[neuro_imager]

You're describing a false dichotomy (and evidently an inaccurate description of how currency is stored).

There are good options to avoid leaving currency on exchanges.

Using a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor (which I assume is what you're referring to) is not like storing your currency on a USB.

The wallet facilitates access to your private key. If the wallet is damaged, access to your private key can be restored using a passphrase.