Blockchain technology has made digital currency transactions increasingly accessible. However, as the number of crypto traders has gone up, so have the rates of theft and fraud related to cryptocurrencies. That’s why it’s important to understand how crypto works, how it’s stored and what to look for in a crypto wallet — whether it’s digital or physical.
What to know about crypto wallets
- Crypto wallets are necessary to hold cryptocurrencies. They come in two versions: hot, which is available as software or web-based apps, and cold, most of which are physical devices.
- The best hot wallets are highly secure and easy to use on desktop and mobile devices, whereas the best cold wallets should be of a convenient size and competitively priced.
- Traders who are serious about crypto should opt for a non-custodial crypto wallet, which means you will have direct access to your crypto — and unfettered ownership thereof.
- Many crypto wallets allow you to swap assets within their app or device by connecting to a crypto exchange.
Some people searching for crypto wallets are actually looking for a crypto exchange. If you’re more interested in learning where to buy and sell cryptocurrency without a crypto wallet — as well as the difference between centralized and decentralized exchanges — read our piece on the Best Crypto Exchanges.
How we chose our top picks
Our team of writers and editors has spent years researching crypto wallets. After reaching out to experts and gathering information from authoritative sources, we identified over 30 key data points for evaluating crypto wallets, including security ratings and audits, Web3 compatibility, crypto staking options and supported coins.
Our top picks for the best crypto wallets
- Exodus – Best Crypto Wallet Overall
- Zengo – Best Crypto Wallet for Beginners
- Sparrow – Best Crypto Wallet for Bitcoin
- BlueWallet – Best Mobile Bitcoin Wallet
- Trust Wallet – Best Mobile Crypto Wallet
- MetaMask – Best Web3 Wallet
- Trezor Model One – Best Entry-Level Hardware Wallet
- Ledger Nano Flex – Best High-End Hardware Wallet
1. Exodus – Best Crypto Wallet Overall
Type: Hot Wallet (Desktop & Mobile)
Supported Coins: 260+ cryptocurrencies
Best For: Multi-asset traders, intermediate users
Key Features:
- Sleek, intuitive user interface for both beginners and experienced users
- Built-in exchange for instant asset swaps (powered by third-party APIs)
- Supports staking for assets like ADA, SOL, and ATOM
- Works with Trezor hardware wallets for cold storage integration
- Real-time portfolio tracking and advanced charting tools
Why it stands out:
Exodus offers an excellent blend of user-friendliness, versatility, and security features, making it a top all-around pick. Its beautiful design and integration with cold wallets make it ideal for managing large or diverse portfolios.
2. Zengo – Best Crypto Wallet for Beginners
Type: Hot Wallet (Mobile)
Supported Coins: 120+ assets
Best For: New crypto users seeking secure and simple onboarding
Key Features:
- Keyless wallet using MPC (Multi-Party Computation) – no seed phrase needed
- Facial biometrics for account recovery
- In-app crypto purchases and swaps
- 24/7 human support
Why it stands out:
Zengo removes the complexity of managing private keys and seed phrases, which often intimidates newcomers. With its biometric recovery and beginner-friendly UX, Zengo is one of the safest ways for new users to enter the crypto space.
3. Sparrow – Best Crypto Wallet for Bitcoin
Type: Desktop Hot Wallet
Supported Coins: Bitcoin-only
Best For: Advanced Bitcoin users focused on privacy and customization
Key Features:
- Native support for CoinJoin, Tor, and hardware wallets
- Advanced control over UTXOs, change outputs, and transaction fees
- Multisig and watch-only wallet support
- Integrates with Electrum, Bitcoin Core, and Wasabi Wallet
Why it stands out:
Sparrow is designed with hardcore Bitcoin users in mind. It gives advanced users granular control over their transactions and privacy without relying on centralized services.
