Looking for the best free crypto wallet? You’re in the right place. We’ve sifted through the hundreds of options out there and picked the top five free crypto wallets that combine security, ease of use, and no upfront charges. Whether you’re brand new to crypto or a seasoned trader, this guide will help you find a secure, cost-effective option that fits your needs..
Quick note: While these wallets are free to download and set up, you’ll still need to pay network (gas) fees when making transactions. That’s pretty unavoidable in crypto.
Read on to discover all you need to know about our top picks like Best Wallet, Zengo, and Margex. And if you’re a crypto newbie, we’ll walk you through the basics of crypto wallets, how they work, and what to look out for.
- Multi-chain wallet that will soon support 60+ blockchains
- Early access to top presales and upcoming tokens
- Stake $BEST for rewards, fee cuts, and in-app perks
- Seedless MPC security with no recovery phrase
- Buy, sell, and swap 380+ assets in-app
- First keyless wallet with zero hacks to date
- Trade crypto with up to 100× leverage on major pairs
- No KYC required for deposits, trading, or withdrawals
- Convert assets instantly with zero swap fees
- Access to an integrated Web3 Ecosystem
- Enjoy zero trading fees for token swaps
- Get exclusive access to early projects and airdrops
- Seamless cross-chain swaps and bridging with DEX aggregator (500+ DEXs)
- Fast on-chain performance backed by Kana Labs infrastructure
- Non-custodial and open-source with biometric login
Overview – Top 5 Free Crypto Wallets
Before we dive into the best free crypto wallets and what they can do for you, here’s a quick overview of which wallets we’ll look at.
Best Wallet | Non-custodial wallet that lets you buy presale tokens straight from the app |
Zengo Wallet | Bank-grade security powered by advanced MPC technology |
Margex Wallet | A free hot wallet built for derivatives trading fans |
Binance Wallet | A non-custodial wallet for easy CEX-to-DEX trading |
OKX Wallet | A powerful Web3 wallet for DeFi, NFTs, and multichain swaps |
What is a Crypto Wallet?
Think of a crypto wallet as the gateway to your digital assets. It stores your private keys, which you need to buy, sell, and swap your crypto securely. Without a crypto wallet, you can’t perform any crypto transactions.
Many crypto wallets today also support Web3 activities like DeFi, dApps, NFTs, and staking. And because your wallet secures your keys, choosing the right one is critical for keeping your investments safe.
Types of Crypto Wallets Explained
There are three main types of crypto wallets, each with pros and cons. Let’s take a quick look at how they differ.
- Hot wallets: These are also called software wallets, and you access them through an app or browser extension. The upside of hot wallets, like Best Wallet, is that they’re super convenient and often free. The downside? They’re more vulnerable to online cyber threats than cold wallets.
- Cold wallets: These are hardware devices that store your private keys offline for stronger security. Cold wallets, like Cypherock, generally come with a price tag but offer maximum protection.
- Paper wallet: This type of wallet is as simple as it sounds. It’s a piece of paper with your private keys written or printed on it. It’s never vulnerable to cyberattacks. But if you lose that piece of paper, say goodbye to your digital assets. Not really worth the risk.
Another key factor – who controls your keys? Hot, cold, and paper wallets can also be classified as custodial or non-custodial. Let’s take a closer look.
- Custodial wallets: A third party (for example, an exchange like Margex or a bank) holds and manages your private keys. They typically have bank-grade security protocols. However, if they are hacked or shut down, your crypto could be at risk, as you don’t hold the keys. Hot wallets can be either custodial or non-custodial.
- Non-custodial wallets: This type of wallet gives you 100% control over your private keys. All cold and paper wallets are non-custodial, as there’s no third party involved. Some hot wallets – like Best Wallet and Zengo – are also fully non-custodial.
Are Free Crypto Wallets Really Free?
Yes – but there’s a catch.
When we refer to a ‘free crypto wallet,’ we mean that the app is free to download and set up. However, you will have to pay network charges (gas fees), and these vary depending on which blockchain you’re transacting on.
So, regardless of whether you’re using a free wallet like the Best Wallet app or a cold wallet that you paid for, you’ll be charged a gas fee when you buy, swap, sell, or make any other transaction. It has nothing to do with the wallet you’re using. It’s charged by the blockchain.
So, bear in mind that while each provider in this review offers a free crypto wallet, you’ll still have to pay gas fees and possibly provider fees.
