10 Best Cryptocurrency Wallets (January 2025)
Wondering what the best cryptocurrency wallet for you is? In this guide, we’ll break down the best software and hardware wallets for investors in 2025.
You can also use CoinLedger's Crypto Wallet Balance Checker to see the value of assets held in your wallet.
The best software wallets
The best hardware wallets
What is a crypto wallet?
Cryptocurrency wallets are applications that allow you to securely store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies.
Why do I need a custodial wallet?
Many cryptocurrency advocates use the phrase ‘Not your keys, not your crypto’. This phrase essentially says that if your cryptocurrency is stored on an exchange, you are not the true owner of the crypto.
While cryptocurrency exchanges offer a convenient way to trade and store cryptocurrency holdings, you may lose access to your crypto if your account is frozen, the security of the exchange is breached, or the exchange goes bankrupt.
In recent years, crypto investors have lost access to their holdings after exchanges like BlockFi and Voyager filed for bankruptcy.
How does a crypto wallet work?
A cryptocurrency wallet consists of public keys and private keys. Public keys are similar to bank account numbers — they show your cryptocurrency balance without compromising the security of your account. Meanwhile, private keys allow the wallet owner to access their cryptocurrency and sign off on transactions.
What type of wallet should I choose?
Not sure what type of wallet is right for you? Let’s walk through the differences between hot and cold wallets.
- Hot wallet: A hot wallet is a wallet that’s connected to the Internet. These types of wallets can make it easier to perform specific actions such as trading NFTs and accessing DeFi protocols.
- Cold wallet: A cold wallet (or hardware wallet) generates and stores your private keys offline. Cold wallets eliminate the risk of someone hacking your online wallet and stealing your cryptocurrency.
What to consider when choosing a wallet
Here are a few factors to keep in mind before you choose a cryptocurrency wallet.
Reputation: Unfortunately, scams and hacks are rampant in the cryptocurrency space. It’s important to choose a cryptocurrency wallet with a solid reputation.
Purpose: Before you choose a wallet, it’s important to understand why you’re in the market for a cryptocurrency wallet in the first place. The best wallet for you may differ based on your unique needs. For example, a hot wallet like MetaMask may be a good fit if you’re looking to experiment with decentralized protocols, while a cold wallet might be a good fit if you’re simply looking to hold your cryptocurrency for the long-run.
Blockchains supported: Before you choose a wallet, take a look at the list of supported blockchains to make sure your crypto-assets can be supported.
What type of security features should I look for?
Unfortunately, hacks and scams are rampant in the cryptocurrency space. Here are a few security practices to keep your wallet safe.
Watch out for phishing scams: ‘Phishing’ is a common scam in the cryptocurrency space — which usually involves hackers using a suspicious link to gain access to your crypto. Be careful before clicking any links you receive online.
Keep your private keys safe: Remember, your private keys can be used to access your wallet. They should be stored in a safe place — not on an Internet-connected device!
Consider a hardware wallet: If you’re willing to spend money, you should consider getting started with a hardware wallet like Ledger. Since hardware wallets store your private keys offline, they are considered the gold standard for security. Hardware wallets can integrate with software wallets — allowing you to securely interact with decentralized applications.
How do I track value of my crypto across different wallets?
If you’re like most crypto investors, you’re likely using multiple wallets and exchanges. Unfortunately, this can make tracking the total value of your holdings difficult — as you’ll need to flip between multiple platforms.
That’s where a crypto portfolio tracker can help. CoinLedger connects to hundreds of wallets and exchanges — giving you a real-time look at your crypto portfolio!
Frequently asked questions
- What is a crypto wallet?
A cryptocurrency wallet allows you to store, send, and receive cryptocurrency easily and securely.
- Which is the best crypto wallet?
The best crypto wallet for you may differ depending on your specific needs. Coinbase Wallet is good for beginner investors looking for a software wallet with a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.
- What is the most secure wallet for crypto?
Hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor are great options for investors looking for secure storage!
- Which crypto wallet has the lowest gas fees?
In most cases, you’ll pay relevant blockchain gas fees on trades and transactions. Most cryptocurrency wallets do not charge separate fees.
- Should I put my crypto in a wallet?
Putting your cryptocurrency in a self-custody wallet is considered the best option for security. In the past, investors have lost crypto stored in exchanges due to hacks and bankruptcies.