PROOFOFCUSTODY
Scores
Incidents
Learn
About
Get the Report
PROOFOFCUSTODY

The independent scoring system for Bitcoin custody. Every platform scored and ranked.

$1B+ in assets under custody expertise

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

PLATFORM SCORES
All ScoresCompareMethodologyIndependence StandardDataCustody Assessment
LEARN
Bitcoin 101Custody GuidesCustody InsuranceIs Your Setup Safe?Custody TimelineIncidentsFAQQuiz
COMPANY
AboutAuthorsEditorial IndependenceChangelogCorrections
RESOURCES
PodcastPressReport
CONNECT
Twitter / XLinkedInYouTubehello@proofofcustody.io
2026 Proof of Custody. Published by Onramp Bitcoin. Editorial Independence.PrivacyTermsproofofcustody.io
Back to Scores
Head-to-Head Comparison

Unchained vs Relai

85
Unchained
A-Distributed
Collaborative Multisig
78
Relai
B+Distributed
Non-Custodial
Unchained leads overall with a score of 85/100. Unchained wins in 5 categories, Relai wins in 1.
Custody & SecurityEase of UseFeesFeaturesTransparencySupportUnchainedRelai
Category
Unchained
A-
Relai
B+
Overall Score
85
78
Custody & Security
35% weight
88
82
Ease of Use
20% weight
82
88
Fees
15% weight
78
70
Features
10% weight
85
75
Transparency
10% weight
86
65
Support
10% weight
89
75
Category Breakdown
Custody & Security
35% of overall score
88
Unchained
vs
82
Relai
Ease of Use
20% of overall score
82
Unchained
vs
88
Relai
Fees
15% of overall score
78
Unchained
vs
70
Relai
Features
10% of overall score
85
Unchained
vs
75
Relai
Transparency
10% of overall score
86
Unchained
vs
65
Relai
Support
10% of overall score
89
Unchained
vs
75
Relai
Fee Comparison
Unchained
$250/yr + trading
Min: $0
Relai
1% - 1.5%
Min: $0
Custody Features
Unchained
Multisig
✕Multi-Institution
No Single Point of Failure
Segregated Accounts
Proof of Reserves
✕Insurance
Regulated Custodian
✕No Physical Exposure
✕Multi-Jurisdiction
Inheritance
✕Segregated Insurance
IRA
Lending
Buy/Sell
✕Dynasty Trusts
Relai

N/A

Our Analysis

Unchained vs Relai: What the Data Shows

Unchained (dedicated custody) and Relai (exchange and brokerage) serve different corners of the Bitcoin ecosystem, but the question that matters most is the same: who controls the keys? The scores are close — Unchained at 85/100 (A-) and Relai at 78/100 (B+). When the gap is this narrow, the details matter: custody model, single points of failure, and the fine print on fees.

Where Each Platform Wins

Custody and security — the most heavily weighted category in our methodology at 35% — tilts 6 points toward Unchained (88 vs. 82). On fees, Unchained wins by 8 points. Unchained charges $250/yr + trading compared to 1% - 1.5% at Relai. Over a multi-year holding period, fee differences compound — a point worth considering for long-term accumulators. Unchained's strongest advantage is in transparency (86 vs. 65), where Unchained's approach to proof-of-reserves and public documentation makes a measurable difference.

The Custody Question

Both Unchained and Relai 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 Relai uses Non-Custodial.

Bottom Line

Unchained edges out Relai by 7 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 2-of-3 multisig where client holds 2 keys. strong inheritance and ira products. lending available. over bitcoin-only. european. auto-dca directly to your own wallet.. Keep in mind these platforms target different audiences — Unchained is built for self-sovereign, while Relai serves europe. One thing to watch with Relai: limited to european users. fewer financial services than us alternatives..

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Unchained or Relai?

Based on our six-category scoring methodology, Unchained scores higher at 85/100 compared to 78/100. 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 Relai have a single point of failure?

No. Relai 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 Relai?

Unchained charges $250/yr + trading. Relai charges 1% - 1.5%. Unchained scored 78/100 on fees versus 70/100 for Relai in our methodology.

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

Unchained offers dedicated inheritance or beneficiary features. Relai 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 Relai?+

Unchained's custody insurance is not publicly disclosed. Relai'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 Relai?+

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

Unchained Full ReviewRelai Full Review