After Bitcoin was introduced to a wide audience in 2009, the traditional financial market changed forever. Blockchain with its guarantee of payment security stimulated the growth of user interest and the development of a new crypto-coin market. Today, the market has reached $2.28 trillion, and the number of different coins is about 13 thousand, with 10 thousand in active circulation. Bitcoin already has a capitalization of $1.3 trillion. According to statistics, Asia has the largest number of cryptocurrency users – 263 million, in Europe – 31 million, and in the U.S. – only 8% are interested in trading digital coins.
Greater involvement in the process of interaction with cryptocurrencies has led to the fact that users need to have a safe place to store their virtual currencies. Crypto wallets have begun to fulfill such a function. There are crypto wallets only for storing Bitcoin or any one type of currency, while there are variants when it is possible to store any coin and even NFT.
In any case, when trading it is necessary to choose the best crypto wallet depending on the preferences, availability, and functionality of the user.
What can be called a crypto wallet?
Cryptocurrency wallets are IT solutions that are built to store encoded information about digital assets and their owner in the form of a private/secured key.
The private key is a code that confirms the owner of the cryptocurrency and gives access to conduct transactions with it. It is also necessary to have a public key – a code encrypted in the form of numbers and letters, which serves as an account of the wallet itself. The private key must not be transferred, as in this case the user loses access to the management of his wallet and money. Only using these two keys it is possible to transfer from one wallet to another, while the balance will be displayed in the cryptocurrency vault.
When a transaction takes place, there is a process of re-signing the ownership from one wallet address to another.
It is worth remembering that blockchains charge a certain fee for forwarding. One way out is to create several wallets for different purposes, for example: one can be used for active trading, another for storing only a certain coin, and another for long-term investment.
There are custodial and non-custodial wallets:
- Custodial, where management is done by a third party, like the online storage features of an exchange.
- Non-custodial, management is done by the owner himself, who is responsible for the safety and security of his keys. Crypto-enthusiasts prefer to choose non-custodial as they are worried about their keys and possible hacking by exchange hackers to gain access to sensitive information.
Cryptocurrency wallets can be divided into two types:
- Hot wallets (you need an internet connection to work), work as a web application, a browser extension. The advantages include – quick access to the necessary coin, easy to use on any mobile device at a convenient time, can return access with a seed phrase.
- Cold wallets function offline in the form of a USB drive, provide safe storage for a long period, there is a large selection on the market from different price categories. Care should be taken with private keys, in case of their loss it will be impossible to restore access.
One way to choose the best Bitcoin wallets is to familiarize yourself with the developed offers for a particular coin and choose the most suitable one for the user.
Key Considerations When Choosing the Best Cryptocurrency Wallet 2024
There are several key aspects to consider when choosing the right cryptocurrency wallet:
- Frequency of transactions. If the wallet is needed by an active trader, then it is better to choose a hot wallet because of the speed of operations. Cold storage is more suitable for long-term preservation of funds rather than active use.
- Types of crypto coins that will be used. When choosing storage, you should check whether the wallet supports the coins chosen by the user or whether the function of saving only top crypto assets is provided.
- Allowable expenses. Hot wallets offer fast transaction execution but charge a fee. Hardware wallets require the purchase of hardware and installation of software.
- Additional functions and ease of work. If a trader plans to earn passively, then in the additional functions it is necessary to look for stacking and deposit placement. A simple intuitive interface also facilitates and speeds up the work.
- Customer support service. Installation, software updates, and connection to the platform can cause difficulty in user interaction with the cryptocurrency wallet, so it is important to implement 24/7 support.
- Hot and cold storage compatibility. The interoperability of two types of wallets with the ability to transfer funds from one to the other greatly facilitates the work of traders.
But, even the most secure crypto wallet will not be able to protect funds if the user does not contribute to the safety of their keys.
The best choice of Crypto Wallets
Nowadays, the user has the opportunity to choose from a huge variety of storage options that can save thousands of different coins, and NFT, and automatically connect to exchanges.
But, with so many choices, some features require special attention, such as:
- Asset storage security, hacking protection, and a refund system.
- Two-factor authentication, and additional protection when logging in are always a plus.
- Multi-signature, transactions require signatures on multiple sides, making it difficult for hackers.
- AML compliance, wallets with built-in reporting tools, or integration with an accounting reporting system, AML compliance provides a favorable working environment and no questions from government agencies.
Among the most popular crypto wallets that provide security, multifunctionality, and private key control are Coinbase Wallet, Ledger, Crypto.com DeFi Wallet, Trust Wallet, Meta Mask, Electrum, Ellipal Titan, and KeepKey.
Coinbase Wallet
Of the top 10 crypto wallets for beginners is Coinbase Wallet.
