You should always have a safe place to store money. This is as true with fully digital cryptocurrency as it is with paper money.
The de facto way to protect your personal cryptocurrency is to use a wallet. Crypto wallets come in a variety of forms, including online, desktop, and mobile; But the most recommended way to store your cryptocurrencies is a hardware wallet.
Hardware wallets actually combine the ease of use of a digital interface with the security of an offline device that generally resembles a memory stick or dongle.
They are quite easy to use, very safe and relatively cheap.
If you’re not looking to buy a hardware wallet, there are also very good software wallets even if they don’t offer the same level of security.
After a considerable amount of testing, here are some of the best crypto wallets that we recommend to anyone looking to get into cryptocurrency.
Table of Contents:
Best Crypto Wallet: Ledger Nano X
It’s easy to see why the Ledger Nano X is often cited as the best bitcoin wallet among the cryptocurrency community. Ledger’s first crypto wallet – the Nano S – was already one of the most successful wallets of all time, but the Nano X improves it in many ways.
Perhaps the biggest single upgrade for the Nano X is Bluetooth functionality with a built-in battery for wireless functionality. Bluetooth opens up a world of possibilities for Crypto users because it enables mobile support. This means you can now use your phone instead of your desktop computer to check your balance or make a transaction.
In addition, Ledger has updated the internal hard drive so that it can mount over 100 different cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash and many, many more. The device also has an updated screen, improved security features, and improved usability.
The only major disadvantage of the Nano X is the price. It generally retails for over $100, which is a lot for a new crypto user. On the other hand, it’s a relatively small price to pay for one of the best hardware wallets in the world.
- Flagship Ledger wallet with industrial-grade security with bluetooth
- Supports over 1300 crypto assets and tokens
- Supports all major desktop and mobile operating systems
- Connect to Ledger Live for picketing, DeFi, NFT, and more
COST $150
CRYPTOCURRENCIES 1,300+
MOBILE SUPPORT iOS, Android
Best Cheap Crypto Wallet: Ledger Nano S Plus
The original Ledger Nano S has always been an easy recommendation, but it had one obvious flaw: storage capacity. There was only enough space to install up to three crypto apps.
Luckily the Ledger Nano S Plus is a huge improvement with a much larger hard drive and a better screen for booting. It’s still significantly cheaper than the Ledger Nano X (albeit without bluetooth).
We would go so far as to say that the Ledger Nano S Plus is the best crypto wallet for most people.
- Exceptional value for the price
- Huge improvement over the original Nano S with better screen and more storage
- Install over 100 apps with support for thousands of resources
- Connect to Ledger Live for picketing, DeFi, NFT, and more
- One of the most widely supported hardware wallets in cryptocurrency
COST $79
CRYPTOCURRENCIES 5,500+
STORAGE 100+ crypto apps
Best Free Wallet: BitKeep
BitKeep is an attractive multi-asset portfolio that offers a load of features including built-in DeFi and swaps, NFT market, and more.
What separates BitKeep from many of its competitors is the huge number of supported tokens. While many software wallets are limited to a crypto ecosystem (such as Ethereum or Solana), BitKeep supports over 70 different blockchains and thousands of different tokens. It’s a real one-stop-shop for all things cryptocurrencies.
The wallet is free to download and available on iOS, Android and Chrome browsers.
- Fully decentralized multi-asset portfolio
- Available in over 168 countries with millions of users
- Supports most major cryptocurrencies including ETH, SOL, AVAX
- Offers DeFi, NFT, crypto swap and more
220,000+ CRYPTOCURRENCIES (ETH, USDC, BNB, SOL, DOT)
COST free to download
MOBILE SUPPORT iOS, Android
An alternative crypto wallet: Trezor Model-T
Trezor is very much the Pepsi of Ledger’s Coke. Both are the undisputed heavyweights of the cryptocurrency hardware wallet world.
