In an era of decentralization, sanctions and bank fraud, it is difficult to do without cryptocurrencies. But where to store it? What are the best wallets? Here is a selection of the best wallets for cryptocurrencies as of mid-2022.
How to choose a crypto wallet
There are many types of cryptocurrency wallets: desktop wallets, mobile wallets, cloud services, hardware wallets. The ideal option does not exist, the wallet must be chosen depending on the goals. For long-term storage of large amounts, paid hardware or at least software local wallets are best suited. For frequent transactions, you can use mobile and web wallets.
For your convenience, we have prepared a comparison table of crypto wallets. We will consider these wallets in more detail in the article.
You can manage assets scattered across different wallets through a single interface using the DeFiHelper service.
1.Ledger Nano X
The French company Ledger has been producing its devices since 2014. Nano-X is the newest and best-selling model with a larger display and more memory. Externally, the wallet resembles a flash drive, but you can also connect it via Bluetooth. The charge lasts up to 8 hours. The cost is $149.
To work with the wallet, you need to install the Ledger Live application, which is available in mobile and desktop versions. In the process of creating a wallet, you need to write down a seed phrase of 24 words. Setup and connection takes about 30 minutes. To perform operations, it is necessary to press the button, which ensures high security. You can interact with DeFi apps (Uniswap, PancakeSwap, DeFiHelper) by connecting your wallet to Metamask. The device is protected by a pin code.
Nano-X supports over 5500 assets including BTC, ETH, etc. Here you can check if the wallet supports the coin you need.
Pros:
- Connection via Bluetooth;
- Integration with hot wallets like Metamask;
- Support for most networks and cryptocurrencies;
- High security and reliability;
- Staking;
- Token exchange;
- U2F token;
- Password manager;
- Install more than 100 applications at the same time;
- Cryptocurrency payment is available using BitPay;
- Fast paid or slow free shipping.
Minuses:
- You need to download the application for each coin;
- High price – $149
- There are failures;
- The application freezes.
2.Trezor Model T
Trezor Model T is the main competitor of the Ledger Nano-X. To manage the wallet, the Trezor Suite desktop application is used. The device resembles a car key and connects to a PC using standard USB-C. Model T is a new improved model with a touchscreen. The wallet supports over 1200 assets, but unlike Ledger, it cannot store SOL, DOT, TRX, and many other currencies. You can check the list of supported ones here.
Operations with cryptocurrencies are impossible without physical interaction with the wallet, which ensures high security. However, there have been cases where the device has been hacked without access to the seed phrase or password. The chip inside the wallet can be opened and thus gain access to private information. This is how one white hacker hacked the wallet and then returned the money to the owner. If you lose your device, the wallet can be restored with a 12-word seed.
The wallet costs €249 plus €9 shipping. We recommend paying for the purchase using cryptocurrencies. The wallet will arrive within 7-15 business days.
Pros:
- No need to download asset storage apps;
- Payment with BTC and LTC;
- Ability to connect to hot wallets;
- Own desktop application;
- Staking;
- Touchscreen;
- U2F token;
- Password manager;
SD slot.
Minuses:
- No SOL, DOT, TRX and some other currencies;
- No Bluetooth;
- No mobile app;
- The device was hacked;
- The high price is €249.
3.Ledger Nano-S Plus
Budget model of Ledger company. Unlike Nano-X, this wallet connects to a PC via standard USB-C, has less memory and a narrower display. You can download up to 100 applications. The wallet supports all the same assets as Nano-X. The device is not shipped to Russia, it can be purchased from Russian Cryptonist resellers,
Pros:
- Low price – $59;
- U2F token;
- Password manager;
- Integration with hot wallets like Metamask;
- Support for most networks and cryptocurrencies;
- Cryptocurrency exchange;
- Staking.
Minuses:
- No Bluetooth;
- There are failures;
- Little memory and small display.
4.SafePal S1
This is the first hardware wallet invested in by the largest crypto exchange Binance. The device cannot be connected via Bluetooth, USB-C, Wi-Fi. SafePal S1 has a microcontroller for operations, a secure chip for storing private keys and a built-in random number generator. There is also a mechanism for self-destruction of private keys in case of opening the wallet case. The device has a PIN code, is charged using a USB cable and holds a charge for up to 20 days.
