If you want to buy crypto, you will need a crypto wallet to store it in. There are many different crypto wallets available that suit different types of users, and this page should provide all the information you need to find the best crypto wallet in United Kingdom that’s right for you.
To save you valuable research time, we have analysed more than 100 crypto wallets and whittled them down to our top five. We’ve compared them on criteria such as functionality, security, user-friendliness, and supported coins. Keep reading to find out our top crypto wallet recommendations for United Kingdom users.
Want to find the best crypto or Bitcoin wallet now? Here are our recommendations for the best crypto wallet.
1. eToro – Overall Best Crypto Wallet in United Kingdom
2. OKX – Best Crypto Wallet for NFTs in United Kingdom
3. Coinbase – Best Wallet for Easy Access to your Crypto in United Kingdom
4. Uphold – Best Crypto Wallet in United Kingdom for Beginners
5. CoolWallet – Most Secure Crypto Wallet in United Kingdom
Here are the best places for United Kingdom crypto holders to store their Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
eToro is a reputable multi-asset trading platform that provides access to more than 70 cryptocurrencies, as well as stocks, ETFs, commodities, and forex. The whole platform is very easy to use, including the web-based crypto trading wallet, where you can store the crypto that you want to trade on the platform.
eToro keeps the crypto in a multi currency wallets secure with features such as offline storage and a state-of-the-art monitoring system to prevent unauthorised access. It’s easy to view the contents of your trading wallet in the Portfolio tab, and from there, you can sell your coins, add to them, and set up price alerts in a couple of clicks.
The platform also offers the eToro Money crypto wallet, which you can transfer select coins to from your trading wallet. This crypto wallet comes with the benefits of DDoS protection, standardisation protocols, and an unlosable private key. Read our full eToro review here.
User-friendly
Regulated
Easy access for trading
High-level security features
eToro Money has unlosable private key
Less secure than a hardware wallet
Crypto can’t be transferred from the eToro Money wallet back to the platform
70+ coins supported (eToro Money supports 8+)
Available on PC and mobile (eToro Money available on iOS and Android mobile devices)
Regulated by the FCA (eToro Money regulated by GFSC)
Crypto is tradeable
Free
eToro is at the top of our list due to its suitability for users of all levels. Beginners will have no issue using the wallet and navigating the platform thanks to the user-friendly interface. Experienced users will appreciate the ease with which they can trade the crypto in their trading wallet, and access charts and social investing features.
When it comes to the eToro Money crypto wallet, this comes with the benefits of being able to track and transfer your crypto at any time. You’ll also never lose access to this wallet, even if you lose your private key, as eToro’s private key service can help you recover your wallet.
The OKX wallet is a great place to manage all your cryptocurrencies across diverse networks in the same place. All you need to do is download the OKX mobile app or install the wallet browser extension and then create a new wallet or connect to an existing one.
The wallet is multi-chain and supports most mainstream chains. It’s quick and easy to make safe cross-chain swaps with the best exchange rate. OKX wallet also uses the Know Your Transaction (KYT) system of risk monitoring to alert users and help them protect their assets.
As well as being able to use the OKX DEX to swap the tokens in your wallet, you’ll be able to earn a yield on them through a range of saving, staking, and farming products on OKX’s Web3 aggregated investment platform.
Multi-chain wallet
Access to dApps
NFT support
KYT system for security
Access to trading and earning features on OKX exchange
No fiat deposits
Not as secure as a hardware wallet
40+ networks supported
Trade 340+ coins through OKX exchange
Regulated by VARA
NFT and dApp functionality
We selected this wallet because it is one of the best options for those who want to get involved in the world of non-fungible tokens. You can safely store your NFTs in this wallet and use the one-stop NFT marketplace to buy and sell NFTs and participate in exclusive NFT launches. You can even create your own NFTs.
The wallet is also a great portal to the rest of Web3. You can access an infinite number of dApps across many different chains without needing an extension wallet, thanks to the automatic chain-switching features. Users will be able to earn high yields by diving into the world of DeFi and GameFi.