Like the Ledger, Trezor
also has a budget model, the Trezor One, but we think the high-end Trezor Model T is particularly attractive. There are many people who think that the Trezor Model T is the best crypto wallet and it is difficult to argue with them.
The Trezor Model T is one of the few crypto wallets that has a color touchscreen display, which makes it a breeze. Having a full screen on the device is a huge improvement over the small monochrome screens used by most businesses. Interestingly, you can use Trezor T for more than just cryptocurrency. It also has a password manager where you can securely store passwords or other digital keys.
The downside is that the Model T is prohibitive and generally retails for over $150 making it one of the most expensive options on the market. Unfortunately the other downside to the Trezor Model T is that there is no Bluetooth support, which means mobile users are out of luck.
- High-end cryptocurrency wallet with impressive touchscreen
- Compatible with many software wallets
- Store cryptocurrency, passwords and other keys with ease
- Excellent customer support
COST $215
CRYPTOCURRENCIES 1,000+
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Windows, MacOS, Linux
How hardware wallets work
So why do you need a cryptocurrency wallet? One of the first things you need to understand about cryptocurrency is that virtually all cryptocurrencies exist on a public ledger of some sort. That public ledger, which is typically a blockchain, essentially acts as a decentralized bank.
When you buy Bitcoin, or other cryptocurrency, they are sent to an address, i.e. a string of text called a public key. Your wallet stores a corresponding piece of text called a private key, which is how you prove ownership over the cryptocurrency.
If you lose your private keys, you have lost your encryption. It’s that simple.
That’s why many cryptographic experts recommend storing private keys using an offline method so they can’t be hacked or compromised.
Hardware wallets allow users to store their private keys on an offline physical device that you can always connect to your computer or mobile device to make a quick digital transaction. Hardware wallets also have excellent backup features that could potentially save your cryptocurrency if you lose your physical crypto wallet.
Hardware wallets also generate recovery seed phrases that you can use to recover private keys in case your hardware wallet is destroyed, lost, or otherwise compromised. Recovery phrases usually consist of 12-24 random words, which you can import into a wallet to recover your funds. Twelve words are much easier to spell correctly, rather than 64 alphanumeric characters. They also sell metal crypto wallets where you can imprint or engrave the recovery phrase for even greater security.
More Crypto Wallets Reviews
We’ve listed our top three picks for hardware cryptocurrency wallets above, but there are plenty of other wallets on the market. Here’s a quick rundown of the other hardware wallets available.
Trezor One
This is a great hardware wallet that compares very well with the Ledger Nano S. The two devices are very similar and have an almost identical price at the low end of the market, but we prefer the form factor of the Nano S. On the other hand, Trezor One has a larger screen so that it could push it over the top for some users. Regardless, it is one of the best bitcoin wallets you can buy.
- Affordable price
- Easy to use
- Supports over 1000 coins and tokens
- Trust mark
COST $59- $69
CRYPTOCURRENCIES 1,000+
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
KeepKey Hardware Wallet
KeepKey is an underrated hardware wallet with a very large LED display that came to market very late compared to Trezor or Ledger. It is actually one of the low-cost wallets and the big screen makes its use very easy to use. The big screen is part of the reason why some people believe it is the best cryptocurrency wallet. The downside is that it’s not very portable due to its form factor, and the company doesn’t have the long-term reputation of Trezor or Ledger.
- Hardware wallet that offers a high degree of security for its users
- Easy integration with ShapeShift, a non-custodial cryptographic exchange
- Can be used with any desktop, laptop or Android device
- Big screen helps with user interface
COST $17- $50
CRYPTOCURRENCIES 1,000+
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android
Ellipal Titan
The Ellipal Titan is a new addition to the market and the only device that is “airgapped”, meaning it is completely wireless or even wireless. This means that it is potentially the most secure device on the market. It also features a full screen, which essentially makes it a smartphone with no connectivity. The upside is that you don’t need to link it, and you can transact by scanning a QR code with a coincident mobile app. It’s too early to reach a verdict on the Titan and we’ll keep an eye on it. Keep checking CryptoVantage for the most in-depth reviews of the crypto wallet.
