THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Best Bitcoin Wallet

Looking for the best Bitcoin wallet? There are many different wallets with varying security and user experience. The Bitcoin / cryptocurrency wallet that you choose needs to be easy-to-use and the safest! Why should it be difficult?

We help you compare wallets and choose the best cryptocurrency wallet. You can quickly order and set up a safe wallet. In this beginner’s guide, you will learn everything about Bitcoin wallets and how to protect you cryptocurrency!

Below is our comparison table where you choose the best Bitcoin / cryptocurrency wallet for you. We will answer all your questions in the guide. What is a Bitcoin wallet? How does a Bitcoin wallet work? How to use a Bitcoin Wallet? How to store Bitcoin?

  • Compare Bitcoin Wallets
  • Secure Your Cryptocurrency
  • Sleep Well at Night

Top 3+ Bitcoin & Crypto Wallets - March 2024

Welcome to CryptoRunner! I’m David Andersson, co-founder of this site.

We understand that cryptocurrencies can be confusing and frustrating. That’s why we are here to help you.

Keep reading!

CHAPTER 1

How to Choose the Best Cryptocurrency Wallet?


Bitcoin works as digital cash or gold, and you need a wallet to store your money. There are a variety of Bitcoin wallets with pros and cons. We help you choose the best Bitcoin/Cryptocurrency Wallet in the comparison table above.

The purpose of a Bitcoin wallet is to protect your cryptocurrency. In other words, security is most important when choosing a wallet. However, there are other things that are good to check and compare. To choose the right wallet, look at the following:

  • Popularity – The popularity of a Bitcoin Wallet is an important factor for several reasons, not least security. A digital wallet is safe with help of special hardware and software. If the wallet is popular and has many users, the software will be updated more often. High popularity = high security.
  • Reliability – How trustworthy is the manufacturer? You should not take unnecessary risks when it comes to your money. NOTE! Only buy Bitcoin wallets from a trusted manufacturer and well-known company. We update our comparison table on a regular basis. Use it to choose the best Bitcoin wallet.
  • User Experience – Apart from security, our rating determines most user experience. The most important thing is that the Bitcoin wallet is safe. But it must also be easy to use.
  • Cryptocurrencies – Which cryptocurrencies will you keep in your wallet? The popular Bitcoin wallets in the table above can store all major cryptocurrencies. This is nothing you need to think about if it’s not a smaller unknown cryptocurrency.
  • Security – Cryptocurrency gives you more freedom but at the same time more responsibility for security. IMPORTANT! Read this beginner’s guide to secure your Bitcoin and avoid common mistakes. For example; Never store cryptocurrency at an exchange, buy a safe wallet. Only use a wallet that is unopened and ordered from the company’s official website. An opened or used wallet is not secure!
  • The Price – The Best Cryptocurrency Wallets are sold for the same starting price. The price first becomes relevant when buying a premium wallet or packages offer. For example, some manufacturers offer more expensive wallets with touch screen and discounts when ordering multiple wallets. Your Bitcoin and cryptocurrency are safest with two Bitcoin hardware wallets. Learn more →

CHAPTER 2

Beginner’s Guide: What Is a Bitcoin Wallet?


One of the most common questions: What is a Bitcoin wallet? The short answer →

A Bitcoin wallet is used to store, send, receive and list transactions. There are different types of Bitcoin wallets that all have different security.

It’s important to know how to use and store your Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in a safe way. All Bitcoin wallets have their pros and cons. It’s common to use different types of Bitcoin wallets for different purposes.

How Does a Bitcoin Wallet Work?

To fully understand what is a Bitcoin wallet and how it works, we need to explain how public and private keys work. The long answer →

Bitcoin address is like an email account but for digital money. Each Bitcoin address has a public and private key.

The private key serves as your password for access to your email account. While the public key is used to create your Bitcoin address. With that address, you can send and receive money for your Bitcoin wallet.

You access your email account by logging in via the browser, and there you can send and receive emails. Bitcoin works in the same way. Your private key gives you access to the Bitcoin address, and there you can send and receive Bitcoins.

Sounds Complicated?

All Bitcoin are stored in a public and common ledger throughout the Bitcoin Network. This means that a Bitcoin wallet does not really hold Bitcoin. Instead, it stores private keys that provide access to Bitcoin in the ledger.

In that way, a better description of Bitcoin wallets would be a keychain instead of a wallet. It stores private keys to transfer and list Bitcoin transactions easily.

