
Best wallet for beginners – Coinbase Wallet
The Coinbase exchange is now one of the world's most popular options for new cryptocurrency users. Alongside the exchange, the company offers a standalone non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet. Coinbase Wallet is a mobile application that stores private keys locally on your device.
After starting with a small range of cryptocurrencies, the wallet is now compatible with over 500 digital assets, including NFTs. Use of the wallet does not require a Coinbase account, but more importantly, the wallet continues its beginner-friendly focus and implements an easy to use interface that even the most inexperienced cryptocurrency user should have no problem navigating.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface is ideal for inexperienced cryptocurrency investors.
- Stores private keys locally within a mobile device.
Cons
- With frequent interaction with the Internet, it is not as secure as a hardware wallet.
- The wallet is not compatible with Ethereum smart contracts.
Best desktop wallet – Exodus
Exodus is a wallet that allows users to secure, manage and exchange cryptocurrencies. Alongside Ether, the platform is compatible with over 130 digital assets including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin, making it an ideal platform for a diverse portfolio.The user interface also focuses on simplicity, which means it can be used by even the most inexperienced cryptocurrency investors. All private keys are stored locally on your computer and integration with ShapeShift allows for instant cryptocurrency exchanges.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface is ideal for inexperienced cryptocurrency investors.
- Compatible with over 130 different cryptocurrencies.
Cons
- With frequent interaction with the Internet, it is not as secure as a hardware wallet.
- Not compatible with Ethereum smart contracts.
Best mobile wallet – TrustWallet
TrustWallet is a mobile-focused cryptocurrency wallet that allows users to send, receive and securely store a wide range of cryptocurrencies. While offering compatibility with Ether and ERC20 tokens, the mobile wallet is also compatible with 53 blockchains and over 160,000 different digital assets. The development team are continually adding more each month.The wallet hosts other useful features such as interest-earning opportunities, exchange services, and purchasing options. The most recent integration with decentralised applications makes TrustWallet one of the best mobile wallets currently available on the market.
Pros and cons
Pros
- It is compatible with over 160,000 different digital assets.
- Interact with decentralised applications directly from the wallet.
Cons
- As the mobile wallet is often connected to the Internet, it is not as secure as a hardware wallet.
- There are no desktop or browser extensions.
Best wallet on a budget – MetaMask
For a free Ether wallet, MetaMask really packs a punch. MetaMask is a Web 3.0 digital wallet that is downloaded as a browser extension. It is compatible with Google Chrome, Firefox, Brave and Edge. Recently it became available as a mobile application for Android and iOS.
As a web wallet, it provides the perfect platform to interact with dApps built on top of the Ethereum blockchain. Although connected to the Internet, keys are stored locally and you do not need to provide any personal information for access.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Flexibility to interact with the majority of decentralised applications built on the Ethereum blockchain.
- Stores private keys locally on the computer rather than online.
Cons
- With frequent interaction with the Internet, it is not as secure as a hardware wallet.
- For new users, the interface can be a little confusing.
Best wallet for security – Trezor
The Trezor hardware wallet was one of the first cryptocurrency wallets designed for Bitcoin. It remains one of the safest. The wallet is compatible with over 1,600 different cryptocurrencies, including Ether, which can be securely stored offline within a physical device.
The physical hardware can be connected to a computer via a USB connection and then disconnected to prevent hack or exploitation. While coming with its own software, the Trezor wallet is also compatible with third-party desktop and web platforms such as MyEtherWallet.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Flexibility to interact with the majority of decentralised applications built on the Ethereum blockchain.
- Stores private keys locally on the computer rather than online.
Cons
- For new users, the interface can be a little confusing.
Best overall wallet – Ledger Nano S
For a middle ground between optimal security, price and ease of use there are not many cryptocurrency wallets that beat the Ledger Nano S hardware wallet. Part of the Ledger family, the device is a USB drive that can be connected to a computer whenever funds need to be stored or transferred. For the remaining time, the device can be kept offline to avoid a malicious breach.