Advantages of Coinbase Wallet:
- Simple interface.
- Stores Litecoin, Dogecoin, BNB, ERC-20 tokens, and tokens on EVM-compatible blockchains.
- Connects to bank account, decentralized exchanges.
- Used on Android, iOS, and Mac.
- Biometric authentication.
- Compatible with cold wallets.
- There is support for DeFi stacking.
Disadvantages of Coinbase Wallet::
- Commissions for buying certain coins can be high.
- Bitcoin storage is only possible through the mobile app.
No refunds.
The free Coinbase Wallet integrates easily with the Coinbase crypto exchange
Crypto.com DeFi Wallet
Among what is the best wallet for crypto is the DeFi wallet Crypto.com, which gives users full control over keys and funds.
Advantages of Crypto.com:
- No need to create an account on the Crypto.com exchange.
- Multiple levels of authentication, and enhanced security.
- Storage of 1000 coins is available.
- Optimal price.
- Integration with several platforms.
Disadvantages of Crypto.com:
- Blocking of funds when keys are lost.
- Subjected to hacking.
- No support service.
Trust Wallet
Trust Wallet can be called the best crypto wallet 2024 for mobile devices.
Advantages of Trust Wallet:
- Clear interface, built-in Web browser.
- NFT support.
- Official app from Binance
- Does not store keys, the user is responsible for safekeeping.
- Supports 100 blockchains (can store over 100 million cryptocurrencies).
- Choice of transaction fees.
- There is support for stacking/DeFi.
Disadvantages of Trust Wallet:
- Not for beginners.
- No support service.
- Binance’s bad reputation in the US market, the SEC has filed a lawsuit due to non-compliance with securities trading rules.
Meta Mask
MetaMask is called the best digital wallet for cryptocurrency for Ethereum with over 30 million users.
Advantages of MetaMask:
- Access to multiple tokens on the Ethereum network.
- Suitable for beginners.
- Available as a mobile application or extension for Chrome, and Firefox browsers.
- Works with NFT trading platforms.
- The user has key control.
- Built-in Web3 browser.
Disadvantages of MetaMask:
- No Bitcoin storage.
- Transaction fees.
Electrum
Electrum is a good crypto wallet for storing Bitcoin. Electrum has been available since 2011.
Advantages of Electrum:
- Transactions with multiple signatures.
- Speed of connection.
- Adjustment of commissions to the user’s discretion.
- Open source code.
- Integration with KeepKey, Ledger, and Trezor is possible.
Disadvantages of Electrum:
- Works only with Bitcoin.
- No two-factor authentication.
- No customer support.
Ledger
Ledger is among the top Bitcoin wallets because of the developed security system and various trading offers from Ledger Live.
Advantages of Ledger:
- Low cost.
- Utilizes Secure Element, which increases the level of security.
- Certified by ANSSI, the French cybersecurity agency.
- In addition to buying/selling, lending, and stacking are available.
- Storage of more than 10,000 cryptocurrencies.
Disadvantages of Ledger:
- Integrates only with SafePal.
- Subject to hack in 2020.
Trezor
Trezor, along with Ledger, maintains a high degree of security and is considered the best Bitcoin wallet.
Advantages of Trezor:
- Compatible with multiple wallets.
- Large selection of crypto coins – 9000.
- Available for beginners.
- Multiple models.
Disadvantages of Trezor:
- Does not work with iOS.
- Cost.
Ellipal Titan
Elliptical Titan is one of the most secure wallets and uses a camera and QR code scanner for communication.
Advantages of Ellipal Titan:
- Secure, no one but the owner can use it in case of loss.
- Supports 46 blockchains.
Disadvantages of Ellipal Titan:
- Long transaction process.
- No support service.
KeepKey
KeepKey is a good cold storage option for beginners.
Advantages of KeepKey:
- Low price.
- Established PIN-code.
- Ability to create multiple wallets.
- Support for 7200 currencies.
- Compatible with several dApps.
Disadvantages of KeepKey:
- Not open source.
SafePal
SafePal is a hybrid app that can be used both as a browser extension and in cold wallets.
Benefits of SafePal:
- Support for 30000 coins, and more than 100 blockchains.
- Web3 support, possible interaction with DeFi, NFT trading.
- Built-in API Binance.
Disadvantages of SafePal:
- No customer support.
- Not for beginners.
Summary
When choosing a wallet, many factors are taken into account, such as the number of supported coins, the ease of setup and operation, the availability of charts and additional features, the size of commissions the possibility of customizing them, and the cost of the entire system. But, always the main element of the system remains security because all the efforts of the user to accumulate funds should be reliably protected by the best technologies. Multi-factor authentication, multi-signature function, and QR codes are aimed to maximize the safety of users from the actions of intruders.