Crypto Wallets

What Are Crypto Wallets?

A crypto wallet holds the private keys that you need to access your digital money. Unlike a regular wallet with physical cash, crypto wallets don’t actually contain your cryptocurrency. They just store the secure keys that prove you own coins on the blockchain.

These keys are what allow you to send or spend your cryptocurrency. A wallet also provides you with a public address that you can share to receive funds. There are many forms of crypto wallets, from mobile apps and browser extensions to dedicated hardware devices. Each offers a different balance of convenience and security.

How Do Crypto Wallets Work?

Crypto wallets work through the use of public and private keys. The public key generates your wallet’s addresses, like your account number, which you share to receive crypto. The private key is a secret number that allows you to authorize transactions; essentially, it serves as your wallet’s password or digital signature.

Importantly, if you lose your private key or the recovery seed phrase representing it, you lose access to your crypto. That’s why safeguarding your wallet keys or seed phrase is critical. Some wallets, called custodial wallets, manage keys on your behalf, while others, non-custodial, put you in sole control.

We’ll explain these types shortly. Crypto wallets can be software-based, which stay connected to the internet, or hardware-based, which operate offline for greater security. Next, let’s jump into our top picks of crypto wallets in 2025.

Our Top Picks for the Best Crypto Wallets in 2025

Below is our curated list of crypto wallets for 2025, which covers a range of hot wallets and cold wallets to suit various needs. Each wallet is labeled with what it’s “best for” to help you identify the top crypto wallet for your specific requirements, whether that’s day-to-day convenience, DeFi usage, or maximum security.

Best Hot Wallets

Best Cold Wallets

Hot Wallet Reviews

Each review will highlight what the wallet is best suited for, the number of digital assets it supports, its unique features, and any notable pros or cons. We also include a comparison table at the end to summarize key data, such as prices and fees, for these cryptocurrency wallets.

Coinbase Wallet is a free hot wallet offered by Coinbase, designed for ease of use without needing a Coinbase exchange account. It’s available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) and as a browser extension.

This wallet is non-custodial, meaning you manage your keys, yet it’s backed by the reputable Coinbase brand, which gives newcomers extra confidence.

Digital assets supported: 100,000+

Unique features:

• Connects seamlessly with the Coinbase exchange
• Built-in dApp browser on mobile
• Optional cloud backup of seed phrase
• Supports NFTs on Ethereum and other EVM chains

Visit Coinbase

MetaMask is one of the most widely used cryptocurrency wallets in the world, famous as a browser extension wallet (and now also a mobile app) for Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains.

With over 30 million monthly active users as of 2025, MetaMask has become the go-to wallet for anyone interacting with Ethereum’s ecosystem of tokens, dApps, and NFTs.

If you use DeFi protocols or NFT marketplaces, chances are you’ve seen the little fox icon of MetaMask prompting you to connect your wallet.

Digital assets supported: 650,000+

Unique features:

• Default wallet for Ethereum, BSC, Arbitrum, etc.
• Built-in swap with the aggregator
• Supports NFTs (ERC-721 and 1155)
• Open-source browser extension

Visit MetaMask

Trust Wallet is a hugely popular mobile crypto wallet (available on iOS and Android) that supports an extensive array of cryptocurrencies and tokens. In fact, Trust Wallet supports over 100 blockchains and 10 million+ assets; more than any other wallet on our list.

This is possible because it is integrated with many networks, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana, Polygon, and dozens more. Trust Wallet was originally launched in 2017 and later acquired by Binance in 2018, becoming Binance’s official decentralized wallet.

Digital assets supported: 10 million+

Unique features:

• Staking for 20+ coins
• DApp browser (Android) + WalletConnect
• NFT viewer for Ethereum and BNB Chain
• Supports 70+ blockchain networks

Visit Trust

Electrum is a venerable name in crypto wallets; it’s one of the oldest wallets for BTC, launched in 2011, and is focused solely on BTC. For those who primarily hold BTC and are looking for a reliable, lightweight desktop wallet with advanced features, Electrum is a top choice. It’s often praised for its speed, security, and customizability.

