At Coinplate our founder Adam, and the team have been involved in the cryptocurrency world for a pretty long time, and we’ve seen plenty of people get into crypto with wide eyes and absolutely zero preparation, only to then lose their investments because they didn’t bother doing the research on how to keep it all secure and above board.
But how exactly do you keep your crypto safe and away from the prying efforts of the world’s bad actors? Well, the first place to start is with a secure and trusted crypto wallet. This certainly isn’t anything like the wallet in your back pocket or that overstuffed thing buried in your bag, it’s smarter, and it’s digital!
You might think it’s like traditional online or mobile banking, but it isn’t at all! A bank is managed by a faceless institution usually represented by some generic old man in a suit. But a crypto wallet hands you the keys (literally and metaphorically) to your finances. No clerks, no phone queues – just you and whatever your digital assets and investments you have, safe and sound.
Before you set up your very own crypto wallet though, you should know that there are many different ones to choose from and some of them can be more secure or easier to use than others. So, in this helpful list we’ve put together we’re going to give you our top 9 picks as the best crypto wallets for 2025; the ones we’d trust with our own digital assets.
What Is A Crypto Wallet?
Let’s get the basics right before we start listing wallets and giving you advice as to which are the best crypto wallets for 2025.
If you’ve ever heard someone throw the term “crypto wallet” around and felt like nodding politely while secretly Googling it later, you’re not alone. But don’t worry, it really isn’t all that much of an overly complex techy concept to get your head around.
Basically, a crypto wallet is a digital tool that helps you store and manage your cryptocurrency. That sentence alone isn’t really helpful or descript enough to do it justice though. It’s more like an online banking app that you log into digitally except there’s no bank manager or corporate policies holding you and your money to ransom.
There are a few types of wallets which try to cater to the often very different needs of crypto investors. For example, some crypto wallets allow you to trade coins on the go or browse decentralized apps (dApps). Others are fortresses, designed for maximum security, keeping your assets offline and away from prying eyes. But we’ll dive deeper into the different types in just a bit.
For now, just think of a crypto wallet as your bridge to the blockchain—a tool that makes owning, sending, and receiving digital assets possible.
Why Use A Crypto Wallet?
As we’ve vaguely alluded to, the main reason for using a good crypto wallet is security. The whole concept of crypto is that you get financial freedom and don’t have to hoard assets in the hands of faceless banks – but whilst convenient, it does also make you a magnet for online theft if you’re not careful.
The best crypto wallets are the ones that can keep your crypto secured and shield it from hackers and bad actors.
It isn’t just about security though, a good crypto wallet opens up so many more possibilities with your investments. Want to explore decentralized apps (dApps)? Stake your coins for rewards? Collect digital art and NFTs? A crypto wallet gives you the keys to access these opportunities.
The Different Types Of Crypto Wallets
Not all crypto wallets are created equal and none of them are ever really made to serve the same purpose in fact. Some are incredibly user-friendly and perfect for beginners, while others cater to hardcore crypto enthusiasts who know what they’re doing, likely have some sizable investments to protect and as such; want the highest levels of security. Then, there’s also crypto wallets which have been designed for specific purposes, like interacting with DeFi protocols or storing NFTs.
Hot Wallets
Imagine something that’s a bit of a merge between a forex app and your online banking. Hot wallets are always online, which is great if you want to buy or trade crypto faster than you can say “blockchain.” They are, however, probably the least secure option of the three main types.
Cold Wallets
If hot wallets are always online, then you’d be spot on in guessing that cold wallets are the opposite, always offline. Yes, this is less convenient for spur-of-the-moment trades, but it’s a lot more secure. Cold wallets are practically Fort Knox, as of course, hackers can’t touch what isn’t online.
Hardware Wallets
Hardware wallets are cold wallets but that are an actual piece of hardware. It could be something like a USB stick, only instead of holding your high school essays or questionable music downloads, it’s protecting your crypto fortune. Essentially, a hardware wallet keeps your private keys stored offline in a device you can hold in your hand.
How To Choose The Best Crypto Wallet In 2025
If you’re going to use our list in order to pick a crypto wallet for your bitcoin, NFTs or anything else, then you should make sure you know just how best to use our advice. There are some key things to take into consideration and questions you should be asking yourself in order to make the best choice from our top 9.
If you’re trading (and doing a lot of it, regularly) then you’re probably going to want one of the hot wallets that’s always online, user-friendly and can be accessed fast! But, if you’re going to sit on your crypto investments long-term and bide your time with them, then you’re more than likely going to want something with the most ironclad security features available.
Also, which of the different features and purposes matter most to you? Because some wallets are great for exploring decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols or for collecting NFTs, and other ones are made to be simple which is what makes them better for beginners.
Our advice? Start by asking yourself a few simple questions:
- How often will I use this wallet?
- Do I need access to specific features, like staking or NFT management?
- How much crypto am I planning to store, and how important is security to me?
The 9 Best Crypto Wallets For 2025
And now, finally, the list of our top picks.
- MetaMask
Advantages:
- Industry Standard: One of the most trusted and widely used crypto wallets.