4. BlueWallet – Best Mobile Bitcoin Wallet
Type: Mobile Hot Wallet (iOS & Android)
Supported Coins: Bitcoin-only
Best For: On-the-go Bitcoin users
Key Features:
- Simple interface with strong privacy features
- Lightning Network support for faster and cheaper BTC transactions
- Allows for importing and exporting wallets via QR codes
- Compatible with Watch-only wallets and PSBT (Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions)
Why it stands out:
For mobile-first Bitcoin holders, BlueWallet combines speed, ease of use, and advanced functionality like Lightning and PSBT support — great for quick transfers or managing Bitcoin on the go.
5. Trust Wallet – Best Mobile Crypto Wallet
Type: Hot Wallet (Mobile)
Supported Coins: 4.5M+ assets across 60+ blockchains
Best For: Mobile users in the DeFi and NFT space
Key Features:
- Built-in Web3 browser for interacting with dApps
- Support for staking, NFTs, and token swapping
- Secure access with biometrics and passcode
- Backed by Binance, but remains non-custodial
Why it stands out:
Trust Wallet is perfect for users seeking an all-in-one mobile experience. It’s highly flexible, secure, and deeply integrated with DeFi ecosystems, NFTs, and staking opportunities.
6. MetaMask – Best Web3 Wallet
Type: Hot Wallet (Browser Extension & Mobile)
Supported Coins: Ethereum and EVM-compatible tokens
Best For: DeFi users, NFT collectors, and dApp explorers
Key Features:
- Deep Web3 integration and dApp connectivity
- Custom RPC support for adding multiple chains like BSC, Polygon, Arbitrum
- ETH and ERC-20 token support with in-wallet swaps
- Optional hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor) integration
Why it stands out:
MetaMask is the gateway to the Ethereum and Web3 ecosystem. It’s ideal for power users who engage with DeFi, NFTs, and token swaps — especially across multiple EVM-compatible networks.
7. Trezor Model One – Best Entry-Level Hardware Wallet
Type: Cold Wallet (Hardware)
Supported Coins: 1,400+ cryptocurrencies
Best For: Beginners transitioning to cold storage
Key Features:
- Open-source firmware with regular security updates
- Pin and passphrase protection
- Desktop app: Trezor Suite for portfolio management and swaps
- Cheaper than many hardware wallet alternatives
Why it stands out:
Trezor Model One is affordable and secure, making it a great starting point for users moving away from hot wallets. It supports all major coins, but doesn’t handle some newer tokens (like ADA or XRP — for that, Trezor Model T is recommended).
8. Ledger Nano Flex – Best High-End Hardware Wallet
(Note: This may refer to a placeholder for Ledger Nano X or a new model — we’ll assume it’s similar to Nano X with added flexibility.)
Type: Cold Wallet (Hardware)
Supported Coins: 5,500+ assets
Best For: Serious crypto holders with large, diverse portfolios
Key Features:
- Bluetooth connectivity for mobile management
- Secure Element chip (CC EAL5+) for enterprise-grade security
- Ledger Live app with staking, DeFi access, and NFT support
- Supports all major tokens across multiple blockchains
Why it stands out:
Ledger Nano Flex (or Nano X) is an elite-tier hardware wallet with strong security and wide token compatibility. It’s great for investors managing multiple coins or interacting with DeFi protocols while keeping assets offline.
Summary Table: Quick Comparison
| Wallet | Type | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exodus | Hot (Desktop/Mobile) | All-around use | Built-in swaps, Trezor integration |
| Zengo | Hot (Mobile) | Beginners | Keyless security via biometrics |
| Sparrow | Hot (Desktop) | Advanced BTC users | Privacy, CoinJoin, Tor, UTXO control |
| BlueWallet | Hot (Mobile) | Bitcoin on-the-go | Lightning Network, simple UI |
| Trust Wallet | Hot (Mobile) | DeFi & NFT mobile users | Built-in Web3 browser |
| MetaMask | Hot (Browser/Mobile) | DeFi & EVM-chain users | dApp interaction, staking, swaps |
| Trezor Model One | Cold (Hardware) | Beginners to cold storage | Open-source firmware, affordable |
| Ledger Nano Flex | Cold (Hardware) | Advanced multi-asset holders | Bluetooth, wide support, secure chip |