If you take cryptocurrency seriously, relying solely on memory is a risk you can’t afford. Memorizing might not be your strong suit. That’s why our team of experts took the time to test all of the different options to conclude that the Best Metal Seed Storage is Steelwallet, which aced all of our stress tests, including an experiment where we exposed it to flame heated up to a 2000°F / 1093°C, soaked it in a solution of 16% muriatic acid for 12 hours and crushed it with a pressure of the 20-ton hydraulic press, proving its center-punching input method is the most difficult to wear out and all while the cost is just €65.
The Best Metal Seed Storage according to PlasBit experts
| Seed Storage Solution | Crush Grade | Heat Grade | Corrosion Grade | Average Overall Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steelwallet | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | €65 |
| Coinplate Alpha | 85 | 100 | 100 | 95 | $79 |
| CryptoTag Zeus | 100 | 100 | 85 | 95 | $130 |
| Bulletproof (DIY) | 90 | 100 | 80 | 90 | ~$50 |
| Coldbit Steel | 95 | 90 | 85 | 90 | €82 |
| Crypto Key Stack | 100 | 85 | 85 | 90 | $45 |
| Safe Seed | 90 | 80 | 85 | 85 | $28 |
| Tinyseed | 80 | 95 | 80 | 85 | $199 |
| Simbit | 95 | 80 | 80 | 85 | $110 |
Steelwallet
This center-punch metal wallet has a simple a-z template that requires no complex decoding. The setup is more straightforward than other center-punch wallets, and it comes with the right tool to make the markings.
The holes made by the precision punch tool survived neatly to all stress tests. Steelwallet keeps your keyword visible after heat, corrosion, and crushing, demonstrating its robustness.
What’s our standard at PlasBit for choosing the best metal seed storage? For us, the best steel wallet solution should survive all stress tests without any data compromise. After durability, we’re also looking for a solution that is easy to set and can be used by anyone. Lastly, we’re considering the price tag because not all users want to buy an expensive metal wallet.
Steelwallet stands and delivers because the price is around €65, which is a budget-friendly option compared to others. It includes a precision punch tool requiring minimal effort for clear and lasting imprints. The plates survived the stress tests without a hint of data loss, and it’s a compact 120 × 120 mm solution that won’t take much space in the drawer.
However, while Steelwallet offers impressive features, it may not suit everyone. One of the main downsides is that you only get space for 12 words. Some mnemonic phrases have 24 words for an extra layer of crypto security.
Also, the stainless steel plates are not screwed together, which can be a liability if you’re not careful. And perhaps less importantly, it is not the most stylish or visually attractive metal seed storage. For us, €65 is a fair price for its quality. However, some users may think it’s too expensive for a small metal plate.
Other steel wallets are equally good for those seeking alternative input methods or a more compact design. That’s why we’re also giving you a list of top choices based on our research.
Our top picks
Coinplate alpha
Word input method: A-Z word center-punch
Special features: Flat design with mounting screws
Price: €79
Coinplate Alpha is a hot pick if you are fine paying extra for a visually attractive design. It is an excellent alternative with a center-punch input method that won’t take long to leave a lasting mark.
It is one of the best metal seed storage options, heavier than others because it’s made of 100% stainless steel. But when you’re punching the divots to mark your words, you get the job done without an issue.
Coinplate alpha is highly durable and gets an A on all stress tests, with clearly discernible marks after the corrosion and crush stress tests.
Some users may also prefer Coinplate Alpha because they get space for 24 words. Each plate has room for 12 words, and you get two. But another feature worth mentioning is the mounting holes and wood screws. These are designed to fix your plates to furniture or anywhere else. The manufacturers also made the brand and logo into a sticker you can remove if you hide your plates in plain sight.
We kept this one as the second best due to a usability issue that arose after the heat stress test. The screws got stuck after the expansion and contraction from the heat, but the markings are surely intact. However, as you can see by now, it is a suitable option, especially if you need to store a larger mnemonic phrase.
Cryptotag Zeus
Word input method: 4-digit number center-punch
Special features: Titanium-made with slide-on fasteners
Price: $130
If you make a living trading crypto, money is probably not a limitation to buying a sturdy metal wallet. One of the best you can get is Cryptotag Zeus. It’s almost twice as expensive as Steelwallet and Coinplate Alpha, but the plates are made of titanium. Cryptotag is also a reputed brand that has spent some time in the metal wallet business.
