The Ethereum wallet landscape is changing at breakneck speed as it has become more than a simple payment and storage device. There is an all out war to win what futurists see as the browser to Web3 and maybe even the metaverse.
This new ecosystem can be intimidating for someone who just learned the difference between a seed phrase and a private key. How do you compare Ethereum wallets when their scope of use keeps changing? It is important to know that your wallet of choice will give you the functionality you need to traverse worlds and decentralized applications with ease.
What you need to know:
- Ethereum wallets are now more than just a banking app without the bank. They have become a place to store digital art, community membership, voting privileges and even online gaming personas.
- Ethereum wallets are different from wallets only used for non-smart contract blockchains like Bitcoin. They have a signing function that enables users to execute complex smart functions such as depositing liquidity on Uniswap.
- The need to sign multiple transactions can make it difficult to use various wallets for more complex applications such as DEXes and games.
- Wallets that try to offer a better user experience through browser extensions of mobile apps tend to have more security vulnerabilities.
This guide will walk you through the basics of evaluating and comparing the best Ethereum wallets on the market. But first, the highlights:
Top Ethereum wallets:
- Most Compatible: MetaMask
- Most Secure: Ellipal
- Most Secure and Compatible: Ledger
- Most User-Friendly: Trust Wallet
- Most Versatile: Argent
- Most Affordable: Coinbase, Meta Mask and Trust Wallet
What’s an Ethereum wallet?
An Ethereum wallet is a hardware device or software enabling users to interact with the Ethereum blockchain and its decentralized applications (dapps) ecosystem. An Ethereum wallet supports sending and receiving ETH and Ethereum-based tokens, including crypto tokens (ERC-20) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
There are three main functions of an Ethereum wallet, with one being more used than the others. These functions include:
- An app: The primary use case for an Ethereum wallet is to help you manage your funds. It provides an interface to transfer assets and use the Ethereum network without much technical knowledge.
- Your Ethereum account: An Ethereum wallet holds access to a user’s unique addresses on the blockchain and provides an immutable account of their activities on the network. With an Ethereum account, users can build a social identity across different applications such as Twitter, Reddit, and Web3 applications.
- A login for Ethereum apps: The Ethereum ecosystem includes a variety of dapps built around finance, gaming, predictions, NFTs, and more. An Ethereum wallet provides login access to these applications and allows users to interact with them seamlessly.
An Ethereum wallet is one of the many types of cryptocurrency wallets. You can learn more about them in our in-depth guide on crypto wallets. Meanwhile, the next section analyzes what to consider when choosing an Ethereum wallet.
What to look for in an Ethereum wallet?
When choosing an Ethereum wallet, you need to first identify your priorities. Do you plan to use it for investing or storage or as your main interface for Ethereum-based applications? You may need multiple wallets for different purposes. Comparing these features will help you determine the best Ethereum wallet.
- Security and reputable history: Choose a wallet that integrates advanced security features and boasts a strong reputation within the crypto industry. The wallet seed phrase generation process, PIN options, and recovery process should be highly-secure for even less experienced users.
It is advisable to choose wallets with no record of a security breach. That way, users can rest assured that the company implements the best security practices and thus maintains a good reputation within the crypto industry.
- User-friendliness: Investors find it helpful to look for wallets with an easy-to-navigate interface. Basic functionalities such as sending, receiving, and swapping crypto tokens should work seamlessly. Additional features such as NFT display, multiple accounts, portfolio tracking, and others should work in an intuitive manner.
- Broad ecosystem support: If you intend to use the wallet to access Web3 applications such as decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and NFT marketplaces, then it is advisable to choose a broadly supported wallet. This way, you can easily connect to these platforms without transferring funds to another compatible wallet.
- EVM compatibility: The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) allows developers to build Ethereum-like applications across other blockchain networks. The best Ethereum wallets implement support for other EVM-compatible networks such as Polygon, BNBChain, Avalanche, Arbitrum, Optimism, Fantom, Gnosis, and many others. Thus, users can use a single wallet to access dapps built on these networks.
