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For the majority of 2018, Ethereum was the largest altcoin by market capitalization. This can be due to a number of factors. One of the leading factors may be the ecosystem and digital economy which has developed around Ethereum. Here we present the Best Ethereum wallets that provide high standard features across the range of factors important to the Ethereum ecosystem.
Large numbers of Ethereum-based tokens have been launched with a host of different functions and leveraging Ethereum’s blockchain technology in different ways. Decentralized applications (DApps) have also been built on top of Ethereum further expanding the ecosystem. Security is another extremely important factor to take into account. How the private key is stored and the encryption applied are key security considerations.
Securing Ether, the cryptocurrency native to the Ethereum blockchain is one of the most important considerations when users delve into the Ethereum ecosystem. Different wallets enable users to interact with the Ethereum ecosystem in different ways. Some focus on enabling the user to interact with DApps while others have wide support for different Ethereum-based tokens.
While it’s a challenge to separate the wheat from the chaff and spot the best Ethereum wallets, as any seasoned investor would agree, research is key. So what factors go into the decision-making process? Let’s find out…
This should be at the top of your list of features to look out for in any wallet. As with any crypto wallet, Ethereum wallets need to have a proper backup system. For instance, a software wallet usually has a trustworthy backup if it has a rescue link, password, and several passphrases to get everything backed up and fully functional. And, if you want foolproof security, you should also go for wallets that offer 2FA.
If like many, you prefer opting for a mobile wallet, a QR code scanner is your go-to feature. Any crypto wallet that’s worth its salt should be able to provide its users with this. A QR code is useful and practical because all you need to do is scan the code for coin transfers. This saves you the hassle of having to type out that never-ending public key to send or receive funds.
As is the case with exchanges, many wallets accept a variety of cryptocurrencies. Prior to verifying your account when opening a new wallet, it’d be a good idea if you find out which cryptocurrencies they support and see whether the wallet suits your needs.
Certain wallets are ‘purpose-built’. This means they’re exclusively created for one cryptocurrency, so be sure to keep these variables in mind.
Reputability is something imperative, yet often a time, it’s overlooked. So how do you decide whether or not a wallet is worth investing in? Firstly, you should consider how long it’s been around because this detail alone can be telling as to why it’s remained in the market.
Ask yourself questions such as: who’s running it? how securely do they store your data on their servers? Who holds your private keys? Are they insured? And, last and perhaps most importantly, have they had prior incidents of insider hacking and cryptocurrency losses? Generally, your best bet to get answers to your questions is by reading reviews about the best Ethereum wallets and doing some serious homework.
Considering the volatility the world of crypto brings with it – when the market value of one digital asset can rise and fall very quickly, the quality of any platform’s customer service is indispensable. Remember to keep this in mind, because things can go wrong when you least expect them.
Below we present the 7 best Ethereum wallets for storing and protecting your Ethereum-based tokens.
Hardware Wallet
Security is the most important factor when it comes to choosing a wallet to store your Ethereum. Hardware wallets provide the best standard of security for the everyday user. Hardware wallets apply a high level of encryption that provides strong protection to funds stored.
The private key for the wallet is stored on the device itself so the funds are secure even if the wallet is used on a compromised device. Hardware wallets leverage the benefits of both cold storage and hot storage. Funds are stored offline in the wallet when it is disconnected. Users can connect the device to a computer to check the balance and send transactions.
Ledger is one of the leading providers of hardware wallets. The Ledger Nano S supports over 700 cryptocurrencies including many Ethereum-based tokens. The main competitors of Ledger Nano S are Trezor and KeepKey. Ledger Nano S is priced lower than both of these and supports a wider variety of cryptocurrencies. The wallet comes with a seal so that users know if the wallet is after being tampered with before arrival.
Instructions also come with the wallet explaining the set-up process. The recovery process requires close attention as it is necessary to retrieve the wallet if the device is lost or stolen. Users will be provided with a recovery phrase that they can use to recover the funds from the wallet. It is important that this is secured safely as if anyone accesses it, they will be able to access the wallet via another Ledger Nano S device.
To send transactions or to check the account balance on Ledger Nano S, the device needs to be connected to a computer. Ledger has a Chrome application which users can use to send transaction and manage their account. Users can monitor the account balances of different cryptocurrencies from this interface and also send transactions. Some mobile wallets support being able to import the Ledger Nano S to create a watch-only wallet. This enables the user to be able to monitor the balance and receive payments through their mobile phone. To learn more about the Ledger Nano S product check out our detailed Ledger Nano S review.
Desktop Wallet
Exodus is a desktop wallet that has support for almost 100 cryptocurrencies many of which are Ethereum-based tokens. The private key is stored on the users hard drive and encrypted providing a high level of security. The wallet is hierarchical deterministic enabling users to generate multiple pairs of public and private keys for the supported assets.
The wallet has a well-designed interface enabling users to view their portfolio holdings and value at one glance. Users can view a pie chart which splits their holdings into percentages and shows the value of each. Users can also easily navigate to either send or receive cryptocurrency. A QR code can be generated to receive transactions.
One of the main features of the wallet is that exchanging between cryptocurrencies is also supported. Exodus integrates with ShapeShift exchange so that users can easily switch between Ethereum and Ethereum-based tokens.
