trading tools

In 2025, don’t just store your crypto—store it wisely. Combine hot and cold wallet strategies and leverage tools like Token Metrics to build a secure, intelligent crypto portfolio.

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Token Metrics Team
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Research

Indices Hub: Join the Waitlist for TM Global 100 (2025)

Sam Monac
7 min
MIN

If you’ve been waiting for a simple, rules-based way to own the TM Global 100—without micromanaging tokens—this hub is for you. TM Global 100 is a rules-based crypto index that holds the top 100 assets in bull markets and moves to stablecoins in bear markets, with weekly rebalancing and transparent holdings/transaction logs you can verify at any time. It’s designed for hands-off allocators who want disciplined exposure and for active traders who want a core that adapts to regimes—without guesswork or endless rebalancing. Below you’ll find how it works, who it’s for, and exactly how to join the waitlist so you’re first in line when trading opens.

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

TL;DR (snippet)

  • What it is: A rules-based index that holds the top-100 in bull markets and exits to stablecoins in bear markets.

  • Why it matters: Weekly rebalances + transparent holdings and transaction logs.

  • Who it’s for: Hands-off allocators and active traders who want a disciplined core.

  • Next step: Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Indices Matter in October 2025

Search intent right now: investors want credible, rules-based crypto exposure that can participate in upside while reducing drawdown pain. A crypto index is a basket of assets selected and maintained by rules—so you avoid one-off bets and constant manual rebalancing.

With liquidity rotating quickly across sectors, weekly rebalancing helps maintain alignment with current market-cap leaders, while regime switching provides a disciplined, pre-defined response to bearish conditions. The result is a clear, consistent process that removes emotional decision-making and operational drag.

Definition (snippet-friendly): A crypto index is a rules-based basket of digital assets that’s constructed, weighted, and rebalanced on a set schedule.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching:


    • Bullish: Hold the top-100 crypto assets by market cap.

    • Bearish: Exit all positions into stablecoins and wait for a new bullish signal.

  • Weekly rebalancing: Reflects updated rankings and weights across the market-cap universe.

  • Transparency: Strategy modal shows methodology and thresholds; Gauge → Holdings Treemap → Transactions Log make every change visible.

  • What you’ll see on launch: Price tile, gauge (“rebalances weekly”), 100 tokens, one-click Buy Index flow, and a 90-second checkout via embedded wallet.

Soft CTA: See the strategy and rules.

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time saved: No more manual coin-picking, sizing, and calendar rebalances.

  • Lower execution drag: One click vs. dozens of individual orders that can add slippage.

  • Stay current: Weekly rebalances help you capture market-cap changes without constant monitoring.

  • Discipline in drawdowns: Automatic switch to stablecoins removes panic decisions.

  • Radical visibility: Holdings treemap, table, and transactions log show what you own and what changed—every week.

  • Operational simplicity: Embedded wallet and a unified dashboard; no juggling chains and exchanges.

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

  1. Open the Indices Hub: Head to the Token Metrics Indices hub.

  2. Choose TM Global 100: Open the index page and review the Gauge → Strategy → Holdings.

  3. Join the Waitlist: Add your email to be notified the moment trading opens.

  4. (Optional) Connect Wallet: Pre-connect your wallet for a faster launch-day checkout.

  5. Launch-Day Flow (~90 seconds): Tap Buy Index, review fees/slippage, confirm, and see your position in My Indices.

  6. Track Rebalances: After each weekly rebalance or regime change, check the Transactions Log for updates.

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

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want broad exposure without micromanaging? Yes—rules-based + weekly rebalances.

  • Active Trader: Need a core that sits in stables during bears while you hunt edges elsewhere? Fits.

  • TM Member/Prospect: Already trust TM research? This is the rules-based version of “own the market.”

  • Risk-Aware Newcomer: Prefer a clear framework over vibes? Methodology is visible and auditable.

  • DIY Basket Builder: Tired of missed rebalances and slippage? One click can reduce execution drag.

  • Data-First Analyst: Want to verify? See the holdings, weights, and transaction history anytime.

