If you want to invest in bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency, we recommend looking into a crypto wallet. As a secure place to store your proof of ownership, a cryptocurrency wallet can take the form of physical hardware or software installed on your computer, smartphone or in the cloud. Crypto wallets offer more control over your digital currency than most exchange services.

Well-known services like Robinhood, PayPal and Venmo allow you to buy bitcoin and other cryptocurrency quickly and with little technical know-how. Free list of real bitcoin address most of these online services, and their integrated cryptocurrency wallets, are "custodial," which means you're trusting the company to secure, protect and hold your cryptocurrency. Ultimately, they have control -- and your crypto is in their proverbial hands. 

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Unless you're making a daily crypto transaction or have only a modest amount of money involved, we recommend you not store your cryptocurrency in an exchange account. The best practice is to invest in a hardware wallet for offline storage. The next best choice is a "noncustodial" software wallet or wallet app, which give you more control over your digital assets. We'll look at both here in our quest to find the best crypto wallet.

In either case, greater independence comes with more responsibility: You'll have to keep track of your own private key -- the crypto equivalent of a super secure password. You'll also need to determine which free list of real bitcoin address a higher priority -- accessibility or security, free list of real bitcoin address. A hot wallet stores cryptocurrency online; best penny stocks to invest in canada cold wallet is disconnected from the internet, offering additional insulation from hackers, but also requiring a few additional steps every time you want to make a crypto transaction. Read on to find out which wallet is best for you.

Best bitcoin and crypto wallets

Coinbase Wallet

Best for beginners

James Martin/CNET

Coinbase, which went public in April, is the best known cryptocurrency exchange in the Free list of real bitcoin address. The company makes it easy to trade well-known cryptocurrencies from bitcoin to dogecoin, free list of real bitcoin address, and has its own Visa-backed debit card that integrates with Apple Pay and Google. 

If you're new to cryptocurrency, the Coinbase Wallet is a good place to start. It can be safe high return investments uk as an app for Android or iOS, the interface is intuitive and the wallet is fully integrated with the company's exchange, which makes it easy to conduct transactions -- including purchasing coins and tokens with traditional currency. 

Unlike the company's exchange, the Coinbase Wallet is noncustodial; that means that only you have access to your wallet's private key, which is generated with a word recovery phrase when you sign up. Note that there's a difference between storing your cryptocurrency on Coinbase's exchange, which is custodial, and the wallet, which is not. But the integration between them makes it fairly simple to transfer funds back and forth.

Trezor Model T

Best security features

Trezor via Amazon

Trezor's new user interface, Trezor Suite, just came out earlier this month, replacing the company's Wallet Web app. This analysis reflects our initial impression of a new product, therefore. But Trezor has been around for quite some time, established back in  as a subsidiary of Czech-based SatoshiLabs. 

The $ Model T is Trezor's second-generation hardware wallet, and it comes with many of the same features as the Ledger Nano X, detailed below. One major difference is that Trezor's software is completely open-source, which affords some additional protection -- theoretically, free list of real bitcoin address, at least: The code that powers the wallet is available for scrutiny, and, the thinking goes, sunlight is the best disinfectant. 

Trezor Suite is designed to run natively on your desktop, which generally provides greater security than a web-based app, though you can also access Trezor Suite through the company's website. Trezor wallets currently support more than 1, coins and tokens, free list of real bitcoin address, and you can make transactions directly in Trezor Suite with the company's integrated exchange. 

Shaped like an old-school stopwatch, the Model T comes with a touchscreen and a USB cable to connect to free list of real bitcoin address computer; it also features a microSD card if you want to add encrypted storage directly to your hardware wallet. It does not feature Bluetooth support, however -- an omission that some security advocates prefer, as Bluetooth connectivity could be an attack vector for hackers to exploit. 

Ledger Nano X

Good balance between accessibility and security

Ledger

The Nano X is Ledger's second-generation cold storage wallet. The integrated Ledger Live platform, which is easy to learn and use, supports more than 1, coins and tokens including bitcoin, ether and XRP. The wallet can be connected to your computer via a USB cable and Android and iOS mobile devices via Bluetooth -- a connection the Model T lacks. 

The device is sturdy and features a small LED screen. To start, free list of real bitcoin address, you'll set up a PIN, then a word seed phrase. The seed phrase acts as your wallet's private key. Just like other wallets, as long as you keep the private key safe, you won't lose your crypto assets -- even if you lose your wallet. 