While newer multi-coin wallets exist, Electrum remains arguably the best cryptocurrency wallet for BTC purists who don’t need support for other currencies.

Digital assets supported: 1 (BTC only)

Unique features:

• Ultra-lightweight client using SPV
• Custom fee controls and coin selection
• Multisig, 2FA, and cold storage support
• Advanced privacy tools (e.g., Tor, watch-only)

Visit Electrum

Exodus is a visually stunning cryptocurrency wallet that initially started as a desktop application and is now also on mobile. It’s a multi-cryptocurrency wallet known for its slick design and intuitive user experience. Exodus supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and features built-in exchange and staking capabilities.

It strikes a good balance between ease of use and functionality, making it one of the best crypto wallets for users who want a polished interface on a desktop. In fact, Exodus is often recommended for people new to crypto who want a desktop solution rather than a mobile or web wallet.

Digital assets supported: 260+ (1,000s via token support)

Unique features:

• Built-in DEX and swap engine
• Staking for Solana, ATOM, ADA, and more
• Syncs desktop and mobile with a QR code
• Trezor integration for cold wallet support

Visit Exodus

Crypto.com DeFi Wallet – recently rebranded as Crypto.com Onchain Wallet – is a non-custodial wallet created by the Crypto.com exchange team. It’s designed to let users explore decentralized finance while easily connecting with the Crypto.com ecosystem.

If you use the Crypto.com app or exchange to buy crypto, this wallet lets you transfer your coins into self-custody with a few taps. It’s positioned as a bridge between the convenience of an exchange and the control of a personal wallet.

This wallet supports a wide range of assets and has become quite popular for people who use Crypto.com services.

Digital assets supported: 700+

Unique features:

• Stake, swap, and earn DeFi yields
• Gas-free transfers from the Crypto.com App
• Cronos chain and multi-chain Web3 support
• NFT storage and WalletConnect integration

Visit Crypto.com

ZenGo is an innovative mobile cryptocurrency wallet that takes a different approach to key management. It uses MPC technology instead of a single seed phrase, meaning there is no seed phrase for the user to manage. This makes it arguably the easiest secure wallet for those worried about losing their keys.

ZenGo targets both convenience and security by splitting the private key into multiple parts, ensuring that no single entity possesses the whole key. It’s a balance between self-custody and assisted recovery.

Digital assets supported: 70+

Unique features:

• MPC (Multi-Party Computation) — no seed phrase
• 3FA security with biometric recovery
• Chill Storage™ emergency lock
• 24/7 in-app customer support

Visit Zengo

Phantom is a wallet built initially for the Solana blockchain, often touted as the “MetaMask of Solana.” It gained massive popularity in 2021-2022 as Solana’s ecosystem exploded, thanks to its smooth user experience and great support for Solana NFTs and DeFi. By 2025, Phantom will have expanded to become a multi-chain wallet.

Still, its core strength and reputation lie in being the go-to wallet for Solana users. If you are into Solana-based tokens, NFTs, or dApps, Phantom is likely the top crypto wallet for that blockchain.

Digital assets supported: Solana-based assets (SPL tokens), plus multi-chain support in 2025

Unique features:

• Native integration with Solana NFTs and DeFi
• Multi-chain expansion with intuitive UI
• Supports staking, dApps, and Ledger compatibility

Visit Phantom

Binance is one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, and many people use the Binance platform as a de facto wallet. When we refer to “Binance wallet” here, we mean holding your coins on the Binance exchange or using the Binance custodial wallet service.

It’s important to note this is a custodial wallet – Binance holds your private keys. While not a traditional personal wallet, we include it because beginners or active traders often keep funds on exchanges for convenience.

Digital assets supported: 350+

Unique features:

• Instant swap and spot trading
• Binance Pay and Launchpad integration
• Auto-invest and savings products
• 2FA, biometric, and address whitelist security

Visit Binance

Guarda is a non-custodial multi-platform wallet that offers flexibility and a decent range of supported assets. It is available on desktop, mobile, and as a web interface, along with a Chrome extension, providing users with multiple ways to access their funds.

Guarda is known for supporting many different blockchains natively and including built-in purchase, exchange, and staking features. It’s somewhat like a combination of features from Exodus and Trust, but with a focus on being lightweight and user-controlled.