- Fully air-gapped hardware wallet
- Proof of tampering and keys are never exposed to the Internet
- Connects with the Ellipal app to easily send and receive cryptocurrencies
- Emerging company
COST $169+
CRYPTOCURRENCIES 30+
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Android and iOS
Different types of crypto wallets
While hardware wallets are often considered the best way to store cryptocurrencies, it’s important to note that there are other ways to store your cryptocurrencies. Perhaps the best thing about non-hardware wallets is that they tend to be free. Here’s a look at alternatives to a hardware wallet.
Exchange (free)
You can buy digital assets on a cryptocurrency and leave them parked on the exchange itself. This is referred to as a “custody wallet” and is considered one of the least secure ways to store cryptocurrency because a third party holds your private keys. Several high-profile exchanges filed for bankruptcy and essentially robbed their clients. Exchanges have become much more reliable over the years, but it is not recommended to leave a considerable amount of cryptocurrency on an exchange.
Desktop wallet (free)
Desktop wallets are easy to use but significantly more secure than cryptocurrency exchanges. At least with a desktop wallet your private keys are stored on your personal computer. This means that your PC or Mac would have to be compromised to get your coins stolen. It is certainly possible, but less likely. The upside is that it’s very easy to transact using your desktop wallet because the keys are already on your computer and you don’t have to connect anything. Desktop wallets are generally free.
Mobile wallets (usually free)
Mobile wallets are also very affordable, but they are considered more secure than desktop wallets because smartphones are generally less prone to malware than personal computers. In addition, some mobile wallets allow you to add additional layers of security such as 4-digit PIN or fingerprint identification. Other than that, they work in much the same way as desktop wallets, which means it’s very easy to send and receive cryptocurrency. However, you could be in trouble if you lose your smartphone. Luckily if you’ve backed up your recovery phrase or private keys, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
Why hardware wallets are the best
It is for all the above reasons that hardware wallets are generally considered the best way to store digital assets.
Hardware wallets are exceptionally difficult to crack. A thief would have to physically steal your device and break your pin code, which is very, very unlikely. Hardware wallets essentially use two-factor authentication (your device and computer) with the added security of keeping your private keys offline.
It is also relatively easy to transact with hardware wallets once connected to the computer.
Hardware wallets
have the ability to back up funds with a recovery phrase, which is just another reason why hardware wallets are an ideal cryptocurrency storage device. Hardware wallets are simply the complete package when it comes to storing cryptocurrency securely.
The best wallet for you
When choosing a hardware wallet you should keep in mind that it is slightly subjective and there are some features that certain users are likely to like the most.
For people who have just started using cryptocurrency it is easy to recommend budget options from Ledger and Trezor. They cost less than $60 and provide a reliable, if somewhat simple, way to safely store your cryptocurrency.
You could also start with a software wallet, which is still easier to use and generally free, but less secure.
If you have large amounts of cryptocurrencies, you could also take one of the top-tier models.
Even if you don’t plan on buying a large amount of cryptocurrency, it’s still worth buying a wallet and getting used to the process of owning and storing cryptocurrency.
In general, here are some of the things to consider when buying a hardware wallet:
- price
- safety
- Mobile Support
- user interface
- Physical dimensions of the device
- reliability
The best non-hardware wallet
Hardware wallets are often considered the best way to safely store Bitcoin, but they are certainly not the only way to do so. There are many desktop and mobile wallets that get solid reviews from the crypto community. Desktop and mobile wallets are especially useful for holding a small amount of cryptocurrency to make transactions. They are also free.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most popular non-hardware crypto wallets:
Exodus — Desktop Wallet
Exodus Wallet has a lot to offer as a cryptocurrency wallet. From a sleek interface to an integrated exchange, Exodus is one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets on the market.