FAQs

1) What is a TM Global 100 index?
It’s a rules-based crypto index that holds the top 100 assets by market cap in bullish regimes and moves to stablecoins in bearish regimes. It rebalances weekly and shows transparent holdings and transactions.

2) How often does the index rebalance?
Weekly, with additional full-portfolio switches when the market regime changes.

3) What triggers the move to stablecoins?
A proprietary market signal. When bearish, the index exits all token positions into stablecoins and waits for a bullish re-entry signal.

4) Can I fund with USDC or fiat?
At launch, funding and settlement options surface based on the embedded wallet and supported chains. USDC payouts are supported for selling; additional entry options may be introduced later.

5) Is the wallet custodial?
No. The Embedded Wallet is self-custodial—you control your funds while using a streamlined, on-chain checkout.

6) How are fees shown?
Before you confirm, the Buy flow shows estimated gas, platform fee, maximum slippage, and the minimum expected value.

7) How do I join the waitlist?
Go to the Token Metrics Indices hub or the TM Global 100 strategy page and submit your email. We’ll notify you the moment trading opens.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody: Embedded smart wallet; you hold the keys.

  • 2FA & session hygiene: Use strong auth practices for your TM account.

  • Fee clarity: Gas, platform fee, and slippage are displayed before you confirm.

  • Auditability: Holdings, treemap, and transactions log are always visible.

  • Model limits: Regime logic can be wrong, and markets can gap; rules reduce discretion—not risk.

  • Regional availability: Product surfaces may vary by region as we expand.

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

Conclusion + Related Reads

If you want a disciplined, rules-based core that adapts to market regimes, TM Global 100 is built for you. Weekly rebalances, transparent holdings, and one-click buy remove operational friction so you can focus on your strategy.

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

Related Reads

Research

Top Crypto Index for Hands-Off Portfolios (2025)

Sam Monac
7 min
MIN

If you want broad crypto exposure without babysitting charts, a top crypto index is the simplest way to participate in the market. TM Global 100 was designed for hands-off portfolios: when conditions are bullish, the index holds the top 100 crypto assets by market cap; when signals turn bearish, it moves to stablecoins and waits. You get weekly rebalancing, transparent holdings and transaction logs, and a 90-second buy flow—so you can spend less time tinkering and more time compounding your life.

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

TL;DR (snippet)

  • What it is: Rules-based index that holds the top-100 in bull markets and moves to stablecoins in bear markets.

  • Why it matters: Weekly rebalances + transparent holdings and transaction logs.

  • Who it’s for: Hands-off allocators and active traders who want a disciplined core.

  • Next step: Join the waitlist to be first to trade TM Global 100.

Why Education / Indices Matters in October 2025

Volatility is back, and investors are searching for predictable, rules-based ways to capture crypto upside without micromanaging tokens. Search interest for terms like hands-off crypto investing, weekly rebalancing, and regime switching reflects the same intent: “Give me broad exposure with guardrails.”

Definition (for snippets): A crypto index is a rules-based basket of digital assets that tracks a defined universe (e.g., top-100 by market cap) with a transparent methodology and scheduled rebalancing.

For 2025’s cycle, a top crypto index helps you participate in uptrends while a regime-switching rule can step aside during drawdowns—removing guesswork and FOMO from day-to-day decisions.

How the TM Global 100 Index Works (Plain English)

  • Regime switching:


    • Bull: Holds the top-100 crypto assets by market cap.

    • Bear: Exits to stablecoins until a bullish signal returns.

  • Weekly rebalancing: Refreshes constituents and weights to reflect current market-cap rankings.

  • Transparency: A Strategy modal explains the rules; Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log shows exactly what you hold and when it changes.

  • What you’ll see on launch: Price tile, 100 tokens, “rebalances weekly,” and a one-click Buy flow.

Soft CTA: See the strategy and rules.

Benefits at a Glance (Why This Beats DIY)

  • Time saved: No more building and rebalancing 100-coin baskets manually.

  • Lower slippage risk vs. DIY: One flow vs. dozens of separate orders on multiple chains.

