Best Crypto Wallets

Looking to jump straight to the best crypto wallets? Ledger provides some of the best hardware and software crypto wallets respectively. 

The crypto industry has rebounded strongly in 2023, with a notable increase in prices and market capitalization exceeding $1 trillion. This has sparked optimism among many investors who foresee a promising future for cryptocurrency. The industry's potential to serve as a hedge against inflation and the growing utility of various crypto projects have contributed to this positive sentiment.

Best Crypto Wallets: Hardware vs. Software

A crypto wallet is like a key to a locked door. It unlocks the door to the world of blockchain networks, allowing you to send and receive your digital assets. However, unlike traditional wallets that store physical money, a cryptocurrency wallet only holds the keys to your assets. Instead, your coins exist on the blockchain as pieces of data, and the wallet serves as a means to access them.

Crypto wallets fall into two categories: software wallets and hardware wallets. Which is the best kind of crypto wallet? While both serve the same purpose, they differ in terms of where they are stored. Software wallets refer to wallets that are stored on the internet. They are easy and convenient since they can be accessed through a variety of mediums such as an app, web browser or desktop – all that is needed is an internet connection. 

On the other hand, hardware wallets are physical wallets that store a user’s private keys offline. While they are not as easy to access as software wallets, they are more secure since they are not connected to the internet and are therefore less vulnerable to hacking. Hardware wallets are widely considered to be the gold standard for storing crypto among investors. However, hardware wallets aren’t always the best crypto wallets for everyone because they can be clunky to use.

Best Hardware and Cold Storage Crypto Wallets

If you are serious about protecting your crypto assets, a hardware wallet is a must-have. These types of wallets provide an extra layer of security from phishing sites, malware and cyber-attacks. Here are some of the best and most trusted hardware wallets that you can buy now.

Tangem

Tangem Wallet is one of the most innovative new hardware wallets available on the market right now. It offers incredible security with unmatched ease of use in the hardware wallet market. Tangem Wallet is a unique combination of software wallet tech and NFC smartcards (the tech that enables "Tap to Pay"). This combo allows Tangem to have the ease of use of a software wallet with the security of a hardware wallet.

Tangem uses NFC smartcards to securely store your wallet's private key offline while allowing for easy access. Simply tap the smartcard on your phone to use your wallet. With packs of 2 or 3, you'll always have a backup card in case of loss. Tangem Wallet supports thousands of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano, and is also compatible with Wallet Connect for seamless connection to DeFi and other crypto sites.

Ledger

Trusted by millions of users worldwide, the Ledger Nano X, Stax and Nano S Plus offer unbeatable protection for your digital assets. With an ability to store 1,000+ different tokens (including all ERC-20 and BEP-20 tokens), a reputation for excellent user experience and ease of use, Ledger is a clear choice for all types of investors. However, for more savvy investors, Ledger’s Stax wallet may be the best option –  boasting the world's first curved E Ink touchscreen that can be used to manage day-to-day transactions in comfort.

Ledger is a market leader in security for crypto wallets, undergoing audits from the French National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (ANSSI) and using tamper-resistant Common Criteria (CC) EAL5+ certified Secure Element (SE) chips on all nanodevices. Although it's not open-source like some competitors, its consistent track record of security and trust make it a reliable choice for those prioritizing security.

ELLIPAL Wallet

Ellipal wallet is a revolutionary hardware wallet that operates using air-gapped cold storage, meaning it is entirely disconnected from the internet and all other wireless communication channels, making it almost impervious to hacking attempts. The device uses QR codes to facilitate data transmission, eliminating the need for wireless connections like USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.

Moreover, if anyone tries to hack your wallet, the private keys will be automatically erased, leaving your assets safe and sound. In addition to its impressive security features, ELLIPAL wallet, like Ledger, supports over 1,000+ different tokens from over 41 different blockchains. This makes it a great choice for advanced investors that require storage for a diverse range of cryptocurrencies.

Trezor

Satoshi Labs, a pioneering and esteemed hardware wallet provider, has established the benchmark for safe, user-friendly, and trustworthy crypto storage. Their renowned Trezor brand, one of the earliest entrants to the market, offers top-notch security and dependability. The latest product in their lineup, the Trezor Model T, stands out from competitors such as ELLIPAL Wallet with its stylish touchscreen interface. Nevertheless, the wallet maintains advanced security features, as expected from a hardware wallet leader.

Trezor Model T supports 1,000+ different cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Dogecoin and Ethereum. However, despite the wallet’s wide range of supported crypto, it is important to note that there are no native NFT or staking features. As a result, as a user looking for further Web3 access such as decentralized application (dApp) connection and NFT staking, you may prefer a device from competitor Ledger. 

Trezor’s intuitive touchscreen interface and high-end security still make it a phenomenal choice for the majority of crypto investors.

Best Software & Hot Storage Crypto Wallets

While hardware wallets offer superior security, software wallets are a cost-effective and convenient alternative for those who may not want to carry around a physical wallet. The following list will explore the best software wallets available right now, covering their security measures, features and user-friendliness.

Bitget Wallet

Crypto users are often looking for a way to cohabitate their decentralized finances, trades and wallets. This is why BitGet Wallet is such a revelation for crypto traders as it provides you with both a wallet and an exchange where you can manage most or all of your crypto portfolio. Secure, reliable and user-friendly, you can transfer, buy or sell over 250,000 tokens and make use of more than 20,000 dApps that span across 90 mainnets. With BitGet Wallet, you get incredible multilingual customer service, untold utility, cold and hot segregation along with the best of what Web3 has to offer.

