Best Bitcoin or Crypto Wallets 2021: How To Choose
Cryptocurrencies are all the rage right now. Even though cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile at times, people are more and more interested in purchasing them each day, and many big companies are starting to accept them as a payment method. One of their main appeals is that they’re practically impossible to double-spend or counterfeit because they’re protected by cryptography.
Bitcoin (BTC) is the leading name in the game, but several other options might appeal to you if you’re interested in investing in the digital currency world. However, before you join the bandwagon and get started on your cryptocurrency journey, you need to learn how to store your digital money safely using a crypto wallet.
What Is a Crypto Wallet?
A crypto wallet is a safe place to store your private keys to access your cryptocurrencies. A crypto wallet gives you peace of mind every time you access, spend or exchange your virtual money. You don’t have to fear that a third party will manipulate your transactions in any way without your consent.
What Are the Best Crypto Wallets in 2021
There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to crypto wallets, all with different features and characteristics. It can be a bit daunting to pick the right one, but all you need to do is compare and contrast the most popular options to find the one that suits your needs. Here are some of the best crypto wallet options in 2021.
| Wallet | Type | Cost | Compatible Hardware Wallet | Incorporated Exchange |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrum | Hot wallet with cold storage options | Free | Trezor, Ledger, KeepKey | No |
| Exodus | Hot wallet | Free | Trezor | Yes |
| Ledger Nano S | Cold wallet | $59 | n/a | Yes |
| Mycelium | Hot wallet with cold alternatives | Free | Trezor, Ledger, and KeepKey | Yes |
| Trezor Model T | Cold wallet | $209 | n/a | Yes |
| Coinbase | Hot wallet | Free | No | Yes |
1. Electrum: The Best Bitcoin Wallet
Electrum is explicitly made for Bitcoin users. It has many advanced features for those who have been in the game for a while. This wallet is open-source, and you can customize your transaction fees and determine your preferred security level. Electrum allows you to:
- Pick between legacy Bitcoin and SegWit
- Customize your seed phase
- Use two-factor authentication
- Have a multi-signature
2. Exodus: The Best Crypto Wallet for Beginners
This wallet is great for getting acquainted with cryptocurrency transactions and exchanges. It has a clean and straightforward interface and allows you to swap between over 150 cryptocurrencies with ease.
Exodus offers customer support so that beginners can get some backup while they become more confident with their transactions. It leaves little to no room for confusion, but advanced users can get a bit frustrated by its simplicity.
With Exodus, you can set your own fees and complete transactions quickly. The Exodus crypto wallet, however, is closed-source, which might raise some eyebrows when it comes to security concerns.
3. Ledger Nano S: The Best Hardware Wallet
The Nano S is one of the first hardware wallets ever made. Introduced by Ledger in 2016, this crypto wallet is compatible with over 1,100 cryptocurrencies. Being an older alternative, the Nano S does have some technological setbacks. For example, it does not come with a USB Type-C cable, making it more challenging for some smartphone users to connect it to their devices.
Ledger’s Nano S costs only $59, which is a steal for those who only want to store up to three cryptocurrency apps. It gives you access to Ledger Live, where you can manage your cryptocurrencies with ease.
4. Mycelium: The Best Crypto Wallet for Mobile Users
This crypto wallet has been around for a while now. It’s open-source and is exclusive to mobile devices. Mycelium supports the most common cryptocurrencies, including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- FIO token
- ERC-20 tokens
- Ethereum (ETH)
The interface allows you to set custom fees for your transactions and select the amount of time you want to wait for them to be completed. Mycelium offers hardware wallet support so that you can store your cryptocurrency offline.
5. Trezor Model T: The Best Crypto Wallet To Store Several Cryptocurrencies
This second-generation hardware wallet is the best for cold wallet storage. It allows you to access third-party exchanges through the Trezor website. Equipped with a touch screen, this wallet is user-friendly and ideal for beginners. It supports over 100 cryptocurrencies.
The Model T also comes with:
- USB Type-C cable
- Micro SD card slot
6. Coinbase: Crypto Wallet With Best Exchange Integration
As a platform that lets you buy, sell, store and use cryptocurrency, Coinbase checks a lot of boxes. Although some Coinbase offerings are fee-based, the software-based wallet is free, and you don’t need a Coinbase account to use it. Other features include:
- Supports over 500 coins
- Fully integrated with Coinbase exchange
Pick the Right Crypto Wallet for You
Having a crypto wallet is a must if you’re going to start investing in cryptocurrency. Choosing the right one is easy if you compare the most popular options and stick to what suits your needs best. The information in this guide should help you better understand the features available with the best crypto wallets in 2021.
Good To Know
Some crypto wallets are more advanced than others. If you’re new to cryptocurrency, try sticking to a simpler option so that you can become familiar with its features before moving on with something more complicated.
Crypto Wallet FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about crypto wallets.- How does a crypto wallet work?
- Crypto wallets can store as much cryptocurrency as you'd like. They use a database technology called blockchain to conduct your cryptocurrency transactions. In a nutshell, blockchain is a digital ledger that stores and records all sorts of data.When you move your favorite cryptocurrencies from one crypto wallet to another one, each wallet uses its own secret data to validate the transaction and sign it. This action proves that the parties involved actually own the wallet.
- What's the difference between a hot and cold wallet?
- Hot wallets are connected to the internet and allow a faster way to manage all sorts of transactions. Cold wallets, on the other hand, are not available online, which makes them more secure for long-term storage but somewhat slower for transactions.
- How much does a crypto wallet cost?
- Using a crypto wallet to store your cryptocurrency is typically free of charge, but purchasing a wallet can cost you up to $200. Using the crypto wallet's features to complete transactions or exchange devices will also result in additional fees.
- Can you cash out your crypto wallet?
- While converting cryptocurrency to cash whenever you want is not currently possible, you can always sell your virtual money in exchange for it.
- How can you exchange cryptocurrency for cash?
- You'll need to find a buyer and do an anonymous crypto exchange through the blockchain. Keep in mind that each wallet has its own rules when it comes to cash transfers into a bank account.
GOBankingRates’ Crypto Guides
- What Is Cardano? (ADA)
- What is Bitcoin Cash? (BCH)
- What Is Chainlink? (LINK)
- What Is Dogecoin? (DOGE)
- What is Litecoin (LTC)
- What is Polkadot? (DOT)
- What is Ripple? (XRP)
- What is Stellar (XLM)
- What is Tether? (USDT)
Daria Uhlig contributed to the reporting for this article.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- Coinbase. "What Is a Crypto Wallet?"
- Business Insider. 2021. "The Best Bitcoin Wallets for Storing and Securing Your Cryptocurrency."
- Exodus. "Is Exodus Open Source?"
- Blokt. 2020. "Ledger Nano S Review: Best-Selling Wallet, Still King in 2020?"
- Ledger. "Ledger - Ledger Nano S."
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