MMN Editor

Key Takeaways

OKX Wallet is the best crypto wallet overall due to its high security scores, extensive features and the large number of assets it supports. If you’re looking for a hardware wallet, depending on your budget, the Trezor Safe 5 or 3 are the best options.
Despite the name, crypto wallets technically don’t store your crypto. They hold the “keys” to your digital assets on the blockchain, a decentralized digital ledger.
Crypto wallets are available as software and web-based apps, known as hot wallets, or as physical devices, called cold wallets.
We evaluated 58 crypto wallets, comparing 46 data points that include their number of supported assets, trading features, security audit scores and supported platforms.

Some people searching for crypto wallets are actually looking for a crypto exchange. If you’re interested in learning where to buy and sell cryptocurrency without a crypto wallet — as well as the difference between centralized and decentralized exchanges — read our guide on the Best Crypto Exchanges.
Our top picks for the best crypto wallets

OKX Wallet: Best Crypto Wallet Overall
Base: Best Crypto Wallet for Beginners
Trust Wallet: Best Mobile Crypto Wallet
Sparrow: Best Bitcoin Wallet
MetaMask: Best Ethereum Wallet
Phantom: Best Solana Wallet
Trezor Safe 5: Best Cold Wallet
Trezor Safe 3: Best Budget Cold Wallet

Pros

130+ native chains and four trading modes
Outstanding security infrastructure and tools
Extensive real-time data terminal
Fee payments using stablecoins

Cons

OKX Exchange unavailable in New York, Texas and some U.S. territories
Daunting, feature-dense interface

HIGHLIGHTS

Platforms
Android, Brave, Chrome, Edge, iOS, Opera

CertiK Skynet Score
91.31 (AA)

Swap fee
0%-0.5%

Why we chose it: OKX Wallet supports one of the largest number of crypto chains among wallets while boasting arguably the most complete set of features. It offers four different trading boards based on experience level and strategy, lets you pay gas fees in stablecoins — removing one of the most persistent issues with multi-chain wallets — and combines several decentralized finance tools in a single interface, including a decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator and a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace.
OKX Wallet’s security is also noteworthy. It uses multi-party computational (MPC) security, which means your private key is never stored in only one place, and it supports multisignature, a system that requires two or more private keys to authorize and execute a transaction. The wallet’s high scores with security auditors further solidifies its reputation.
There is one important caveat: While the OKX Wallet is available everywhere in the U.S., you cannot use the OKX exchange in New York, Texas, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Users in those locations will need another exchange for trading, adding an extra step when moving crypto to and from OKX Wallet.

Pros

Supports a wide variety of chains, crypto and dApps
Onboarding designed for users who are new to crypto
24/7 support via live chat, Discord and social media
Seed phrase backup with optional cloud recovery

Cons

Closed-source code limits independent audits

HIGHLIGHTS

Platforms
Android, Brave, Chrome, iOS

CertiK Skynet Score
78.59 (BBB)

Swap fee
Up to 1%

Why we chose it: Base (formerly Coinbase Wallet) removes much of the complexity that typically comes with owning digital assets by providing a streamlined interface and onboarding process that eases new investors into crypto. Chain support is broad enough that you won’t immediately hit a wall as your holdings grow, and 24/7 live support means help is available the first time something confusing happens — which, for new crypto owners, is likely.
Learn more by reading our full Base wallet review.

Pros

Over 10 million assets across 100 supported blockchains

Designed for mobile with a simple, clean interface
Security Scanner for harmful transactions
Built-in NFT gallery and dApp browser

Cons

Chrome extension hacked in December 2025
No live customer support

HIGHLIGHTS

Platforms
Android, Brave, Chrome, Edge, iOS

CertiK Skynet Score
91.23 (AA)

Swap fee
Up to 0.7%

Why we chose it: Trust Wallet is one of the easiest wallets to use on mobile thanks to its accessible interface, which neatly lays out several decentralized finance tools. The wallet also supports cross-chain swaps between a broad range of assets and has some of the highest scores on security assessment platforms. Notably, its Security Scanner tool flagged over $191 million in potentially harmful transactions in 2025.
Learn more by reading our full Trust Wallet review.