And if you’re weighing up the pros and cons of free wallets vs paid wallets, rest assured. ‘Free’ doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on security or functionality. Many free crypto wallets give you access to DeFi, staking, dApps, NFTs, and other advanced features.
Expert Analysis – The Best Free Cryptocurrency Wallets Reviewed
Now that we’ve explained the various types of crypto wallets – and what constitutes a free wallet – let’s dive right into our review of the top five free crypto wallets. By the way, they’re all hot wallets. Cold wallets are very rarely free.
1. Best Wallet – Non-Custodial Wallet That Lets You Buy Presale Tokens Straight From the App
Web3 features: DeFi staking, multichain swaps, dApps, NFTs
Security: 2FA, biometrics, MPC
Best Wallet takes pole position in our top five free crypto wallets for many reasons. Yes, it’s free to download and set up. But it’s also a multi-currency and multichain wallet. Best of all? It’s a fully non-custodial wallet, which means you have complete control over your private keys.
Best Wallet is also the only crypto wallet on the market that lets you buy and stake the best crypto presales through its Launchpad feature. That means early-bird access to potentially high-reward tokens before they list on a decentralized exchange (DEX) or centralized exchange (CEX).
The Best Wallet app supports 1K+ currencies across 50+ blockchains. That number will increase to 60+ as the next step in the Best Wallet roadmap.
And because it’s a Web3 wallet, you can also access DeFi platforms. That makes Best Wallet your gateway to dApps, NFTs, and more, via WalletConnect. That’s in addition to multichain swaps and staking to earn rewards.
Another handy feature Best Wallet offers is the option to import an existing wallet. That means you can manage all your digital assets through the app. Best Wallet is compatible with Android and iOS, and the app is easy to set up and has a user-friendly interface.
We mentioned earlier that hot wallets have online access. That’s why they are sometimes considered to be less secure than their cold wallet counterparts. Best Wallet, however, ensures bank-grade protection by integrating multi-party computation (MPC) into this mobile-first app.
That MPC technology, courtesy of Fireblocks, is a form of cryptography. It ensures a high level of privacy and accuracy, which are paramount to protecting your private keys. Add 2FA and biometric verification to the equation, and you have an extremely secure crypto wallet.
If that sounds like an ambitious plan, you’re right – it is. However, consider this: Best Wallet has a consistent monthly user growth rate. It has also launched its own native crypto coin, the Best Wallet Token ($BEST), to power additional benefits, including even lower transaction fees.
In all, if you’re looking for a powerful yet user-friendly crypto wallet that’s free to set up, non-custodial, multichain, multi-cryptocurrency, and has Web3 functionality, Best Wallet is a great choice.
Take a look at our comprehensive Best Wallet review to discover what else makes it the best crypto wallet right now.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL BEST WALLET WEBSITE TODAY
2. Zengo Wallet – Bank-Grade Security Powered By Advanced MPC Technology
Web3 features: DeFi, dApps, NFTs, lend, stake, multichain swaps
Security: MPC technology, 2FA, biometrics
You’ve heard the saying ‘Not your keys, not your crypto,’ right? Well, Zengo Wallet makes the security of your private keys a top priority, earning it the number two spot on our list of the best free cryptocurrency wallets on the market today.
Like the Best Wallet app, Zengo also uses MPC technology. However, it uses MPC to split your private keys into two parts. Zengo stores one part on its servers and the other on your smartphone, eliminating the traditional seed phrase model.
It also makes Zengo a non-custodial wallet. Even if the Zengo server is breached and a hacker gains access to part of your private key, it’s useless to them. Without the other half of the key – which only you hold – they cannot touch your digital assets.
That high level of security when it comes to your private key is important. Especially considering that private key compromises accounted for 43.8% of stolen crypto in 2024.
Regarding the amount of cryptos and blockchains, Zengo supports 300+ cryptocurrencies across 10+ blockchains (including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Polygon). That’s considerably fewer than the Best Wallet app. That said, it has strong Web3 features, including DeFi, dApps, NFTs, lending, staking, and multichain swaps.
Zengo Wallet is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. But to access Zengo via your computer, you first need to install the app on your phone. That’s because one half of your personal keys are stored on your phone – they cannot be stored on your computer.
Zengo Wallet also uses two-factor authentication (2FA). Whether on your computer or phone, you’ll need to verify that it’s really you before you can access it. Zengo will email you a PIN that you need to enter on the mobile app. There’s no other way to access your private keys.
In addition, you can opt to include 3D face-mapping biometrics to up the security ante. Once again, you can only use this option on your mobile phone.
