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Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin have been around for more than a decade, but in the past few years they’ve moved beyond a niche investment to the mainstream. Companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, Whole Foods, Paypal, and countless others now accept bitcoin and other virtual assets as forms of payment.
Fees
0% stocks and ETFs; Crypto: 1% or 2% markup; Alternative assets: 2.5% per transaction; Public Premium: $10/month
Investment Types
Stocks, ETFs, alternative assets, and cryptocurrencies
Fees
0% stocks and ETFs; Crypto: 1% or 2% markup; Alternative assets: 2.5% per transaction; Public Premium: $10/month
Investment Types
Stocks, ETFs, alternative assets, and cryptocurrencies
Public
Details
Fees
0% stocks and ETFs; Crypto: 1% or 2% markup; Alternative assets: 2.5% per transaction; Public Premium: $10/month
The Best Bitcoin Wallets of 2023
If you’re looking to invest in bitcoin or another cryptocurrency like ethereum or litecoin, you’ll need to pick an exchange (e.g., Coinbase or Kraken) that offers such assets, as well as a “wallet” to store and secure your private key code for accessing your assets. But crypto exchanges aren’t your only option; some investment apps let you buy crypto (SoFi Invest, Webull, and Robinhood all let you trade cryptocurrencies).
We’ve compiled some of the best bitcoin wallets for storing your private key code below.
The Best Bitcoin Wallets
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None (Exodus receives 2-5% spread on asset exchanges)
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None (Exodus receives 2-5% spread on asset exchanges)
Exodus crypto wallet
Details
Fees
None (Exodus receives 2-5% spread on asset exchanges)
Account Types
Cold wallet
Account Types
Cold wallet
On Shift Crypto’s website
Shift Crypto wallet
Details
Account Types
Cold wallet
Electrum crypto wallet
Account Types
Cold wallet
Account Types
Cold wallet
OPOLO crypto wallet
Details
Account Types
Cold wallet
Mycelium crypto wallet
Cobo crypto wallet
Wasabi crypto wallet
Fees
$129.97 one-time fee for Coldcard wallet
Account Types
Cold wallet
Fees
$129.97 one-time fee for Coldcard wallet
Account Types
Cold wallet
CoinKite crypto wallet
Details
Fees
$129.97 one-time fee for Coldcard wallet
Account Types
Cold wallet
Methodology: How We Determined the Winners
We reviewed more than a dozen crypto wallets to find the best options for low fees, safe (and secure) storage, cryptocurrency asset choices, and user interfaces.
We also considered a number of other factors, including cstomer support access, bitcoin features, wallet custody, educational resources, and wallet compatibility. Some crypto wallets are compatible with other storage platforms. For instance, Mycelium currently supports Trezor, Ledger, and KeepKey hardware wallets.
See our full rating methodology for investment platforms »
The Best Bitcoin Wallets of March 2023
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Best Bitcoin Wallets Frequently Asked Questions
Bitcoin and crypto wallets are essentially online — and sometimes offline — storage platforms that provide encryption for your private key and give you custody over your cryptocurrency assets. When you first purchase crypto, you receive both a public key and a private key.
Typically available as a set of numbers, you can think of public keys as publicly available email addresses that are used to verify your identity when you exchange crypto assets. However, private keys are secret codes that give you access to your cryptocurrencies. These codes hold the key to your money, which is why traders turn to wallets for safe storage.
But it’s important to remember the difference between cold wallets and hot wallets. Cold wallets are crypto platforms that offer offline storage, and hot wallets are platforms that provide online storage.
This depends on how much security you’re looking for. Crypto wallets were created to protect your private key and crypto assets against security breaches. While most wallets give you complete custody over your assets, not all cryptocurrency exchanges and investment platforms do (and custody doesn’t always guarantee complete security).
And some platforms may have limits when it comes to transferring existing crypto balances. If you’re planning to use an exchange’s built-in wallet, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with its storage and/or crypto transfer capabilities.
If you’re looking for external storage for your assets, cold wallets (offline storage chips) are probably the best option for you. Hot wallets could be a better fit if you prefer online software storage.
If you’re interested in securing your cryptocurrencies with a bitcoin wallet, you’ll first need to create an account with your desired platform. Most non-custodial wallets (wallets that you hold complete custody over) offer downloadable software that you can use to secure your private key and crypto assets.
However, if you’re using a hardware wallet, you’ll likely need a USB cable to connect to your platform’s external storage chip. Once you’ve created your account, connected the necessary devices or downloaded any required software, you’ll be able to transfer over any existing crypto assets.
You don’t necessarily have to set up your own bitcoin wallet to store your assets. Some crypto exchanges — like Coinbase and CEX.IO — offer their own wallets to users. The difference between these platforms, though, and the bitcoin wallets mentioned above, is mainly one of security and custody.