Pros

Lightweight, multi-platform desktop wallet
Support for all common hardware wallets
Several server connection options
Comprehensive transaction editor

Cons

No native token swaps and fiat on- or off-ramps
Only available on desktop devices

HIGHLIGHTS

Platforms
Linux, Mac, Windows

CertiK Skynet Score
Unrated

Swap fee
Not applicable

Why we chose it: Sparrow offers complete control over your bitcoin’s trading fees, letting you choose between public, private or Bitcoin Core servers for trades. It comes with a transaction editor that works as a blockchain explorer and has reduced storage requirements due to its light client. The wallet also supports the Lightning Network, a payment system built on bitcoin that enables faster transactions.

Pros

Standard integration target for most Ethereum apps
Additional functionality through third-party plugins
Frequent updates and security patches
99.99% transaction success rate

Cons

Complex network configuration
High 0.875% swap fee

HIGHLIGHTS

Platforms
Android, Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, iOS, web

CertiK Skynet Score
88.31 (AA)

Swap fee
0.875%

Why we chose it: MetaMask combines strong security measures with customizable transaction settings, built-in token tracking and slippage controls. Moreover, when developers build a DeFi protocol, an NFT marketplace or a Web3 application on Ethereum, MetaMask is almost always the first wallet they integrate with. That means users enjoy fewer compatibility gaps and “connect wallet” failures, and more features across Ethereum than those of any other wallet.
Learn more by reading our full MetaMask review.

Pros

Direct profit and loss tracking for Solana tokens

Built-in swaps, staking and NFT management
24/7 live customer support
Real-time scam detection

Cons

Not entirely open source
High in-app swap fees
Narrow chain support

Highlights

Platforms
Android, Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, iOS

CertiK Skynet Score
73.57 (BBB)

Swap fee
0.85%

Why we chose it: Phantom functions less like a storage tool and more like a native operating layer for Solana. No other wallet offers as many features for the network in a single platform, including built-in NFT management, profit and loss tracking and access to derivatives markets. Every major Solana exchange and NFT marketplace connects to Phantom natively, meaning you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time actually managing your crypto.

Pros

Highest certification level achieved by hardware wallets
No single point of failure due to split seed phrase
Support for over 9,000 coins and tokens
Color touchscreen with haptic feedback

Cons

Third-party hot wallets required for some chains
Limited iPhone and iPad support

HIGHLIGHTS

Platforms
Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Windows

Dimensions
65.9x40x8 mm

CER Security Rating
C

*Security rating and platforms for the brand’s official app, Trezor Suite.
Why we chose it: The Trezor Safe 5’s EAL 6+ Secure Element chip provides the same level of protection as electronic passports, ensuring that your private keys never leave the device even when the USB cable is connected. Its 1.54″ touchscreen with haptic feedback, which uses physical touch to communicate information, makes address verification and transaction confirmation faster and more accurate than the button-based models common at the device’s $129 price point.

Pros

Same EAL6+ chip as the Safe 5 for less than half the price
On-device confirmation for all transactions
No battery maintenance required
Two-year warranty

Cons

Awkward small screen
Minimal iOS support

HIGHLIGHTS

Platforms
Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Windows

Dimensions
59x32x7.4 mm

CER Security Rating
C

*Security rating and platforms for the brand’s official app, Trezor Suite.
Why we chose it: The Trezor Safe 3 is the hardware wallet brand’s current entry-level model, featuring a powerful EAL 6+ chip and a sleek, modern design. The wallet may not have all the bells and whistles of its siblings, the Safe 5 and 7, but it doesn’t need them. At $59, its hands-on transaction verification, PIN or passphrase entry and small frame make the device a reliable entry point for new cold wallet users.
Learn more by reading our full Trezor wallet review.