- Regular upgrades The blockchain industry evolves at neck-breaking speed. The best Ethereum wallet providers monitor the latest trends and adapt their solutions to meet the needs of contemporary users. Regular updates to fix security issues and improve user experience also count as one of the things to consider when choosing an Ethereum wallet.
- Hot or cold wallet: A hot wallet is connected to the internet and intended for regular usage. On the other hand, a cold wallet is designated for the long-term storage of your ETH and other assets. Many investors combine hot and cold wallet setups to balance their portfolio risk.
10 Best Ethereum Wallets for All Users
MetaMask
- Type of wallet: Browser and mobile wallet
- USP: Connect to dapps and Web3
- User-friendliness: Relatively easy
| Pros | Cons |
| Free-to-use | The wallet experience could be significantly improved |
| MetaMask is widely supported across the dapp ecosystem | MetaMask does not support new-age networks such as Solana, Cosmos, Polkadot, etc |
| The wallet is EVM compatible (with support for BNBChain, Polygon, Avalanche, etc.) | Being a hot-wallet solution makes users susceptible to hacks and other online attack vectors |
| MetaMask offers a built-in swap feature and portfolio tracker |
Released in September 2016 by Ethereum development studio Consensys, MetaMask is arguably the most popular Ethereum wallet. It boasts over 10 million active monthly users and has grown significantly since launching on mobile devices. Initially, the wallet was only available as a browser extension.
The MetaMask wallet is a self-custodial solution. Users create a new seed phrase upon installation or import an existing one. There is also the option to import wallets via a cryptographic private key. The MetaMask wallet features a relatively straightforward experience on both mobile and browsers. MetaMask users can send and receive tokens and connect with decentralized applications across Ethereum and almost all other EVM networks.
Ledger Nano X
- Type of wallet: Hardware wallet
- USP: Advanced security
- User-friendliness: Relatively easy
| Pros | Cons |
| The Ledger Nano X provides secure offline storage for crypto assets | Expensive for the average crypto investor |
| The wallet is durable and portable | The Ledger Live application might confuse users with more than one wallet — because the app sums up user balances, users must label wallets correctly |
| The device supports over 5,000 crypto tokens, making it an option for investors with a diverse portfolio | The device isn’t completely air gapped, so it is still vulnerable to certain security threats |
| Directly exchange and swap cryptocurrencies through supported partners |
The Ledger Nano X is a USB-shaped hardware device for storing cryptocurrencies. The device stores your cryptographic keys offline, eliminating the risk of losing funds to online attackers.
Users can connect to their mobile devices via Bluetooth to manage their portfolios using the Ledger Live application available on Android and iOS. A wired connection is required to use Ledger Nano X with a Windows, macOS or Linux device.
Even though this wallet is a hardware device, it is not considered cold storage or air gapped. This makes it vulnerable to certain attacks that can exploit Bluetooth and USB connections. Air-gapped wallets use QR codes to sign transactions instead of direct connections. The process can make for a clunky user experience, but it is more secure.
Upon installing Ledger Live, users can set up their Ethereum app to manage ether (ETH) and other ETH-based tokens. The Ledger Nano X wallet supports Ethereum staking and is among the best-supported options for decentralized applications.
Ledger Nano S Plus
- Type of wallet: Hardware wallet
- USP: Affordable security
- User-friendliness: Simple
| Pros | Cons |
| Secure offline storage | Has fewer functionalities than the Nano |
| Optimized to offer a seamless NFT and DeFi experience | Not compatible with iOS devices |
| It weighs less than the Nano X and is thus more portable | A known issue of summing portfolio balances presents a challenge to users who manage more than one wallet with Ledger Live |
| The device isn’t completely air gapped, so it is still vulnerable to certain security threats |
The Ledger Nano S Plus is a pocket-friendly alternative to the Nano X device. For around 60% of the price of the older counterpart, the Nano S device also features secure offline private key storage. More importantly, the device enables users to manage ETH and ETH-based tokens and interact with dapps.
