Benzinga found that Gemini, ZenGo, Ledger, Trezor and Coinbase are some of the best crypto wallets to securely store your digital assets.
A wallet determines how safely and easily you can access digital assets. Evaluate security (self-custody vs. custodial, hardware vs. software), usability (mobile/desktop, dApp access), and supported assets. The right choice balances security with everyday convenience.
This guide compares leading software (hot) and hardware (cold) options to help you choose.
Quick Look at the Best Crypto Wallets of November 2024:
- Best for New Investors: Gemini
- Best for Web3 Security: ZenGo
- Best for Crypto Futures Traders: Kraken
- Best Cold Wallet: Ledger Hardware Wallet
- Best for Touchscreen Interface: Trezor Safe 5
- Best for Beginners: Coinbase Wallet
- Best for Mobile: Trust Wallet
- Best for Ethereum: Metamask
- Best for Desktop: Exodus
- Best for Security: Electrum
Top 11 Best Bitcoin and Crypto Wallets
1. Best for New Investors: Gemini
What it is: Exchange + wallet with a clean UI, strong compliance posture, and straightforward onboarding. Offers trading, basic earn features, and a broader product set under one roof.
Why We Picked It: Reliable, regulated on-ramp with an easy learning curve and simple storage options for first-time users.
2. Best Overall: ZenGo
What it is: Keyless, MPC-based non-custodial wallet that eliminates single private-key risk and reduces common phishing pitfalls. Broad asset support and Web3 access.
Why We Picked It: MPC architecture meaningfully lowers user-key risk while keeping Web3 access practical.
3. Best for Crypto Futures Traders: Kraken
What it is: Wallet tied into the Kraken ecosystem, making transfers to/from the exchange fast. Strong security practices and responsive support; compatible with staking/earn features where available.
Why We Picked It: Frictionless movement between wallet and exchange services which can be useful for active traders who value speed and support.
4. Best Cold Wallet: Ledger Hardware Wallet
- Best For:ERC-20 tokensVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Ledger Hardware Wallet's website
What it is: Hardware devices for offline key storage with Ledger Live for portfolio management, coin support, and DeFi connectivity. Bluetooth available on select models.
Why We Picked It: Industry-standard cold storage plus a polished companion app for day-to-day management.
5. Best for Touchscreen Interface: Trezor Safe 5
What it is: Open-source hardware wallet with a color touchscreen, haptics, and robust backup options; wide coin support and a BTC-only variant.
Why We Picked It: Strong security model with a user-friendly interface and transparent, auditable software.
6. Best for Beginners: Coinbase Wallet
What it is: Non-custodial wallet for thousands of ERC-20s and NFTs, with simple buy/swap and dApp connectivity. Integrates with hardware for added security.
Why We Picked It: Familiar UX for exchange users moving to self-custody, without sacrificing basic Web3 functionality.
7. Best for Mobile: Trust Wallet
What it is: Non-custodial mobile wallet supporting 100+ blockchains, dApps, and NFTs, with an in-app Web3 browser for on-the-go usage.
Why We Picked It: Broad chain coverage and straightforward mobile execution make it a practical everyday driver.
8. Best for Ethereum: Metamask
What it is: The standard Web3 wallet for Ethereum and EVM chains (plus configurable networks), available on mobile and as a browser extension; integrates with major NFT marketplaces.
Why We Picked It: De facto gateway to dApps and L2s with a familiar, extensible interface.=
9. Best for Desktop: Exodus
- Best For:Staking Crypto + Earning RewardsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Exodus Wallet's website
What it is: Desktop-first hot wallet with a polished UI, frequent updates, Trezor integration, staking on select assets, and in-app purchase/swap options.
Why We Picked It: Smooth desktop experience with broad asset support and optional hardware pairing for added security.
10. Best for Security: Electrum
What it is: Lightweight, open-source BTC wallet with advanced features (2FA, multi-sig, fee control, hardware support).
Why We Picked It: Longstanding security reputation and granular control for Bitcoin power users.
What Is a Crypto Wallet?
A crypto wallet stores and protects the keys that control your assets on-chain. It doesn’t hold coins, rather, it safeguards your public/private keys and signs transactions.
How Do Crypto Wallets Work?
You initiate a transaction; the wallet signs it with your private key and broadcasts it to the network. The chain validates and records it. Security revolves around keeping that private key (or MPC shares) protected.
Types of Crypto Wallets
Here are the two major types of cryptocurrency wallets:
- Software (Hot) Wallets: Connected to the internet; convenient but higher attack surface. Custodial versions hold your keys; non-custodial give you full control.
- Hardware (Cold) Wallets: Offline key storage; best for long-term security and larger balances.
Rule of thumb: “Not your keys, not your coins.” Self-custody improves control but demands discipline with backups and device hygiene.
Cold vs. Hot Wallets
- Cold: Offline signing; keys never leave the device; strong protection for long-term holds.
- Hot: Always online; faster for daily transactions; secure enough for smaller balances if you follow best practices.
How to Choose a Cryptocurrency Wallet
Prioritize the security model, self-custody vs. custodial control, supported assets, UX, hardware compatibility, backups/recovery, provider transparency, and total costs (including network fees).
How to Set Up a Wallet
- Pick a reputable provider.
- Install from official sources.
- Secure with passcode/biometrics; note recovery phrase (or MPC recovery).
- Fund via transfer or on-ramp.
- Store backups safely; consider hardware pairing for larger balances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most trusted crypto wallet?
The Electrum wallet is the best for security. However, depending on your priorities, you can pick any other cryptocurrency wallet.
Should you put your crypto in a wallet?
For long-term storage, storing your vast amount of crypto in a personal wallet rather than an online wallet is always best.
Is Ledger safer than Coinbase?
According to BitDegree, Coinbase is safer than Ledger.
Which crypto wallet has the lowest fees?
Determining the lowest fees for crypto wallets can vary by transactions and cryptocurrencies. Exodus and Trust Wallet are noted for their minimal fees, with Exodus allowing users to control transaction fees and Trust Wallet not charging fees for sending or receiving but still requiring network fees. It’s important to compare wallet fee structures based on individual needs, as costs may change with market conditions and transaction sizes.
About Ishan Jain
Ishan Jain is a technical enthusiast with a knack for financial analytics and trading. Ishan primarily works on AI algorithms, business development, and software engineering for his ventures and side projects, and he produces Web3 content for Benzinga. Ishan has been involved in DeFi in a variety of ways, including heading a project at a crypto asset investment firm along with leading a blockchain security research project.
