Difference Between A Crypto Wallet Vs Exchange

Beginners are often confused about these two. What is the difference between a crypto wallet and exchange? What are the functions of each one? How to use them? Is storing crypto in an exchange vs wallet safer? Well, let’s find all the answers. Crypto wallet vs exchange – the battle starts now.

What Are Crypto Exchange Trading Platforms

Cryptocurrency exchange trading platforms are used to buy, sell and trade digital assets. There users can deposit fiat currency to buy crypto assets. You can also convert cryptocurrencies back into fiat and store it in the exchange or withdraw it to your bank account. It’s also possible to exchange currency for other currencies.

To start buying, selling or converting, firstly create an account. Crypto exchanges often provide their users with convenient web crypto wallets. Basically, you can treat exchange as a digital bank for cryptocurrency. The only con of an exchange is the issue of security. If a user loses access to his exchange account, then he would lose the access to his digital assets.

Security Level

Cryptocurrency exchanges are mostly decentralized so there’s no central institution that can back up and protect your funds as it is with traditional money in centralized, government-ruled banks. Oftentimes exchanges became targets for hackers.

However, some platforms do secure their users with insurance policies. It will be paid to the user if they got their funds stolen by hackers or fraudsters. Platforms that don’t offer insurance prefer to rely on their own security measures.

The security of the exchange should be your top priority no matter how long you are planning to store your money in it. Always look into how much assets are kept offline. This is extremely important as with the growing value of cryptos the number of hacker attacks increased. Additionally, these services have other protection methods, such as PIN code or two-factor authentication.

Options

There are three main components of cryptocurrency exchanges:

• Brokers who set prices on crypto.

• Trading Platforms help buyers and sellers to find each other. Usually the fee is being charged for the service.

• Direct Trading is a reliable assistant for users as you can set your own price as there are no fixed prices.

What Are Crypto Wallets?

Crypto wallets are software or special physical devices which you can use to store your crypto assets. A wallet based on a software program is called a hot wallet, and a wallet that is a separate physical device is called a cold one. Everyone chooses the type of wallet that suits their purposes and preferences.

A wallet holds keys, a private key and a public key. The public key is the key that identifies you and encrypts the transaction. Share this key with those you need to receive money from. The private key, on the other hand, decrypts the transaction. Never disclose this key, as you risk losing your funds.

Security Level

As hacking methods become more and more creative, we need to prioritize our security over anything else. To prevent the impact of malicious softwares, pay attention to the points listed below.

• Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Avoid public Wi-Fi connections whenever possible and make sure your internet connection is safe. Also use VPN for better protection.

• Diversify your Investment

Use of multiple wallets more likely will give you a great level of protection by separating sensitive data. At the same time, you definitely won’t lose all of your funds even if one of your wallets becomes compromised.

• Enable 2FA

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the safest way to secure your password. The authentication is an access-control mechanism that requires two different methods of identification or authentication.

• Keep regular backup

It is important to keep backups of your private key, which proves that you own and can use that digital currency account.

Options

For wallets there are options, too! Software-based wallets are websites or computer programs, allowing you to store funds there with an internet connection. Hardware-based wallets store your private key on a USB-like device.

Similarities Between Cryptocurrency Wallet Vs Exchange

Both crypto wallets and exchanges are used for storing digital currency – this is the only similarity between the two crypto instruments.

Differences Between Cryptocurrency Wallet Vs Exchange

The difference between a crypto wallet and exchange may be depicted easily in just three points:

• Definition

While crypto wallet is a program that allows their users to store cryptocurrency, crypto exchange is a service for buying and selling assets or converting fiat into crypto and vice versa.

• Control over the private key

Unlike crypto wallet, cryptocurrency exchange doesn’t allow you to take full control over your private key.

• Other features

With the exchange you are able not only to store assets, as it’s with wallets, but to buy, sell and trade.

What To Choose If You Are A Beginner?

Holding crypto on exchange vs wallet – it may be a tough choice for a newcomer, so we highlighted above all the necessary points for the right choice.

You can start your cryptocurrency experience with Cryptomus, so we have the most convenient and safest hot crypto wallet to use and the reliable P2P crypto exchange to trade. It's a perfect choice both for beginners and advanced users to securely store and effectively manage their digital assets.

Is It Safer To Keep Your Crypto In A Wallet Or An Exchange?

Keeping your crypto in a wallet vs exchange – which one is more secure? A hardware wallet is the safest option, although it’s not as convenient as a wallet based on software with other helpful options. A well-trusted exchange may work too, if you are not planning on storing big amounts and buying hardware is unreasonable for you.

What Happens If You Move Crypto From An Exchange To A Wallet?

If you transfer your coins from the exchange to your wallet, nothing will change and your assets will be worth the same as before.

In conclusion, storing crypto in exchange vs wallet – each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Now it’s time for you to decide.