The wallet works through the SafePal app available for iOS and Android. Interaction with the application is carried out only through a QR code or using a fingerprint. The wallet supports 33 blockchains and more than 30 thousand cryptocurrencies; you can buy and exchange crypto directly in the application. You can see the list of supported assets here.
At the time of writing, there is a special offer: SafePal S1 is offered for $49.99 instead of $69.99.
Pros:
- The cost is only $49.99;
- Free shipping when buying two copies;
- Connection only via QR code;
- Warranty 1 year;
- Purchase and exchange of assets;
- 33 blockchains and 30,000+ tokens;
- Self-destruct mechanism.
Minuses:
- Application for mobile devices only;
- No staking.
5.Trezor One
Trezor One is the world’s first hardware wallet and has been making history since 2013. Supports even fewer assets than Trezor T. Buy for €69 plus €9 shipping.
Pros:
- The price is only €69;
- No need to download asset storage apps;
- U2F token;
- Buying cryptocurrency with a bank card;
- Password manager;
- SSH connection;
- GPG encryption.
Minuses:
- No XRP, ADA, SOL, DOT, TRX, etc.;
- No MicroSD.
- Software wallets
6.bitcoin core
Bitcoin Core is the native wallet of bitcoin. The bitcoin blockchain now weighs 400 GB and adds 5-10 GB per month. By default, the entire blockchain is stored, but by enabling pruning, you can store as little as 6 GB without sacrificing security.
Bitcoin Core is non-custodial, with it you have full control over the keys and fees, but you will need some technical savvy and a high connection speed.
Pros:
- High security;
- Open source;
- Free.
Minuses:
- BTC only;
- Requires high internet speed;
- No mobile version;
- Takes up a lot of memory.
7.electrum
Electrum is one of the oldest bitcoin wallets, launched in 2011. You don’t have to download all 400 GB of the blockchain. The code is open, available for PC and Android.
During installation, you can create a standard wallet, two-factor authentication, or multi-signature. You can also import an existing wallet using private keys.
Pros:
- Open source;
- High security;
- Free;
- Available for PC and Android;
- No need to download the full blockchain history;
- Notifications about new transactions;
- Two-factor authentication;
- Simple interface;
- Can be integrated with a hardware wallet.
Minuses:
- BTC only;
- Not available on iOS;
- The mobile application is inconvenient and has some bugs;
- No Russian language;
- Limited functionality: only storage, receiving and sending.
8.Exodus
Exodus is a popular all-in-one crypto wallet that has been running since 2015. Supports over 200 tokens and multiple decentralized applications. Does not require writing a seed phrase. Cryptocurrency account is opened automatically, and you can make a backup copy later. Staking and integration with Trezor is available. Inside the wallet, you can purchase crypto from a bank card, exchange it on the exchange, and view the statistics of your portfolio. The wallet has a nice user-friendly interface that can be customized.
Pros:
- Free;
- Available for PC and smartphones;
- NFT support;
- portfolio statistics;
- Integration with DApps;
- Buying crypto from bank cards from zero;
- Integration with hardware wallets;
- Staking;
- Exchange;
- Cryptocurrency news and videos;
- Ability to create and manage different portfolios;
- Interface customization;
- Statistics and graphics.
Minuses:
- Access can be restored by email, which is not safe;
- Closed source;
9.Atomic Wallet
Atomic Wallet is a multifunctional non-custodial wallet created in 2018 in Estonia. The application has an exchange, staking, an NFT gallery (only in the Solana network) and a service for buying crypto with Visa/MC cards. In Atomic Wallet, you can stake 11 tokens with a yield of 5-23%. The native AWT token has the highest yield. If you keep this token on your wallet, you can receive cashback for transactions on the exchange. The wallet supports over 300 coins.
Pros:
Free;
- Mobile and desktop versions;
- More than 30 blockchains and 300 cryptocurrencies;
- Price change notifications;
- Exchange;
- WalletConnect function for connecting to DeFi protocols;
- Adding custom tokens;
- Staking;
- NFT gallery;
- Buying crypto with bank cards.
Minuses:
There are bugs.
10.Wasabi
Non-custodial open source bitcoin wallet. After setting a password and recording a seed phrase, they offer to choose one of three CoinJoin strategies: low fees, maximum speed, or maximum privacy.
Pros:
- Addresses can be given names;
- Free;
- High anonymity;
- Integration with Tor;
- Integration with hardware wallets.