Digital assets supported: 400,000+ assets, 300+ coins, 1000+ tokens

Unique features:

• Available on desktop, mobile, browser, and web
• Built-in purchase, swap, and staking tools
• Multi-currency and multi-wallet management
• Ledger integration for added security

Visit Guarda

Rabby Wallet is a browser extension wallet created by the DeBank team. It’s designed for Ethereum and other EVM-compatible blockchains, with a strong focus on improving security and user experience for DeFi users. Rabby emerged as an alternative to MetaMask, aiming to address some of the pain points, such as manually switching networks and blindly signing transactions.

If you frequently interact with DeFi protocols or use multiple chains, Rabby has features built specifically for you. It can be considered one of the top crypto wallets for advanced DeFi enthusiasts seeking additional security.

Digital assets supported: 110+ EVM chains

Unique features:

• Transaction simulation for scam prevention
• Automatic chain switching
• Multi-chain portfolio view
• Built by the DeBank team with open-source code

Visit Rabby Wallet

BlueWallet is a well-known mobile wallet that focuses on BTC and the Lightning Network. It’s an excellent solution for BTC maximalists or anyone who primarily uses BTC and occasionally wants to use Lightning for fast, low-fee transactions.

BlueWallet is simple yet powerful – it can serve as a basic BTC storage solution for beginners, but also offers advanced options, such as connecting to your own BTC node or Lightning node.

As the name suggests, it was built with the BTC ecosystem in mind, not as a multi-coin wallet. For mobile BTC transactions and Lightning payments, BlueWallet is among the top crypto wallets in 2025.

Digital assets supported: 1 (BTC + Lightning)

Unique features:

• Lightning Network support (non-custodial via LNDHub)
• Watch-only wallets and PSBT for cold storage
• Multisig vault creation
• Full fee customization and Tor support

Visit BlueWallet

Cold Wallet Reviews

Cold wallets, typically hardware wallets, are physical devices designed to keep your private keys offline. They are considered the safest option for long-term cryptocurrency storage. Below, we review the top cold wallets of 2025 from our list.

Each review highlights what the device is best suited for, the number of assets it supports, unique features (such as secure elements or special designs), and notable pros and cons. After the reviews, a comparison table will summarize key differences.

Ledger Nano S Plus is the latest iteration of Ledger’s storied Nano series, and it stands out as an affordable yet powerful hardware wallet for most users. Ledger devices are known for their Secure Element chip and robust security.

The Nano S Plus, released in 2022 as an upgrade to the original Nano S, increased storage capacity for apps and improved usability while maintaining a relatively low price of approximately $79. By 2025, the Nano S Plus is considered one of the best hardware crypto wallets overall, striking a balance between cost and functionality.

Digital assets supported: 5,500+

Unique features:

• CC EAL6+ Secure Element chip
• Ledger Live app with built-in staking and swaps
• Integrates with MetaMask, Electrum, MyEtherWallet, and more
• USB-C with large memory for 100+ apps at once

Visit Ledger

Trezor Safe 3 is a hardware wallet from SatoshiLabs, the makers of Trezor, that was launched in late 2024. It’s part of Trezor’s new “Safe” series, which by 2025 includes the Safe 3 and its more advanced sibling, the Safe 5. We’re focusing on Trezor Safe 3, which is positioned as a user-friendly, secure, and fully open-source hardware wallet.

Trezor’s ethos has always been about transparency and security through open source, and the Safe 3 continues that tradition, making it one of the best crypto wallets for those who value auditable firmware and a straightforward user experience.

Digital assets supported: 8,000+

Unique features:

• Fully open-source firmware
• New EAL6+ Secure Element chip
• Shamir backup (split-seed recovery)
• Trezor Suite desktop app with staking and swaps

Visit Trezor

KeepKey is a hardware wallet that has been around since 2015, having been acquired by ShapeShift later. It’s known for its large display and simple design. With a price tag around $49 (often the cheapest hardware wallet among major brands), KeepKey positions itself as an entry-level cold wallet that still offers robust security for beginners.

