Best Metal Plates Reviewed
Your seed phrase is the master key to your crypto. Learn why metal storage beats paper, and find the best solution for protecting your digital wealth.
The foundation of cryptocurrency self-custody
A seed phrase (recovery phrase or mnemonic) is a sequence of 12-24 words that generates all the private keys for your cryptocurrency wallet. Think of it as the master password that controls everything.
Example seed phrase (DO NOT USE):
abandon ability able about above absent absorb abstract absurd abuse access accident
Why metal wins for long-term security
| Feature | Paper | Metal | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Resistance | Burns at 233°C | Survives 1400°C+ | Metal |
| Water Resistance | Dissolves, ink fades | Waterproof | Metal |
| Crush Resistance | Easily destroyed | Highly durable | Metal |
| Cost | Free - $5 | $39 - $100+ | Paper |
| Ease of Use | Just write | Assembly required | Paper |
| Portability | Very light | Heavier, bulkier | Paper |
| Longevity | 5-10 years | 100+ years | Metal |
| Tamper Evidence | Hard to detect | Often visible | Metal |
Recommendation: Use paper for short-term or small amounts. For holdings over $1,000 or long-term storage, invest in metal backup. The one-time cost is minimal compared to potential loss.
Detailed comparison of top options in 2026
Cryptosteel
$99
Material
Stainless Steel 304
Capacity
24 words
Fire Resistance
1400°C / 2500°F
Design
Capsule with character tiles
PROS
CONS
Privacy Pros
$89
Material
Marine Grade 316 Steel
Capacity
24 words (first 4 letters)
Fire Resistance
1176°C / 2150°F
Design
Folding steel plates
PROS
CONS
Keystone
$39
Material
Stainless Steel 304
Capacity
24 words
Fire Resistance
1399°C / 2550°F
Design
Single plate engraving
PROS
CONS
Coldbit
$65
Material
Stainless Steel
Capacity
24 words
Fire Resistance
1400°C / 2500°F
Design
Steel cards with punch marks
PROS
CONS
SteelWallet
$55
Material
Stainless Steel 304
Capacity
24 words
Fire Resistance
1450°C / 2642°F
Design
Two-plate sandwich design
PROS
CONS
How do metal backups perform under extreme conditions?
Exposed to 1100°C (2000°F) for 30 minutes
No damage, fully readable
Slight discoloration, readable
No damage
Minor warping, readable
Completely destroyed
All metal products passed our extreme durability tests. Paper backup failed every test, confirming why metal storage is essential for serious crypto holders.
Budget-friendly alternatives for the hands-on crypto holder
Stamp letters on steel washers, secure on a bolt
Cost
$10-20
Difficulty
Medium
PROS
CONS
Use online engraving services for steel dog tags
Cost
$15-30
Difficulty
Easy
PROS
CONS
Engrave or stamp on titanium sheets
Cost
$20-40
Difficulty
Hard
PROS
CONS
Where to safely store your metal backup
Never store all backups in one location. A house fire, flood, or theft could wipe out everything. Distribute copies across:
Learn from others failures to protect your crypto
Photos sync to cloud, can be hacked
Write by hand only, verify offline
Digital storage can be compromised
Use physical metal backup
One disaster loses everything
Store in 2-3 separate locations
Increases theft risk
Only trusted executor should know
May find errors when its too late
Test restore on new device
May fail in actual disaster
Buy from reputable vendors
Metal backup protects your seed phrase. A hardware wallet like Ledger protects your private keys. Together, they form the ultimate crypto security.
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