The design is one of the best features of this model. It’s aesthetically pleasing and very comfortable to use. It doesn’t have screwing bolts that may get stuck after the heat stress test. Instead, you keep the plates together with slide-on fasteners that won’t get in your way. And, of course, it survives all three stages of the stress test without losing any of your information.
The only problem is that parts of the template faded after the corrosion and crush stress tests. But the markings are still there, and decoding the data won’t be difficult.
Cryptotag Zeus uses a 4-digit number instead of an A-Z word input. Each 4-digit number corresponds to a word from the BIP 39 list. These words and their numbering come from a standard and are not exclusive to Cryptotag. Thus, even if you lose the leaflet with the word list, you will find it with the corresponding numbers anywhere online.
Bulletproof Bitcoin
Word input method: Manual engraving
Special features: Highly customizable
Price: $20-50
Titanium is highly durable, but not all titanium products are expensive. An example of that is a DIY solution known as Bulletproof Bitcoin. If you visit their website, you will find various plate options with instructions to design the grid. This is an excellent option if you’re a handyman and prefer a cheaper DIY and highly customizable metal seed storage.
However, remember that you’ll only get the titanium plates without a stamp kit or an engraver pen. This is one of its main limitations. It is made for manual engraving, which may be difficult if you don’t have a tool with a carbide tip. Despite this, the plates performed well in stress tests, proving to be a durable option for knowledgeable users.
Bulletproof Bitcoin is an interesting pick, but only if you already have the tools to use it. Otherwise, buying a user-friendly option with a complete set of implements could be worth the extra expense.
Coldbit steel
Word input method: Manual engraving or stamping plates
Special features: Extra space for wallet ID
Price: €82-106
Engraving your seed words on a steel wallet can be straightforward and produce professional-looking results. What you probably need is a stamping toolkit. Coldbit Steel provides an A-Z stamp set as an optional plus for an extra fare. If you don’t need that, you can choose for manual engraving and pay only €82. Otherwise, you get the A-Z stamp included for €106.
Either way, the most critical aspect of this steel wallet is the heat and corrosion-resistant stainless steel plate. Despite its compact size, its weight of over 1 kilogram highlights the quality of manufacturing materials. The stress tests caused discoloration of the plate, but even the freehand etchings are still legible with no data loss.
You get enough space for 24 words and an additional line for your wallet ID or fingerprint. The binding posts on the top and bottom are made of nickel and didn’t get in the way after applying heat. Additionally, it comes with a stylish box to store the metal seed.
Crypto key stack
Word input method: Tool-powered engraving
Special features: Includes a battery-powered electric engraver pen
Price: $45
For half the price of Coldbit Steel, you can get a set of three plates with space for 24 words. It sounds like a deal, and it certainly is. Furthermore, Crypto Key Stack includes a battery-powered electric engraver pen. That makes this option stand out as a practical highlight in this list.
However, the design of this steel wallet is not a salient feature. It looks flimsy and not as durable. However, it withstood the stress tests with an undisputable A mark. The only problem was during the heat test, where the screw that holds the plates together was deformed. The heads on the screws are pretty small, which forced testers to loosen them with pliers.
The plates are thinner than other models, which some users may prefer for portability. Others may see it as a drawback, though. But any doubt about Crypto Key Stack fades after looking at the price tag and the fact that you get space for three phrases instead of one.
Safe Seed
Word input method: Punch stamping (no stamp set included)
Special features: Cheapest option without durability issues
Price: $28
You can get three metal plates at a remarkably low price if you're on a budget. That’s why we’re also bringing Safe Seed to the table. This is one of the best metal seed storage solutions if you don’t want to spend much money. It is made of copper, and it is impressively resistant to heat, corrosion, and deformation. Despite its affordability, the plates retain all data after stress testing, particularly when using the punch stamping method.
Note that the package does not include a stamping set. You’ll need to acquire one separately or use a manual engraving technique. The latter is only partially recommended because the manually engraved marks almost disappeared during the crush test.
However, using the correct input method will deliver as promised and won’t disappoint. Additionally, it provides extra space for engraving your crypto wallet ID if necessary.