It's important to note that Ledger suffered a data breach in Julywhich resulted in the theft of some customers' personal data -- but, significantly, not their crypto assets. No private keys to wallets were taken, but there were reports of customers receiving phishing emails and other scamming threats afterwards. That noted, Ledger has long been a trusted name in the crypto world, but the data breach is a good reminder to be careful online -- especially when it comes to dealing in crypto assets.

Exodus

Best for desktop users

Exodus

Exodus is a hot wallet, which means that your assets are stored online; but it's noncustodial, which means that only you have access to your private key -- a word password phrase that protects access to your crypto assets. 

The Exodus wallet is designed to run on Mac, Windows and Linux computers, though there's a companion app available for Android and iOS devices. The desktop user interface is slick and easy to learn. Your wallet is seamlessly integrated into the Exodus exchange, so it's easy to make transactions. 

Exodus supports more than types of cryptocurrency including bitcoin, ether, tether USD and dogecoin. But the exchange has some noteworthy limits: If you want to purchase crypto with US dollars and store it in the Exodus wallet, you'll need to first purchase the asset on a centralized crypto exchange, such as Coinbase, and then transfer the assets to Exodus. The app version allows purchases of bitcoin with US dollars. And once you have an asset in your wallet, it can be easily exchanged for free list of real bitcoin address supported assets. While the wallet itself is free to use, Exodus charges a fee for transactions made via its exchange.

Hot storage wallets are generally considered less secure than cold storage wallets, and some Exodus users may eventually want to upgrade to cold storage, free list of real bitcoin address. The good news: Exodus is fully compatible with Trezor's One and Model T hardware.

Mycelium

Best for mobile users

Mycelium

Mycelium has been around since the beginning of the crypto era, and the Mycelium wallet is one of the oldest and best-known bitcoin wallets. This is a mobile-only wallet -- there is currently no desktop free list of real bitcoin address -- that supports both Android and iOS. 

The Mycelium wallet has an appealingly simple interface but it supports fewer kinds of crypto than others profiled here: You can send and receive bitcoin, ether and ERC tokens such as tether USD, USD coin and binance USD -- but not the hundreds of esoteric coins that have been developed over the past few years. You can buy and sell bitcoin directly in the app, and Mycelium lets you buy bitcoin with regular fiat currency. 

The Mycelium wallet is noncustodial, so you'll have sole access to your private key and PIN. This wallet is also the only hot storage wallet on our list that's completely open-source. Though there are security advantages in that, it also comes with limited tech support options; basically, if you get stuck, you can submit a help ticket to the email address listed at the bottom of the webpage. 

For more advanced users, Mycelium supports QR codes, allows you to set custom transaction fees and offers compatibility with hardware wallets from Trezor, Ledger and KeepKey. 

If you want to invest in cryptocurrency, you need to think about how you’ll secure your holdings. Cryptocurrency is like cash, which means whoever has it can spend or transfer it — or steal it. 

There have been a handful of high-profile and costly heists over the lifetime of cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, untold numbers of crypto users lose their holdings when they misplace the hard drive or thumb drive containing them.

It’s impossible to guarantee that you won&#;t lose your crypto holdings at some point. But these digital Bitcoin and cryptocurrency wallets can certainly reduce the risk. 

Best Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency Wallets

These are the best Bitcoin wallets on the market today. 

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Each excels at one or more things, whether that’s keeping costs low or providing access to an unusually wide array of coins. Our “best overall” pick offers the most value to the greatest number of would-be users, and we’d recommend it to anyone who’s paralyzed by choice in this sometimes-confusing space.

Best Overall: Coinbase

Coinbase offers cryptocurrency trading platforms, a noncustodial crypto wallet, and crypto-based commercial solutions. It’s among the most trusted names in the crypto space, and with robust desktop and mobile apps, it’s appropriate for a range of different users.