The wallet displays all of your cryptocurrency in an illustrated way, like a stock wallet, complete with charts, charts, and more. It’s an excellent way to store multiple cryptocurrencies and get an idea of how all your coins are doing. In other words: investors will like Exodus.
Exodus has recently incorporated support either Android and iOS so you can actually use it on mobile and desktop devices.
- Free download for desktop and mobile devices
- Supports multiple hardware wallets
- Supports over 100 cryptocurrencies
- Great customer support
FREE
CRYPTOCURRENCIES 100+
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Trust Portfolio
Trust Wallet is a very popular wallet from the Binance team. It’s a simple wallet that offers a solid user interface and good all-round security. One of the biggest advantages of Trust Wallet is that it supports a wide variety of assets for staking, meaning you can earn passive income in your cryptocurrency while sitting in your wallet.
- Highly respected multi-crypto wallet launched as an open source project
- Waffle off coins like Binance Coin, Kava, and Cosmos to earn interest
- Options to buy cryptocurrency directly in the wallet
- Supports NFT and in-browser dApp
160+ CRYPTOCURRENCIES (BTC, USDC, ETH, SOL)
Free
Crypto.com
The Crypto.com wallet is a new addition that will probably only be interesting if you use the Crypto.com platform heavily. You can leave your coins on Crypto.com but the site has also recently launched an unguarded wallet where you actually store your private keys. It is a good initial wallet and allows users to stay within the Crypto.com ecosystem.
- A secure wallet not stored in the ecosystem Crypto.com
- Bet coins like CRO and ATOM directly from your wallet
- Sleek design and very strong U.I. for new crypto users
- Easily transfer funds from Crypto.com to Crypto.com Wallet
FREE
CRYPTOCURRENCIES BTC, ETH (& ERC-20), ATOM, DOT, XLM
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Android and iOS
Atomic Wallet
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Atomic Wallet is another strong option in the software wallet market.
Atomic is a decentralized multi-currency wallet available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Interesting Atomic uses BitTorrent technology to maintain its independence and offer its users a solid experience at no cost. Atomic also allows users to use bank cards to buy cryptocurrencies within the wallet, which is a very interesting feature. You can also trade different cryptocurrencies within the app.
Users have plenty of options with Atomic since the wallet supports over 500 different cryptocurrencies and tokens. The downside of Atomic is that there is no support for hardware wallets and support for the wallet is quite scarce.
- Over 500 coins and tokens supported
- Free wallet
- Easy to use for beginners
- Very safe
FREE
CRYPTOCURRENCIES 500+
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Watch
Guarda is an interesting wallet in the cryptocurrency space that will likely appeal to the open source crowd. It provides a non-custodial storage solution for a variety of digital assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum and over 40+ others. It is also possible to buy Bitcoin directly in the wallet thanks to its integration with Simplex. One of the killer features of Guarda is that you can connect it to a Ledger hardware wallet to give you an extra layer of protection. On the downside, Guarda does not offer support for connecting Trezor or KeepKey hardware wallets.
- Integration with Ledger hardware wallets
- Ability to trade between cryptocurrencies within the wallet interface
- Support for 45 cryptocurrencies and 10,000 tokens
- Ability to create your own ERC-20 token
FREE
CRYPTOCURRENCIES 45+
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS
BRD Wallet
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BRD Wallet, formerly known as Bread, is one of the easiest mobile wallets for cryptocurrency beginners.
BRD focuses a lot on making its software simple and easy to use and mostly they pull it out with a simple interface that almost anyone could understand immediately. Interestingly, you can also buy Bitcoin in the app in some countries.
Because BRD focuses so much on accessibility, it lags behind some of its competitors when it comes to security, and you won’t find 2-factor authentication or more security features. BRD only supports Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum and is only available on iPhone and Android.
