Crypto wallets are basically software or hardware that allow users to store, use, and transfer crypto assets. Cryptocurrencies are not tangible currency, not paper or plastic money that can be stored in a physical wallet. These wallets facilitate the transfer of cryptocurrencies and crypto assets from one user’s wallet to another.
Cryptocurrency can be stored and collected and can be used for several purposes. Crypto wallets act like banks for fiat currencies. Wallets are needed to enable the utility of cryptocurrency, such as management, transactions, connection to dApps, username identities, and key management.
Cryptocurrency wallets hold the users’ information and private keys and public keys are stored on the blockchain. With the combination of public and private keys, a crypto wallet facilitates secured operations to validate a balance and transfer or receive cryptocurrency transactions.
Software-based Crypto Wallet
Crypto software wallets are also known as hot wallets. These wallets are application-based and exist on internet-connected devices such as phones or computers.
It can be installed on devices that can interact with blockchain. Cryptos are stored on the blockchain and wallets store private keys for those cryptos. These are non-custodial, that is, the user has complete access to the wallet.
Types of Software Wallet
Coinbase Wallet
These wallets are best for beginners and they are mobile apps or browser extensions. Coinbase has developed these wallets, making it one of the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges. These wallets enable users to buy crypto directly from Coinbase accounts. It can interact with DeFi protocols and store hundreds of different cryptocurrencies.
It is available for free. It supports most of the popular cryptos, which include Ethereum, Polygon, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Stellar Lumens, Ripple, and Solana.
MetaMask
This wallet is the most suitable one for Ethereum. It is also accessed through mobile wallets and browser extensions. It is most popular for its easy user interface. It is prominently used among investors looking to experiment with NFTs and DeFi protocols on Ethereum.
The drawback is that it does not support other blockchains, such as Bitcoin and Cardano.
It is also available for free to download. It supports cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens, and Layer 2 solutions such as Polygon.
ZenGo
This wallet is best for easy account recovery. It is also known for its user-friendly interface. Its differentiating feature is that this wallet has two mathematical secret shares. The one is for the user and the other is for the company’s server.
It means that, unlike other wallets, users will be able to recover their ZenGo wallet if access is lost to ZenGo’s private keys. Like others, it can also be downloaded for free. The supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and others.
Guarda
It supports more than 50 coins and 40,000 tokens. It is a user-friendly wallet that offers both web and mobile versions. It supports an extensive number of digital assets. Besides, it is best for users with diversified digital assets.
This wallet provides a high level of security and privacy. It does not require any personal information during the setup process.
The fees charged to use the wallet are very high, which makes it a less popular crypto wallet.
Crypto.com
Crypto.com wallet is a DeFi wallet and is best for DeFi staking. This wallet is integrated with the crypto.com exchange account. It enables users to easily transfer cryptos between the two platforms. Apart from storing and transferring, it offers features like staking rewards and an Ethereum gas tracker.
The Crypto.com wallet allows users to choose their preferred trading fee and confirmation speed. It supports around 250 coins, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polkadot, Cronos, Cosmos, and Litecoin.
Exodus
It is a beginner-friendly wallet and is best for customer support. The Exodus Wallet is available on desktop and mobile. This wallet supports more than 300 cryptographic assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.
It also has features like built-in exchanges and chat and email support for users.
Conclusion: Points to Consider When Choosing a Wallet
There are a few important factors that need to be considered when choosing a wallet, such as the reputation of the wallet developer, as scams and hacks are very common in this space.
The purpose should also be clearly defined so that a specific wallet can be selected for unique needs.
Before selecting any wallet it is also important to take a look at the list of supported blockchains to make sure it supports the desired crypto assets or not.
FAQs
Which is the best crypto wallet?
The best crypto wallet depends on the individual user’s needs.
What are the types of crypto wallets?
Crypto wallets are of two types hardware wallets and software wallets.
Which is the most secure wallet?
Hardware wall333ets are more secure than software wallets.
With a background in journalism, Ritika Sharma has worked with many reputed media firms focusing on general news such as politics and crime. She joined The Coin Republic as a reporter for crypto, and found a great passion for cryptocurrency, Web3, NFTs and other digital assets. She spends a lot of time researching and delving deeper into these concepts around the clock, and is a strong advocate for women in STEM.
Source: https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2024/01/15/software-wallets-enabling-transfer-and-storing-of-crypto/