Tinyseed
Word input method: Binary-encoded center punch
Special features: Minimal and easy to disguise as a souvenir
Price: $199
Tinyseed is worth considering if you value compact and minimalist designs. It measures 3.5x2.7 cm and weighs around 13 grams. Such a minimum size has enough space for 24 words and is perfectly resistant to all stress tests. The heat test didn’t change anything; the corrosion test only gave out some surface pitting and it performed admirably against a 20-ton press. No data was lost whatsoever.
Tinyseed is made of titanium and comes with a punch tool that’s probably the most comfortable on this list. Each square has a micro hole at the center to guide your marks, making everything easier. After you’re done, there’s an option to disguise Tinyseed with a unique cover called Mimicry to make it look like a souvenir.
The only problem is that some users may need help understanding where to make their marks and how to decode the phrase. The package includes a guide listing all BIP 39 words and their corresponding codes. You will need this guide to know where to place the marks and double-check to avoid mistakes.
However, decoding is as simple as adding the numbers corresponding to each mark and finding the word in the BPI 39 list. As mentioned, this is a standard numbered list you can get anywhere online if you lose the guiding leaflet.
Simbit
Word input method: Tiles
Special features: The only tile-input wallet without durability issues
Price: $110
Simbit is a sturdy alternative to engraving, stamping, and center-punching. The main problem with metal wallets using tiles is that they may deform during stress tests. However, Simbit is the exception. It excelled during the crush stress test, maintaining structural integrity. That’s because the tiles are very thin and fit tightly in their rails.
The tile method reduces the chance of making mistakes or fading, as it happens with manual engraving. But some users may find assembling the rows time-consuming, even with the included assembly tool. Still, it’s worth the time and effort once you're done.
| Seed Storage Solution | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Steelwallet | More intuitive input, lasting marks, fair price | Only has space for 12 words |
| Coinplate Alpha | Lasting marks, aesthetic design | Usability issues after the heat stress test |
| Cryptotag Zeus | Aesthetic design, comfortable slide-on fasteners | More expensive, retrieving your phrase may not be as intuitive |
| Bulletproof Bitcoin | Cheaper DIY option, more flexibility | Requires extra tools and mastery for similar results |
| Coldbit Steel | Sturdy materials, reliable bolts, includes stamp kit | The stamp kit can be difficult to use |
| Crypto Key Stack | Includes three 24-word plates and an engraver pen | Minor usability issue after the heat stress test. Thin plates. |
| Safe Seed | The cheapest option with an A mark on all stress tests, includes three plates. | Made up of copper, not as durable as stainless steel or titanium |
| Tinyseed | Includes two minimalistic plates made of titanium, easy to carry and disguise | More expensive, complex binary method to encode and decode |
| Simbit | The only tile input metal seed storage with an A mark on all stress tests | More expensive, set up can be time-consuming |
Choosing the right input method
Input methods are widely variable between models, and it was one of the features we mentioned in favor of Steelwallet. You can use tiles to form your words, engrave them by hand, or make marks with a center punch tool. Let us review the pros and cons of each input method and what you need to know.
Center-punching
This method involves marking a single dot representing each character in your word. This is one of the most durable input methods because it leaves an unmistakable mark that will always stay on the metal plate.
Using this input, you may need to find your way through many rows for each character. Trying to solve the issue, some steel wallets use a 4-digit code or a binary-encoded method. They both correspond to the BIP 39 list. A “coded” method replaces long A-Z tables but might not be for the average user, as it takes additional effort to read the words.
Manual engraving
This method uses a pointed tool to leave your handwriting on the metal plate. It gives you more liberty to write, but some users may not like the result aesthetically. Engraving tools vary in usability, and some make it challenging to distinguish characters like B from 8 or 1 from l.
Plates for manual engraving usually have more space for each word, leaving you enough room to write. But they don’t look as organized as those with the center-punching method.
Stamping
You can fill the space with a stamp instead of your handwriting. One of the best metal seed storage options in this article comes with an A-Z stamp set. But most do not have such a commodity, and you’ll have to find or borrow one.
Moreover, the imprint is clear and lasts longer compared to manual engraving. However, it could be frustrating if you accidentally stamp a rotated character or one that aligns differently from the rest of the word.
Tile arranging
Tile arranging offers a visually organized and clean method for recording your seed words. It involves aligning tiles with characters from A to Z to form words. After arranging the words, you should finish mounting the device by securing the rows with additional screwed hardware.
