Looking for a new crypto wallet? Looking to start your first one? Here are ten recommendations for the best crypto wallets in 2022.
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The 10 Best Crypto Wallets To Try in 2022
Types of Wallets to Know
Before diving into my favorites, let’s distinguish between different types of crypto wallets.
- Cold wallet (aka hardware wallet): stored on platforms not connected to the Internet and made from hardware. They are physical devices where you can “cold” store crypto.
- Hot wallet (aka software, mobile, desktop wallet): stored through software or web-based applications. They require an on-grid connection (in most cases).
- Non-custodial wallet: private keys are held by the user, you are essentially acting as your own bank.
- Custodial wallet: private keys are held by a third party… not your keys–not your crypto. For example, crypto stored on FTX was custodial, so holders can’t retain control.
There are certainly other wallet types, like paper, for example. But those are the main wallet types most beginner or intermediate users use.
Wallet Security
Cold, non-custodial wallets are the most secure wallet types. Still, depending on your level of experience dealing with crypto, you may want to consider more user-friendly options. Wallet security is essential to keeping your data and crypto safe.
Here are a few wallet security best practices:
- Protect your seed phrase
- Turn off Discord DMs, watch out for scammers and phishing links
- Use a secure hardware wallet
- Protect your passwords
- Enable 2FA
- Never share your computer screen
1. Best Cold Wallet: Ledger
Platforms: Mac OS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Coins: 1,000+ (all the big ones and more)
Ledger is one of the most popular hardware crypto wallets available, boasting over 1,000,000 devices sold. These handheld devices are perfect for anyone looking for secure storage of their cryptocurrency. There is an LED display for payment validation and PIN required for access. There is also a two-factor authentication option for increased security. The device runs on its own OS called Ledger Live, compatible with Windows (7+), Mac (10.8+) and Linux. There is also a mobile app version available on iOS and Androids. Ledger Nano S runs for about $59.
The original model, the Nano S, does not have bluetooth compatibility. The main perk of the Nano X version (double the price) is the ability to connect your wallet anywhere you have a mobile phone and internet access.
2. Best for beginners: Coinbase
Platforms: iOS and Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux
Coins: 20 (Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, Litecoin, TRON, and BAT)
Coinbase is an easy solution for users looking to purchase Bitcoin. In crypto, there is a slight barrier to entry for users with US bank accounts (regulations are slowly evolving). Coinbase makes it easy to link your bank account, buy crypto, convert your crypto to fiat and send it back to your bank account. It sounds simple, but the more you immerse yourself in the world of blockchain, the more you’ll appreciate a product that can efficiently accomplish that. Coinbase is also a large player in the space, so you can trust their customer support and infrastructure.
3. Good for mobile use: Coinomi
Platforms: Mac OS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Coins: 125 cryptocurrencies and 382 tokens (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, etc.)
With millions of active users and no hacks reported to date, Coinomi is a convenient option for both mobile and desktop users. There are no flat fees so you can get different rates depending on the market. The interface is customizable, and they offer plenty of coins to build a diverse portfolio.
4. Good Cold Wallet: Trezor
Platforms: Windows, Linux
Coins: 1,000+ (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ether, Dash, etc.)
Trezor, made by Satoshi Labs, Inc, is another widely popular wallet. Trezor operates either as a Desktop app or through their website. There are thousands of coins available on their platform. The hardware is secured through a user-generated pin on an LED display. You can plug your Trezor into your device via USB. The good part about Trezor is its integration with other popular tools like MetaMask. You can reap the benefits of both cold storage and many third-party apps.
5. Good for NFTs and mobile: Zelus
Platforms: iOs, Google Play
Coins: 65+ coins across 5 blockchains
Zelus was founded in 2021 with a mission to make crypto wallets easy to use and secure at the same. As a non-custodial mobile wallet, Zelus offers state-of-the-art NFT Viewing, Unstoppable Domains integrations, two tap dApp connections, and more.Check it out and get a free NFT by downloading the app here.
