The Best Crypto Wallets of

Our picks are based on independent research and hands-on testing. Partners may compensate us, which can affect placement, but never our ratings. You pay nothing to use our listings.

Many or all products here are from partners who compensate us when you click or take an action. This doesn’t influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.
We score exchanges on security (cold storage, proof-of-reserves, audits, incident history), fees, liquidity, supported assets, KYC/AML rigor, and UX. Editorial and data teams are firewalled from commercial partnerships.

A beginner’s guide to crypto wallets

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A crypto wallet stores the private keys that control your assets on the blockchain. You can choose hardware (offline) devices for maximum security, or software and mobile wallets for convenience. The right choice balances security, chain support, and day-to-day usability.

Wallet types

Hardware (cold)

Keys stored offline on a device (e.g., Trezor, Ledger). Best for long-term storage.

Mobile / desktop

Apps for iOS/Android or desktop (e.g., Trust, Exodus). Fast, convenient, secure if configured.

Browser extension

Connects to dApps (e.g., MetaMask, Rabby). Pair with hardware for safer DeFi.

Custodial

A company holds your keys. Easy recovery, but less control. Treat like a bank account.

Setup & backup

Create & secure

Generate a new wallet on a trusted device. Set a strong PIN/passphrase and enable biometrics where available.

Never screenshot or store seeds in cloud notes.

Back up the seed

Write down the 12/24-word seed on paper or metal. Consider Shamir backup or multisig for larger holdings.

Test recovery with a small amount before relying on it.

Security practices

  • Keep long-term funds on a hardware wallet; use a hot wallet for spending.
  • Verify addresses on the device screen; use address whitelists when supported.
  • Beware of signing unknown messages/transactions in DeFi; inspect permissions.
  • Update firmware from official sources only; verify checksums where possible.

How to compare wallets

Security model

Secure Element chips, open-source firmware, audits, and protection against supply-chain attacks.

Chains & assets

EVM + non-EVM support, token standards (ERC-20, NFTs), native staking & restaking.

dApp integrations

WalletConnect, browser extension hand-off, hardware signing inside DeFi/NFT flows.

Privacy

Coin control, CoinJoin/PayJoin, minimizing telemetry, and address-reuse protections.

Platforms & UX

Mobile/desktop parity, Bluetooth/USB-C, QR signing, and recovery UX clarity.

Backup & recovery

BIP-39, passphrase, Shamir/multisig, metal backups, and recovery workflows.

Price & value

Device cost vs. features, warranty, and software maintenance cadence.

Customer support

Response times, documentation quality, and recovery/returns process.

Wallet comparison checklist
  • Match security level to portfolio size and risk.
  • Confirm your chains/tokens and dApps are supported.
  • Test a full backup/restore before moving large funds.
  • Prefer audited, actively maintained software.
  • Use hardware signing for DeFi when possible.
  • Review privacy controls and data collection.

Chains & compatibility

EVM & beyond

Most wallets handle Ethereum/EVM chains well. If you also use Bitcoin, Solana, or Cosmos, verify native support—not just via a third-party plugin.

Look for smooth chain switching and clear network fee prompts.

Integrations & signing

Check WalletConnect, QR signing, and hardware pairing (Ledger/Trezor) for DeFi, NFTs, and L2 bridges. Safer flows reduce signing mistakes.

Prefer wallets that show human-readable transaction previews.

Frequently asked questions

Hot wallets stay connected to the internet (convenient, higher risk). Cold wallets keep keys offline on a hardware device (less convenient, much safer for savings).

If you hold meaningful amounts or plan to stack, yes. Use a hardware wallet for storage and a hot wallet for spending/dApps.

Your funds are recoverable with the seed phrase. Keep it offline, consider metal backups, and add passphrase/Shamir for extra protection.

Methodology

Cryptoplater rates wallets on security architecture, chain & token support, dApp integrations, privacy controls, UX, and support & maintenance cadence. Editorial and data teams are firewalled from commercial partnerships.

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