- Browser Extension: Works directly within your browser for easy access.
- Large Community: Backed by a vast user base and strong support resources.
Why it made our list:
MetaMask made the list and is number 1 because it’s one of the most used wallets and can be a lot of people’s first crypto wallet when they start using dApps or delving into DeFi. It has a very good user-interface (UI) and this makes it a favorite for both beginners and experienced users.
- Coinbase Wallet
Advantages:
- Ease of Use: Designed with an intuitive interface, making it beginner-friendly.
- Integration: Seamlessly connects with the Coinbase exchange for added convenience.
- NFT Support: A strong platform for managing and trading NFTs.
Why it made our list:
The Coinbase platform has a great reputation and is trusted almost universally in the crypto community. The UI is simple but not too limited which means you can get set up pretty easily and can manage additional assets like NFTs easily.
- Trust Wallet
Advantages:
- Decentralized: Gives you full control over your private keys which makes sure that your assets are truly yours.
- Open-Source: Fully transparent and supported by a community-driven development approach.
- DApp Browser: Includes a built-in browser for interaction with (dApps).
Why it made our list:
Trust Wallet stands out because of its strong emphasis on decentralization and user control. It’s packed with features yet doesn’t overcomplicate things as a consequence.
- Exodus
Advantages:
- User-Friendly Interface: A visually appealing wallet with an easy-to-navigate design.
- Multiple Asset Support: Allows you to store a wide range of cryptocurrencies and even NFTs.
- Staking Rewards: Offers opportunities to earn rewards by staking supported cryptocurrencies.
Why it made our list:
Exodus is here because of its focus on user experience. Its sleek design and ease of use make it a favorite among newcomers, while features like staking and multi-asset support provide plenty for more advanced users too.
- Guarda
Advantages:
- Multi-Currency Support: Compatible with a vast range of cryptocurrencies and blockchains.
- Hardware Wallet Integration: Works seamlessly with popular hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor.
- Cross-Platform Availability: Accessible on desktop, mobile, and even as a web wallet.
Why it made our list:
Guarda is all about versatility. Whether you’re managing multiple assets across different platforms or integrating with a hardware wallet for extra security, Guarda offers flexibility without compromising on functionality.
- Zengo
Advantages:
- Seedless Security: Uses advanced multi-party computation (MPC) technology, eliminating the need for traditional seed phrases.
- 3-Factor Authentication: Provides an extra layer of protection with robust authentication methods.
- Easy Recovery: Simplified account recovery process that doesn’t rely on a seed phrase.
Why it made our list:
Zengo stands out for its innovative approach to wallet security, offering peace of mind for users who are wary of losing their seed phrases. It’s a great choice for those looking to get simple crypto management without sacrificing on safety and security.
- Crypto.com DeFi Wallet
Advantages:
- DeFi Focus: Optimized for interacting with decentralized finance protocols.
- Staking Rewards: Lets you earn rewards by staking supported cryptocurrencies directly within the wallet.
- Ecosystem Integration: Seamlessly connects with the broader Crypto.com platform, including its exchange and app.
Why it made our list:
The Crypto.com DeFi Wallet is perfect for users who want to explore DeFi without compromising on ease of use. Its strong integration with the Crypto.com ecosystem makes it an excellent choice for those already using the platform.
- Ledger (Hardware Wallet)
Advantages:
- Enhanced Security: Stores your private keys offline on a physical device, making it virtually immune to online threats.
- Wide Compatibility: Supports a vast number of cryptocurrencies and blockchains.
- Trusted Brand: A well-established and highly reputable name in the crypto world.
Why it made our list:
Ledger’s hardware wallets are the gold standard for anyone serious about crypto security. Whether you’re a long-term investor or just want peace of mind, Ledger offers top-notch protection and versatility that’s hard to beat.
- Trezor (Hardware Wallet)
Advantages:
- Open-Source: Developed with transparency and community-driven innovation in mind.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple to set up and navigate, even for beginners.
- Strong Security: Protects your private keys with robust features like PIN protection and recovery options.
Why it made our list:
Trezor is a pioneer in the hardware wallet space, combining top-notch security with an approachable design. Its commitment to open-source principles and ease of use makes it a trusted option for securing your crypto assets.
Ledger Nano S vs. Trezor Model One
We wanted to include an extra footnote here, specifically on two of the hardware wallets we mentioned at numbers 8 and 9 in our list respectively. We pointed out that both Ledger and Trezor are renowned for their security and functionality, but choosing between them can be tricky.
So if you are a bit stuck on which is maybe the better option, then you can actually head over and read this comparison guide that was written back in 2023.
Seed Phrase Storage For Your Crypto Wallet
If you don’t already know what we mean by a ‘Seed Phrase”; it’s a series of randomly generated words that acts as the master key to your crypto wallet. Lose it, and you lose access to your funds, forever!
Paper backups can degrade, get lost, or be destroyed. For true peace of mind, secure your seed phrase with a durable metal storage plate like the Coinplate Alpha. Built to withstand fire, water, and physical damage, it’s the ultimate safeguard for your digital assets.