Coinbase is one of the most popular crypto platforms and is designed to enable anyone to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies. Beginners will find the exchange’s custodial web wallet very accessible, and they will benefit from security features such as cold storage and crypto insurance.
Alternatively, you can download the self-custodial Coinbase Wallet if you want to have complete control over your assets, private keys, and data. This wallet comes with additional security options across your devices to help you keep your tokens safe.
As well as supporting hundreds of thousands of tokens, the Coinbase Wallet enables you to explore the world of decentralised applications, earn yield from DeFi, and buy, sell, and store Ethereum and Polygon NFTs. Read our full Coinbase review here.
Strong reputation
Coinbase is regulated
Web3 enabled
Fiat on/off ramps
Card fees can be high
Support for hundreds of thousands of tokens (inc. every ERC-20 token)
Trade 150+ tokens through Coinbase exchange
Regulated by the FCA
Support for NFTs and dApps
Card purchase support in 90+ countries
Coinbase earned a place on our list thanks to the easy access it provides users to their crypto. Unlike many Web3-enabled wallets, the Coinbase Wallet supports buying crypto with credit and debit cards. This means there is no complicated process involving transfers and accounts on other platforms—you can go from cash to crypto or vice versa in a couple of taps.
What’s more, as you can link your Coinbase Wallet to your Coinbase account, you can take advantage of all the features on the Coinbase platform. These include easily trading your crypto, tracking your portfolio, staking, and earning free crypto in the Learning Rewards section.
Uphold is a global crypto trading platform that serves more than 10 million users. It provides free web wallets where you can store your crypto after buying it. Uphold never loans out the crypto in its custody and is always fully reserved.
The app’s security systems include a responsive round-the-clock monitoring system, encryption, third-party due diligence, auditing and testing, personnel standards, and a bug bounty programme.
A standout feature of Uphold is its staking service. There are more than 20 cryptocurrencies that can be staked through the platform, providing a way for users to earn passive returns of up to 25%.
Very easy to use
Convenient for fiat/crypto conversions
Staking services
No advanced trading features or dApp/NFT support
Supports 160+ cryptocurrencies
Available in 150 countries
Supports staking of 23+ tokens
Uphold made our top five as it can be used by anyone, even those who have never bought crypto before. If you find the prospect of making transfers and looking after private keys daunting, Uphold could be a good choice as you can simply leave your crypto in the platform wallet and Uphold will look after your private keys on your behalf.
You can sell the crypto in your wallet or buy more of it with just a couple of clicks. It’s simple to set up regular purchases and limit orders with Uphold, and you can easily stake the crypto in your wallet at the touch of a button.
CoolWallet produces a range of hardware wallets with a sleek and portable credit card-sized design. They are water-resistant, tamper-proof, and lightweight enough for you to carry with you everywhere.
They come with an encrypted Bluetooth connection so that you can connect your device with the CoolWallet app and monitor and trade your crypto from anywhere. You can even stake some tokens while keeping them secure in cold storage.
The WalletConnect app also acts as a portal to Web3, enabling you to access the world of DeFi and dApps. On top of this, you can store your NFTs in your wallet, and an in-app integration with Rarible and OpenSea means that you can easily buy and sell NFTs.
Secure cold storage
Sleek and portable design
Connect to the mobile app
In-app NFT support
Expensive
Supports 27+ chains and 12,000+ tokens
EAL 6+ certified secure element
0.8mm thick and weighs 6g
Trading features
Stake 6+ cryptocurrencies
Prices from $99 (about £83)
We chose CoolWallet for its impressive security. Unlike the other crypto wallets on this list, CoolWallet is a hardware wallet that keeps your crypto in cold storage. It is not connected to the internet, so your crypto isn’t vulnerable to external hacks.
Your private keys are stored safely on the device in an EAL 6+ certified secure element, and the Bluetooth connection that you use to connect to the app is encrypted. On top of this, you can set up 2+1 factor authentication and biometric and physical 2FA checks to ensure your assets’ security.