By 2025, KeepKey’s software will have integrated more with ShapeShift’s platform, but it can also be used standalone with other clients. It’s often recommended for those who want an affordable hardware wallet with a big screen to clearly verify transactions, making it less intimidating for newcomers.

Digital assets supported: 40+ natively, ~30 ERC-20 via ShapeShift

Unique features:

• Large screen for full address display
• Works seamlessly with the ShapeShift platform
• Simple UI for first-time users
• Affordable entry-level cold storage

Visit KeepKey

Tangem Wallet is a distinctive hardware wallet in the form of a smart card, akin to a credit card. It’s the only cryptocurrency wallet on our list that functions as a card, which you can tap with your phone (via NFC). Tangem aims for ultimate portability and a unique keyless backup approach, eliminating the need for a seed phrase.

Given its form factor and approach, it’s often touted as one of the best crypto wallets for users who want a very durable, on-the-go solution or who find seed phrases cumbersome. It’s the “best wallet card,” as we label it, since it’s essentially a hardware wallet card.

Digital assets supported: 10,000+

Unique features:

• Air-gapped signing with QR codes (no USB/Bluetooth)
• Pairs with the SafePal mobile app for on-the-go use
• Staking and DeFi access via WalletConnect

Visit Tangem

ELLIPAL Titan is a cold wallet that stands out for its air-gapped architecture and rugged design. Unlike most hardware wallets, ELLIPAL has no ports, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi; it relies entirely on QR code signing using its built-in camera and mobile app.

The device itself is sealed in an all-metal case, built to resist tampering and physical damage. It pairs with the ELLIPAL app, providing users with access to staking, DeFi, NFTs, and swaps without ever exposing their private keys online.

This makes it a popular choice for users who want uncompromising offline security without losing access to modern crypto features.

Digital assets supported: 10,000+

Unique features:

• True air-gapped operation, no ports, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth
• QR code transaction signing via built-in camera
• Tamper-proof metal body
• Large touchscreen for full transaction review

Visit Ellipal

Types of Crypto Wallets Explained

There are different types of crypto wallets that you can choose from, and each has its pros and cons. The two common categories are hot wallets and cold wallets, but there is another important distinction: custodial vs. non-custodial wallets. Once you fully understand these categories, you can select the most suitable solution for your needs.

1. Hot Wallets

Hot wallets are crypto wallets that are connected to the internet. These are typically software-based, including mobile apps, desktop programs, or browser extensions. Because they’re online, hot wallets are very convenient for frequent use; you can quickly check your balance, send crypto, or interact with blockchain apps.

• Examples of hot wallets include MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Coinbase Wallet.
• The advantage of hot wallets is ease of use and quick access. They are ideal for daily spending, trading, or using decentralized finance (DeFi) wallets.

2. Cold Wallets

Cold wallets are crypto wallets that remain offline. Typically, this refers to hardware wallets – physical devices, such as USB sticks or smart cards, that store your private keys offline. Because they are not continuously connected to the internet, cold wallets offer a higher level of security.

To use them, you typically connect the device briefly to sign transactions or scan a QR code, such as in the case of air-gapped wallets like Ellipal, and then disconnect.

This minimizes the exposure of your private keys to online threats. Cold wallets are considered the safest crypto wallets for long-term storage or large amounts of cryptocurrency. Even if your computer is infected with malware, a cold wallet keeps the keys offline and safe. The trade-off is less convenient. Accessing funds requires the physical device and can be slightly slower.

• Hardware wallets, such as Ledger and Trezor, even have security chips and passphrase options to protect against physical theft.
• In summary, cold wallets offer maximum security, making them ideal for holding long-term or storing the bulk of your crypto assets offline.

Additionally, there’s also a paper wallet, a physical document that contains your cryptocurrency’s private and public keys; some of them even have a scannable barcode. This method allows you to store your cryptocurrency offline. When you print your keys, they are removed from the online network, making the tokens inaccessible without them.

Although less common now due to improved storage technology, paper wallets can still be a valid option in certain situations, and it’s important to understand how they work and what their risks are, especially if you ever need to create one.

3. Custodial vs Non-Custodial Wallets

Custodial versus non-custodial wallets are about who holds the private keys.

