Choosing the best crypto wallet can make or break your digital asset experience. A crypto wallet stores your private keys—the digital codes that prove you own your cryptocurrency—and lets you send, receive, and manage your assets securely.
According to a 2025 industry survey, 87% of crypto investors use more than one wallet to diversify asset security and access features such as DeFi, NFTs, and staking. The ongoing increase in wallet adoption is reflected in the fact that more than $250 billion in digital assets are now held in non-custodial wallets worldwide, up from $180 billion just two years ago.
There are two main types: hot wallets (connected to the internet for convenience) and cold wallets (offline storage for maximum security). Whether you’re a beginner looking to buy your first Bitcoin or an enterprise managing millions in digital assets, this guide covers the best crypto wallet options for 2025.
Our methodology evaluates each wallet based on security features, user control, multi-chain compatibility, DeFi and NFT support, user experience, and 2025-specific updates. Data-driven insights from top industry reviews and wallet adoption surveys have been incorporated to ensure these recommendations match real-world usage.
How to Choose the Best Crypto Wallet in 2025
Security concerns are a top priority. In 2024, over $1.7 billion in crypto assets were lost to hacks and user error, emphasizing the importance of using secure wallets. Hot wallets offer convenience for daily trading and DeFi activities but remain connected to the internet, making them vulnerable to hacks. Cold wallets (hardware devices) store your keys offline, providing the highest security for long-term holdings but requiring more setup steps.
Industry consensus, based on more than 10,000 user reviews in 2025, recommends a hybrid strategy: cold wallets for storing the majority of assets, and hot wallets for daily transactions or exploring DeFi.
Control & Recovery: Seed phrases, biometrics, Shamir backups
According to leading industry reports, 97% of the most popular wallets provide users with direct access to seed phrases or recovery mechanisms. The latest wallet security advancements now include Shamir backup support and biometric authentication, features highlighted in recent guides.
Compatibility & Features: DeFi, NFTs, staking, swaps, portfolio tracking
More than 80% of active crypto users in 2025 engage in DeFi or NFT transactions in addition to simple wallet storage. Multi-chain compatibility and extra features like staking and built-in swaps rank among the top reasons for wallet selection.
User Experience: The best crypto wallet for beginners vs. power users
A recent survey found that ease of setup and in-app education resources are the top two priorities for beginners. Conversely, power users prefer wallets with custom fee control, hardware compatibility, and support for new blockchain networks. The industry’s highest-rated wallets successfully cater to both user types.
The Top 10 Best Crypto Wallets (2025) Quick Comparison
1. BestWallet — best crypto wallet for DeFi, NFTs & multi-chain access
Best for: Active DeFi users and NFT collectors who trade across multiple blockchains
BestWallet positions itself as the best crypto wallet for users who want comprehensive DeFi access without juggling multiple apps. It features a built-in DEX aggregator that finds the best swap rates across dozens of decentralized exchanges, plus early access to token launches and NFT mints. In 2025, BestWallet’s new cross-chain DeFi tools helped increase global DeFi wallet transactions by 27%.
Security model: Hot wallet with standard encryption and biometric locks on mobile
Notable 2025 features: Enhanced cross-chain bridging, improved NFT marketplace integration, and support for over 40 blockchains
Key benefits:
- All-in-one DeFi experience with swap aggregation
- Early access to presales and token launches
- Comprehensive NFT management and marketplace access
- Support for emerging blockchains beyond Ethereum
2. Ledger Nano X — best crypto wallet for long-term cold storage
Best for: HODLers and investors focused on maximum security for substantial crypto holdings
The Ledger Nano X remains the gold standard for hardware wallets, supporting over 5,500 cryptocurrencies with Bluetooth connectivity for mobile app management. Its secure element chip and custom operating system provide bank-level security. Ledger has been independently audited and is used by more than 3 million people worldwide.
