Best Crypto Wallets 2026
A crypto wallet lets you store, send, and receive cryptocurrency. When you keep crypto on an exchange, the exchange holds your keys. When you move it to your own wallet, you control your keys — and that means you truly own your crypto.
There are two main types: hardware wallets (physical devices that store keys offline — safest for long-term storage) and software wallets (apps on your phone or browser — more convenient for daily use). We've reviewed 15 wallets across both categories so you can find the right one.
Hardware vs Software — which do you need?
Hardware Wallets (Cold)
Physical devices (like a USB stick or card) that keep your private keys offline. Best for long-term savings — your crypto can't be hacked remotely because the keys never touch the internet. Costs $50–$400.
→ Best if: You're holding crypto as an investment and want maximum security.
Software Wallets (Hot)
Apps on your phone or browser extension. Connected to the internet, so more convenient for daily use, DeFi, and dApps. Free to use. Less secure than hardware wallets because keys are stored on an internet-connected device.
→ Best if: You're actively using DeFi, swapping tokens, or need quick access.
Pro tip: Many users use both — a hardware wallet for savings (large amounts, long-term) and a software wallet for spending (DeFi, trading, daily use). You can even connect most software wallets to a hardware wallet for the best of both worlds.
Hardware Wallets
Physical devices that keep your keys offline. The gold standard for securing large amounts of crypto.
Software Wallets
Free apps for your phone or browser. Perfect for DeFi, daily transactions, and Web3 access.
MetaMask
The Web3 standard — 30M+ monthly active users.
Trust Wallet
100+ chains and 100M+ downloads worldwide.
Phantom
#1 Solana wallet — now multi-chain with 15M users.
Exodus
Beautiful design with built-in exchange and Trezor support.
Coinbase Wallet
Self-custody wallet with Coinbase ecosystem integration.
Rabby
DeFi power wallet — TX simulation and auto chain-switch.
OKX Wallet
Multi-chain wallet with built-in DEX aggregator.
Zerion
Smart wallet with best-in-class portfolio tracking.
Crypto.com DeFi
Cronos ecosystem wallet with built-in staking.
Bitget Wallet
30M+ users with $300M protection fund.
Bitcoin-Only Wallets
Dedicated wallets built exclusively for Bitcoin — with features like Lightning Network, UTXO control, and multi-sig.
Helpful Guides
Learn more about choosing, securing, and using crypto wallets.
Crypto Wallets Explained
Hot vs cold, custodial vs self-custody — learn which wallet type is right for you.
Read guideCrypto Security Tips
Protect your seed phrase, avoid scams, and keep your crypto safe.
Read guideWhat is Cryptocurrency?
Start from the very beginning — what crypto is and why it matters.
Read guideNeed to buy crypto first?
To fill your wallet, you'll need an exchange. Compare the 15 best crypto exchanges to find the right one for you.