Other crypto wallets we considered
Ledger
Ledger is a well-known brand in the hardware wallet space with a solid device lineup that pairs support for over 90 chains and 15,000 crypto with Bluetooth or USB connectivity depending on the model. Its wallets also come with many useful security features, including checks for common scams on higher-end models and clear signing to verify the details of a transaction.
That being said, Ledger’s operating system being closed-source may ward off some buyers, as it means the public cannot independently verify the code for hidden vulnerabilities (which have been exploited in the past).
Learn more by reading our full Ledger review.
Tangem
Tangem’s wallet model stores the private key on several card-like devices that act as each other’s recovery method. The cards require no batteries or charging, have passed firmware audits from Kudelski Security and Riscure, and their chip was assigned a EAL6+ certification. While innovative, the wallet supports fewer assets compared to other popular hardware wallets and might raise concerns for users who prefer more traditional security methods.
Zengo
Zengo uses MPC to eliminate seed phrases and replaces them with a keyless security model that makes it harder to lose access to your wallet. The wallet’s intuitive design, 24/7 live customer support and streamlined setup process — which help quickly onboard new users — further add to its beginner-friendly appeal, making it a strong alternative to Base.
What you need to know about crypto wallets
A crypto wallet is a software program or hardware device that stores the data needed to access your cryptocurrency. Despite the name, it does not store coins or tokens directly. Instead, it lets you send, receive and manage digital assets by linking them to your wallet address, a string of letters and numbers you share so others can send you crypto.
When someone sends you crypto, they are not moving physical or digital coins into your wallet. They are updating the blockchain — a digital ledger that records crypto transactions — to show that a certain amount of cryptocurrency or a specific asset is associated with your wallet.
Every crypto wallet creates and stores a pair of keys to record blockchain transactions. The public key is used to generate your wallet address, which functions like a bank account number. The private key proves you own that address and lets you authorize, or “sign,” transactions that send crypto out.
Anyone can send crypto to your address, but only someone with the private key can move it. That’s why you should never share your private key or your seed phrase, which is the 12 to 24 words most wallets use to back it up.
Types of crypto wallet
There are two types of crypto wallet: hot wallets, which are computer programs, and cold wallets, which are mostly hardware devices. Some wallet brands operate under a hybrid model, offering both types of wallet for crypto management.

Type of crypto wallet

Connectivity

Best for…

Main advantage

Main drawback

Hot wallet

Always online

Frequent trading, mobile access, small balances

Convenience and fast access

More exposure to hacks, malware and phishing

Cold wallet

Offline except when connected by USB or bluetooth

Long-term storage and larger balances

Stronger protection from online attacks

Loss of device, seed phrase or private key can permanently block access

Hot wallets
Hot wallets are software programs that are always online. They allow you to access and manage crypto on a mobile application, desktop program or web browser extension.
The primary advantage of hot wallets is convenience. Because your public and private keys are stored and encrypted within the app or website, this lets you access your funds from anywhere so long as you have an internet connection. Yet, this constant online connectivity leaves them more vulnerable to cyberattacks, particularly through software exploits or malware.

Cold wallets
Cold wallets store your public and private keys offline, most commonly on hardware devices but also on paper or engraved metal. Hardware wallets allow crypto transactions only when connected to a computer through a compatible hot wallet.
The offline nature of cold wallets makes them nearly impervious to cyberattacks. Hackers would need physical access to the device and its password to steal funds. But this level of security comes at a risk: If you misplace the wallet, forget your seed phrase and don’t have some sort of backup, you might lose access to your crypto forever.
How to choose the best crypto wallet
The best crypto wallet for you will be the one that aligns most closely with your trading plans and holding goals. Some wallets are built for frequent trading: they’re easy to access and navigate. Others are designed for long-term storage, offering stronger security guardrails.
Before opening an account or buying a device, ask yourself:

What do I need in a wallet? There is more to crypto than buying and selling. For example, investors who want to make passive income can look for wallets that allow crypto staking, where you commit your coins to a network, or crypto lending.
How often do I plan to trade? Consider whether you are going to be trading frequently, buying and holding indefinitely — HODL (“Hold on for Dear Life”), as crypto investors affectionately refer to this practice — or something in between. Hot wallets are better for active traders, while cold storage is recommended for holding your crypto long term.