By the way, we were pleased to find that users give Zengo an excellent rating on Trustpilot. With 4.4/5 stars, our experience of Zengo aligns with that of the 900+ Trustpilot reviews. Zengo also boasts 1.5M+ customers – and no reports of any breaches.
Zengo also has a subscription option – the Zengo Pro – for $19.99 p/m or $129.99 p/a. Here are some of the benefits Zengo Pro offers:
- Multiple wallets: Hold five separate wallets.
- Lower fees: Discounts of up to 50% when you buy crypto.
- Web3 firewall: Protection against Web3 attacks, including smart contract exploits and rug pulls.
- Theft protection: All transactions are protected by MFA.
- Legacy transfer: Nominate a recipient who can access your wallet if you are unable to do so.
If you’re in the market for a non-custodial software wallet with MPC-enhanced security, Zengo could be for you. We recommend trying it out for yourself.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL ZENGO WEBSITE TODAY
3. Margex Wallet – A Free Hot Wallet Built For Derivatives Trading Fans
Web3 features: DeFi staking, NFTs
Security: 2FA, account activity notifications, private key cold storage, advanced encryption, withdrawal whitelisting
Margex Wallet is the first custodial wallet on our list. That’s because it’s the native wallet of the Margex exchange, a crypto derivatives trading platform. Not only is it a free wallet, but you also get futures trading, with up to 100x leverage.
Margex supports 55+ cryptos – including $BTC, $ETH, and $SOL – and 60+ trading pairs. You can also stake $BTC, $ETH, $USDT, $USDC, and $BUSD with the Margex wallet.
Now let’s talk about security. As a custodial wallet, Margex holds your wallet’s private keys. That makes security a key focus for Margex, which is why it has multi-layer protocols in place.
For starters, the wallet is secured by 2FA (you’ll need Google Authenticator to access your wallet), email confirmations for withdrawals, and email alerts whenever there is activity on your account. And all data transferred between the exchange and your wallet is protected by SSL encryption.
Margex also has a real-time machine learning-based system that monitors and negates suspicious or fraudulent trading activities, like spoofing.
Most importantly, however, Margex uses multi-signature cold-wallet storage to protect your keys and crypto. This means they’re stored offline, substantially increasing the security factor, preventing potential hackers from accessing your funds.
Margex is available via a desktop browser (Windows and macOS) or the Android and iOS apps in 153 countries. On the downside, though, that doesn’t include the US. Nor is it supported in Canada, Hong Kong, Seychelles, Bermuda, Cuba, Crimea, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Sudan, or Afghanistan.
Hopefully, Margex will soon include these countries in its list of supported regions because this one is well worth considering if a hot wallet with cold storage appeals to you.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL MARGEX WALLET WEBSITE TODAY
4. Binance Wallet – A Non-Custodial Wallet For Easy CEX-to-DEX Trading
Web3 features: DeFi, dApps, NFTs, multichain swaps, staking
Security: MPC, security alerts
Binance is among the top crypto exchanges in terms of both trading volume and trust score. The CEX also has its own native Web3 Binance Wallet. And the recent introduction of DEX trading features puts this hot wallet firmly on our list of the best free crypto wallets.
Being able to perform CEX to DEX trades means you no longer need a bridge – like PancakeSwap, for instance – to trade across different blockchain platforms and DEXs. And that also means lower transaction fees and faster processing.
Binance Wallet also supports derivatives trading as well as copy trading. That’s in addition to access to DeFi, dApps, NFTs, multichain swaps, staking, and the best meme coins.
Being a Binance wallet, you’d likely think this is a custodial wallet – but it’s not. Unlike the Margex wallet, the Binance wallet is fully non-custodial. That’s because it uses MPC technology to split your private key into three shares, each stored in a different location.
One share is stored on the Binance servers, the second on your own device, and the third in the cloud. To access your Binance wallet, you’ll need at least two key shares. But because of the three-way split, your private key will be well-protected and almost impossible to hack.
This hot wallet also has built-in risk controls. You’ll be alerted at the first hint of a malicious contract, wrong address, or any other security risks carried by a token or blockchain.
Unlike the free crypto wallets we have covered, Binance has a know-your-customer (KYC) policy. In other words, you need to verify your identity to make a transaction with Binance Wallet.
The process takes around seven minutes, including uploading ID documents and facial verification. However, if the thought of handing over your personal details leaves you cold, an anonymous crypto wallet may be a better option for you.