Minuses:
- BTC only;
- Can take a long time to load;
- Desktop version only.
11.Blockstream Green
Blockstream has been building infrastructure around bitcoin since 2014, and their Green Wallet is part of that infrastructure. Green is positioned as a wallet that combines security, privacy and complete control.
During the process of creating a wallet, you choose a network (Bitcoin or Liquid), a signature (single or multi-signature), write down a seed phrase (12 or 24 words) and set a pin code. The program can be integrated with Blockstream Jade, Ledger and Trezor hardware wallets.
Pros:
- Integration with hardware wallets;
- Segwit support and fee tracking;
- Availability of API;
- Available for PC and smartphones;
- Pin;
- Multi-signature;
Minuses:
BTC only.
12.guarda
Multi-currency wallet for storing, exchanging, borrowing and staking cryptocurrencies. To use the wallet, you must write down the password and save the backup file. Access can only be restored if both components are present.
The wallet supports over 50 blockchains and tens of thousands of tokens. In the application, you can exchange tokens on an integrated exchange, borrow stablecoins at 14% per annum and connect Ledger. You can also buy crypto from Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay and other payment systems using Simplex and Guardian services. NFT support is promised in the near future. There are light and dark themes.
Pros:
- Choice of installation for all or specific computer users (useful for offices);
- Free;
- Crypto loans;
- Exchanger;
- Staking;
- Available for PC and smartphones;
- Buying crypto from a bank card;
- Integration with hardware wallets.
13.Jaxx
A non-custodial multi-currency wallet available as an extension, as well as in mobile and desktop versions. Jaxx supports over 100 cryptocurrencies. The wallet integrates the Simplex payment service for buying crypto from a card, as well as an exchange for exchange. The application has news, prices and information about each token, a blockchain explorer, as well as a “Positions” section.
Pros:
- Free;
- Exchanger;
- Available for PC and smartphones;
- News;
- Buying crypto from a bank card;
- Ability to select the currency to display;
- Statistics and information about crypto assets.
Minuses:
- No staking.
- Mobile and browser wallets
14.metamask
The most popular hot crypto wallet from ConsenSys. Appeared in 2016, and today it is used by more than 30 million people. The wallet is convenient to use as a browser extension. A small window shows all the important information: balance, network, connected sites, buying, exchanging and sending cryptocurrency and much more. Metamask only supports Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks, it cannot be used to store BTC or SOL. Inexperienced users may have difficulty adding new networks.
You can connect a hardware wallet to Metamask (Ledger, Trezor, Lattice, Keystone, AirGap). Cryptocurrency can be bought directly in the wallet through the MoonPay, Transak and Wyre gateways.
Pros:
- Free;
- Available for PC and smartphones;
- Simple and user-friendly interface;
- Integration with most protocols and platforms;
- Integration with hardware wallets;
- Possibility to buy cryptocurrency with bank cards;
- Cryptocurrency exchange;
- NFT support.
Minuses:
- Supports only EVM-shared networks;
- The mobile version only supports one hardware wallet (Keystone);
- Difficult to add networks;
- No staking.
15.Trust Wallet
Trust Wallet is one of the most popular hot wallets. Only available in mobile version. Unlike Metamask, it supports not only Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks, but also most other networks (BTC, SOL, etc.). The wallet has all the necessary functions: sending and receiving (of course), buying (MoonPay, Ramp, Simplex, Mercuryo, Transak), staking (SOL, BNB TRX, etc.) tokens.
In the DApps section, you can connect to a thousand decentralized applications.
When creating a wallet, you need to write down a 12-word seed phrase. Trust Wallet has an intuitive interface and is well suited for beginners.
Pros:
- Free;
- Crypto exchange;
- Buying cryptocurrency with bank cards;
- Staking;
- Light and dark themes;
- NFT support;
- Connecting to DApps inside the wallet;
- Support for most networks and currencies.
Minuses:
- Mobile version only;
- On iOS, there is no way to interact with DApps inside the application, only through WalletConnect;
- Higher risk of losing assets if the device is hacked.
16.Samourai
Non-custodial mobile bitcoin wallet. Samourai has many non-standard features: Stonewall removes the digital footprint from metadata; PayNym hides the address from everyone except the sender and recipient; Batching reduces mining fees; Scrambled PIN prevents virus programs from capturing the screen; remote SMS commands erase and restore crypto accounts in case of loss or theft of a smartphone. The wallet is suitable for advanced users with a need for high anonymity.