Key selling points of Coinbase include:

• Extremely beginner-friendly wallet solution (Coinbase Wallet)
• Powerful trading platform with market and limit order capabilities (Coinbase Pro)
• Very low fees and expenses with Coinbase Pro
• Coinbase keeps the vast free list of real bitcoin address of users’ crypto in cold storage, thwarting would-be thieves
• Compatible with leading hardware options, including Trezor
• 24/7 chat and phone support — not the norm for smaller services

Open an Account With Coinbase

Best for Bitcoin: Electrum

Electrum is one of the free list of real bitcoin address remaining crypto wallets to deal exclusively in Bitcoin. While that’s a limitation for users seeking crypto diversification, there’s no law against using Electrum for Bitcoin and other wallet for everything else.

And Electrum is extremely well-suited for Bitcoin investors. Key selling points include:

• Customizable fees based on how quickly you want the transaction to complete — pay more for faster service
• No lock-in — your private keys work on other exchanges and wallets
• Zero downtime
• Unusually strong security for a hot wallet, including cold storage for all funds and multi-signature authorization
• Electrum never handles your private keys

Open an Account With Electrum

Best for Mobile Users: Mycelium

Mycelium is a no-nonsense Bitcoin wallet that supports a few other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum and some stablecoins. Its defining feature is the fact that it’s mobile-only — compatible with Android and iOS devices exclusively. 

Unsurprisingly, it’s the most user-friendly mobile crypto wallet app by some margin. And it has some other notable features too, including:

• Customizable transaction fees based on desired priority
• Compatible with several hardware wallets, including Trezor and and Ledger
• Open-source technology (enhanced security compared with non-open-source wallets)
• Offline transaction capabilities
• Lots of DIY help resources, though human customer support is thin
• Watch-only mode, free list of real bitcoin address, which protects against unauthorized outbound transactions
• Advanced features to make the blockchain more legible and accessible

Open an Account With Mycelium

Best for Desktop Users: Exodus

Exodus is no longer desktop-only, but it still offers the best functionality and overall experience for users on large screens. That’s largely due to its growing roster of advanced trading and analytics tools, including live charting and crypto staking, and a light-client posture that speeds transactions by eliminating the need for full-blockchain downloads.

Other key selling points of Exodus include:

• About cryptocurrencies supported
• Customizable fees for Bitcoin transactions (with more forthcoming)
• Compatible with Trezor hardware wallets

Open an Account With Exodus

Best for Selection: www.oldyorkcellars.com

www.oldyorkcellars.com has more than cryptocurrencies on offer, more than just about any other crypto exchange around. You can buy Bitcoin and Ethereum here, of course, but also plenty of thinly traded altcoins and bitcoin investition card too.

If you&#;re looking to diversify your crypto portfolio, www.oldyorkcellars.com is the place to do it. And if you don&#;t find what you&#;re looking for right now, patience could be your reward thanks to a steady supply of ICOs (initial coin offerings) here.

Additional features:

• Lively trading in less-common altcoins
• Buy and sell crypto from just about anywhere
• Spend with the www.oldyorkcellars.com Visa Card and get up to 8% back
• Grow your portfolio by earning rewards worth up to % on your crypto holdings

Open an Account With www.oldyorkcellars.com

Best Customer Support: ZenGo

ZenGo is a multi-chain crypto wallet that offers access to more than 70 crypto assets, including Bitcoin, Free list of real bitcoin address, Dogecoin, free list of real bitcoin address Shiba Inu. It has a lot working in its favor, but two highlights stand out from the field:

• 24/7 in-app customer support from real human experts — a free list of real bitcoin address feature
• Keyless MPC technology that ensures you have full control over your crypto and is always recoverable

Plus, take advantage of a limited-time opportunity to earn 4% APY interest on your Bitcoin. 

Or take advantage of two other limited-time offers:

• Buy Terra coins for 0% processing fees
• Apply the code “ZENX0B4G” to get $10 cashback in Bitcoin for a purchase of $ or more 

ZenGo’s additional features include:

• Earn up to 8% interest on your crypto assets
• Sell Bitcoin in the EU, the UK, and the US
• Swap supported cryptocurrencies from nearly anywhere in the world
• 3 network fee modes for BTC, ETH, and ERC20 — economy, regular, or fast
• Just 1 tap to cancel or accelerate sent transactions before blockchain confirmation

Open an Account With ZenGo

Best for Low Cost: BlockFi

BlockFi is one of the most sophisticated crypto-backed financial platforms around. The headline here is the virtually nonexistent cost for crypto trades, other than the approximately 1% margin that accrues to BlockFi. Free list of real bitcoin address has a strict “no hidden fees” policy as well.