Either way, whether you’re already on Binance Exchange or looking for a centralized way to tap into DeFi and staking, the Binance Wallet brings all your crypto tools together in one place for seamless management.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL BINANCE WALLET WEBSITE TODAY
5. OKX Wallet – A Powerful Web3 Wallet For DeFi, NFTs, and Multichain Swaps
Web3 features: Swap, stake, bridge, DeFi, dApps, NFTs
Security: Anti-phishing codes, deepfake detection, OCR document verification, fraud analysis, offline asset storage
The final contender in our list of the best free crypto wallets is OKX Wallet. This non-custodial, Web3 hot wallet has integrated features for seamless swapping, cross-chain bridging, and direct access to dApps spanning DeFi, NFTs, and gaming.
This makes OKX a multi-currency, multichain wallet that supports 1K+ cryptos across 130+ blockchains. OKX Wallet also offers a crypto bot to help you create automated trading strategies with potentially lower risks.
Until recently, OKX Wallet was incorporated into the OKX app. But this has changed, with the exchange recently announcing that it’s making the wallet available as a standalone app for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
OKX Wallet was introduced around four years ago, and, according to the company, 500K wallets are created daily, and the wallets hold a total of $44.5B.
Tailored for everyday crypto finance, the app lets you track the markets, stake your crypto, trade futures, and use trading bots for signal or copy trading. That’s in addition to multichain swaps and access to DeFi, 1K+ dApps, NFTs, and the best new crypto projects.
OKX also stores most assets offline in cold wallets, with multiple signature mechanisms for enhanced security.
OKX claims a history of zero breaches, and it is regularly audited by the likes of Hacken and CertiK. This is a KYC wallet, though. You need to share your personal information with OKX and upload your ID and a selfie for verification. That process takes around 10 minutes.
However, if you’re not phased by KYC verification, the OKX Wallet stands out for its multichain support, built-in DEX and NFT marketplace, and seamless DeFi access – everything you need to explore Web3 in one easy-to-use app.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL OKX WALLET WEBSITE TODAY
How To Choose The Right Free Wallet for You
There are important factors to consider when choosing the best free crypto wallet for you. In fact, these factors apply when choosing any type of crypto wallet, whether it’s a free hot wallet or a high-end cold wallet. Here are the criteria that matter the most.
Security
Remember, ‘Not your keys, not your crypto.’ That’s why you want a crypto wallet that takes security very seriously. So, look for a crypto wallet with MPC technology and 2FA or 3FA to keep your private keys safe. And if you want 100% control of your private keys, opt for a non-custodial wallet.
Cryptocurrency & blockchain support
Wallets support different amounts of cryptos and blockchains, so keep this in mind when choosing one. Most support the popular cryptos, like $BTC and $ETH. But if you want to diversify and buy lesser-known tokens, look for a wallet that supports a bigger range.
Accessibility
How would you like to manage your crypto? If you prefer the convenience of quick transactions on the go, a mobile wallet app like Best Wallet is a good choice. However, other hot wallets, like Binance’s, have desktop versions, which might be more up your alley. The user interface is also important. You shouldn’t need a degree in crypto finance to make the most of your wallet. We prefer a wallet that’s easy to understand and navigate.
DeFi compatibility
Not all wallets will give you access to DeFi platforms, including dApps, NFTs, gaming, and more. And let’s be honest, if you don’t have access, you’re missing out on a lot. If you want to manage NFTs, interact with dApps, have more control over your assets, and higher security, look for a Web3 wallet, like any of the hot wallets in this review.
Reputation and trust
There are lots of free crypto wallets on the market. Some are good, others are bad, and the rest can be downright nasty. That’s where reputation comes into play. Take a look at the wallet provider’s track record. Have they had any wallet breaches? The best ones haven’t. Also, look at user reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Reddit. Good feedback means community trust in that particular wallet.
These are just some of the factors we consider when reviewing a crypto wallet. Each wallet we’ve recommended here ticks all the right boxes, but finding the best fit depends on your needs.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Free Crypto Wallet
If you’re new to crypto, you might be wondering how to set up a free crypto wallet. It’s easier than you think. Here’s an example using Best Wallet.
Step 1: Download the Official Free Wallet App
Best Wallet is mobile only, so you’ll need to download it onto your smartphone. Head to the official Best Wallet website and click ‘Download Best Wallet’ on the top right of the screen.
Then, use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code that pops up and follow the simple on-screen instructions.
Alternatively, visit the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) and download the app for free from there.