Security model: Cold storage with secure element chip, PIN protection, and physical confirmation buttons
Notable 2025 features: Enhanced staking support for 20+ networks, improved Ledger Live app interface, and new recovery check feature
Key benefits:
- Industry-leading security with proven track record
- Massive cryptocurrency support (5,500+ assets)
- Bluetooth connectivity for mobile management
- Built-in staking for popular networks
3. Trezor Model T — best crypto wallet for transparency & advanced backups
Best for: Security-conscious users who value open-source transparency and advanced recovery options
Trezor’s flagship model offers complete transparency with fully open-source firmware and hardware designs. It is the only major hardware wallet brand to share both hardware and firmware code for community review. The touchscreen interface and Shamir backup feature (splitting recovery into multiple shares) appeal to advanced users.
Security model: Air-gapped cold storage with open-source security, PIN protection, and optional passphrase
Notable 2025 features: Updated touchscreen interface, enhanced Shamir backup management, and improved Bitcoin-only firmware option
Key benefits:
- Completely open-source for maximum transparency
- Advanced Shamir backup for distributed recovery
- Touchscreen for secure PIN entry
- Strong privacy focus with Tor integration
4. MetaMask — best crypto wallet for Web3 & Ethereum dApps
Best for: Ethereum users and Web3 enthusiasts who regularly interact with decentralized applications
MetaMask pioneered the browser extension wallet category and remains the gateway to Ethereum-based DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 apps. In 2025, over 35 million monthly users rely on MetaMask for DeFi interactions and NFT management.
Security model: Hot wallet with local private key storage, password protection, and optional hardware wallet integration
Notable 2025 features: Improved mobile app with dApp browser, enhanced portfolio tracking, and better cross-chain network management
Key benefits:
- De facto standard for Ethereum and Web3 interaction
- Seamless dApp connectivity through browser extension
- Strong NFT support and marketplace integration
- Hardware wallet compatibility for enhanced security
5. Trust Wallet — best crypto wallet for mobile DeFi & staking
Best for: Mobile-first users who want comprehensive blockchain support and staking rewards
Trust Wallet is among the top three most installed mobile wallets globally, with user growth up 40% year-over-year in 2025. Trust Wallet supports over 100 blockchains with native mobile apps for iOS and Android. It excels at mobile DeFi interactions and offers staking for numerous networks directly within the app.
Security model: Non-custodial hot wallet with local key storage, biometric locks, and security alerts
Notable 2025 features: Enhanced staking interface, improved cross-chain swaps, and new security monitoring alerts
Key benefits:
- Comprehensive mobile-first experience
- Support for 100+ blockchains and thousands of tokens
- Built-in staking for 15+ networks
- Integrated dApp browser for mobile DeFi
6. SafePal S1 — best crypto wallet under budget (air-gapped)
Best for: Budget-conscious users who want hardware security without premium pricing
SafePal S1’s popularity soared in 2025, with global hardware wallet shipments exceeding 500,000 units thanks to its sub-$50 price and support for advanced DeFi features. The SafePal S1 offers air-gapped security (completely offline operation) at under $50, making hardware wallet security accessible to more users. It connects to the mobile app via QR codes for transaction signing.
Security model: Air-gapped cold storage with secure element, QR code communication, and self-destruct protection
Notable 2025 features: Improved QR scanning reliability, support for additional DeFi protocols, and enhanced mobile app integration
Key benefits:
- True air-gapped security at budget pricing
- Support for 100+ blockchains
- DeFi-ready with dApp connectivity via mobile
- Self-destruct feature for tamper protection
7. Exodus Wallet — best crypto wallet for beginners & portfolio tracking
Best for: Cryptocurrency newcomers who want an intuitive interface with built-in features
A 2025 user survey found that Exodus has the highest customer satisfaction rating (92% approval) among beginners. Exodus combines an attractive, user-friendly interface with built-in exchange, staking, and portfolio tracking. It’s designed to make cryptocurrency accessible to users who might find other wallets overwhelming.