The Ledger Nano S Plus is a predecessor to the Ledger Nano S device. An immediate improvement to the newer hardware wallet is an increased focus on optimizing the wallet for NFT and DeFi transactions. Meanwhile, the Nano S Plus device is not Bluetooth-enabled, one of the core differences between the most expensive Nano X.
Trezor
- Type of wallet: Hardware wallet
- USP: Advanced offline security
- User friendliness: Simple
| Pros | Cons |
| Trezor hardware wallets are user-friendly and offer seamless management with the Trezor Suite web and desktop apps | Trezor hardware wallets do not offer native support for displaying and managing NFTs, although users can sign transactions |
| Trezor supports the use of an advanced seed phrase for additional security | Trezor devices support fewer coins and tokens compared to competitors |
| Built-in exchange to buy, sell, and swap cryptocurrencies | The device isn’t completely air gapped, so it is still vulnerable to certain security threats |
Produced by Satoshi Labs, Trezor hardware wallets are another popular physical storage device for managing ETH and ERC-20 tokens. Trezor offers two products, the Trezor Model T and Trezor One devices.
The Trezor Model T is the more expensive option, offering advanced security features such as a touchscreen display and support for more cryptocurrencies. The Trezor One device is more affordable, enables managing fewer cryptocurrencies, and is sold at approximately 30% of the price of the Model T.
However, both wallets are easy to set up and rank highly on the list of best Ethereum wallets. Users can connect their Trezor device to MetaMask via a simple integration to enjoy top-notch DeFi experiences.
Eillipal Titan Wallet
- Type of wallet: Hardware, cold air-gapped wallet
- USP: Most secure
- User-friendliness: Complex
| Pros | Cons |
| Most secure storage | Cannot connect to smart contract applications |
| User-friendly touch screen | Sending crypto requires multiple steps on different devices |
| Wide selection of coins and staking options | Requires USB updates |
Ellipal Titan Wallet is a cold storage wallet that utilizes air-gap technology. Unlike traditional cold storage wallets, the Ellipal Titan does not connect to the internet, Bluetooth or USB. Instead, transactions are conducted using QR codes, which are generated on the Ellipal app and scanned using the Titan’s camera.
This air gap technology ensures a higher level of security as it prevents the wallet from being hacked through internet connections. The Ellipal app allows users to receive coins but not to send coins, as the private keys are stored inside the Titan wallet and transactions must be signed and approved using the QR code on the wallet.
The Ellipal Titan is a highly secure wallet, but it does have the drawback of requiring manual updates using a mini-USB, as it does not connect to the internet. Unlike Trezor and Ledger, it cannot connect to Metamask to approve transactions and interact with Ethereum dapps. Overall, the Ellipal Titan is a unique and secure option for those seeking to store their cryptocurrencies in cold storage.
MyEtherWallet
- Type of wallet: Web and mobile wallet
- USP: Open source
- User-friendliness: Relatively easy
| Pros | Cons |
| Open-source wallet with multi-device support | A hot wallet solution, making users susceptible to online attacks |
| Native dapp store and NFT management application | Users report frequent crashes on MyEtherWallet mobile and instability while interacting with the Polygon network |
| Built-in token cross-chain swap functionality powered by decentralized exchanges | |
| MyEtherWallet is developer friendly, including a smart contract interaction, gas unit conversion, and verification message add-ons |
Launched in 2015, MyEtherWallet is the oldest Ethereum wallet, becoming the first open-source solution for users to create and manage assets on the network. The wallet has since evolved to provide new functionalities, including a web, mobile application, and browser extension (Enkrypt).
In addition to pioneering self-custodial ownership, MyEtherWallet is compatible with most EVM-compatible networks and tokens. Users also enjoy the luxury of a built-in dapp store that features the most popular protocols and an NFT manager app.
Like MetaMask, users can connect MyEtherWallet with many hardware wallets, including Ledger, Trezor and Keep Key. This integration provides another gateway for accessing dapps with funds stored in a secure offline location.