Pros:
- Free;
- Tor Browser;
- Offline mode;
- PDF template for storing the seed phrase;
- PIN code and password;
- Lots of features for anonymous transactions.
Minuses:
- Mobile version only;
- Only available on Android;
- BTC only.
17.MyEtherWallet
Possibly the best wallet for ETH and ethernet tokens. When creating a wallet, you need to come up with a pin code and write down a 24-word seed phrase.
The application is available only in the mobile version and allows you to connect hardware wallets. MEW contains all the necessary functionality and information for users of the Ethereum network. In the wallet, you can exchange ERC-20 tokens, buy and sell ETH using bank cards using MoonPay and Simplex, transfer tokens from one network to another through the Multichain bridge, invest your ETH through Lido, Yearn Finance and Staked providers at ~ 4% per annum and much more. The wallet has a built-in browser for interacting with DApps on Ethereum.
Pros:
- Free;
- PIN code and biometric unlock;
- Three networks: ERC-20, BEP-20 and Polygon;
- Selecting a currency to display;
- Pleasant and convenient interface;
- Possibility to buy cryptocurrency with bank cards;
- Information about the price of gas for different types of transactions;
- Cryptocurrency exchange;
- Staking;
- Interactions with DApps through the browser;
- Bridge for transferring tokens from one network to another;
- NFT support.;
Minuses:
Mobile version only.
18.Mycelium
Non-custodial crypto wallet for BTC, ETH and ERC-20 tokens.
When creating a wallet, you need to come up with a pin code and write down a 24-word seed phrase.
The application is available only in the mobile version and allows you to connect Trezor, Ledger and KeepKey hardware wallets. Inside the wallet, you can purchase cryptocurrency from a bank card using Simplex, on the Mycelium marketplace (P2P trading), through SEPA payments and exchange them on an internal exchanger.
Pros:
- Free;
- Crypto news;
- Possibility to buy cryptocurrency with bank cards;
- P2P marketplace;
- Cryptocurrency exchange;
- Interaction with hardware wallets.
Minuses:
- A lot of integrated advertising: exchanges, NFT marketplace, sports betting;
- Only BTC and ERC-20 tokens.
19.Phantom
Mobile wallet for Solana users. You can create multiple wallets and import existing ones. As elsewhere, you need to write down the seed phrase. You will need it to restore access to the wallet. Inside there is a search engine through which you can connect to DApps.
Pros:
- Free;
- Mobile app;
- Swap tokens;
- NFT support;
- Staking;
- Push notifications.
Minuses:
Only SOL and SLP tokens;
20.Enjin Wallet
Simple mobile wallet with NFT gallery and DApps. The app supports BTC, ETH, LTC, DOT, BSC networks and a few more. In Enjin, you can create an infinite number of wallets, exchange tokens on two integrated exchanges, store, brand and trade NFTs, work with decentralized applications (1inch, Aave, Axie, etc.) The wallet is protected by a password, fingerprint, auto-lock and a secure keyboard. The application has a simple user-friendly interface and is suitable for beginners.
Pros:
- Free;
- Exchange;
- Selecting a currency to display;
- NFT support;
- DApps browser;
- Simple and user-friendly interface;
- Support for most networks and currencies.
Minuses:
- Mobile version only;
- No staking;
- There is no possibility of buying crypto from the card.
How to use wallets safely
Use multiple crypto wallets for different tasks. Hardware (Ledger Nano-X, Trezor) or local (Bitcoin Core, Electrum) wallets are better for long-term storage. Mobile and online wallets (Metamask, Trust Wallet, Atomic Wallet) are more convenient for frequent transactions;
Do not store large amounts in online wallets. If you don’t want to pay for a hardware wallet, at least use local software wallets;
Keep seed phrases and pin codes from wallets on paper or in a special vault in a safe place. Make duplicates. It is undesirable to store your keys in your phone or on your PC. In no case do not send private data to third parties and employees of companies that produce wallets;
Most wallets allow you to set a login password. Do not use the same passwords, come up with unique ones for each wallet;
Always check the data several times. If you accidentally send funds to the wrong address, there will be nowhere to complain and it will not be possible to cancel this transaction.