Custodial Wallets:

With custodial wallets, a third party holds your private keys and controls the funds on your behalf. In other words, you are entrusting your crypto to someone else’s custody, similar to how a bank holds your money.

• Examples include keeping your crypto on an exchange like Binance or Coinbase.
• Custodial wallets can be convenient because if you forget your password, the service can help recover access, and they may provide integrations like easy trading. However, the downside is that you don’t truly control your coins; you have to trust the custodian to keep them safe and solvent.

Non-Custodial Wallets:

A non-custodial wallet is one where you control the private keys. No outside entity can access or freeze your funds. Non-custodial wallets give you full sovereignty over your crypto.

• All the hot and cold wallets in our top picks are non-custodial, except the Binance, which is custodial.
• The responsibility is also on you: you must keep your keys or seed phrase safe, because if you lose them, there is no “forgot password” button to recover your assets.

Crypto Wallet Guides

The first step to using the best crypto wallet is knowing how to choose one and set it up. We’ve shared an easy guide to help you step by step:

How to Choose the Best Crypto Wallet – Our Methodology

Choosing the “best” crypto wallet depends on your priorities. We evaluated wallets based on security, features, and cost:

1. Safety:

Security is paramount. Look at how the wallet stores keys. If you’re investing significant amounts, a reputable hardware wallet or a proven non-custodial software wallet with strong security features is wise. Additionally, consider whether you want complete control or are comfortable with a third party holding the keys.

2. Features:

Consider what features you need. Do you plan to trade or use DeFi frequently? If so, a cryptocurrency wallet with a built-in browser or swap feature may be the best option. If you hold NFTs, ensure the wallet supports NFT storage and viewing. Check the range of cryptocurrencies supported – a multi-chain wallet is ideal if you hold many types of coins. Additionally, consider the ease of use: some wallets feature sleek mobile apps and interfaces, while others may be more complex.

3. Cost:

Cryptocurrency Wallets range from free apps to devices costing over $100. Price doesn’t always equal quality; many free cryptocurrency wallets are excellent. When comparing hardware wallets, consider the price concerning features: a pricier device may offer Bluetooth or a touchscreen, whereas budget options cover the essentials at a lower cost.

How to Set Up a Crypto Wallet

Setting up a crypto wallet is usually quick and easy. We’ll show you how to set up a hot and a cold one.

How To Buy Crypto?

To buy crypto, you have a few options:

1. Through an Exchange: This is the most common method.
   You sign up on a crypto exchange, Binance, verify your identity, and then use fiat to purchase cryptocurrency.
2. Through a Broker or App: Some financial apps allow direct crypto purchases.
3. Directly in a Wallet App: Many non-custodial wallets have integrated fiat on-ramps.
   For instance, Trust Wallet and MetaMask allow you to buy crypto through third-party providers like MoonPay.
4. Peer-to-Peer (P2P): You can also buy crypto from individuals via peer-to-peer marketplaces or ATMs.

Crypto Wallet Security

With crypto, you are your bank, so if your wallet is compromised or you lose your keys, your funds can be stolen or lost with no recourse.

• In 2022-2023 alone, millions were lost due to wallet hacks, phishing, and user error.

Conclusion

Choosing the best crypto wallet comes down to balancing security, convenience, and the types of crypto activities you plan to do. We covered top picks for both hot wallets and cold wallets, each excelling in different areas.

A recurring theme from our crypto wallet list is that no single wallet is “the best” for everyone. For some users, a simple mobile wallet is the best option, while others prefer a multi-layered setup. The most critical aspect is maintaining control of your crypto by using trusted, non-custodial wallets where you hold the keys.

All the wallets on our crypto wallets list put you in charge of your coins, as opposed to leaving them on an exchange.

If you’re a beginner or casual user with modest amounts, you should start with a reputable hot wallet. As your holdings grow or if you’re storing for the long term, consider transitioning to a hardware wallet for maximum security.

You can even use them in combination. For instance, MetaMask paired with a Ledger device gives you the usability of a hot wallet with cold storage security.

The crypto wallet you choose in 2025 should match your use case; there are more quality choices than ever.