What kinds of assets do I want to buy? Not every wallet supports the same blockchain networks and crypto. Pick one that supports the assets you want to trade or hold. Ideally, it will also be compatible with any other coins you may want in the future, including different types of cryptocurrency like altcoins and stablecoins.

How much am I willing to spend on a crypto wallet? Hardware wallets are ideal for holding large amounts of crypto, but they require an upfront payment to own the wallet itself. Some hot wallets have high crypto trading fees on their integrated exchanges but offer faster transactions or greater functionality.

How to set up a crypto wallet
Your setup process will vary depending on whether you choose an app, browser extension or hardware device, but these four steps cover the basics regardless of wallet type.

Choose a wallet that supports your crypto. Check that your wallet of choice supports the coins you want to trade and the devices you plan to use it on. A bitcoin-only wallet such as Sparrow serves a different purpose than one built to operate across blockchains, like OKX and Base.
Get the wallet from an official source. Download software from the provider’s website or its linked app store listing. If you choose a hardware wallet, buy it from the manufacturer or an authorized seller, then follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions. Fake wallet apps and websites can steal the information needed to access your crypto.
Create the wallet and secure your backup. Follow the prompts provided by your wallet to set a password or PIN and create a backup. Many wallets provide a recovery phrase that can restore access in case you lose the device or password. Write it down, store it somewhere private and never share it with anyone.
Send a small test transfer. In your new wallet, select the crypto you want to receive and copy its receiving address. Before sending from an exchange or another wallet, confirm that the asset, address and network all match. Transfer a small amount first and check that it arrives before moving the rest; a transfer on the wrong network may be impossible to recover.

Latest news
Trezor says a breach at its third-party email provider exposed 347,149 newsletter subscribers’ email addresses in September. An attacker also sent a message appearing to come from Trezor that directed recipients to an app asking for their wallet backup. Trezor claims its wallets and other systems were unaffected, but exposed addresses could be targeted by future phishing attempts.
A joint warning from the FBI and international partners describes how North Koreans posing as recruiters tricked job seekers into running malicious files during interviews or coding assignments. Authorities say the group compromised at least 30,000 devices and stole funds or credentials from more than 7,000 crypto wallets between roughly December 2025 and July 2026. The malware targeted private keys and recovery phrases stored on victims’ computers.

Best Crypto Wallet FAQs
Can my crypto wallet be hacked?
Yes, technically any crypto wallet can be hacked, but hot wallets are the bigger target because they’re always online. Cold wallets like the Trezor Safe 5 keep private keys offline, so a thief needs the physical device and its PIN. Even top-rated hot wallets aren’t immune: Trust Wallet’s Chrome extension was compromised in December 2025.
Is crypto in a wallet insured?
No. Crypto held in a wallet isn’t FDIC- or SIPC-insured, and it isn’t bank guaranteed. Some platforms self-insure instead: Bitget Wallet backs users with a $300 million protection fund. Self-custody wallets like Trezor and Sparrow carry no coverage at all, so a lost seed phrase means a permanent loss.
Do I need a wallet to buy crypto?
No. You can buy and hold crypto directly on an exchange like Coinbase or Kraken without your own wallet. But on an exchange the platform holds your private keys, meaning your access depends on that company staying solvent and secure. A self-custody wallet puts the keys in your hands. As crypto investors put it: “Not your keys, not your coins.”
What happens if I lose my crypto wallet?
If you have your 12- to 24-word seed phrase, you can restore the entire wallet onto a new device in minutes. Without it, your crypto is almost always unrecoverable. Some wallets now avoid this: Zengo uses MPC cryptography with a three-factor recovery model and no seed phrase, and Trezor’s multi-share backup splits your phrase so you only need a subset to restore access.
Can I have more than one crypto wallet?
Yes. You can hold as many crypto wallets as you want, and many active crypto traders use at least two. The common setup is a hot wallet like Trust Wallet or Phantom for everyday trading and small balances, paired with a cold wallet like the Trezor Safe 3 for long-term holdings. Each wallet has its own keys, so a breach of one doesn’t expose the others.
Are crypto wallets free?
Most hot wallets — like MetaMask, Phantom and Trust Wallet — are free to download and use. They don’t charge fees to hold your crypto, but you’ll pay fees when you swap or trade inside the wallet. Cold wallets are hardware, so they cost money upfront. For example, the Trezor Safe 3 runs $59, while high-end models like the NGRAVE ZERO can reach nearly $400.