Does it still sound complicated? Don’t worry! You don’t need to understand how a Bitcoin wallet works to use it. Everyone uses the internet even though everyone doesn’t understand how it works.

When you have a Bitcoin wallet, it’s easy to manage Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies. How to get a Bitcoin Wallet? Below we review different types of Bitcoin wallets and which one is best for you

CHAPTER 3

Different Types of Crypto Wallets


There are many Bitcoin wallets that can be divided into different types. In some cases, it may be difficult to distinguish wallets from each other. In short, there are three different types of cryptocurrency wallets; online wallet, lightweight client and full client.

NOTE! Below we walk you through all different kinds of Bitcoin wallets. However, as a beginner, you only need to understand the difference between an online wallet and hardware wallet. It’s easy to get started with an online wallet but they are less secure. The safest type of Bitcoin wallet is called hardware wallet.

  • Online Wallet (Hot Wallet) – An online wallet (Custodian Wallet), commonly called a hot wallet, is an account at a company that keeps your Bitcoin for you. Just as the bank keeps your money.
  • Lightweight client (Hardware Wallet) – A lightweight client (SVP client), also called a thin wallet, stores Bitcoin ownership information but doesn’t verify other transactions in the Bitcoin network. This is the most common type of Bitcoin wallet because it’s easy to use for everyone. (Basically, all software wallets and hardware wallets are different lightweight clients that secure and simplify the use of Bitcoin.)
  • Full Client (Full Node) – Then there are full clients (Full Node), also known as a Bitcoin Core Wallet. This Bitcoin wallet stores a full version of the common ledger and verifies transactions in the network. The Bitcoin network is secure because Full Nodes verifies all blocks of transactions created by Bitcoin Miners. However, storing and continuously updating the ledger takes time and requires a large-capacity device.

Last but not least, there are physical wallets. For example, if you save your private key on paper. A physical wallet is one of the safest options if you can generate, store and protect it properly.

Do you want to learn more? We review all Bitcoin wallets and explain the pros and cons. Do you want to get started now? At the end of the guide, we will help you choose the best Bitcoin wallet for you!

1. Bitcoin Online Wallet (Hosted)

Bitcoin online wallets are available on the internet, meaning that the wallet is stored on a third party server.

This makes it easy to buy and sell Bitcoin because you can use it on all your different devices. At the same time, there are higher risks. Therefore, it is called a hot wallet.

When buying and selling Bitcoin, almost everyone uses an online wallet because they are connected with your account on exchanges and platforms.

There are hundreds of exchanges and companies where you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies. Basically, all exchanges use an online wallet. Compare and choose the Best Bitcoin Exchange →

Risks with an Online Wallet

There are three overall risks and disadvantages with a Bitcoin online wallet:

  • Worse Security – An online wallet is more vulnerable to hackers because they are connected to the Internet. However, exchanges improve security every year and many use cold storage of Bitcoin. This means that private keys are stored on a hard drive that is temporarily offline.
  • Bankrupt Company – The company that stores your cryptocurrency can go bankrupt. If that happens, you will most likely lose your Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.
  • Not Anonymous – You can’t use exchanges and their wallet anonymously because almost everyone requires identification and private user information.

For these reasons, you usually use an online wallet together with a hardware wallet. Example: You buy/sell cryptocurrency on an exchange with their Bitcoin wallet online. When you’re done, the cryptocurrency is transferred to a hardware wallet to keep them safe.

Choose the best Bitcoin hardware wallet in our comparison table or continue reading to learn more →

2. Bitcoin Software Wallet (Mobile)

Another option is Bitcoin Software Wallets, which may be an app on your smartphone. It gives you full control over your wallet because your private keys are stored on your own hard drive.

For example, Bitcoin Core Wallet (Bitcoin-Qt), which is a full client, is also a software wallet. When you download that wallet, you get the latest version of the entire ledger on the Bitcoin network. Today, it requires several hundred GB of storage, and you should have a fast internet connection.

Here you can download Bitcoin Core on your computer. This is not a wallet we recommend to our readers. However, it can be interesting to see how it works. All Bitcoin transactions are public and anyone can download them!

Pros and Cons with Software Wallets

With a Bitcoin software wallet, you control your own private keys compared to an online wallet. This has both pros and cons. The biggest advantage is that you decide yourself over the Bitcoin Wallet and that it’s anonymous. No third party can close down or block your account.