Trust Wallet
- Type of wallet: Mobile and browser extension
- USP: Multichain
- User-friendliness: Extremely easy
| Pros | Cons |
| Trust Wallet users can directly stake ETH and several Ethereum-based tokens | Trust Wallet popularity makes users susceptible to phishing attacks |
| Trust Wallet includes an option to track charts and prices | Prone to mobile wallet malware attacks |
| Users can swap assets across different networks using the built-in multichain swap widget |
Trust Wallet is one of the best Ethereum wallets and boasts remarkable adoption with over 25 million users. The self-custodial wallet launched in 2017 and is notably backed by popular cryptocurrency exchange Binance.
Trust Wallet enables storing ETH and managing ERC-20 tokens. Users can simply toggle support for several assets and manage Ethereum gas fee settings based on network usage.
The Trust Wallet application also includes an NFT display feature and a native dapp store for accessing protocols across Ethereum and other EVM-compatible networks. Trust Wallet launched its browser extension in 2022 to broaden its user appeal and ward off competition.
Guarda
- Type of wallet: Desktop, web, and mobile wallet
- USP: Beginner friendly and multi-signature features
- User-friendliness: Relatively easy
| Pros | Cons |
| Multi-signature features available for ether and bitcoin | At the time of writing, users pay a relatively high fee of 5.7% when using the in-app purchase option to buy cryptocurrencies |
| Guarda provides advanced security options, including biometrics unlock and Face ID | The wallet is not purpose-built for accessing dapps and NFTs |
| The wallet supports native Ethereum staking | |
| Guarda Wallet is developer-friendly with several add-ons for token creation |
Launched in 2017, Guarda is another top wallet for Ethereum users. Guarda Wallet supports over 50 blockchain networks and 400,000 tokens, making it an excellent option for investors with a diversified portfolio.
The Guarda wallet is available on multiple devices and offers a user-friendly interface for managing assets. Guarda provides developer-friendly add-ons such as a token generator, mnemonic converter, Etherscan integration, and smart contract deployer.
Other prominent features include a built-in multichain swap widget, fiat purchases, and a Visa debit card for users to spend cryptoassets. Unlike a handful of self-custodial wallets, Guarda also prides itself in providing prompt customer service through LiveChat and email.
Argent
- Type of wallet: Smart contract mobile wallet
- USP: Ethereum layer-2 wallet
- User-friendliness: Relatively easy
| Pros | Cons |
| Cheap and fast transactions via Ethereum layer-2 | Argent Wallet is only available on mobile |
| Argent offers a user-friendly interface ideal for onboarding new investors to Ethereum | Only supports tokens built on the Ethereum blockchain |
| Native Ethereum-staking solution and DeFi integration | |
| No seed phrase recovery required |
Argent is a smart contract wallet specially designed for accessing the Ethereum layer-2 network zkSync. It replaces the traditional Externally Owned Account (EOA) model of Ethereum wallets with a smart contract model.
This enables account abstraction — where the user can interact with the Ethereum ecosystem with more functionality. For example, instead of using a seed phrase recovery system, you can set up a multi-signature solution that utilizes social recovery. It also enables transaction bundling so that engaging with smart contracts does require multiple transaction approvals.
Argent offers direct Ethereum staking and the option for users to earn interest across DeFi protocols on the layer-2 solution. There is also an inbuilt swap widget and a novel recovery process for users to retrieve lost wallets without a paper backup. The only trade-off is that the wallet is focused on optimizing user experience and thus does not support the layer-1 Ethereum network.
Read more: The Seed Phrase Debate: Do Wallets Really Need Them?
Exodus
- Type of wallet: Desktop, mobile, and browser wallet
- USP: Multichain and beginner friendly
- User-friendliness: Relatively easy
| Pros | Cons |
| Exodus wallet offers full multichain functionalities, enabling access to Ethereum, EVM-compatible networks, and new-age networks such as Solana | Supports fewer cryptocurrencies than some competitors |
| Multi-device support, including desktop and mobile synchronization | Prone to mobile wallet malware attacks |
| Native support for Ethereum staking and earning interest via DeFi protocols | |
| Exodus provides customer support through LiveChat and email |
Launched in 2015, Exodus is one of the oldest cryptocurrency wallets and among the best Ethereum wallets. Exodus offers a user-friendly experience and native integrations with the Ethereum dapp ecosystem. One of these integrations is an app store that allows users to access DeFi protocols such as Compound Finance and Aave with a single click.