Working in conjunction with the associated software Ledger Live users can store, exchange and interact with numerous decentralised applications. The device is compatible with a vast range of cryptocurrencies, including Ether, and is one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets currently available.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Hardware wallet that allows for optimal security by storing digital assets offline.
- Compatible with a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
Cons
- Unlike other cryptocurrency wallets, the Ledger Nano S comes at a cost.
- The company has suffered breaches of customers' personal information in the past.
Compare more Ethereum wallets
Methodology
To evaluate our 2023 picks for the best crypto wallets, we compared 50+ wallets on a range of criteria, including the following:
- Compatibility. Does it support a good breadth of applications, tokens and EVM-compatible chains?
- Ease of use. Is it user-friendly and suitable for new crypto investors?
- Security. Does it offer non-custodial or offline cold storage for added security?
- Cost. Is it a free software wallet or is there an initial outlay? If applicable, how does its price compare to similar products?
- Extra features. Does it support NFTs or offer additional features such as staking or in-wallet purchases?
- Mobile accessibility. Can you manage your portfolio from a mobile device?
- Web3 support. Can you directly access Web3 and decentralised apps (dapps) from within the wallet?
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What to look for in an Ethereum wallet
If you're searching around for the best Ethereum wallet, make sure you look for the following features:- Security. Security should be your number-one concern when choosing a wallet, so research the features and measures a wallet has in place to protect your funds. For example, does it come with two-factor authentication and what processes are in place to allow for easy backup and recovery?
- Smart contract support. Smart contracts are implemented on the Ethereum network against a public address, but to access this address you'll need an ETH wallet that's compatible with smart contracts.
- Private keys. Look for a wallet that allows you to retain control of your private key, as this allows you to control your ETH holdings at all times.
- Ongoing development. Ethereum wallets are a relatively new creation in the world of cryptocurrency, so it's important to look at the development team behind a wallet. In addition, check whether that team is constantly working to improve the wallet and whether other users have had good experience with the wallet's customer support staff.
- Ease of use. Cryptocurrency wallets can sometimes be confusing and complicated, so look for a wallet that's easy to use and understand from the get-go.
- Compatibility. Can you access your wallet on the device or devices you want to use to manage your cryptocurrency?
- Support for multiple currencies. If you're looking to store other crypto coins or tokens, does the wallet provide support for any other currencies?
Tips for securely storing your Ether
To safely and securely store Ether, remember these simple tips:
- Store your private keys securely. A private key is meant to be just that, private, so make sure you store yours in a safe place. If it's kept online, ensure that it's encrypted.
- Make a backup. Back up your wallet regularly to protect yourself against unexpected accidents or mishaps. Ensure that your backup includes your most recent transactions.
- Go offline. If you're holding a large amount of ETH or any other cryptocurrency, store the bulk of your funds in a reputable hardware wallet for the best security. You can keep a small portion of your coins and tokens in a desktop or online wallet for quick access but the bulk should remain offline.
- Choose a wallet that suits your needs. Some wallets are focused on security and can be time-consuming to use; other wallets are better for frequent trading and provide easy access to your ETH. Make sure whichever wallet you choose is right for your requirements.
- Set up 2-factor authentication. Make the most of any security features included with your wallet. For example, if you can set up 2-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection, do it.
- "Frequently asked questions", Ledger
- "5 main benefits of a non-custodial wallet", Atomic Wallet
- Trust Wallet
- "Supported assets and networks", Coinbase Help
- "Trezor Knowledge Base", Trezor
- "Frequently asked questions", MetaMask
- "Cypherpunks write code", American Scientist
- "Is Ledger Safe? with CTO, Charles Guillemet", Bankless YouTube
- "Ledger Recover FAQ", Ledger
- "Our Response to the Read Protection Downgrade Attack", Trezor Blog
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