The security compared to an online wallet varies. Since cryptocurrency exchanges stores many Bitcoin, it becomes a target for hackers. At the same time, their job is to secure your money.

When you have a software wallet on your mobile, you are responsible for the security. The most important thing when using your hard drive is to back up your software wallet.

NOTE! Backup Your Bitcoin Wallet

It’s easy to use a Bitcoin software wallet on your mobile as a payment method. However, if you want to buy Bitcoin, the best option is to use an online wallet on a Bitcoin exchange.

A software wallet on your computer or mobile phone is user-friendly but not the safest option. If you break your phone, you can lose all your Bitcoin.

Don’t forget to backup your Bitcoin wallet! The best way to back it up is using a physical wallet →

3. Physical Bitcoin Wallet (Paper/Metal)

There are also physical Bitcoin wallets where you save your private key on paper, metal or similar. Writing your code on a piece of paper or keeping it on a piece of metal can be very safe if you store it properly.

At the same time, you lose the good user experience that other Bitcoin Wallets have. If you want to store Bitcoin in a safe without using them, physical wallets can be a good option. But it requires that your wallet is created safely and that you can protect it properly.

Risks with a Physical Wallet

The risks with physical wallets are when creating it and transferring money from it. You need to use a software on a computer to generate a physical wallet, and there is a risk that your wallet will be exposed to malicious code.

The same applies when transferring Bitcoin from the physical wallet. If you don’t sell the entire wallet in real life, you need to use a device connected to the internet that may contain dangerous programs or viruses.

Due to these risks, a physical wallet should be used together with a hardware wallet. It’s safer because you can’t install any other software on it. The best solution is a wallet combined with metal recovery of the recovery seed.

Bitcoin Paper Wallet

If you’re using a Bitcoin paper wallet, it works like regular cash. If they are destroyed by water or by fire, you have lost your money. Here is an open source program for creating a Bitcoin paper wallet.

Because you control your own money with a physical Bitcoin wallet, you don’t need to trust any third party. At the same time, you are responsible for storing and protecting your Bitcoin. Not having to trust any company is probably the biggest advantage of a physical wallet.

Use a physical metal wallet along with a hardware wallet for maximum security! The Safest Bitcoin Wallet →

CHAPTER 4

What Is the Safest Bitcoin Wallet? → Hardware Wallet


A Bitcoin Hardware Wallet is a device that is built to only be a wallet. This means that it’s designed to be safe.

You can’t install other software on it, which prevents many security issues with computers. You don’t have to worry about malware and viruses on your Bitcoin wallet.

When using a hardware wallet, you connect it to your computer and use an encrypted password to transfer Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.

In other words, a hardware wallet is not connected to the Internet, making it extra safe. You don’t have to worry about hackers because a hardware wallet uses cold storage of Bitcoin. Meaning that your private keys are stored offline without internet connection.

A hardware wallet has the best balance between high security and ease of use. It’s both easy to use and the safest Bitcoin wallet you can buy.

Online Wallet + Hardware Wallet = ★

You should use an online wallet together with a hardware wallet. When you’re finished with trading at the exchange, you should transfer your Bitcoin and cryptocurrency to a secure hardware wallet.

The company making the hardware wallet has to be reliable, there are scam wallets on the market. Use our comparison table and choose the best Bitcoin wallet on the market.

Online Wallet + Hardware Wallet + Metal Backup = ★★★

When your wallet is delivered to you, you need to check that it is unopened and unused. You will also get a recovery password that you use if something happens to your wallet.

How to store Bitcoin? We recommend everyone to buy a CryptoSteel together with your Bitcoin wallet. It will store your recovery password and works as a backup of your wallet! Learn more →

CHAPTER 5

IMPORTANT! How to Protect your Bitcoin / Cryptocurrency


5.1

How to Store Bitcoin

Everybody needs to know how to keep their Bitcoins safe. No matter what Bitcoin wallet you use, know the following:

  • Do not share your private key with anyone – When you use an online wallet, you allow a third party to protect your private key. However, if you are storing cryptocurrency, always use cold storage.
  • Never store large amounts on software/online wallets – It’s important that your Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are kept safe. An online wallet and software wallet is not safe enough for large sums. All wallets that are connected to the Internet are vulnerable to malicious software and hackers.
  • Use a secure Bitcoin wallet – The safest Bitcoin wallet is a hardware wallet. It’s encrypted hardware that is not connected to the Internet, also called cold storage. Your private keys are stored on a hard drive, which protects your cryptocurrencies against computer viruses and hackers.
  • Always back up your wallet – Because some wallets use internal hidden keys, it’s not enough to back up your private key attached to the public address. To make sure you can restore your Bitcoin, you need to backup the entire wallet. We recommend ordering a CryptoSteel.
  • Do not store your wallet and copy at the same place – After you have backed up your Bitcoin wallet, save your copy somewhere else. Keep it locked up somewhere hidden.
  • For maximum security, use multiple wallets – We recommend everyone to use multiple Bitcoin wallets to lower the risks. For maximum security, order at least two hardware wallets and one metal wallet. A main device, a backup device, and a metal storage for your recovery password.

