Top 5 Desktop Wallets
When you are just going to get into the cryptocurrency scene, a wallet is the first thing you shall look for. A cryptocurrency wallet is a place where you store your private keys — access to your crypto coins. There are different types of cryptocurrency wallets, so, before opting for one or another, decide what your intentions are, and based on it, choose a specific wallet type.
If you are going to trade coins or use them frequently otherwise, and you are frequently at your desktop, a desktop cryptocurrency wallet is the best option for you. A desktop wallet is a special application. You can download it directly to your desktop.
Desktop wallets are easy to use and safe under the condition that you keep your OS and antivirus software updated. If you decide to turn your hot desktop wallet into a cold one, disconnect the desktop from the internet.
There are many desktop wallets to choose from which might be confusing for a beginner. Thus, we have prepared a list of the best desktop wallets. If you see that a desktop wallet is an optimal choice for you, it is worth choosing something from our list.
Ledger Live
Wallet Type: Desktop wallet
Cost: from around 60 USD
Exchange Integrated: No
You might be wondering what Ledger does in this list. The company is known for producing the best hardware wallets, so, how can it be connected with desktop wallets? However, the truth is that Ledger comes with a beautifully developed UI, Ledger Live, and this is why it cannot be ignored.
You can change the UI theme, layout, colours, and similar. Along with the nice look, the Ledger Live user interface offers extensive functionality. For example, it allows you to track transactions, check your balances and accounts, analyze graphs, and similar. The wallet supports more than 1,500 coins and tokens.
The UI is integrated into two main products of the company — Ledger cold wallets. So, the top security level is guaranteed on default. It is one of the distinctive features of the Ledger brand.
Exodus
Wallet Type: Desktop wallet
Cost: Free to download
Exchange Integrated: Yes
Exodus is one of the best multi-currency desktop wallets. Along with an app for desktop, you can also choose an app for a mobile device.
Exodus has no hardware connected to it. You just download it for free and use it.
The wallet supports all major cryptocurrencies and tokens which makes it comfortable for those who don`t want to limit themselves by standard coins. It doesn`t matter what coins and how many of them you are going to store, you can do it in your Exodus wallet.
Exodus has an exchange integrated into the wallet. Users can swap coins without any need to move to a different platform and deposit their coins there.
Regarding security, Exodus is also among the best wallets in the market. Along with standard security features, it offers its users solid backup functionality. You will be able to restore your funds even if something happens with the computer where you have installed the wallet. A recovery phrase feature is available, too. However, Exodus still lacks a two-factor authentication feature which is pretty strange for such a wallet.
Electrum
Wallet Type: Desktop wallet
Cost: Free to download
Exchange Integrated: No
Electrum is one of the oldest and the best Bitcoin wallets. Electrum is very easy-to-use even for those who have been never dealing with a cryptocurrency wallet. Though it might lack some fancy features the needed functionality is available.
Security-wise it is one of the safest desktop wallets. It doesn`t store any user information on its servers. But it means also that you are the only one who is responsible for your private keys. If you lose them, you lose your funds.
Electrum has all the commonly used security features such as two-factor authentication, password, and other measures. This is definitely one of the best wallets for storing Bitcoin.
Bitcoin Core
Wallet Type: Desktop wallet
Cost: Free
Exchange Integrated: No
Bitcoin Core is a full-node wallet. It means that if you download it, you download the entire Bitcoin blockchain which can be quite messy and not work as you have expected.
However, it offers a significant benefit compared to other wallets: you can verify transactions on your own. However, the wallet is not user-friendly at all, and if you aren`t too keen on verifying transactions, you might opt for something more usable.
Bitcoin wallet is designed to store Bitcoin, as you might have guessed from its name. It works on Windows, Linux, Mac OS devices.
Wasabi
Wallet Type: Desktop wallet
Cost: Free
Exchange Integrated: No
Wasabi wallet works on desktop and mobile devices. To maintain the top level of privacy of its users, the wallet uses such advanced technologies as Coinjoin and Tor routing. Wasabi works on Windows, Linux, and MacOS devices.
Wasabi enjoys full SegWit support and is free to use. It is compatible with Trezor, Ledger, and Coldcard hardware wallets which makes it especially comfortable for those who prefer keeping their coins in the mentioned hardware wallets.
While Wasabi might look like a perfect wallet, it is definitely not an option for beginners because of its advanced functionality.
Bottom Line
Choosing a wallet is not an easy task. However, without doing it, you will not be able to benefit from cryptocurrency trading or investing in crypto. Whatever wallet you are going to opt for, do not forget that the main feature to pay attention to is the wallet`s safety level. While other features matter, too, but their importance might differ from case to case.