Cryptocurrency wallets are how you store your crypto. They come in lots of different types, including hardware and software and hot wallets that are connected to the internet and cold wallets that aren’t. We’ll talk more about the different types of crypto wallets later on.
Technically, wallets don’t actually contain your crypto, which exists on the blockchain. Rather, they store your public and private keys. Your private keys are what you need to prove ownership of your crypto and access it on the blockchain.
Cryptocurrency wallets contain a public key, which is the wallet address that you can share with people to receive crypto, as well as a private key, which is the password that gives you access to this wallet.
Private keys are what you use to sign cryptocurrency transactions when you send your crypto to another wallet address. This is why you need to keep your private key somewhere safe, as whoever has your private key has access to your crypto and could transfer it somewhere else.
As well as being a means of managing, sending, and receiving crypto, some wallets have further functionality. For example, they may enable you to buy, sell, swap, and spend crypto, to store and manage NFTs, or to browse Web3 and use decentralised applications.
There are many different types of crypto wallets available, and they can vary greatly with regard to security, functionality, and cost. This section will explain how each wallet works and what it is used for.
These are wallets that are connected to the internet. Because they are already online, they are very convenient for making transactions. However, they could also be vulnerable to online attacks. The different types of hot wallets are detailed below.
Software wallets store your private keys using software that needs to be installed on a device or accessed via a website.
Web wallets
Web wallets don’t require you to install any software, as you can access the wallet through a website. Generally, the web wallet provider will look after your private keys on your behalf, and you will just need to use a password to access your account on the website.
Most crypto exchanges provide web wallets for free. These can be very convenient for traders as they can buy and sell crypto instantly using their web wallet, without needing to spend time and fees making transfers first.
As web wallets are connected to the internet, they are the most vulnerable to being hacked, which is why it is important only to use secure and trustworthy platforms. Many crypto platforms keep their users’ assets more secure by only storing a fraction of them in hot wallets and keeping the rest in offline storage. You should also look out for other safety measures, such as encryption, 2FA, and crypto insurance.
Mobile wallets
Mobile wallets are software that you download onto your smartphone or tablet. Although you could access a crypto platform, and therefore its web wallet, via your smartphone, mobile wallets typically refer to wallet apps such as MetaMask and Trust Wallet that need to be downloaded.
Mobile wallets generally store your private keys on your device, making them more secure than web wallets, but as your phone is connected to the internet, mobile wallets can still be vulnerable to hacking.
As mobile wallets are free and portable, they are very convenient for people with smaller amounts of crypto who want to be able to track their portfolio and make trades wherever they are. However, those with a significant amount of crypto may prefer not to carry it all on their person in a mobile wallet.
Desktop wallets
Desktop wallets are generally pretty similar to mobile wallets, except that you download them onto your computer, and they are, therefore, less portable than mobile wallets. Many wallets, like Exodus and Atomic, are available in both desktop and mobile versions.
Like mobile wallets, your private keys will be stored on your device, and you will have a password and seed phrase. The password will give you access to your wallet, and the seed phrase can be used to regenerate your wallet on another device if your computer is lost or broken. You should therefore store your seed phrase separately and consider backing it up.
Some desktop wallets may enable you to do more than simply store crypto, such as trade it and stake it. However, you will likely find that the fees for doing this from a desktop wallet are higher than for doing it from a web wallet through your crypto platform.
Cold wallets are physical devices or other items that store your private keys offline. This lack of internet connection is designed to make them immune to hacking. Cold wallets are, therefore, very secure but also less convenient as you will need to connect to the internet in order to make a transfer.
A hardware wallet is a device that stores your private keys on physical hardware that is isolated from your computer or mobile. Many hardware wallets come in the form of USB sticks, although there are other designs available, like the credit card-shaped devices made by CoolWallet.
This offline form of storage is extremely secure, as hardware wallets can’t be hacked. You can connect your hardware wallet to the internet when you want to make a transfer by plugging it into your computer or using Bluetooth. But as transactions are signed within the device, your wallet is still extremely difficult to hack, even when connected.