5.2

How to Keep Your Bitcoin Wallet Secure

This is the best practices for how to use Bitcoin wallets and keep them safe.

In addition to using hardware wallets with metal storage, there are additional safety precautions. First of all, you should use a strong password. We recommend a password over 15 characters.

Bitcoin also includes a multi-signature feature that allows multiple independent approvals to be required before a transaction can be completed. This can be a useful tool for organizations to give users access without being able to withdraw money.

Always Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Never setup Bitcoin wallet without 2FA!

Companies and exchanges offering online wallets usually use more security measures besides a regular password. We strongly recommend using two-factor authentication (2FA), which serves as an additional protection.

It’s easy to set up two-factor authentication with Google Authenticator. For additional security, they can offer functionally like specific IP addresses for withdrawal of funds. Email notifications at login and suspicious activity on your wallet. Time limit for withdrawal and similar protection.

Never Store Your Cryptocurrency at an Exchange

Although Bitcoin exchanges use a lot of resources to secure your online wallet, the risk of hackers never disappears. An example of this is the exchange Mt. Gox who lost Bitcoin worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

We would not worry too much if you don’t keep large amounts of money on an online wallet. Don’t store Bitcoin at exchanges or companies. Instead, transfer your money to a private Bitcoin wallet.

Bitcoin is freedom, but you’re responsible for the security. With great power comes great responsibility. Choose the Best Cryptocurrency Wallet →

CHAPTER 6

Conclusion: Best Bitcoin / Cryptocurrency Wallet


TREZOR Ultimate Pack is the most secure Bitcoin / Cryptocurrency wallet. This package includes the safest storage for your cryptocurrencies. The wallet has received our highest rating. Order the wallet now!

We recommend that you have one Bitcoin wallet to send smaller amounts of Bitcoin and another for storage of your Bitcoin. This is because user experience and security vary.

If you plan to use Bitcoin as your payment method, we recommend an online wallet AND a hardware wallet. However, an online wallet is not necessary, unless you transfer cryptocurrency every day.

We Test and Rate Wallets

When we rate a Bitcoin wallet, we look at many factors. This includes security, user experience, customer satisfaction, customer support, total price and more.

But most importantly, we test all Bitcoin wallets. If they have the same security, the user experience may be a decisive factor. There are always new wallets that we test, compare and decide the rating.

We are updating this guide and comparison table all the time. All wallets have pros and cons. We will help you choose the right one!

Secure Your Cryptocurrencies → Order a Wallet

  • If you want to protect your cryptocurrency properly, you need to order a wallet. A hardware wallet means you have control of your own money. Your cryptocurrencies are stored in the same way as if you have gold at home.
  • If you are serious with Bitcoin and want the safest solution, you order at least two hardware wallets and one physical wallet. The ultimate setup is to use a hardware wallet along with metal storage for the reset password.

IMPORTANT! Do you want the best and safest solution? Secure your Bitcoin/cryptocurrency with the following easy steps:

  • Step 1: Order Trezor Ultimate Pack.
  • Step 2: Install your wallet with Trezor Model T.
  • Step 3: Create a backup of your wallet with Trezor One.
  • Step 4: Save your recovery password in CryptoSteel.

Join The Discussion

23 comments

  • There’s certainly a great deal to find out about this issue. I really like all the points you made.

    Reply
  • I use both Trezor and Ledger. But I don’t have any cryptosteel backup wallet. Do I need to order two or can one store both my recovery seeds?

    Thanks you for a great guide!

    Reply
    • Hello!

      You only need one Cryptosteel backup for your wallets. It can store two recovery seeds.

      Let us know if you have any other questions!

      / CryptoRunner Team

      Reply
  • why you didn’t mention Bitroz Wallet ? Bitroz also a very good bitcoin wallet to store bitcoins securely

    Reply
    • Hello Garry,

      It is not as secure because it’s an online wallet.