6. Good for Beginners: Metamask
Platforms: Google Play, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux
Coins: Ethereum network
Boasting over 30 million users, Metamask is a fast, easy-to-use hot wallet perfect for beginners. Metamask connects to virtually any dApp in the world, and you can even connect your hardware wallet to make it easy to play on the internet and use your crypto on mobile devices.
If you simply create a wallet through Metamask without connecting a hardware wallet like Ledger, you will have a non-custodial hot wallet, meaning users have control over their private keys.
Users take caution–because Metamask is a super popular hot wallet that lets you control your keys, it is super vulnerable to attacks by hackers. These scammers target beginner users who many not take the necessary precautions to protect their data and crypto.
By simply typing out the word “Metamask” on your latest tweet, you will be bombarded with bots and sketchy links. Perhaps Elon Musk will help change that. Be careful and follow our wallet security measures.
7. Good for Web Users: Blockchain.com
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux
Coins: Bitcoin, Ether, Bitcoin Cash, and Stellar Lumens.
Blockchain.com started out as a block explorer, but it’s quickly become a large company with a wide range of financial services. Boasting over 40 million users, Blockchain.com has low commission fees and proper security measures. The trade-off? The verification process is as rigorous as it gets, so users looking for anonymity should look elsewhere. There is also a limited number of tokens available on their platform: Bitcoin, Ether, Bitcoin Cash, and Stellar Lumens.
8. Good Affordable Cold Wallet: SafePal S1
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux
Coins: 20+ blockchains and 10,000+ tokens
The SafePal is shaped like a credit card, so it fits right in your regular wallet. It does not rely on WiFi or Bluetooth to connect, but rather a local QR connection. This enhances security. Users can access their crypto using the SafePal app. SafePal has thousands of cryptocurrencies available on their platform, making it easy to store all your portfolio needs.
9. Good for Security: KeepKey
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux
Coins: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Dash, Dogecoin, Litecoin
KeepKey separates itself from top competitors like Ledger and Trezor through increased security. KeepKey does not use an operating system, making it near impossible for malware to occur. As a USB-enabled device, it is also super easy to use. This is a good option for more passive wallet users, since KeepKey has only 35 cryptocurrencies available.
10. Good for on-the-go users: WalletGenerator
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Coins: 197 (Bitcoin, Cashcoin, Litecoin, Emerald, Dash etc.)
WalletGenerator is a paper wallet. What does that mean? It’s a crypto wallet... made of paper. You can access WalletGenerator on GitHub and open the index.html to generate a public address. In order to store and use the coins, you have to improve the private address on a client provided on their website. You can then print out a sheet with a QR code and take it with you on the go. You don’t have to depend on any device to make a transaction as long as the other party has a way to send or receive the crypto. This is a great option to prevent malware, the only downside is the risk of losing your paper wallet, since it is a physical asset!
11. Good for Desktop: Exodus
Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux, iOS and Android
Coins: 70+ cryptocurrencies (on native app)
Exodus is an ideal wallet for desktop users. The app is anonymous and can be used to exchange crypto. You can see real-time charts and Exodus provides round the clock support. Like some other exchange apps, Exodus is compatible with Trezor wallets. You can also link up your Exodus on mobile to get regular updates on your wallet.
12. Good for Bitcoin: Electrum
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux
Coins: Bitcoin
This is a good choice for Bitcoin beginners. Electrum is one of the oldest wallets in the game, forming in 2011. It operates around 10% of all Bitcoin transactions, charging 0.2 mBTC per transaction. In some instances, you can reduce that fee. The interface is easy to use and navigate, making it an easy choice for first-timers looking to get some skin in the game. Electrum is entirely web-based, meaning you can connect anywhere to get on. There are compatible mobile apps as well.
There are thousands of wallets available on the market. What works best for you largely depends on what you are looking to get out of your crypto wallet. Some people just want to buy coins and let them sit, whereas other folks want to regularly make transactions on-the-go. We recommend choosing companies that have already built a solid reputation (look for subreddits, discussion forums, reviews).