The only problem with tile arranging is that it looks great but is usually not as sturdy. This method rarely survives the heat test because of the expansion and contraction. Also, there’s a high risk of disarranging everything during the crush stress test.
| Seed Phrase Input Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Center-punching | Clear marks, high durability | Less intuitive |
| Manual engraving | Freehand customization, flexibility | Difficult to differentiate similar characters |
| Stamping | Long-lasting and easier to read | Risk of misalignment |
| Tile arranging | Visually clean and organized | Stress test vulnerability, time-consuming assembly |
What makes a seed storage device truly durable
- Resistant materials: The most critical factor for a durable metal wallet is the material it’s made of. Titanium and stainless steel are the most widely recommended. In most cases, thick plates are more likely to be durable. But you may also need to pay attention to the screws. Some may deform under heat, obstructing the access of your phrase.
- Clear markings: Lasting and clear markings are also essential for your storage device. Center-punch markings are usually long-lasting and durable to stress tests because they are precise and don’t require much interpretation. In contrast, manual engraving is among the least reliable methods, particularly without a specialized tool for precise markings.
- Keeping it simple: Extra hardware may enhance aesthetics, but simplicity is more reliable and effective. Here, we can apply the KISS principle, which stands for “keep it simple, stupid.” The more components to manage, the higher the likelihood of disarray or errors. Keeping it simple avoids much unnecessary trouble.
A potential security breach to consider
When doing our research, our team came across a small and very durable metal tag called Bitkee. It comes pre-configured with a laser-engraved metal key. But this convenience comes at a significant security risk. To use this service, you need to share your private key data with the manufacturer in the hopes that they won’t use it in the future.
If you’re not trusting paper sheets to guard your money, we’re sure you understand the risk of sharing your key phrase with the manufacturer. It’s not a good idea. You should always protect your crypto wallet. This service only works for encrypted backups, which only grant access with your password. If that is not the case, do not use a device that requires sharing your key phrase.
Understanding the mnemonic key
We’ve emphasized the importance of keeping your key phrase private. But what is it, and how is it different from a password? Why do you need a 12 or 24-word phrase to guard your cryptocurrency assets?
The secret recovery phrase, also called mnemonic or seed phrase, is a series of words representing a unique combination of digits and letters. Far from being arbitrary, each word in the mnemonic phrase corresponds to a segment of your private key. This private key is a long string of alphanumeric characters. It grants access to your cryptocurrency assets and keeps them secure from anyone who does not have it.
It is easier to remember and input a series of words than a long succession of unrelated characters. Thus, the name “mnemonic phrase”. Those 12 or 24 words simplify the process of remembering your private key.
Besides providing access to your funds, the private key is essential to make transactions. Based on the private key, a cryptographic signature is generated to prove that you’re the owner of the wallet. Once you’re verified, the transaction proceeds using a public key.
As opposed to the public key, which acts as an email address, the private key works as its password. In a transaction, the public key can be seen by anyone, but the private key remains confidential. You should be the only one that holds your private key, through the secret recovery phrase.
Unlike passwords, a key phrase does not change. It is inherently tied to your wallet’s identity without any possible reset or modification. Since cryptocurrencies are decentralized by nature, you won’t have anyone to help you recover your private key. If you lose it, you will also lose your cryptocurrency assets.
Some wallets provide a 12-word mnemonic phrase, and others may give you a list of 24 words. The latter offers greater security due to increased entropy, reducing the chance of someone accessing your funds.
For this reason, always ensure your metal wallet solution has enough space for the number of words on your key phrase. That’s the number one step you should take before choosing your metal wallet.
Conclusion
The best metal seed storage solutions should be sturdy, easy to set up, and clearly marked to live up to the heat, corrosion, and crush stress tests. After considering dozens of metal wallets, our PlasBit team considered Steelwallet the best. It is easy to set up and has enough room for 12 words at a fair price.
If you don’t mind paying more, Coinplate Alpha is an excellent alternative with space for 24 words. The design of Cryptotag Zeus is probably one of the best out there, and we also gave you cheap options with high durability, such as Safe Seed.
While each option offers distinct advantages, it’s equally important to weigh their limitations. When buying your metal wallet, always look for sturdy materials, a consistent input method, and a simple approach that follows the KISS principle. Simplicity is always the best approach.