- Free download for iOS and Android
- Installation takes only a few seconds
- Keys are stored only on your phone
- Lightweight and easy to use
FREE
CRYPTOCURRENCIES BTC, ETH, BRD Token
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Android and iOS
Mycelium Wallet
Mycelium is often referred to as “The Default Bitcoin” due to its simple design and ease of use. The wallet was launched in 2013 and has been one of the most trusted software wallets ever since. The wallet also has beginner and expert mode, which allows everyone to get the most out of the software. The only downside to Mycelium is that it only offers native support for Bitcoin and Ethereum, which makes it a suboptimal choice for holding tons of altcoins.
- Create a wallet and start using it in seconds
- Super fast connection to the bitcoin network through Mycelium’s super nodes
- Encrypted private keys, held only by the user and never leave the wallet
- simplicity: expert mode for advanced users (includes API)
Beginner mode for
FREE
CRYPTOCURRENCIES BTC and ETH
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Android and iOS
Edge
Edge is Mycelium’s main competitor and offers a much flashier interface with a variety of new features including Fast Touch log-in on iPhones and automatic backups.
It’s easy to store multiple wallets in one account, which means you can set up your account similarly to a traditional bank account with “savings” and “control” accounts.
Edge doesn’t have the history of Mycelium, but it’s rapidly developing a loyal customer base.
Bordeaux
- Great wallet for new cryptocurrency users
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Earn interest on cryptocurrencies directly in your wallet
- One of the most secure software wallets
FREE
CRYPTOCURRENCIES 30+
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Android and iOS
MyEtherWallet
MyEtherWallet is one of the most specialized software wallets in the cryptocurrency space as it focuses on – you guessed it – Ethereum. You’re not completely limited to Ethereum, however, as MyEtherWallet (or MEW as it’s affectionately known) also offers support for ERC-20 tokens. MEW users have full control of their funds and can even purchase Ether from within the app using a debit or credit card.
- The easiest wallet for cryptocurrency newcomers to get started with Ethereum
- Users have full control of their private keys
- MyEtherWallet.com platform simplifies access to all applications built on Ethereum
- Hardware wallet support
FREE
CRYPTOCURRENCIES Ether and all ERC-20
tokens
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
MetaMask
MetaMask is the hugely popular Ethereum-based wallet that offers more than just a wallet. MetaMask (which can be installed directly in your browser) opens a portal for the Ethereum DeFi ecosystem where you can trade, borrow and lend different tokens. You can also purchase ETH directly within the MetaMask wallet. Interestingly, you can also connect hardware wallets from companies like Ledger or Trezor and add even more security to your MetaMask wallet. The only downside? No Bitcoin.
- User interface is easy to understand for beginners
- Portal to a variety of Ethereum dapps
- Hardware Wallet Integrations
- Available on mobile devices and as a browser extension
THOUSANDS OF CRYPTOCURRENCIES (any Ethereum or EVM compatible blockchain token)
COST free to download
Electrum Wallet
Electrum is one of the
oldest Bitcoin wallets in existence and, as a result, is also one of the most popular digital wallets. According to some estimates, Electrum is responsible for 10% of all Bitcoin transactions. The wallet itself is slightly old-school and less intuitive than some of the more modern wallets. Altcoin users do not have to apply, however, as Electrum is dedicated exclusively to Bitcoin.
Electrum Bitcoin Wallet
- Two-factor authentication available for transactions
- Hardware wallets can be used with this wallet
- Default wallet included in the Tails operating system for privacy-focused users
- Bitcoin only support
FREE
CRYPTOCURRENCIES Bitcoin
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android
Keplr Wallet
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- The first IBC-enabled portfolio for the Cosmos ecosystem
- Send, receive, trade and tip assets such as Cosmos, Cronos, Luna and Juno
- Compatible with Ledger hardware wallets for added security
- Clean and easy-to-understand interface
CRYPTOCURRENCIES Cosmos, Earth, Cronos, Osmosis (All IBC assets)
FREE
SUPPORTED BROWSERS Chrome, Brave
Ground Station
- The main portfolio for the Earth ecosystem (LUNA, FSO and more)
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet for even greater security
- LUNA pole directly from Terra Station
- Mobile, desktop, and browser apps
CRYPTOCURRENCIES Terra LUNA, TerraUSD (UST), KRT, MNT, SDT and more
FREE
APP FORMATS Browser, desktop, mobile (iOS, Android)
ZenGo
- No password, no seed phrase, no private key = no lost funds for a lost password
- A hybrid of a custodial and non-custodial wallet
- Free download and setup takes only 21 seconds
- Simplified, easy-to-understand user interface for new cryptographic users
CRYPTOCURRENCIES 70+ (BTC, ETH, BNB, DOGE)
COST free to download
ColdCard Property
- First-class crypto wallet with a bright 128X64 pixel OLED screen.
