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10 Best Bitcoin Wallets in 2024

By Shameel Kazi - Updated 15 December 2023
eToro
Fact checked by: Richard Stutely

Bitcoin’s (BTC) recent price rally has attracted a large number of investors and traders who are now seriously looking at the BTC token as an investment driver. This means that it has become imperative for such individuals to identify and use the best Bitcoin wallets to ensure their coins are stored in a safe and secure manner.

Users must carry out a comprehensive and thorough review of some of the most popular options before finalizing a crypto wallet to store their crypto assets. A number of factors including user-friendliness, convenience, price and security should be evaluated to determine the best Bitcoin wallets in 2024.

Our List of the Top Bitcoin Wallets

Based on online reviews and user testimonials, the following Bitcoin wallets deliver the finest balance of security, performance, connectivity and user-friendliness.

1
Min Deposit
$ 100
User Score
5
CFDs on BTC, ETH, LTC, NEO, XRP, IOTA, EOS, BAB, ADA, TRX, XMR
No need to open a crypto exchange account or use a special wallet
Regulated Broker - FCA, ASIC, CySEC (license number 250/14)
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Description:
Plus500 is a leading provider of Contracts for Difference (CFDs), delivering Leveraged trading on +2,000 financial instruments, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, Options and Cryptocurrencies. CySEC license number (#250/14)
Payment Methods:
Bank Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Trustly, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Discover, Bank Transfer: SEPA, Bank Transfer: FPS, skrill
Full Regulations:
ASIC, FCA, FSA, MAS, CySEC #250/14
82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
2
Min Deposit
$ 10
User Score
4.95
Up to $240 bonus!
Build a diversified portfolio with crypto, stocks, and ETFs — all in one place.
Trade on the world's leading social trading and investing platform
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Description:
eToro offers a wide range of cryptos, such as Bitcoin, XRP and others, alongside crypto/fiat and crypto/crypto pairs. eToro users can connect with, learn from, and copy or get copied by other users.
Payment Methods:
Bank Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Credit Card, Wire Transfer
Full Regulations:
CySEC, FCA
3
Min Deposit
$ 0
Promotion
User Score
4.8
Get insights from millions of investors, creators, and analysts
Build your portfolio of stocks, ETFs, and crypto–all in one place
No minimum deposit
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Description:
Public is an investing platform that allows you to invest stocks, ETFs, crypto, and alternative assets like fine art and collectibles—all in one place.
Payment Methods:
Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Check, Bank Wire
Full Regulations:
Cryptocurrency execution and custody services are provided by Apex Crypto LLC (NMLS ID 1828849) through a software licensing agreement between Apex Crypto LLC and Public Crypto LLC. Crypto trading on Public platforms is served by Public Crypto LLC and offered through APEX Crypto. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved before trading.
4
Min Deposit
$ 1
Promotion
User Score
4.75
0% deposit fees, 0% withdrawal fees, 0% trading commissions
Set up automated trades and up to 50 limit orders with ease
Buy and sell 90+ cryptos and utility tokens, precious metals and national currencies with as little as $1
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Description:
Create your account in minutes and start trading 90+ cryptos and other assets on the most flexible trading platform.
Payment Methods:
Full Regulations:
5
Min Deposit
$ 0
Promotion
User Score
4.7
No Hidden Fees
Instant Trading
Secure & Transparent
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Description:
World's longest-standing crypto exchange. Since 2011 Bitstamp has been providing a secure and reliable trading venue to over four million individuals and a range of institutional partners.
Payment Methods:
Bank Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Credit Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Full Regulations:

What Is a Bitcoin Wallet?

A Bitcoin wallet, or a cryptocurrency wallet in general, is a software program or a hardware device that is used to store your Bitcoins in a secure manner. The majority of crypto wallets have the ability to interact with the blockchain network and they can generate the relevant information that is necessary to send and receive digital funds through blockchain transactions.

Your Bitcoin tokens are as secure as your Bitcoin wallet. Some traders or crypto enthusiasts hold long-term positions so they need to store their BTC tokens for a long time, for months or even years, before they sell. Their primary focus is on robust and unwavering security and they don’t give as much importance to convenience or accessibility features.

On the other hand, there are traders and investors who execute short-term trades which require immediate access to their BTC coins. While security is still paramount, they need to find a crypto wallet that offers the right combination of security and accessibility. Different Bitcoin and cryptocurrency wallets offer different types of features so you need to make the right choice ensuring your selected wallet delivers exactly what you are looking for.