If you’d prefer to have complete custody or control over your money, you’ll probably need a non-custodial bitcoin wallet. Unlike most crypto exchanges, these stand-alone wallets give you absolute control and security over your crypto assets. With the crypto exchange wallet, the exchange itself would still have some level of control over your assets.
Best Crypto Wallet Overall
Exodus crypto wallet
Why it stands out: Exodus offers cryptocurrency exchange services for desktop, mobile, and hardware crypto wallets. Exodus’ account features also include a multichain web3 wallet, live charts and portfolio data, 24/7 customer support, a built-in exchange, and more than 245 cryptocurrency assets.
You can also buy commission-free cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, solana, and others with USD, EUR, and GBP. Plus, you can also manage your assets using both Exodus and Trezor, another popular bitcoin wallet. You don’t need to use multiple wallets, but some users might prefer having multiple wallets as an additional security measure for their assets.
Exodus and Trezor’s partnership caters to those who prefer hardware security since you’d be able to securely manage your assets offline while simultaneously using the Exodus platform. Exodus typically receives 2-5% on each asset exchange, but the firm generally doesn’t charge you any fees to use its software.
What to look out for: Exodus mainly caters to hot wallet (software) users. It may not be suitable for the hardware-minded traders, unless you plan to use a Trezor device with the app.
Best Crypto Wallet for Beginners
Shift Crypto wallet
Why it stands out: With Shift Crypto‘s BitBox02 hardware wallet, you can store your crypto private key and manage any assets offline through an external chip. The first version of the BitBox02 wallet supports bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin, and more than 1,500 other cryptocurrencies.
But Shift Crypto also provides a bitcoin-only edition. This version could be a great fit for you if you’re only looking to store bitcoin. It relies on bitcoin-only firmware and offers compatibility with the BitBoxApp, Electrum, Specter, Sparrow, and Wasabi.
The BitBoxApp also gives you desktop access. Shift Crypto stopped selling its other product — BitBox01 — in 2019.
What to look out for: If you’re a fan of mobile access, you’ll only be able to use Shift Crypto on Android devices.
Best Crypto Wallet for Advanced Users
Electrum crypto wallet
Why it stands out: Launched just two years after bitcoin was created, Electrum specializes in private key encryption and two-factor authentication. Like Exodus, Electrum is a hot wallet that gives you online encryption for your crypto information.
Electrum verifies that all of your bitcoin transactions are in the bitcoin blockchain, and its Multisig feature allows you to spend bitcoin between multiple wallets. Electrum also supports other wallets, including Ledger, Trezor, and Keepkey.
In addition, Electrum says it offers several interfaces that you can use on mobile, desktop, or with its command line interface. However, with its cold storage offering, you can sign transactions from an offline computer, according to its website.
What to look out for: Electrum doesn’t offer traditional phone customer support. However, the company provides helpful information in its documentation and FAQ sections, it offers a Reddit support page, and it allows you to ask questions on bitcointalk.org. Another thing to note is that, while Electrum supports other wallets, it only allows for bitcoin transactions. This may be a downside for those interested in exploring other cryptocurrencies.
Best Crypto Wallet for Advanced Users
OPOLO crypto wallet
Why it stands out: Based in Luxembourg, OPOLO provides its own free and encrypted hardware wallets that utilize EAL 6+ rated secure chips (EAL certifications are security certifications used for hardware wallets). This means you’ll be able to store any crypto assets offline. OPOLO also says it offers genuine device check, USB encryption, anti-theft protection, PCB encapsulation, randomized keyboard access, and virus-free usage.
You can set up bitcoin wallets, ethereum wallets, or take advantage of more than 120 other coins. As for tokens (these are also virtual assets, but unlike coins, they’re formed through blockchains that have already been created), OPOLO currently offers more than 280,260. And thanks to the company’s security measures, its bitcoin hardware wallet allows you to backup and recover any assets.
OPOLO’s mobile app is only available on Android devices, but the wallet is also available on Mac, Windows, and Linux for users with desktops or laptops.
What to look out for: Keep in mind that the OPOLO mobile app is best for Android users. If you don’t have an Android phone, you can still download the OPOLO hardwallet on your desktop or laptop. With Android app, however, you’ll be able to exchange cryptocurrencies from your phone.
Best Crypto Wallet for Mobile Users
Mycelium crypto wallet
Why it stands out: Formed in 2008, Mycelium is another popular bitcoin wallet that offers a wide range of storage services. Among these are advanced cold storage, spending and savings accounts for bitcoin investors, and inter-wallet operability. The Foundation for Interwallet Operability (FIO) created inter-wallet operability to make it easier for crypto holders to send or receive coins across different blockchains or wallets).
In addition, you can download Mycelium for free, and the company’s wallets allow for open-source, incognito use. Mycelium’s wallets are also reproducible, and the platform is compatible with Trezor, Ledger, and KeepKey hardware wallets.