The unbeatable security means that hardware wallets are generally the best option for long-term investors with a large amount of crypto to store. The main downside is that they can be quite expensive, while most other wallets are free.
They are also less convenient than hot wallets if you want to access your crypto more regularly. However, many hardware wallet providers are improving the convenience of their products with the introduction of features such as trading, staking, and mobile apps.
A paper wallet is a way of storing your public and private keys on a piece of paper. You can use a key generator programme to create your keys, either in the form of character strings or QR codes, and then write them down or print them off.
As paper wallets are not connected to the internet, they are immune to hacking and so used to be considered one of the best security options. However, the availability and quality of other cold storage methods have made paper wallets a thing of the past.
If creating a paper wallet, you should use a trusted programme to generate your key offline, as web-based generators could be vulnerable to confidentiality threats. You also need to keep your wallet somewhere safe, but paper has the downside of being fragile and easy to lose.
Custodial wallets are provided by third parties who look after your private key on your behalf. The web wallets provided by crypto exchanges tend to be custodial. This means that if you want to transfer crypto out of your web wallet, you won’t be able to find out what your private key is, as the exchange will sign the transaction for you.
With a non-custodial wallet, you look after your own private keys. This means safely writing it down and storing it in the case of paper wallets. Mobile, desktop, and hardware wallets will store your private key on your device and provide you with a seed phrase that you can use to recover your wallet if you lose the device with your key on.
People who want to have sole and complete control over their crypto prefer noncustodial wallets, as if any other parties have your private key, they have the power to access and move your crypto. Less experienced crypto holders might prefer a custodial wallet as it removes the risk of losing your own private key and is often more user-friendly. However, you should make sure to select a trusted custodial wallet provider with strong security.
We compared the crypto wallets we researched on a range of factors to decide which were the best options. The most important factors are explained below.
When deciding which wallet best fits your needs, it is important to consider what you intend to do with your crypto. For example, traders may require a different type of wallet from investors.
Someone who holds a small amount of crypto and makes frequent trades might find that a web wallet suits them best. This is because it is the most convenient. If you keep your crypto in your exchange wallet, you will be able to trade with it instantly and set up limit orders, instead of missing short-term opportunities because you are waiting for a transfer.
Large-scale investors, on the other hand, should consider buying a hardware wallet, as keeping their crypto safe is of paramount importance. A hardware wallet may make their crypto less easily accessible, but this isn’t an issue if you just want to store it for the long term.
Some crypto wallets are only available on one particular device, while others can be accessed via multiple devices. Web wallets, for example, need to be accessed through a browser, so you can use a computer or a mobile browser to access your web wallet.
A hardware wallet can only be accessed if you have the hardware device itself. You will need to buy a device first, and to access your wallet, you will need to connect it to a computer.
If you want to be able to access your wallet at any time and any place, then a mobile wallet will be the best option.
Some software wallets may be available in desktop, mobile, and web-based versions.
This is one of the most important factors when judging the quality of a crypto wallet, as the top priority for most crypto holders is to ensure that their crypto is kept safe and cannot be stolen.
A hardware wallet such as CoolWallet is the most secure option as it stores your private keys offline, making it impossible to hack. Mobile and desktop wallets are reasonably secure as your private keys are stored on your own device, though being hot wallets, they are still vulnerable to online attacks.
Web wallets are the least secure form of storage as you won’t have custody of your private keys, and they can be a target for hackers. However, the fact that platforms such as eToro and Coinbase keep the majority of users’ crypto in cold storage means that their exchange wallets are a far more secure option than fully hot wallets. What’s more, Coinbase has insured the crypto it keeps in hot wallets against crime.
Which coins you want to store could be a deciding factor in which wallet you should use, as different crypto wallets support different coins. Many wallets support specific networks. If, for example, a wallet supports the Ethereum network, you will be able to use it to store any ERC-20 token.
eToro supports the fewest coins, as there are 70+ supported by the exchange wallet and only 8+ by the eToro Money wallet. Uphold supports the next fewest at 160+ cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, OKX, Coinbase Wallet, and CoolWallet all support a variety of blockchains, which translates into support for many thousands of different cryptocurrencies.