More bank than wallet, BlockFi boasts value-adds like:

• Up to % interest (variable) on eligible crypto balances
• Crypto-backed payment methods
• Crypto-backed loans at competitive interest rates
• Direct access to the Gemini crypto exchange
• No fees on eligible trades
• No asset or balance minimums

Open an Account With BlockFi

Best for Security: Ledger Nano X or S

Ledger is one of the two biggest names in cold wallet technology (Trezor is the other). It supports more than 1, cryptocurrencies through Ledger Live and even more through external wallets. It connects to crypto exchanges and/or hot wallets by USB or Bluetooth (the latter being a potential security risk that sophisticated users avoid).

The Nano X is Ledger’s Bluetooth-enabled wallet, and its price point reflects that. If you don’t need Bluetooth functionality, opt for the sleeker, cheaper Ledger Nano S instead.

Open an Account With Ledger

Best Hardware Wallet: Trezor Model T

The Trezor Model T is nearly as good on the security front as Ledger’s Nano X and S, thanks to cold storage backstops like two-factor authentication and a built-in password manager. 

But Trezor really shines in the user-friendliness department, thanks to compatibility with Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android. It’s also really small, making it easy to store (and hide) — though petite size cuts both ways if you’re prone to losing things.

Open an Account With Trezor

Methodology: How We Select the Best Cryptocurrency Wallet

We use 7 key metrics to select the best Bitcoin and cryptocurrency wallets. Each metric is important for the overall user experience — whether directly, like cost and coin selection, or indirectly, like historical uptime and security.

Coin Selection and Compatibility

Early cryptocurrency wallets were compatible with a handful of coins, typically Bitcoin and the major altcoins. That’s largely because there simply weren’t as many available coins back in the day.

Now, there are hundreds of viable cryptocurrencies, not to mention a rapidly growing universe of nonfungible tokens (NFTs) and other blockchain-based assets and instruments. Generally, broader compatibility is better, free list of real bitcoin address, though it’s true that some very good wallets remain relatively restrictive.

Fees and Expenses

There’s no such thing as a free cryptocurrency transaction. Every wallet on this list passes some costs onto the user. Some recur with every transaction, such as:

• Miner fees
• Wallet use fees
• Exchange fees
• Payment surcharges

Others are one-time or occasional fees, such as device fees for wallets that store crypto offline. (Basically, the cost of purchasing the wallet.)

Cheaper isn’t necessarily better. But if you’re going to be trading crypto frequently, you’ll naturally want a wallet that keeps recurring costs under control.

Payment Compatibility

Unless you’re actively mining cryptocurrency, you must spend some fiat money (likely U.S. dollars) to build your crypto free list of real bitcoin address. That’s usually accomplished through electronic funds transfers of one type or another. 

Some wallets (and exchanges) go further and accept payment via debit and credit cards and mobile payment technologies like Apple Pay. If broad payment compatibility is important to you, look for wallets that suit your preferences.

Mobile Functionality

Old-school crypto wallets are desktop-based and fairly cumbersome to use. Newer generations of wallets (and older wallets that have kept pace with changing technology) are much more mobile-friendly. 

A mobile-unfriendly wallet isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker if you’re fine managing and trading crypto on your home computer, free list of real bitcoin address. But if you want the flexibility to do so when you’re out and about, free list of real bitcoin address, or simply prefer a mobile interface, you need a wallet that respects your preferences.

Exchange Access

Some of the wallets on this list are directly associated with cryptocurrency exchanges, free list of real bitcoin address. That makes buying and selling crypto holdings much easier for their users.

On the other hand, if you’re not an active crypto trader or have concerns about the security implications of using a crypto wallet tied to an exchange that’s vulnerable to compromise, you might actually prefer a wallet that’s totally separate from the trading function.

Security

As a valuable asset, cryptocurrency is an enticing target for thieves. Which means security is a huge issue for crypto users. 

Every crypto wallet on this list takes security seriously, but some go above and beyond with measures like mandatory two-factor authentication and multi-signature authorization (requiring more than one key to complete a transaction), free list of real bitcoin address. Above-and-beyond security is critical for Internet-connected hot wallets in general and noncustodial wallets in particular, since they’re especially vulnerable to theft.

