Like physical currency, Bitcoin requires storage in a wallet, and, like physical wallets, Bitcoin wallets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles.

1. Bitcoin Core

This is the original Bitcoin client for a computer, and it also acts as a wallet. It gives full validation, and increased privacy, but this full feature set can put a strain on your computer.

2. Bitcoin wallet

The highly popular Android app has been downloaded 500,000 times from the Play Store, and is rated four out of five. The app allows users to accept payment via bluetooth, scanning a QR code, or tapping a NFC enabled device.

Bitcoins can also be sent simply via the app. The developers are engaged in the community, responding to lots of comments. Bitcoin wallet is a free download.

3. Ledger Nano

The Ledger Nano is a physical wallet on a smartcard device, which connects to your computer via the USB port. It stores the Bitcoins offline, but allows for online payment. The Nano 2 comes with a wristband. It costs $34.80

4.Trezor

This is a more expensive hardware alternative, costing $99. It works across Windows, OSX and Linux, and the code behind it is open source.

The makers put a lot of emphasis on the security of their system, saying they use state of the art cryptography.

5. Paper

Bitcoin can actually be stored on paper too.It is all done by QR code, and websites such as BitAddress.org can guide you throw the process.

Paper wallets need to be managed more carefully than other types of wallet, not least because if you lose the piece of paper, the Bitcoins are gone.