How Do Bitcoin Wallets Work?

Bitcoin wallets allow you to send and receive BTC tokens by complying with the Bitcoin protocol. A Bitcoin and cryptocurrency wallet features a unique digital ID present on the Bitcoin blockchain to keep a record of how many bitcoins you have. Every Bitcoin wallet features a private key that is needed to transfer your tokens out of the crypto wallet to transact with Bitcoin or a trade. The addresses of Bitcoin wallets are public, but their private keys are confidential and are secured by the wallet owner to ensure the best security. Bitcoin wallets are accessed through the internet, desktop, laptop, hardware devices and mobile apps.

You have to keep in mind that BTC tokens are not stored on the crypto wallet itself. Every BTC token actually exists on the blockchain and instead of owning a specific Bitcoin or part of it, you actually own the combination of its public and private keys that enables you to access the said Bitcoin. If you are looking to spend the Bitcoins present in your wallet, you have to have the public wallet address of the person you want to send your tokens to.

Types of Cryptocurrency Wallets

Bitcoin wallets come in different types and can be categorised based on multiple factors. In order to identify the right digital wallet for your needs, you have to develop an understanding of a variety of wallets so you are in a better position to make the right choice.

Hot Wallets

If a Bitcoin crypto wallet is connected to the internet, it is defined as a hot wallet. The term ‘hot’ signifies the fact that it is always ready to be accessed because of its online connectivity. Hot wallets are easier to use as they deliver improved accessibility. They are less secure as compared to cold wallets but are more user-friendly.

Since they have online connectivity, hot wallets are more prone to cyberattacks and security breaches. Hot wallets are a better choice for those traders and investors who engage in transactions on a daily basis and don’t need to hold their Bitcoins for a long period. They are also much easier to set up and ensure that your crypto funds are readily available.

Cold Wallets

These are those Bitcoin crypto wallets that aren’t directly connected to the internet to ensure robust and foolproof security. It becomes difficult for you to access your BTC tokens stored on cold wallets since they don’t have online connectivity but that also makes it next to impossible for cybercriminals and hackers to gain unauthorized access to your coins. Since there is no internet connectivity, they cannot capitalize on any security exploit.

Cold wallets are better suited for those traders and investors who want to store their Bitcoins for months or even years. These investors are often called ‘HODLers’ as they are looking to hold their BTC coins for a long period to ensure major gains. They don’t have the urgent need to access their coins and they just want their cryptocurrency funds to be secure.

Hot Wallet vs Cold Wallet

  • Cold wallets provide better security as they aren’t connected to the internet.
  • Hot wallets provide better accessibility due to their online connectivity.
  • Cold wallets are ideal for long-term investors who want enhanced security.
  • Hot wallets are ideal for day traders and short-term investors who want quick access.
  • Cold wallets are less prone to cyberattacks but are more challenging to set up.
  • Hot storage wallets are more prone to cyberattacks but can be set up easily.

Hardware Crypto Wallets

These are cold storage hardware wallets that come in the form of a physical device that often looks like a flash drive. These crypto wallets handle the public keys and addresses individually and usually feature buttons and a screen for maneuvering. There is no battery inside and they can be connected to a computer. You can access the device using their native desktop app. Hardware wallets often are the most expensive but deliver the best security.

Mobile & Desktop Wallets – Software Wallets

These are hot wallets that come in the form of software programs and mobile apps. Over the course of the last few years, software wallets have become increasingly advanced offering high-end security combined with enhanced accessibility and trading features for crypto brokers and investors. Software wallets can be further categorized into:

  • Desktop Wallets – These are software packages that you can install on your desktop PC or laptop just like any other computer program. They can also be turned into cold wallets as you can disconnect your computer from the internet once you have transferred the Bitcoins. They are user-friendly, provide anonymity and privacy, and there’s no involvement of a third party. You just need to ensure that you are backing up your data so no information is lost.
  • Mobile Wallets – These are also software wallets but they come in the form of mobile apps. They are not too secure but offer immediate and on-the-go accessibility to day traders and crypto investors. They often rely on QR codes for transactions. It is important that you choose a mobile wallet that is encrypted so your funds remain secure.
  •  Paper Wallets – This is a piece of paper with your private key and wallet address printed on it. Paper wallets are technically cold wallets, although not very secure, being vulnerable to being lost, stolen or damaged. To use this method for transfer and receiving Bitcoin, you simply scan the QR codes. This method is majorly flawed, however, and not encouraged.
  • Web Wallets – Web wallets require online access to use your wallet. For web wallets, you don’t need to download any application; all you need is a web browser to access your wallet. This method can be unsafe if you are using an unregulated exchange, your private key can be accessed by a third party like the organization who is your wallet provider. The wallets are stored on a server that is always online.
  • Hardware Wallets – Hardware wallet stores your private keys on a physical device that interacts with a computer through a USB port. These devices don’t transfer funds in plain text and are immune to computer viruses. It is the safest method to store your Bitcoin. However, they aren’t free and require purchase. Some have screens that add an extra layer of security to your crypto investment. Hardware wallets are cold wallets but the downside to this type of wallet is that they are inconvenient for daily traders since they are less accessible.

