The best hot wallets offer a secure solution to store your crypto and equip you with a suite of tools to manage your assets.
With the digital finance landscape as complex as it is – think hacking, scamming, and endless options – it’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially if you’re just getting started. That’s why choosing the right crypto wallet is more important now than ever.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top hot crypto wallets like Zengo and our favorite pick, Best Wallet, which is attracting more users by the day. Whether you’re building your crypto portfolio or are just getting started, this article is exactly what you need.
Overview – Top 6 Hot Wallets for Crypto in 2025
Before we delve deeper into the best hot wallets for cryptocurrency, here’s a sneak peek at our top choices.
Best Wallet | Non-custodial multi-chain wallet with a presale aggregator |
Zengo Wallet | One of the most secure hot wallets with 3FA and MPC technology |
Kraken Wallet | Top choice for day traders thanks to integration with the Kraken exchange |
OKX Wallet | Smart account lets you pay transaction fees in stablecoins like $USDT or $USDC |
Uphold Wallet | Non-custodial wallet with key replacement service |
Coinbase Wallet | Optional burner wallet to interact with potentially risky dApps |
What Is a Hot Wallet?
A hot wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet that stays connected to the internet. It acts as your gateway to the blockchain, letting you access and manage your crypto assets. Some hot wallets also store your private keys, allowing you to send, receive, and swap tokens quickly and conveniently.
Think of a crypto wallet as a digital version of your cash wallet, but rather than storing cash and bank cards, it stores the private keys to your digital assets. With some hot wallets, like Best Wallet, you can also explore the best presales, access crypto exchanges, and trade all in one place.
For beginners, hot wallets are one of the easiest ways to start investing in crypto. You can download one as a mobile app or browser extension, set it up in just a few minutes, and begin buying or holding digital assets with minimal friction. You don’t need to worry about complicated hardware or deep technical knowledge.
Another advantage of hot wallets is speed. Because they’re always online, you can take action immediately when the market shifts – an essential feature in the fast-paced crypto world.
However, this convenience comes with a trade-off: because they’re connected to the internet, hot wallets are vulnerable to cyber threats like hacking or phishing. That’s why it’s important to set up powerful security measures such as strong passwords and multifactor authentication.
How Does a Hot Wallet Work?
When you set up a hot wallet, it will automatically generate two important keys: a public key and a private key:
- Public key: Acts as your wallet’s address, which you can safely share with others to receive cryptocurrency. Think of it as your bank account number.
- Private key: A secret code, which authorizes you to spend your crypto or send it to someone else, similar to your bank account’s PIN. Keeping this safe and confidential is critical because anyone who has access to it all has access to your funds.
However, unlike bank accounts, hot wallets are often self-custodial, meaning that you are the only one responsible for storing your private key.
When you first set up a self-custodial wallet (also called non-custodial wallets), you also get a seed phrase – a sequence of 12 to 24 words – that you’ll need to recover your wallet if you lose your device or it is stolen. So, you should store it somewhere safe and offline, like written down and in a safe. If you lose it, there’s no backup. You’ve lost your wallet – and funds – forever!
Types of Hot Wallet
There are different types of hot wallets, but they all have the same basic function: give you online access to your crypto. They’re often compared with cold wallets, which are offline and better suited for long-term storage.
There are two main categories of hot wallets: custodial and non-custodial.
Custodial
The term ‘custodial’ refers to a third party (custodian) who holds your private keys and therefore controls your crypto funds. More often than not, these wallets are associated with centralized exchanges like Binance or Coinbase.
The downside? You’re trusting someone else with your assets. While these platforms often have solid security measures in place, they are also prime targets for hackers. And if the platform suffers an outage, a hack, or becomes insolvent, you may not be able to access your funds.
Non-custodial
With a non-custodial wallet, you are fully in control. Only you hold the private keys and the seed phrase. These wallets are ideal if you want to truly own your crypto without relying on third parties.