      / CryptoRunner Team

      Reply
  • What is the minimum amount needed to start bitcoin trading?
    I will love to trade with bitcoin.

    Reply
    • Hello Isioma,

      Thanks for your comment.

      There is no minimum amount needed to start trading bitcoin. However, exchanges usually have a minimum first deposit, around 200 dollars is normal. This is because smaller sums will not be able to generate any meaningful return.

      I recommend following our bitcoin buying guide to get started. Let us know if you have any other questions!

      / CryptoRunner Team

      Reply
  • I have always been interested in this…but I am a beginner so I really need the help. My income is small, can I start with maybe $50.00…then work my way up? Also what would be the best wallet for me to use ..Thanks… Sincerely, A future Bitcoin Owner

    Reply
    • Hello Elizabeth,

      Thanks for your comment. The minimum amount of Bitcoin is 0.00000001 BTC which is of today is worth 0.0002773122 USD. In other words, there will be no problem to start with 50 dollars. Just make sure to not choose an exchange that has a minimum deposit over that amount. You can see that and find an exchange in our comparison table here: https://cryptorunner.com/compare-exchanges/

      Regarding the best bitcoin wallet. If you’re buying under $1,000 I would recommend keeping them on the exchange. For larger amounts, I would recommend a bitcoin hardware wallet.

      / CryptoRunner Team

      Reply
  • Is blockchain wallet not a safe wallet to use? You didn’t mention it in your discussion above.

    Reply
    • Hello Skymark,

      Thanks for your question. We have not included every wallet in this guide, there are too many of them. Blockchain wallet is from my experience a good online wallet to use. However, this is not as safe as an hardware wallet like Ledger. In other words, for smaller amounts I would not worry about using Blockchain wallet.

      / CryptoRunner Team

      Reply
  • What about voyager? Anyone have any comments or advice?

    Reply
    • Hello Sonya,

      I haven’t heard of that wallet. However, when searching for that it seems to be an app for buying and selling crypto. Not a wallet intended to secure and store your crypto. Sure you can user their built-in online wallet. But it will not be as secure.

      / CryptoRunner Team

      Reply
  • Hello,
    i’m a newbie in cryptocurrency, i just downloaded safepal and binance wallets,
    are they ok for small amount of money to start with?

    Reply
    • Hello Chesky,

      I haven’t tested Safepal so I can’t recommend that wallet. However, Binance is an exchange with an online wallet. This is not a wallet intended to use as storage of your bitcoin or cryptocurrency. An online wallet is not as secure as a hardware wallet.

      However, I would not worry about having small amounts on Binance. It’s good to start with a small amount and learn how buying/selling works.

      / CryptoRunner Team

      Reply
  • i want to know how to invest in bitcoin

    Reply
    • Hello Sikakure,

      Thanks for your comment!

      If you want to learn how to invest in Bitcoin we recommend our Bitcoin buying guide to get started. Let us know if you have any other questions!

      / CryptoRunner Team

      Reply
  • Compare that to cash, where cash can change hands multiple times with absolutely no trace (laundering). It’s much harder (but not impossible) to launder bitcoin effectively compared to cash.

    Reply
    • Hello John,

      You are right that bitcoin can be transparent and anonymous at the same time, this is not well known by most people.

      / CryptoRunner Team

      Reply
  • Hi am from Papua New Guinea and I’ve heard about the Bitcoin trading, I am very much interested in the Bitcoin Investment, how do I go about investing/buying Bitcoin, and can you please advise since I am a low income earner, how much can I spend to start trading, and how do I go trading?

    Please advise.

    Many thanks,

    Reply
    • Hello Mary,

      Thanks for your question! If you want to get started with investing in bitcoin we recommend you to read our guide about buying bitcoin.

      / CryptoRunner Team

      Reply
  • How do you actually spend bitcoin, or do you have to convert it to actual cash bills?

    Reply
    • Hello Mary,

      You have some different ways to spend bitcoin. There are some stores, although few, that accept bitcoin as a means of payment. Otherwise you need to exchange bitcoin to fiat. There are two options here, either you do it yourself at an exchange or you order a crypto card that you can pay with in stores. With a crypto card, your bitcoins are automatically exchanged into your local currency when you pay. This is usually for a higher fee, so we recommend to use an exchange, you can compare exchanges here.

      / CryptoRunner Team

      There are some stores that accept bitcoin as payment method.

      Reply

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