Again, if you’re really concerned about security, cold storage free list of real bitcoin address your best option, free list of real bitcoin address. Connecting your holdings to the Internet greatly increases the risk of something going wrong.

Uptime and Usability

Some of the most popular exchange-associated crypto wallets have experienced downtime during periods of peak demand. Even if free list of real bitcoin address outages are transient, they inconvenience users and shake faith in the system. If you need to complete a transaction right now, not in two hours or two days, you need your wallet to work.

Crypto wallets and exchanges aren’t always transparent about historical uptime, but it’s no secret when outages occur. If on-demand availability is important to you, do your research before making your choice.

Your Questions Answered: Cryptocurrency Wallet FAQs

You have questions about cryptocurrency wallets. We have answers.

What’s the Difference Between a Cryptocurrency Wallet and a Bank for Cryptocurrency?

Although we’ve exclusively used the term “wallet” so far, cryptocurrency purists might argue that some options on this list are more accurately described as banks. 

The key difference between the two is who has control of the keys to your cryptocurrency. When you use a wallet, your crypto is in your sole possession. When you use a crypto bank, you trust another party to secure your crypto for you.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but you for sure want to make sure that any crypto bank you use has adequate insurance to protect you from loss. Otherwise, base your decision according to your personal objectives and use preferences. 

Do You Need a Cryptocurrency Wallet?

Technically, you don’t need a cryptocurrency wallet to buy, hold, and sell cryptocurrency directly. Some of the “wallet” options on this list aren’t wallets in the true sense, since they don’t offer direct custody of coins. The coins are still “yours” in the sense that you’re entitled to their value, but they’re controlled by a third party — one you’d better trust.

This approach is fine for crypto novices and dabblers who trust those third parties and can afford never to see their crypto holdings again should the worst happen. But if you want more security and control over your investment, you need a proper wallet.

What’s the Difference Between Hot and Cold Wallets?

Hot wallets are connected to cryptocurrency exchanges and other public exposure points for your digital assets. No matter how secure, they are vulnerable to attack and compromise by determined hackers.

By contrast, cold wallets are not connected to the Internet when they’re not in use. They’re typically located on thumb drives or external hard drives that the owner must physically connect to an Internet-enabled terminal before use. 

While this sounds inconvenient, it’s free list of real bitcoin address not. Unless the physical storage medium is stolen, the crypto in your cold wallet remains secure.

What Is a Cryptocurrency Key?

There are two different types of cryptocurrency keys: public keys and private keys.

Public keys are the part of your cryptocurrency coins that are used to create the public ledger, or the record of transactions to ensure we know who has a specific coin. 

Private keys are for authentication fixed income investment grade encryption of your transactions and verify that you are authorized to make the transactions you try to make.

Banks hold both the private and public keys of your cryptocurrencies. This is another potential disadvantage of using crypto banks. If the bank is hacked or becomes insolvent, you could lose access to your funds. Worse, free list of real bitcoin address, someone could steal them.

How to Choose the Best Wallet for Your Bitcoin or Cryptocurrency

First, decide whether you need a hot wallet at all. If you see cryptocurrency mainly as a longer-term investment — or even if you plan to buy and sell fairly often without using the funds for everyday purchases — your cold wallet could be all that’s needed.

If you do decide you need a hot wallet, consider your objectives. 

For starters, if you want to build a diversified crypto portfolio with more than the usual suspects — Bitcoin, Ethereum — you’ll want a wallet that’s broadly compatible with altcoins. If you want to earn interest on or borrow against your holdings, you’ll want a wallet associated with a bank or exchange free list of real bitcoin address has those capabilities.

Finally, don’t discount security. Newer, free list of real bitcoin address, unproven wallets aren’t necessarily less secure, but you should definitely take each option’s track record into account. The leading wallets are successful in part because they take their users’ security seriously.

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NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula for online brokers and robo-advisors takes into account over 15 factors, including account fees and minimums, investment choices, customer support and mobile app capabilities.	NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula for online brokers and robo-advisors takes into account over 15 factors, including account fees and minimums, investment choices, customer support and mobile app capabilities.	NerdWallet ratingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula for online brokers and robo-advisors takes into account over 15 factors, including account fees and minimums, free list of real bitcoin address, investment choices, customer support and mobile app capabilities.
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Types of Bitcoin wallets

Hot storage Bitcoin wallets

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Mobile wallets

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