Browser Based Wallet
MyEtherWallet is a hugely popular Ethereum wallet that supports both Ethereum and Ethereum-based tokens. Data such as the private key is not stored on servers as is the case with web-based wallets. The data is stored on either the browser or on the user’s computer. Users can easily create new wallets on MEW. It is also possible to import wallets from some other providers and users can import their Ledger Nano S or Trezor with MEW.
MEW has a strong emphasis on security. Users are presented with slides explaining how MEW operates when they arrive on the website. The wallet is open-source ensuring that the security has been assessed by the Ethereum development community.
MetaMask is another highly popular Ethereum based wallets. It is a browser-based wallet that enables users to interact with DApps built upon the Ethereum blockchain straight from their browser. The wallet is available in both the Chrome browser and the Brave browser. Users are provided with a twelve-word phrase upon creating the wallet. This phrase enables users to recover any accounts the user creates within MetaMask.
The wallet is hierarchical deterministic meaning that users can generate numerous public and private key pairs. Users store the private key in their browser but it is encrypted so that the information is not revealed to the servers. The wallet provides the standard functions of a wallet enabling users to send, receive, and store Ethereum and Ethereum-based tokens.
The key benefit of MetaMask is enabling users to visit websites built upon the Ethereum blockchain and interact with them. Users can also interact with the DApps on a test network to make sure they understand the DApp before interacting with it on the main network. More advanced users have the option set up MetaMask on their own RPC server which puts the user in full control of their connection to the blockchain.
Mobile & Web Based Wallet
Coinbase has become almost synonymous with cryptocurrency. The Coinbase exchange platform is one of the most popular choices among users but Coinbase also offers other services. One of their products is Coinbase Wallet.
Coinbase Wallet is a mobile wallet which enables users to interact with the Ethereum ecosystem. Users can send, receive, and store Ethereum and Ethereum-based tokens. The wallet also enables users to interact with DApps.
The private key for the wallet is stored on the device and is secured via Secure Enclave and biometric authentication technology. The wallet is supported in the web browser, and on both Android and iOS.
Using a mobile wallet allows users to more easily incorporate cryptocurrencies into their day-to-day lives. Users can easily spend their Ethereum in stores where the merchant accepts Ethereum as a form of payment. A QR code can also be easily generated so that the user can receive cryptocurrency.
The main benefit of Coinbase Wallet is the ability to interact with DApps and use the Ethereum-based tokens. Users can also integrate with decentralized exchanges to exchange between the Ethereum and tokens within their wallet.
Mobile, Web & Desktop Based Wallet
Guarda is an open-source multi-currency wallet which supports Ethereum along with the majority of Ethereum based tokens. There is support for approximately 500 Ethereum-based tokens including both ERC20 and ERC721 tokens.
Guarda is available on OSX, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. The wallet can also be used in the web browser. The private key for the wallet is securely stored on the user’s device and encrypted. There is no information stored by Guarda. The wallet is hierarchical deterministic which enables the user to generate multiple public and private key pairs.
Some of the key features which make Guarda a top-tier wallet for Ethereum are an exchange function and a Chrome extension which enables users to interact with DApps.
The exchange function allows the user to securely and anonymously exchange between supported cryptocurrencies including Ethereum and supported Ethereum-based tokens. This enables the user to both speculate on the price of Ethereum in relation to other cryptocurrencies and also to easily exchange it for Ethereum-based tokens.
The Chrome extension enables users to use their Ethereum and Ethereum-based tokens in any relevant DApps such as CryptoKitties, Etheremon, and 0xGames. This can also be used to interact with decentralized exchanges such as IDEX.
Users can create a new wallet or restore an old one via the Chrome extension. Overall, Guarda is a very strong consideration for an Ethereum through the combination of both its wide support for Ethereum-based tokens, strong security, exchange features, and its extension to interact with DApps.
Exchange Based Wallet
It is commonly shared advice to never leave funds in an exchange-based wallet. By leaving funds on an exchange, users lose control of the funds because the exchange manages the private key. In the majority of cases, users also cannot verify whether the exchange actually holds their funds.
The exchange has the freedom to hold only a fraction of the depositor’s funds and use the rest to make risky investments. Exchange wallets represent the poorest tier of wallet security. Nonetheless, users still commonly leave their funds on exchanges. It enables them to participate in quicker trading and avoid the fees of having to withdraw to the wallet.
Kraken implements practices in their exchange wallet which ensures a higher degree of security than most competitors. The majority of funds are kept in cold storage disconnected from the internet. Kraken was the first exchange to conduct a proof-of-reserves audit and also provide a way for users to cryptographically verify that the exchange holds their funds. It is still not ideal to leave funds in an exchange-based wallet but Kraken is likely the most secure consideration if users are going to do this.
For investors looking to purchase large quantities of Ethereum, a secure wallet is a must. Alternatively, please visit our list of best Altcoin wallets that support other altcoin tokens for convenience to send and receive funds.
The best Ethereum wallets which support forks are Ledger Nano X and Trezor.
There are several wallets which support Ethereum’s hard fork, but the best ones are Ledger Nano X and Trezor.
Yes, there are several ETH wallets which run on Linux, including Exodus and Ledger Nano X.
The largest and safest Ethereum wallet is the Ledger Nano X, which can hold over 1,100 different cryptocurrencies.