Step 2: Create Your Free Wallet Account
Once you’ve downloaded the app onto your phone, open it and select ‘Get Started’. You need to enter an email address here. After you’ve done that, you’ll be emailed a verification code to enter into the app.
Remember, Best Wallet is a no-KYC app. The only reason you need to enter your email address is to secure your Best Wallet.
Step 3: Say Yes To 2FA For Added Security
Next, add your phone number. This is an optional step, but you want your wallet to have top security. We strongly recommend adding a phone number as it enables 2FA.
Step 4: Create A Passcode That Only You Know
Now you’ll be prompted to create your own four-digit passcode. You might want to make a note of the passkey and store it in a safe place. This is a non-custodial wallet, so if you forget the passcode, the Best Wallet team won’t be able to help you recover it.
You also have the option to enable the fingerprint login (Android) or the facial recognition option (iOS). We recommend setting this to on. It adds extra security to your wallet; without it, you’ll need to enter the passcode every time you want to access it.
Once that’s done, congratulations – you are now the owner of a secure, multi-currency, multichain Web3 hot wallet. The crypto world is now your oyster.
Check out our complete Best Wallet review for more details on how to fund your wallet, manage multiple wallets, stake tokens, access dApps, buy the best penny crypto currently on presale, and more.
How to Secure Your Free Crypto Wallet
The best free crypto wallets come with top-quality security. However, even the best wallets need smart user habits to prevent your private keys from falling into the wrong hands.
- Always enable 2FA or MFA. Software wallets have online access, making them vulnerable to online breaches. Enabling authentication protocols makes your hot wallet – and private keys – much harder to hack.
- Back up your private keys or seed phrase, but never store them as a note or screenshot on the device you use to access your wallet. If your phone is stolen, your passcode will be in someone else’s hands. And if you lose your phone, your passcode will be gone forever.
- Spread your funds across different wallets to limit their exposure to breaches. Most crypto wallets allow you to create different ‘sub-wallets’ within them. That way, if one wallet is compromised, the others will likely remain untouched.
- Enable the phishing detection feature if available. This way, you’ll be alerted if you’re dealing with a suspicious transaction, such as a malicious smart contract.
- Use the most up-to-date software. Software updates often fix security bugs.
- Use a combination of hot and cold wallets. A hot wallet for everyday trading and transactions on the go, and a cold wallet for storage.
Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Best Free Crypto Wallets
In a world where very little is free, it’s good to know that the best free crypto wallets bring high security and functionality to the table. Options like Best Wallet, Zengo Wallet, and OKX Wallet prove you can enjoy top-notch DeFi access, staking, NFTs, and more without paying a dime upfront.
We’re particularly fond of Best Wallet. It’s user-friendly, non-custodial, multichain, multicurrency, and no KYC. And the fact that it’s the only crypto wallet that lets you buy presale tokens makes it the best free mobile crypto wallet in town.
The choice is yours, though. Now that you know the differences between the various types of wallets available – hot, cold, custodial, and non-custodial – pick the one that best fits your needs.
And there’s no harm in trying any of these hot wallets for yourself – they’re all free to download and set up. Remember, though, this review doesn’t constitute financial advice.
FAQs
1. Are free crypto wallets safe?
Free crypto wallets can certainly be safe, but some have better security protocols than others. Look for a wallet with a good reputation and advanced MPC features, as well as 2FA or MFA. Also, bear in mind that any free crypto wallet is likely to be a hot wallet. That means it’s software or an app with online access. With that comes a level of risk – cyber threats are everywhere.
2. How to get a free crypto wallet?
Each of the wallets we covered in our review of the best free crypto wallets can be downloaded onto your phone. Some also have browser extensions. Best Wallet, for instance, can be downloaded via a QR code on the official website, or from the Google Play (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS). Then it’s simply a matter of opening the app and setting up the security options. Once that’s done, you’re good to go.
3. What is the best free crypto wallet?
We believe Best Wallet is the best free crypto wallet app. It’s easy to use, doesn’t have a KYC policy, and supports multiple chains and cryptocurrencies. Better yet, you have full custody of your private keys. That ups the security factor of this hot wallet. The cherry on top? This is the only crypto wallet on the market that gives you direct access to the best presale coins.
4. Can I use free wallets for NFTs?
Not all free wallets can be used for NFTs. It needs to be a Web3 wallet, which each of the free wallets in this review is. This means they can access DeFi platforms, dApps, and – yes, NFTs. Some wallets have WalletConnect built into them. This enables the wallet to access NFTs.