Methodology
To accurately evaluate crypto wallets, the team at Money gathered 46 data points from 58 crypto wallets — 28 hot and 30 cold. The two types of wallets don’t share the same features and have different use cases, so we weighed factors differently for each one. However, security was paramount for hot and cold wallets alike.
Security
For many people, the whole point of getting a crypto wallet is to keep their coins and tokens safe. That’s why security is the factor that held the biggest weighting during our evaluation process.
Our main sources of data for evaluating security were third-party assessment sites and Web3 security auditors. These platforms rate wallets based on a variety of factors like app security, bug bounties, threat prevention tools, penetration testing and previous security incidents.
Not every wallet shows up on audit platforms: bitcoin-only wallets like Sparrow and BlueWallet, for example, don’t interact with smart contracts or other blockchains and have no native token to analyze, which makes them harder to rate. We filled the gaps with our own research into each wallet’s network and app security, authentication options, code audits, certifications and more.
Functionality
A crypto wallet’s functionality rests on the variety of assets, networks and trading tools it supports. Keep in mind that a small number of the first two is not inherently a bad thing — fewer supported blockchains means less attack vectors for cybercriminals — but it does limit diversification.
Crypto wallets with a larger number of tradable assets, live market charts, Web3 support, customizable transactions and staking capabilities were highly favored in our analysis. For bitcoin-only wallets, we also considered any features that enhanced storage and transactions, such as support for the lightning network.
User experience
Crypto wallets have become increasingly complex in recent years, especially as many of them add Web3 and DeFi capabilities. This sometimes results in cluttered interfaces full of features that end up ignored or sidelined. Ultimately, if you can’t figure out your own wallet, there’s no point in using it in the first place.
We favored wallets that were easy to use for casual and dedicated traders alike thanks to intuitive interfaces, 24/7 live support and educational content. For cold wallets, we also considered the dimensions of the device, screen quality and any unique hardware components.
Summary of our top picks for best crypto wallets

Crypto Wallet

Category

Swap fee

Security ratings
(CertiK, CER)

Platforms

OKX Wallet

Best Overall

0%-0.5%
 

AA / AAA
 

Android, Brave, Chrome, Edge, iOS, Opera

Base Wallet

Best for Beginners

Up to 1%

BBB / AAA

Android, Brave, Chrome, iOS

Trust Wallet

Best for Mobile

Up to 0.7%

AA / AAA

Android, Brave, Chrome, Edge, iOS

Sparrow

Best for Bitcoin

Not applicable

Unrated

Linux, Mac, Windows

MetaMask

Best for Ethereum

0.875%

AA / AA-AAA

Android, Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, iOS, web

Phantom

Best for Solana

0.85%

BBB / Unrated

Android, Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, iOS

Trezor Safe 5

Best Cold Wallet

No fixed rate

Unrated / C

Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Windows

Trezor Safe 3

Best Budget Cold Wallet

No fixed rate

Unrated / C

Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Windows

*Security ratings based on CertiK Skynet’s Wallet Leaderboard and CERtified’s Wallet Security Rating standings as of September 29, 2026.