Security model: Hot wallet with local encryption, password protection, and optional hardware wallet integration
Notable 2025 features: Enhanced portfolio analytics, improved staking interface, and new educational content integration
Key benefits:
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface
- Built-in exchange for easy trading
- Portfolio tracking with charts and analytics
- Comprehensive staking options
8. Coinbase Wallet — best crypto wallet for traders & cross-app use
Best for: Active traders who use Coinbase exchange and want seamless DeFi access
Coinbase Wallet saw a 30% increase in connected dApp activity in the first half of 2025. It is a non-custodial wallet (separate from the main Coinbase app) that offers seamless integration with Coinbase’s trading platform while providing DeFi access and dApp connectivity.
Security model: Non-custodial hot wallet with cloud backup options, biometric security, and hardware wallet support
Notable 2025 features: Enhanced DeFi portfolio tracking, improved cross-platform synchronization, and streamlined Coinbase exchange integration
Key benefits:
- Seamless integration with Coinbase ecosystem
- Strong DeFi and NFT marketplace support
- Cross-platform availability (mobile, browser, desktop)
- Built-in dApp browser for Web3 interactions
9. Zengo — best crypto wallet for effortless recovery (biometric)
Best for: Users who want security without the complexity of managing seed phrases
Zengo has gained a strong following, with over 600,000 downloads in 2025 alone, driven by its innovative biometric backup and keyless recovery process. Zengo eliminates the seed phrase entirely, using biometric authentication and multi-party computation (MPC) for wallet recovery. This innovative approach reduces the risk of lost or stolen recovery phrases.
Security model: Keyless security using MPC technology, biometric authentication, and 24/7 fraud monitoring
Notable 2025 features: Enhanced biometric recognition, expanded cryptocurrency support, and improved recovery verification process
Key benefits:
- No seed phrase to lose or have stolen
- Biometric recovery process
- 24/7 customer support and fraud monitoring
- User-friendly interface for beginners
10. Cypherock — best crypto wallet for institutional-grade key management
Best for: High-net-worth individuals and institutions requiring maximum security and redundancy
Cypherock has been adopted by several leading crypto funds for multi-tier backup and decentralized key management in 2025, offering institutional-grade security verified by independent audits. Cypherock uses decentralized key management, splitting your private key across multiple secure elements. This creates redundancy while maintaining security—if one component fails, you can still access your funds.
Security model: Decentralized key management with multiple secure elements, tamper-proof hardware, and enterprise-grade backup options
Notable 2025 features: Enhanced institutional features, improved key shard management, and expanded enterprise integration options
Key benefits:
- Innovative decentralized key architecture
- Redundancy protection against device failure
- Institutional-grade security features
- Advanced backup and recovery options
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Crypto Wallet (2025)
Are hardware wallets still safer than hot wallets in 2025?
Yes, hardware wallets remain significantly safer for storing substantial amounts of cryptocurrency. They provide “cold storage” (offline private keys) that can’t be hacked remotely. However, hot wallets have improved security and remain suitable for smaller amounts and active trading.
How do I back up and recover my wallet?
Most wallets use a seed phrase (12-24 words) for backup and recovery. Write this phrase down on paper and store it securely—never save it digitally. Some advanced wallets like Trezor offer Shamir backup (splitting recovery across multiple shares) or Zengo uses biometric recovery without seed phrases.
Build the Next Big Crypto Wallet With Us
Remember that many experienced users employ multiple wallets: a hardware wallet for long-term storage and a hot wallet for active use. Start with one that matches your immediate needs, then expand your wallet strategy as you gain experience.
And if you’re building the next MetaMask, or institutional-grade custody platform, ChainUp’s white label MPC wallet infrastructure is built to support you.
Join the fintechs and exchanges already scaling with ChainUp’s white label MPC wallet. Book a call today to explore how you can launch your own secure, compliant, and scalable digital-asset product.
