We reviewed eleven leading wallets against these metrics: code-audit history, seed-phrase encryption method, supported chains, hardware-wallet interoperability, built-in staking yield, NFT handling, mobile UX score, and recovery-tool reliability. The results crown Ledger as the most secure cold device, Coinbase Wallet as the easiest on-ramp for newcomers, MetaMask as the top pick for Ethereum dApps, Trust Wallet for multichain access on mobile, BitBox for Bitcoin-only cold storage, and Leather for advanced Ordinals support.
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What are the best crypto wallets?
A crypto wallet should align with your security needs, asset compatibility, and everyday usage. Always double-check a wallet’s support for your favorite blockchains before downloading or purchasing it. Here’s a quick look at some of our top picks:
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Coinbase Wallet for an easy-to-use hot wallet backed by a major exchange.
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Ledger for unrivaled cold storage and advanced security features.
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BitBox if your focus is solely on Bitcoin in a hardware wallet format.
And here are summaries and in-depth reviews to help you quickly compare features and choose the best wallet for crypto.
Best hot wallets summary
Tip: Hot wallets are ideal for frequent trading, interacting with dApps, and exploring NFT marketplaces. However, always keep your private keys safe and be wary of phishing attempts.
3 best hot wallets
Coinbase Wallet
Best hot crypto wallet overall
Coinbase Wallet is a user-friendly, self-custodial wallet that integrates seamlessly with Coinbase’s ecosystem. It supports thousands of cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and DeFi.
Key Features
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Supported Assets: Thousands, including major cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, LTC, SOL).
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Cold/Online Convert: Yes, can connect with Ledger.
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Staking/DeFi: Yes, multiple DeFi protocols accessible.
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Integration with Coinbase Exchange
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Straightforward interface for beginners
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NFT storage and dApp integration
Cons
– Why our experts picked it
Coinbase Wallet simplifies self-custody for newcomers, supports a wide array of tokens, and links directly with the Coinbase exchange for easy purchasing and transfers.
MetaMask
Best crypto wallet for Ethereum users
MetaMask is the go-to wallet for Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens, and dApps, offering a browser extension and mobile app that sync easily.
Key Features
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Supported Assets: ERC-20 tokens, L2 solutions (Polygon)
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Cold/Online Convert: Partial (hardware wallet connection)
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Staking/DeFi: Yes, mostly for Ethereum-based tokens
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Seamless Ethereum dApp integration
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Built-in ETH staking via Lido or other protocols
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Option to add custom tokens
Cons
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Not ideal for non-Ethereum networks
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No native desktop app, just extension & mobile
– Why our experts picked it
MetaMask has become synonymous with Ethereum DeFi, letting users easily swap tokens, mint NFTs, and stake crypto without leaving the interface.
Trust Wallet
Best crypto wallet for mobile
Trust Wallet is Binance’s official mobile wallet, supporting 100+ blockchains and various built-in features, including staking.
Key Features
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Supported Assets: 100+ blockchains (BTC, ETH, BNB, LTC, etc.)
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Cold/Online Convert: Yes, can link to Ledger via browser extension
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Staking/DeFi: Yes, multiple coins with built-in staking
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Beginner-friendly mobile UX
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Multi-chain support (incl. NFTs)
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Zero wallet fees (only network fees)
Cons
– Why our experts picked it
Trust Wallet excels as a mobile solution for multi-chain access, making it perfect for on-the-go users who want to stake or trade from their phones.
Best cold wallets summary
Tip: Cold wallets store private keys offline, preventing online hackers from accessing your funds. They’re perfect for long-term holding or large crypto balances.
3 best cold wallets
Ledger devices offer strong offline security, support 5,500+ assets, and work seamlessly with various DeFi platforms.
Key Features
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Supported Assets: 5,500+
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Cold/Online Convert: N/A (always cold)
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Staking/DeFi: Yes, via Ledger Live
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Bluetooth connectivity (Ledger Nano X)
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Staking and NFT management in Ledger Live
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Extensive educational resources
Cons
– Why our experts picked it
Ledger remains the gold standard in cold storage, blending user-friendly interfaces with secure hardware.
KeepKey is known for its simplicity and affordability, supporting 7,000+ assets. It can also connect to WalletConnect dApps, albeit with limited advanced features.
Key Features
– Why our experts picked it
Its user-friendly design and lower cost make KeepKey an excellent choice for newcomers to hardware wallets.
