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Head-to-Head Comparison

Unchained vs Bitcoin Well

Scores last updated September 22, 2026

84
Unchained
A-Distributed
Collaborative Multisig
70
Bitcoin Well
B-Distributed
Non-Custodial
Unchained leads overall with a score of 84/100. Unchained wins in 6 categories, Bitcoin Well wins in 0.
Custody & SecurityEase of UseFeesFeaturesTransparencySupportUnchainedBitcoin Well
Category
Unchained
A-
Bitcoin Well
B-
Overall Score
84
70
Custody & Security
35% weight
88
85
Ease of Use
20% weight
82
70
Fees
15% weight
78
65
Features
10% weight
82
50
Transparency
10% weight
84
55
Support
10% weight
82
58

Who each is for

Fit follows the custody model, not the brand. Both platforms here run the same model, so the honest answer is one answer.

Unchained

Collaborative multisig

You hold most keys, the provider holds one, and no single party can move funds alone.

A good fit for
  • Technical-enough holders who want real control with a safety net — comfortable with hardware wallets, firmware updates, and a signing ceremony
  • People whose main fear is their own single point of failure: one lost device no longer means lost coins
  • Holders who want to verify rather than trust: the quorum is inspectable on-chain
The wrong choice for
  • The non-technical spouse, parent, or heir who will one day hold this alone — if they cannot run a signing ceremony, the arrangement quietly becomes single-provider custody the day you are gone
  • Anyone who will not maintain it: devices need firmware, backups need checking, and vendor diversity is your job, not the provider's
  • Holders under physical-security threat: keys at home mean the threat model includes your address
Category Breakdown
Custody & Security
35% of overall score
88
Unchained
vs
85
Bitcoin Well
Ease of Use
20% of overall score
82
Unchained
vs
70
Bitcoin Well
Fees
15% of overall score
78
Unchained
vs
65
Bitcoin Well
Features
10% of overall score
82
Unchained
vs
50
Bitcoin Well
Transparency
10% of overall score
84
Unchained
vs
55
Bitcoin Well
Support
10% of overall score
82
Unchained
vs
58
Bitcoin Well
Fee Comparison
Unchained
1% + trading spread
Min: $0
Bitcoin Well
~1.5% - 2%
Min: $0
Our Analysis

Unchained vs Bitcoin Well: What the Data Shows

Unchained (exchange and brokerage) and Bitcoin Well (fintech) serve different corners of the Bitcoin ecosystem, but the question that matters most is the same: who controls the keys? Unchained scores 84/100 (A-) versus 70/100 (B-) for Bitcoin Well. The 14-point spread is meaningful — it usually comes down to custody architecture and fee structure.

Where Each Platform Wins

On custody and security, these two are within 3 points of each other (88 vs. 85). When custody scores are this close, look at the specifics: key management model, insurance coverage, and whether either platform has a single point of failure. On fees, Unchained wins by 13 points. Unchained charges 1% + trading spread compared to ~1.5% - 2% at Bitcoin Well. Over a multi-year holding period, fee differences compound — a point worth considering for long-term accumulators. Unchained's strongest advantage is in features (82 vs. 50), where Unchained's product breadth and tooling makes a measurable difference.

The Custody Question

Both Unchained and Bitcoin Well have addressed the single-point-of-failure problem — neither relies on a single custodian or a single set of keys. That puts both platforms ahead of the majority of the industry. The difference comes down to implementation: Unchained uses Collaborative Multisig, while Bitcoin Well uses Non-Custodial.

Bottom Line

Unchained edges out Bitcoin Well by 14 points. It's a close call, and the right choice depends on your specific situation — how much bitcoin you're holding, how often you need access, and whether you prioritize buy directly into collaborative custody. ira, lending, and inheritance built in. over non-custodial bitcoin buying in canada. auto-dca. bill pay with btc.. Keep in mind these platforms target different audiences — Unchained is built for self-sovereign, while Bitcoin Well serves canadian. One thing to watch with Bitcoin Well: higher fees. canada-only. smaller platform..

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Unchained or Bitcoin Well?

Based on our six-category scoring methodology, Unchained scores higher at 84/100 compared to 70/100. The biggest differentiator is custody security, which accounts for 35% of the overall score. However, the right choice depends on your individual needs — review the category breakdown above.

Is Unchained safe for storing Bitcoin?

Unchained scored 88/100 on custody and security in our methodology. It has no single point of failure, distributing custody across multiple entities. Its custody model is classified as Collaborative Multisig. Always verify these details and do your own research.

Does Bitcoin Well have a single point of failure?

No. Bitcoin Well has eliminated single-point-of-failure risk through its Non-Custodial model, distributing keys or access across multiple entities.

What are the fees for Unchained vs Bitcoin Well?

Unchained charges 1% + trading spread. Bitcoin Well charges ~1.5% - 2%. Unchained scored 78/100 on fees versus 65/100 for Bitcoin Well in our methodology.

Frequently asked questions
Which is better for inheritance, Unchained or Bitcoin Well?+

Unchained does not advertise a dedicated inheritance feature. Bitcoin Well does not advertise a dedicated inheritance feature. Match the mechanism, whether beneficiary designation, trust titling, or key inheritance, to your estate plan.

Which has insurance, Unchained or Bitcoin Well?+

Unchained's custody insurance is not publicly disclosed. Bitcoin Well's custody insurance is not publicly disclosed. Custody insurance covers specific named events up to shared limits, not price loss or every failure mode. Verify current terms before relying on coverage.

Which requires me to hold my own keys, Unchained or Bitcoin Well?+

Unchained involves the holder in key control. Bitcoin Well manages keys for you; you hold none. This is the core structural difference to weigh.

Unchained Full ReviewBitcoin Well Full Review