When someone starts in the world of cryptocurrencies, one of the first questions that arise is: “Where should I store my cryptos? In the exchange or in a Web3 wallet?”

And the truth is that there is no right answer — there is the right answer for your level of experience and for what you intend to do.

Below is the complete explanation, in a simple and straightforward manner, for you to understand which option makes the most sense.

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1. Store cryptos in the exchange: the simplest way

Exchanges (like Binance, OKX, Bybit, Mercado Bitcoin, etc.) work like 'cryptocurrency banks'. You create your account, buy your coins, and they stay there, ready to use.

Advantages

- Extremely easy to use, ideal for beginners.

- Quick liquidity to sell, buy, or withdraw.

- Access to extra functions like staking, launchpools, cashback, and conversion.

- If you lose access to your account, you can recover it via email and verification.

Disadvantages

- You do not control the private keys (the exchange controls them for you).

- Risk of the exchange suffering hacks, going bankrupt, or freezing withdrawals at critical times.

- Less privacy, as everything involves KYC with your personal data.

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2. Storing cryptos in a Web3 Wallet: you in control

Web3 wallets (like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Ledger) are personal wallets where you control the private keys. It's literally you owning your assets.

Advantages

- Total control over your cryptos.

- Free from the risks of exchange bankruptcy.

- Full access to the complete Web3 world: DeFi, NFTs, DEX, decentralized staking, etc.

- Greater privacy, as many wallets do not require KYC.

Disadvantages

- If you lose the seed phrase, you lose everything — no recovery.

- More complex for beginners.

- You need to pay network fees to make transactions.

- Risks of scams when interacting with malicious Web3 contracts.

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3. Exchange or Web3 Wallet? Which is better?

It depends on your profile.

If you are a beginner:

→ Exchange. Much simpler and no risk of losing seed phrase.

If you already have some experience:

→ Use both.

Exchange for what you move.

Web3 Wallet for what you hold in the long term.

If you want total autonomy:

→ Web3 Wallet. You are your own bank.

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4. The golden rule

Exchange = practicality.

Web3 Wallet = freedom.

And freedom requires responsibility.

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5. Conclusion

Both options are good — each for a different need.

If you want simplicity, stay with the exchange.

If you want total autonomy, use a Web3 wallet.

If you want security and practicality at the same time, use both.

The most important thing is to understand how each type works to make safe decisions in the world of cryptocurrencies.