  • No missed rebalances: Weekly updates + regime switches handled by rules, not mood.

  • Discipline on drawdowns: Stablecoin mode may help preserve capital during bears.

  • Full visibility: Gauge, Holdings Treemap/Table, and Transactions Log keep everything auditable.

  • One-click on-ramp: Embedded wallet + 90-second checkout makes first allocation simple.

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

  1. Open the Indices hub: Go to Token Metrics Indices.

  2. Select TM Global 100: Open the Global 100 card to view price, Gauge, tokens (=100), and “rebalances weekly.”

  3. Tap “Join Waitlist”: Enter your email. (Optional: connect wallet to pre-stage the buy.)

  4. Preview the rules: Read StrategySelection CriteriaRebalancing Methodology.

  5. See holdings: Browse the Treemap and Table; check the Transactions Log.

  6. Launch day: We’ll email you. Connect (or create) the embedded wallet, review fees/slippage, and confirm.

  7. Own it in ~90 seconds: Your position appears in My Indices with P&L and ROI tracking.

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

Decision Guide: Is This Right for You?

  • Hands-Off Allocator: Want the market’s breadth without daily management → Yes, core fit.

  • Active Trader: Need a disciplined core that sits in stables during bears → Strong complement to higher-beta bets.

  • TM Member/Prospect: Already follow TM research; prefer a rules-based implementation → Natural next step.

  • New to Crypto: Prefer transparent, auditable exposure with simple flows → Good starter allocation framework.

  • DIY Basket Builder: Tired of rebalance overhead and slippage → Index can replace heavy lifting.

  • Custody-Sensitive User: Want self-custody with clear logs → Embedded self-custodial wallet.

  • Fee-Aware Investor: Want to see costs upfront → Buy flow shows fees, gas, slippage estimates.

  • Global User: Multi-chain support helps meet you where you are → Check region availability at launch.

FAQs

What is a top crypto index?
A rules-based basket that tracks a defined universe—here, the top 100 assets by market cap—with transparent methodology and scheduled rebalancing.

How often does the index rebalance?
Weekly. Regime switches (tokens ↔ stablecoins) can also occur when the market signal changes.

What triggers the move to stablecoins?
A proprietary market-regime signal. In bearish regimes, the index exits token positions to stablecoins and waits for a bullish re-entry signal.

Can I fund with USDC or fiat?
At launch, the embedded wallet will surface supported funding/settlement options based on your chain/wallet. USDC payout is supported when selling; additional on-ramps may follow.

Is the wallet custodial?
No. It’s an embedded, self-custodial smart wallet—you control the keys.

How are fees shown?
Before confirming, the buy flow shows estimated gas, platform fee, max slippage, and minimum expected value.

How do I join the waitlist?
Visit the Token Metrics Indices hub or the TM Global 100 strategy page and tap Join Waitlist.

Security, Risk & Transparency

  • Self-custody: Embedded smart wallet; you control funds.

  • Visibility: Gauge → Treemap → Transactions Log shows holdings and all changes.

  • Fee/slippage clarity: All estimates shown pre-trade; transaction logs post-trade.

  • Regime logic limits: Signals can be wrong; switching may lag sudden moves.

  • Region notes: Availability and funding paths can vary by region/chain and may expand over time.

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

Conclusion + Related Reads

If you want hands-off, rules-based exposure to crypto’s upside—with a stablecoin backstop in bears—TM Global 100 is built for you. See the strategy, join the waitlist, and be ready to allocate on launch.

Related Reads

Research

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

Sam Monac
7 min
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. TM 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.

TL;DR (snippet)

  • What it is: A rules-based index that holds the top-100 assets in bull markets and moves to stablecoins in bear markets.

  • Why it matters: Weekly rebalances + transparent holdings and transactions logs.

  • Who it’s for: Hands-off allocators and active traders who want a disciplined core.

  • Next step: 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.

Definition (for featured snippets): 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. TM Global 100 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.

Soft CTA: 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. TM 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.

Conclusion + Related Reads

A top 100 crypto index is the simplest path to broad market exposure—if it’s built with discipline. TM 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.

Related Reads

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