Exodus is accessible across multiple devices with Android, iOS, desktop, and browser options available to users. The wallet features an intuitive portfolio tracker and support for the Trezor Model T hardware wallet. Users can also seamlessly buy and sell crypto using Exodus mobile’s numerous fiat on-ramp solutions.
Coinbase Wallet
- Type of wallet: Browser and mobile wallet
- USP: Retail friendly
- User-friendliness: Straightforward
| Pros | Cons |
| The Coinbase wallet is more user-friendly | Integrates few EVM-compatible networks compared to competitors |
| The wallet integrates native support for Ethereum and Polygon NFTs | Close ties with the Coinbase exchange mean limited privacy options for connected users |
| Users can store ETH, all Ethereum-based tokens, and several other cryptocurrencies | Prone to mobile wallet malware attacks |
| Coinbase Wallet lets users buy and sell cryptocurrencies with fiat |
Developed by the famous cryptocurrency exchange company Coinbase, the Coinbase Wallet is a self-custodial solution for Ethereum investors. Users can browse decentralized applications from the built-in dapp store and manage NFTs from the Ethereum and Polygon networks.
The wallet initially only existed as a mobile app for Android and iOS devices. However, the company released the Coinbase Wallet browser extension in 2021, expanding its grip on market share. Coinbase’s wallet is synonymous with a seamless user experience powered by a minimalistic design that even new investors can navigate.
Among other features, the Coinbase Wallet allows users to set up usernames. Thus, users can execute transactions without using hard-to-read cryptocurrency addresses. The wallet also supports Ethereum staking and the option to earn interest on crypto using DeFi protocols.
Ethereum wallet FAQs
Which wallet is best for Ethereum?
The best wallet for Ethereum depends on a user’s needs. For instance, MetaMask is considered the best Ethereum wallet by many to easily interact with dapps across the DeFi and Web3 gaming ecosystem. However, a hardware wallet provides the best security for the long-term storage of ETH and Ethereum-based assets. Mobile wallets are ideal for day-to-day transactions involving smaller amounts, while connecting your hardware wallet to browser extensions for transaction signing provides greater security while using dapps.
Which wallet is best for Bitcoin and Ethereum?
Most Ethereum-focused wallets, such as MetaMask and MyEtherWallet, do not support Bitcoin. Therefore, the best choice for Bitcoin and Ethereum is any of the hardware wallet devices listed in this article. Other options, including Trust Wallet, Guarda Wallet, and Coinbase Wallet, enable storage and transfers for ETH and BTC.
Which is the safest Ethereum wallet?
The safest Ethereum wallet is a hardware solution such as Ledger Nano X or Trezor Model T device. These devices store a user’s private key offline and provide advanced security options such as extra passphrases and customized backup solutions. Users can further ensure safety by setting up a cold-storage wallet, one not used for regular transactions.
Which is the most popular crypto wallet for Ethereum?
With more than 30 million users, MetaMask is the most popular crypto wallet for Ethereum. It is the most supported wallet on dapps and boasts significant usage within and outside the Ethereum ecosystem. Other popular options include MyEtherWallet and Coinbase Wallet.
What is the crypto wallet with the lowest fees?
Most crypto wallets allow users to set the lowest transaction fees based on network usage. Because users pay transaction fees to validators/miners on the underlying networks, crypto wallets technically do not offer low fees.
Choosing rightly to secure your Ethereum assets
The Ethereum ecosystem has significantly evolved from its early days. Nowadays, a user can choose the best Ethereum wallet for them based on their portfolio size, dapp usage, and other specific needs. Combining one or more wallet types may help users achieve the best security practices and benefit from the numerous opportunities available on Ethereum and the broader cryptocurrency industry.
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Source: https://blockworks.co/news/ethereum-wallets-2023