Safe Review
Verdict
The industry-standard audited multisig — funds live in a smart contract requiring multiple approvals, so no single key is a point of failure.
Score breakdown
Six pillars, weighted identically for every wallet (security-weighted).
Pros
- Fully open-source, heavily audited contracts
- M-of-N multisig removes single points of failure
- Use any wallet/hardware device as signers
- 200+ dApp integrations
Cons
- EVM-only
- Overkill for individuals; setup is technical
- 2025 front-end supply-chain incident (contracts unaffected)
Security & track record
Feb 2025 Bybit hack (~US$1.5B): attackers compromised a Safe developer machine and injected malicious code into the web front-end. The audited smart contracts were NOT exploited; Safe rebuilt its front-end infrastructure afterward.
Specifications
| Type | Software · Smart-contract multisig |
|---|---|
| Price | Free (Gas costs only) |
| Maker | Safe (ex-Gnosis Safe) · Global |
| Released | 2018 |
| Secure element | — |
| Open source | Open-source |
| Backup / recovery | M-of-N multisig (any EVM/hardware signers) |
| Air-gapped | No |
| Connectivity | Web, Mobile |
| Screen | — |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Assets | 14+ EVM chains |
Safe — frequently asked questions
Is Safe safe?
Safe is a software wallet. As a software (hot) wallet, its keys live on your connected device — convenient, but more exposed than a hardware wallet. Its firmware and app are fully open-source and auditable. Feb 2025 Bybit hack (~US$1. The biggest risk with any self-custody wallet is your recovery phrase — never share it or type it into a website.
How much does Safe cost?
Safe is free to download and use — you only pay network (gas) fees when you transact.
What coins does Safe support?
Safe supports 14+ EVM chains. Check it covers the specific coins and networks you hold before you commit.
Is Safe good for beginners?
Safe suits users already comfortable with self-custody. It's a smart-contract multisig, best for teams/DAOs, treasuries, high-value cold storage.
What happens if I lose my Safe?
You restore access from your backup (M-of-N multisig (any EVM/hardware signers)). But if you lose the recovery phrase itself, the funds are gone permanently — no one, including the maker, can recover them. Back it up offline in more than one secure place.
General information only — not financial advice. Prices are approximate (many makers publish USD only) and change frequently; verify current pricing with the maker. Self-custody wallets put you in full control of your keys and your risk.