If you have valuable NFTs to store as well as crypto, you may want to find a wallet that supports both. OKX, Coinbase Wallet, and CoolWallet Pro all provide NFT storage, but eToro and Uphold don’t.
Those who are new to crypto may find ease of use to be one of the most important criteria when picking a wallet, as complicated processes increase the risk of making a mistake and losing your crypto. Experienced crypto holders may be happy to sacrifice user-friendliness in favour of better security and features.
Hardware wallets can be less easy to use than some alternatives, as if you have never used one before, the process will be entirely new to you. What’s more, you need to get your device, turn it on, and connect it to your computer when you want to access your wallet, making it less convenient.
Web3-enabled software wallets can also be confusing for those who are new to crypto. The simplest wallets to use are the web wallets provided by eToro, Coinbase, and Uphold, as you can access them through your browser, and they have a clear interface that is easy to navigate.
Any crypto wallet will enable you to store, send, and receive crypto, but in recent years, many wallet providers have added increased functionality. All the wallets on this page enable you to buy and sell crypto, and some provide more advanced trading options, such as limit orders and automated purchases.
If you use the eToro web wallet, you’ll be able to access unique social investing features like copy trading. Meanwhile, the other wallets on this page have staking features that allow you to earn a passive income from the crypto you store in them.
Some wallets, like OKX, Coinbase Wallet, and CoolWallet, act as a portal to Web3, meaning you can use them to access dApps such as DeFi and blockchain gaming. These three wallets also provide NFT features.
In general, it’s only hardware wallets that cost money to acquire. If you have a significant amount of crypto to store, it is worth investing in a hardware wallet to keep it secure. There are a variety of hardware wallets on the market to suit different budgets. For example, the CoolWallet S costs $99 (about £83), while their most expensive model costs $245 (about £205).
If you are on a tight budget and only have a small amount of crypto to store, you may decide that a non-hardware wallet is a better option. These wallets are free to create, but you will encounter blockchain fees when using a non-custodial wallet to make transactions.
With custodial wallets, like the exchange wallets provided by eToro and Coinbase, you generally don’t need to worry about blockchain fees for trades you make on the platform. However, there will be other costs to contend with, such as trading, deposit, and withdrawal fees, and the amount varies by platform.
Here are some precautions you should take to keep your crypto safe.
Keeping these things safe is one of the most important ways in which you can keep your wallet secure, as anyone who has access to them will have access to your wallet.
If you use a hardware wallet, your keys will be securely stored on your device. This is the most secure place to store private keys as they will be offline.
When setting up a non-custodial wallet, you will be given a seed phrase, which is a random set of 12 to 24 words that you can use to regenerate your wallet if the device where your private keys are stored is lost or broken. You should keep your seed phrase safe and consider making multiple copies, as there will be no other way to recover your wallet.
If you use a custodial wallet, you won’t have any private keys or seed phrases to worry about. However, you should store your account password safely, as it could be used to access your wallet account and transfer your funds. Use a strong and unique password for your wallet and change it from time to time.
If you opt to use a custodial wallet, the platform will look after your private keys on your behalf. It is, therefore, very important to choose a platform that you trust with access to your crypto.
You can get an idea of the reliability of a platform by researching the reputation of the brand, which, if any, regulatory authorities it is licensed by, whether it has suffered any breaches or losses in the past, and what customers and experts think of it.
You should also make sure that the platform has strong security. The most secure custodial wallet providers are the ones that store the majority of users’ crypto offline, like eToro, OKX, and Coinbase. These platforms also use strong encryption, and Coinbase has insurance for the portion of crypto that it keeps in hot wallets.
The fact that custodial wallets look after your private keys for you makes them more convenient to use, but it also makes them less secure, as all someone needs to steal your crypto is your account password.
This is why you should always set up two-factor authentication on your account if you are given the option. If your platform does not offer this option, you should consider switching to a different one.