- Bitcoin-only wallet with full numeric keypad
- The cryptographic security chip stores the private key in a dedicated security chip, not the flash of the main micro.
- Main in Canada using a secure supply chain
CRYPTOCURRENCIES Bitcoin
COST $157
BUILT IN: Canada
Phantom Wallet
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Phantom Wallet is an excellent and lightweight wallet that has been developed specifically for SOL and Solana-based assets. The wallet can be downloaded as a browser extension and offers support for staking and exchanging cryptocurrencies directly in the wallet. It can also be combined with a hardware wallet for even greater security.
- Lightweight unattended Solana wallet that works in the browser
- Compatible with Ledger devices for added security
- Solana easy to bet on Phantom for passive income generation
- Offers support for a range of SOL-based tokens and NFTs
CRYPTOCURRENCIES Solana-based assets (SOL, USDC, USTD, SERUM)
COST free to download
Brave Wallet
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Brave
Wallet is the debut wallet of the popular crypto-based Brave browser. There are several advantages to having a native crypto wallet built into your browser, but perhaps the biggest is that you can’t accidentally download a malicious crypto wallet that will steal your funds. Brave Wallet offers features compatible with all ERC20-based tokens and EVM-compliant coins such as Polkadot, AVAX, and BNB with plans to add Solana in the future. The only glaring omission? For now there is no Bitcoin support.
- Non-custodial crypto wallet integrated by Brave Browser
- There is no need to install an extension since Brave Wallet is built into the browser
- Ability to trade cryptocurrencies in the browser
- Easily store your BAT tokens
CRYPTOCURRENCIES ETH, BAT, LINK, USDC, DOT, AVAX
Free
Lattice1 by GridPlus
GridPlus’ Lattice1 is one of the boldest hardware crypto wallets in history with 5″ TFT with 480×800 resolution that allows users to see entire crypto transactions. It also comes with a high price tag, but it could be of interest to Bitcoin and Ethereum users who want a luxury hardware wallet.
- SafeCards provide endless secure accounts via latex card slots1
- Large, class-leading touchscreen that displays entire transaction messages
- Highly technical physical components that make it one of the safest wallets on the market
- Compatible with MetaMask
CRYPTOCURRENCIES Bitcoin, Ethereum (ERC-20, NFT, etc.)
COST $397
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS Runs its own operating system
Rainbow wallet
Rainbow wallet is
an extremely stylish mobile wallet that is fantastic for cryptocurrency users who prefer to use smartphones or tablets over desktop computers. The Rainbow wallet is limited to Ethereum-based assets only, but it offers rudimentary access to things like DeFi and NFT, making it a great place to start your crypto journey.
- Simplified mobile wallet that is especially useful for cryptocurrency beginners
- Trade directly on Uniswap from the mobile app
- Send and receive resources using Ethereum Naming Service
- View NFT within the application
CRYPTOCURRENCIES Ethereum coins (ETH, DAI, UNI, BAT)
COST free to download
MOBILE SUPPORT iOS, Android
How do major crypto wallets compare?
There are many great cryptocurrency wallets out there, but you may wonder how they compare to each other. First of all, if your questions have not been answered on this page, there are many other sites that rank the best crypto wallets.
We’ve also taken the time to compare some of the most popular wallets based on features like security, software, cost, and more.