CoinStats

CoinStats is a leading portfolio tracker platform that also offers one of the best crypto wallets for decentralized finance (DeFi). The CoinStats Wallet is everything you need in a software wallet. It lets you easily store crypto across all kinds of blockchains and lets you swap cryptos directly through the app on Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain (BSC) and Polygon.

The CoinStats Wallet combines an impressive range of features like the swap tool and DeFi functionality with great security. You are always in control of your wallet's private keys and can swap and send funds from your wallet securely. You can also buy crypto with a bank card, so you never need to store your crypto on potentially risky exchanges. After the FTX crisis, this benefit is more important than ever.

Zengo

If security is your top concern, Zengo may be the best option for you. Using advanced MPC technology, Zengo eliminates the need for a private key and instead offers three-factor authentication (3FA) for ultimate security. You can rest easy knowing that your digital assets are safe from phishing, key hacking and any other vulnerabilities that traditional crypto wallets suffer from. 

As the only self-custodial wallet without private key vulnerability, Zengo aims to make top-notch wallet security more accessible to the mainstream. It has removed technical barriers to entry without compromising security. Zengo wallets are always recoverable and offer unprecedented levels of safety.

At the time of writing, Zengo has an average 4.8/5 rating on he App Store and Google Play, which reflects the overwhelmingly positive experience of users across the globe. Overall, Zengo is a versatile and easy-to-use option for keeping your investments safe and secure in the Web3 world.

Crypto.com

Crypto.com is a leading centralized cryptocurrency exchange that offers a non-custodial wallet. A non-custodial wallet is a type of cryptocurrency wallet where the user has complete control over their private keys. The exchange is not responsible for security user funds, as they are not stored on a central server. Non-custodial exchange wallets are crucial as they protect users from counterparty risks such as exchange hacks and asset mismanagement – as exemplified by the FTX scandal. 

Crypto.com’s DeFi wallet provides access to a wide range of DeFi services in one place and allows users to easily manage 100+ cryptocurrencies. Crypto.com’s non-custodial wallet is a great choice for beginner investors that want to leverage the Crypto.com platform and who value convenience and ease of use. 

Trade Nation

Yes, Trade Nation allows you to invest in a range of assets like CFDs and forex, but you can also buy into the crypto market. You may invest in crypto CFDs, or you can build your crypto portfolio and store your assets with Trade Nation while expanding all the other aspects of your portfolio and saving time, money and the mental exhaustion that comes with opening several accounts at once.

How to Find the Best Crypto Wallet For You

With so many options available, it can be difficult to find the best crypto wallet for you. However, the good news is that there are only two important factors to consider: security and wallet utility. While no wallet alone can perfectly cover both bases, it is possible to choose a wallet that balances your security and utility needs. 

Security

The most important factor to consider when choosing a cryptocurrency wallet is security. However, the best software and hardware wallets all have great security features, so you will likely have to get more specific.

If you want to opt for the upper echelon on security, then a hardware wallet like ELLIPAL or Ledger is an easy choice. The choice is even more clear for investors with a long-term vision, as the need to easily access your crypto assets on a day-to-day or month-to-month is further reduced,

However, such wallets may not be practical for all investors, particularly those who have short-term needs such as actively connecting to dApps. In this case, picking a secure software wallet is essential. 

• 2FA: 2FA is an essential component of a secure software wallet. It refers to a security process in which a user provides two ways to verify their identity when logging into their crypto wallet. 2FA acts as an additional layer of security in the case that a hacker manages to crack your password. Although 2FA is not invulnerable to hacking, it makes it extremely difficult for them to gain access to your wallet.

• Multi-signature support: Another leading security feature is multi-signature support, also known as multisig. Multisig is a security feature that enables a group of people to control access to a crypto wallet or other secure account. Oftentimes, the wallet cannot be accessed until all keys are obtained. This method prevents any one person from mismanaging the funds in an unauthorized way. 

What Utility to Look for in the Best Crypto Wallets

Wallet utility refers to the functionality and usefulness of a cryptocurrency wallet. A wallet with high utility will offer unprecedented levels of versatility to a wider range of users. Alternatively, a wallet with limited utility will be less appealing and may not be able to meet the needs of as many users. Here are a few important use cases of crypto wallets.

• Exchange integration: Many crypto wallets such as Crypto.com’s non-custodial wallet or the Coinbase wallet allow users to take advantage of an exchange and a wallet simultaneously. This benefit makes it a highly convenient way for users to store their funds in addition to having almost instantaneous access to trading platforms and liquidity. Despite the convenience, it is not recommended to store large sums of money with exchange wallets.

• DeFi wallets: Some wallets are integrated with more dApps such as Uniswap than other wallets. For example, MetaMask, a leading browser-based wallet can be connected to a vast range of dApps across multiple different blockchains – allowing users to leverage a diverse set of decentralized solutions and applications.

• Supported cryptocurrencies: Unfortunately, the majority of the major blockchains are siloed – meaning that investors are often interacting with a wide range of different cryptocurrencies across different blockchains. Maintaining a separate wallet for each type of blockchain can be confusing. As a result, wallets such as Exodus or Ledger that support a wide range of blockchains can be quite useful for investors.

Get the Best Crypto Wallet for You

Crypto wallets are a must-have for any serious crypto investor. While software wallets are more accessible, hardware wallets are the way to go for maximum security, as they keep private keys offline. The market offers several reliable hardware wallets, including Ledger, Trezor and ELLIPAL, each with its own set of unique advantages and features.

In the world of cryptocurrency, your wallet is your fortress. It is crucial to choose a wallet that fits your specific needs and preferences to protect your digital assets from any potential security breaches. Don't let ignorance or recklessness be the Achilles heel of your crypto investments. Take the time to research and choose the right wallet for you, and safeguard your financial future in the ever-evolving world of crypto.

Frequently Asked Questions