Paper Purses

This is another type of physical wallet that secures your BTC tokens by printing the keys in a QR coded form. As they can’t be connected to the internet it’s an offline wallet They keep your private keys offline but are the least user-friendly of all types of wallets. Paper wallets or purses used to be highly popular prior to the emergence of hardware wallets but their popularity has reduced since then.

Key Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Bitcoin Wallet

Before you make the final choice about your preferred Bitcoin wallet, you have to ensure that you have evaluated a multitude of key factors and your choice will fit your requirements. Some of these top features are:

  • Security – The primary objective of a Bitcoin wallet is to offer security. Ensure that the crypto wallet you are selecting offers the right type and extent of security for your purpose. For instance, if you are trading daily, then a software wallet is secure enough but if you want to ‘hodl’, then a hardware wallet would be a better choice.
  • Compatibility – Although almost every wallet is compatible with Bitcoin, you have to ensure that the crypto wallet you are getting supports the coins you are going to store. Some other wallets don’t support a few types of altcoins so you might want to keep that in mind.
  • Accessibility – If you are a day trader or short-term broker who wants to access the BTC tokens almost on a daily basis then you need to have a wallet that allows you to access your coins in a user-friendly yet secure manner. Find a wallet that offers the best balance of accessibility and security.
  • User-Friendliness – Those who are not very familiar with Bitcoin wallets might want to get a crypto wallet that is much easier to use and has a user-friendly interface.
  • Wallet backups: Backups have become a very important part of digital service. Having a backup service provided is an important feature and should be secure, readily available, and easy to use.
  • Bitcoin full ownership: Ensure that your wallet gives access to your private key, having a private key means you have full access and control over your Bitcoin. Your private key is also needed to back up your wallet outside your wallet service provider.
  • Anonymity: if being anonymous is a high priority for you, then you need to check the information required for opening a Bitcoin wallet. Check if the platform has a strict verification and KYC policy, as these processes remove the ability to remain anonymous.

Pros and Cons of Using Bitcoin Wallets

Pros

  • A variety of options for users who want to store Bitcoins.
  • Improved accessibility for brokers, traders and investors.
  • Many wallets are user-friendly and convenient to set up.
  • Provide high-level security and encryption for safe storage.
  • Free wallets are available for casual traders.

Cons

  • May need knowledge and awareness about Bitcoin wallets to make the right choice.
  • Technical knowledge might be required to use hardware wallets.

Final Thoughts on the Best Bitcoin Wallets

If you are looking to store your Bitcoin in a safe and secure manner, then a Bitcoin wallet is the ideal option. The real question is which one? You need to evaluate a multitude of factors like security, ease of use and accessibility to make a final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Bitcoin wallet is most secure?
A hardware wallet. It is not always connected to the internet which makes it less prone to cyberattacks.
Which Bitcoin wallet is more user-friendly and convenient to use?
Software or hot wallets. They are connected to the internet and provide easy accessibility to the users.
Do I need technical knowledge to use Bitcoin wallets?
Some types of crypto wallets such as paper purses and hardware wallets will require you to have technical cryptocurrency knowledge. Other wallets, like software wallets, especially mobile apps are much easier to use.
Which is the best wallet for holding Bitcoin for a long period?
Paper purse or a hardware wallet. They provide the highest level of security.
What security features are used by Bitcoin wallets?
BTC wallets use modern security features like end-to-end encryption, passphrases and two-factor authentication to keep your BTC tokens secure.
If I lose my private key, can I get it back?
Unfortunately, if you lose your private key, there is no way to regain it.
Can I directly engage in trading through crypto wallets?
Yes. Many Bitcoin crypto wallets today offer you the ability to trade directly.
Are Bitcoins stored on the crypto wallet itself?
No. All the Bitcoins are present on the blockchain. What you store are private keys that are used to access those particular Bitcoins.
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