Trezor
Best hardware crypto wallet for Android users
Trezor pioneered hardware wallets, supporting 1,000+ cryptos. Its open-source software fosters strong community trust.
Key Features
– Why our experts picked it
Trezor merges transparency, community trust, and a straightforward interface, making it a favorite for Android users seeking offline security.
Best Bitcoin wallets summary
Tip: If you’re focused on Bitcoin alone, specialized wallets can provide features like advanced security, multi-sig, or Ordinals support. However, they may not support other chains.
4 best Bitcoin wallets
BitBox
Best Bitcoin hardware wallet for beginners
BitBox focuses on secure and simple Bitcoin storage. Its Bitcoin-only edition boosts security by minimizing code complexity.
Key Features
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Minimalist, beginner-friendly design
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Open-source firmware
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Specter and Wasabi compatibility
Cons
– Why our experts picked it
BitBox’s focus on Bitcoin alone provides an ultra-secure environment and simpler user experience for novices.
Electrum
Best Bitcoin wallet for advanced users
Electrum is a desktop-based wallet for serious Bitcoin users, offering advanced security features like multi-sig and customization.
Key Features
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Fast, lightweight, open-source
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Customizable transaction fees
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Multi-sig and advanced security
Cons
– Why our experts picked it
Electrum’s speed, customizability, and advanced security options make it perfect for Bitcoin enthusiasts who need fine-grained control.
Exodus
Best crypto wallet for Bitcoin overall
Exodus supports multiple platforms and offers an intuitive interface for managing Bitcoin alongside other cryptos.
Key Features
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Supported Assets: 300+ cryptos, strong focus on BTC
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Cold/Online Convert: Yes (Trezor integration)
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Staking/DeFi: Yes (limited selection)
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Multi-device support (desktop, mobile, browser)
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Built-in crypto swap and staking
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NFT and portfolio tracking
Cons
– Why our experts picked it
Exodus excels in ease of use, broad asset coverage, and a unified interface for trading, staking, and NFT management.
Leather
Best Bitcoin wallet for advanced functionality
Leather is tailored to advanced Bitcoin users seeking Ordinals and NFT support. It integrates seamlessly with modern Bitcoin-layer tools.
Key Features
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Supported Assets: Bitcoin, Ordinals, digital artifacts
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Cold/Online Convert: Some (hardware wallet link)
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Staking/DeFi: Some (BTC-based DeFi)
– Pros & Cons
Pros
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Comprehensive Ordinals NFT support
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Flexible for advanced Bitcoin usage
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User-friendly design despite advanced features
Cons
– Why our experts picked it
Leather stands out for users who want to explore the cutting-edge Bitcoin ecosystem, including Ordinals and advanced NFT capabilities.
What is a hot wallet?
A hot wallet is continuously connected to the internet, enabling quick transactions and easy access to DeFi, staking, and NFT minting. Examples include Coinbase Wallet and Trust Wallet.
What is a cold wallet?
A cold wallet (hardware or offline wallet) stores your private keys in a device not connected to the internet. While less convenient for frequent trades, it offers strong defense against hacks. Examples include Ledger and Trezor.
Tip: If you plan to hold large amounts long-term, consider cold storage to mitigate online risks.
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How to choose a crypto wallet
When selecting the best wallet for crypto, weigh these factors:
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Security: Cold wallets are safer but less convenient. Hot wallets ease daily transactions.
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Asset support: Some wallets favor Bitcoin, while others accommodate many blockchains or tokens.
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Staking/DeFi: Check if the wallet supports on-chain staking or DeFi protocols.
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Fees: Some wallets charge network fees or have exchange/spread markups.
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Ease of use: Beginners often need simpler interfaces; advanced users prefer more customization.
How to get a crypto wallet
Hot Wallet Steps
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Download a reputable wallet app or extension.
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Generate or secure your seed phrase.
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Transfer or buy crypto directly within the wallet if available.
Cold Wallet Steps
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Purchase from the official manufacturer (e.g., Ledger, Trezor).
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Follow setup instructions to create a PIN and recovery phrase.
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Transfer crypto from an exchange or hot wallet to your new cold wallet address.
Tip: Always back up your seed phrase or recovery words in a secure, offline location. Losing your seed phrase means losing access to your crypto.
Methodology
How our crypto tax professionals selected the best crypto wallets