Bitcoin wallet selector
Answer the questions below to see which bitcoin wallet is best for your purposes.
What is your primary goal right now?
How do bitcoin wallets work?
A common misconception is that wallets "hold" your bitcoin, like a physical wallet holds cash.
A bitcoin wallet:
- Creates your keys
These prove that you control your bitcoin - Protects your keys
Keeps them safe with a secure backup - Signs transactions
Handles the technical details of sending bitcoin
Your bitcoin always stays on the network. Your wallet manages the keys that control it.
Why we don't suggest custodial wallets
Custodial wallets put a third party in charge of your bitcoin. They hold your private keys.
If your custodian:
- locks your account
- freezes withdrawals
- gets hacked
- shuts down
You could lose access to your bitcoin.
Self-custody removes these risks.
It puts you in control of your private keys.
How we choose the right wallet for you
Every wallet we recommend must meet our standards.
- Security: a proven track record of safety
- Simplicity: interfaces that are easy and intuitive
- Utility: wallets tailored for specific use cases
- Self-custody: true ownership of your private keys
Bitcoin wallets we recommend
Each wallet below meets our strict criteria for security, simplicity, and self-custody.
Hardware wallets
Sometimes called cold wallets.
These are physical devices that store your keys offline for added security.
⚠️ Risk: Physical loss or user error
Bitkey
Best hardware wallet for beginners
This hardware wallet from Block (formerly Square) is designed to make taking custody of your bitcoin simple, with a built-in recovery option that never gives Block access to your funds..
- 2-of-3 multisig using your phone, hardware device, and encrypted cloud backup
- No seed phrase required; recovery handled through app and cloud key
- Mobile app for everyday transactions, hardware device for long-term storage
Perfect for beginners who want hardware-level security without the complexity of managing seed phrases.
Blockstream Jade
Best hardware wallet for affordability + security
This is an open-source hardware wallet offering robust security features at an affordable price point.
- Fully open-source hardware and firmware
- Air-gapped functionality using built-in camera for QR code signing
- Uses innovative virtual secure element model
- Compact design with built-in display
Perfect for users with moderate technical knowledge who value transparency and open-source security.
Coldcard
Best hardware wallet for maximum security
This is a security-focused hardware wallet built for users who want maximum protection and full control over every aspect of their bitcoin storage.
- Air-gapped operation via microSD card; never needs to connect to a computer
- Dual secure elements for enhanced tamper resistance
- Advanced features like duress PINs, brick-me PINs, and decoy wallets
- Fully open-source firmware
Perfect for advanced users and security maximalists who want uncompromising protection and don't mind a steeper learning curve.
Mobile wallets
Sometimes called hot wallets.
These are mobile apps that store your keys on your phone for easy access.
⚠️ Risk: Digital theft or device loss
Wallet of Satoshi
Best mobile wallet for Lightning payments
This mobile wallet is known for its ease of use and is now offering a self-custody option for users who want to hold their own keys.
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Built-in point-of-sale feature for merchants accepting bitcoin payments
- Instant, low-fee transactions via Lightning Network
Perfect for small businesses who want a simple way to accept bitcoin payments. Also great for everyday users looking for fast, simple Lightning transactions.
Be sure to enable self-custody mode instead of the default custodial option.
BlueWallet
Best mobile wallet for everyday use
This is a versatile open-source mobile wallet with a clean interface and powerful features.
- Full self-custody with easy seed phrase backup
- Supports both on-chain and Lightning payments
- Watch-only wallets for monitoring cold storage
- Multisig vault option for enhanced security
Perfect for users who want a flexible, all-in-one mobile wallet that can grow with them from beginner to advanced use cases.
Aqua
Best mobile wallet for bitcoin + stablecoin flexibility
This mobile wallet built by JAN3 is designed for simplicity and everyday use.
- Full self-custody with seed phrase stored securely on your device
- Supports on-chain bitcoin, Lightning Network and Liquid Network
- In-app swaps between bitcoin and stablecoins
Perfect for users who want a single app to manage both bitcoin and stablecoins.