Though Mycelium is mainly a bitcoin-focused wallet, it also supports ethereum and other ERC-20 tokens. Additional features include in-app exchange, trading, and educational resources.
What to look out for: Mycelium’s customer support is primarily available through email.
Best Crypto Wallet for Digital Storage
Cobo crypto wallet
Why it stands out: Though it formerly offered hardware wallets through Cobo Vault, Cobo transitioned to provide a digital Cloud wallet for its users. The app offers support for more than 60 coins and more than 1,600 tokens, and both iOS and Android users can take advantage of these perks.
Cobo also offers features like multi-factor authentication, hot-cold storage, and multi-signature storage for private keys. And institutions can utilize its Cobo Custody crypto services.
What to look out for: Cobo isn’t the best choice if you’re solely in search of hardware crypto storage.
Best Crypto Wallet for Software Storage
Wasabi crypto wallet
Why it stands out: Available on Mac, Windows, Ubuntu, and Linux desktop devices, Wasabi is a free hot wallet that offers open-source, non-custodial storage for bitcoin investors. Wasabi also offers trustless CoinJoin transactions that allow you to merge your coins with other users in one transaction to prevent third-parties or hackers from tracing where each coin came from, according to its website.
This feature doesn’t compromise you coins’ security, though. Neither you nor the other users will be able to trace where each coin came from. Wasabi says this eliminates the risk of stolen funds because — unlike regular transactions where there’s one sender and one receiver — it’s more difficult for outside parties to trace.
What to look out for: Wasabi is available on multiple desktop devices, but you won’t be able to access it on iOS or Android mobile phones.
Best Crypto Wallet for Bitcoin-Only Investors
CoinKite crypto wallet
Why it stands out: CoinKite makes several crypto hardware wallets that offer external security for crypto investors, but its bitcoin-only coldcard wallet could be particularly suitable for bitcoin-focused traders. It signs your crypto transactions to keep your private key offline.
The wallet — which is available as a specialized chip and numeric keypad — is also compatible with the following crypto wallets: Bitcoin Core, Electrum, BTCPay, Specter-Desktop, Wasabi, Fully Noded, Unchained Capital, Casa, BlueWallet, Coldcore, Sparrow, and more.
CoinKite‘s other offerings include Opendime, BlockClock Mini, Seedplate, Coldpower, Coinkite terminal, and Bitcoin server (you can find its complete list of products here).
What to look out for: Keep in mind that the coldcard wallet is an external, offline crypto storage device. If you’re looking for online storage, you’ll need to consider other options.
Other Bitcoin and Crypto Wallets We Considered
- Ledger: Ledger is a popular hardware wallet that launched in 2014. The company offers two different types of Ledger wallets — Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X — and a software, Ledger Live, that lets you set up any devices, trade and manage crypto, and access all of Ledger’s services in one place. But be prepared to pay a fee for each hardware chip.
- Metamask: Metamask is available both on mobile devices and as a browser extension. The company offers private key storage, a secure login, a token wallet, and a token exchange that allows you to buy, send, or swap tokens. However, Metamask mainly supports ethereum (ETH) and ERC tokens; you can add bitcoin to the wallet if you swap it with an ERC 20 token.
- Trezor: Trezor is considered a cold wallet since it primarily offers offline storage through an external USB-like device. As with Ledger, Trezor offers two storage options: Trezor One and Trezor Model T. Both options offer bitcoin-only firmware and well over 1,000 cryptocurrencies. However, some of Trezor’s advanced products can be pricey.
- Guarda: Available on desktop and mobile devices, Guarda is a non-custodial (meaning you, and only you, retain complete ownership over your private key and crypto assets) crypto wallet that gives users access to several competitive features. These include instant crypto exchanges on more than 50 coins, staking with up to 40% annual yield, and ether staking rewards up to 4.85%. If you plan to exchange assets, though, be prepared for small service fees.
- Trust Wallet: Unlike the other wallets mentioned above, Trust is solely for mobile storage. If you’ve got a smartphone, you can download the wallet on iOS or Android devices. While Trust lets you store, purchase and exchange crypto, it also allows you to earn up to 11% APR through crypto staking. But the wallet may not be the best choice for desktop-minded users.
- Blockchain: Blockchain is a hot wallet that offers online encryption and gives you complete custody over your crypto assets. The wallet also provides a Blockchain data API, crypto data charts, interest-bearing accounts, and real-time crypto prices. You can hold or exchange bitcoin, ethereum, and others, but the company’s total number of tradeable assets is limited.
- Edge: Edge allows client-side encryption, meaning your data and information are completely encrypted on your end, and Edge doesn’t have access to any of it, according to its website. Along with the fact that it lets you buy, store, or trade bitcoin, ethereum, and other coins, Edge says it relies on a zero-knowledge security architecture. The company doesn’t ask for your email, phone number, or other personal info when creating an account. Similar to Trust, Edge is primarily for mobile users.