2FA means that you will need to go through an extra step whenever you log into your account or make a transaction. This extra step typically involves entering a confirmation code that you will receive by text, email, or through an authenticator app, making it impossible for someone else to access your crypto with your password alone.
Some platforms may support other security steps for protecting your account, such as security questions, biometric verification, or physical security keys.
Using more than one type of wallet may be useful or necessary if you want to engage in more than one kind of crypto activity. For example, if you want to do some combination of investing, trading, staking, saving, spending, or DeFi, you may find that you can’t do it all in one place and so require more than one wallet.
Using a combination of cryptocurrency wallets can also make your crypto safer, especially when it comes to hot wallets, as it spreads the risk. For example, if you use a mobile wallet, it probably wouldn’t be wise to walk around with all your crypto effectively on your person. It would be safer only to keep the portion you need for spending and easy access in your mobile wallet.
Hardware wallets are the most secure, so you should keep as much crypto as you can there. If you intend to allocate a significant amount of crypto to trading, staking, or saving, you should consider using more than one platform or app to do so. This would mean that if one of them got hacked or went bankrupt, you wouldn’t lose all your crypto.
You can join a crypto platform and get a custodial wallet in a matter of minutes by following the steps below.
Decide which wallet you want to use. At the top of this page, you will find our recommendations for the best crypto wallet, with our best being eToro. If you click on one, you will be redirected to the wallet website, where you can click the register button. Provide any details requested and agree to the terms and conditions to create a free account.
Any wallet platform that is regulated will require new customers to go through the KYC procedure. This will probably start with verifying your email address or phone number by entering a code you receive by email or text. You will also need to prove your identity by providing an image of a valid photo ID, like a driving licence or passport. You could also be required to prove your address with a further document, such as a utility bill.
If you don’t yet have any crypto to store in your new wallet, you may want to make a deposit so that you can buy some. On the deposit page, you will be able to fill in how much you want to deposit and choose GBP as your currency. Select one of the payment options available in United Kingdom. You will be given your wallet’s bank details if you choose to make a bank transfer, or you will need to provide your card details if you want to deposit by card.
If you already own the crypto you want to store, you can simply transfer it to your new wallet by entering its public address in your old wallet. If you wish to purchase some crypto to store, search your platform for the coin you want, click the buy button, and enter how much you wish to purchase.
Crypto is legal in United Kingdom, and anyone is allowed to buy, sell, hold, and exchange it. Although crypto derivatives, like futures, options, and CFDs, are banned for retail traders, cryptocurrencies themselves can be traded by anyone.
Cryptocurrencies aren’t regulated, so you probably won’t have access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme or Financial Ombudsman Service if something goes wrong. But United Kingdom crypto businesses are required to register with the FCA and comply with local regulations.
United Kingdom citizens should accurately report their crypto activities to HMRC on their tax return to avoid a penalty for misreporting their tax obligations.
Crypto wallets are a necessity for anyone who wants to join the world of crypto. While the different types and myriad choices of wallets available may seem overwhelming, this guide should help you find one that’s right for you.
In summary, eToro is our top choice of crypto wallet in United Kingdom. It is secure, regulated, very easy to use, and has a strong reputation. eToro also gives customers the choice between a convenient web-based trading wallet and a secure noncustodial wallet with an unlosable private key.
What’s more, using the eToro platform gives you access to a range of innovative features, such as analysis tools, smart portfolios, and social investing features like copy trading.
Click the button below to create an eToro account for free in just a few minutes.
Our goal is to provide guidance that you can rely on to make safe and well-informed decisions about crypto. This is why we conduct thorough research and test the quality of wallets to ensure we only provide our readers with the best recommendations.
When researching a wallet, we analyse a variety of factors, including the registration process, assets supported, tools and features, cost and fees, user-friendliness, security, regulatory compliance, and customer service.
Find out more about our processes by visiting our why trust us and how we test pages.
If you are looking for further information on the best and safest way to use crypto in United Kingdom, you might find our other guides useful.
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