These wallets typically require more technical knowledge and are best for more experienced traders.
Hot Wallet vs Cold Wallet
The main difference between hot wallets and cold wallets is internet access.
Hot wallets are typically software-based, such as a mobile app, browser extension, or website, and are always online. Because they’re always connected, these wallets are convenient for everyday trading and swapping. Some hot wallets also have a few offline capabilities, like checking your cached balance or preparing a transaction for a later date (but you can’t verify it until you’re back online).
Cold wallets, in comparison, are offline most of the time. These are typically hardware-based, like a USB drive or a bank-style card like Tangem, that you only connect to the internet when signing a transaction. They tend to be much safer from online attacks than hot wallets, but are less convenient for fast, on-the-go trading.
You can use these solutions together if you want the best of both worlds. For example, you can store most of your crypto assets in your cold wallet for security and only move funds to a hot wallet to perform trades. That way, you get the best of both worlds: strong protection and fast transactions.
Now, let’s briefly examine the pros and cons of each wallet type and highlight which solution is best for your needs.
Hot wallets | Cold wallets | |
---|---|---|
Pros | – Fast transactions – Free or low-cost to use – Available on any internet-connected device – Comes with extra features |
– Less vulnerable to online attacks – Full control (all cold wallets are self-custodial) – You can store it in a safe for extra security |
Cons | – More vulnerable to hacks – Limited control (custodial wallets) |
– Less convenient to use – Can be expensive compared to cold wallets |
Best For | Frequent transactions and active trading | HODLing (holding crypto for the long term) |
Reviewed & Analyzed – Best Hot Wallets for Crypto in 2025
Now that we’ve explained what hot wallets are and how they compare to cold wallets, let’s dive into detailed reviews of our top picks.
1. Best Wallet – Non-Custodial Multi-Chain Wallet with a Presale Aggregator
Crypto & blockchain support: 60+ blockchains underway, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana
Security: Biometrics, 2FA
Best Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet that offers a presales aggregator called the Token Launchpad. It gives you early access to new meme coins on presale, making it an appealing crypto wallet for investors looking for early-stage opportunities in the crypto market.
This hot wallet is also multi-chain. It integrates with the best decentralized exchanges, allowing you to buy, sell, and swap thousands of crypto assets across popular blockchains, making it an all-in-one solution for your portfolio management.
Speaking of portfolio management, Best Wallet comes with multi-wallet functionality, which allows you to create more than one wallet within the app. For example, if you want to store meme coins, manage your long-term investments, and hold the best altcoins in a single place, Best Wallet is for you.
Its mobile-first, intuitive interface makes it a convenient solution for experienced traders and beginners alike. At the same time, its integration with DeFi tools like Dex Screener gives you access to real-time crypto price charts. Moreover, integration with iGaming platforms like Lucky Block, Mega Dice, and BetPlay makes Best Wallet a top crypto wallet for sports betting.
Best Wallet has also launched its very own crypto token. The Best Wallet Token ($BEST) is currently on presale and will be the backbone of the entire ecosystem. Holders will receive exclusive perks such as lower trading fees, higher staking rewards, and even the right to vote on key decisions impacting the direction of the Best Wallet ecosystem.
If security is your priority, Best Wallet offers advanced security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometrics. Its non-custodial nature means you maintain full control of your private keys, so there are no third-party key holders.
If you’d like to learn more, our experts have done an in-depth review of Best Wallet, highlighting everything that makes it one of the best crypto hot wallets around.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL BEST WALLET WEBSITE TODAY
2. Zengo Wallet – One of the Most Secure Crypto Wallets with 3FA and MPC Technology
Crypto & blockchain support: 380+ cryptocurrencies across six blockchains
Security: MPC and 3FA
Zengo is among the best hot crypto wallets that prioritize security without compromising convenience. It’s equipped with advanced security features such as multi-party computation (MCP) and three-factor authentication (3FA), both of which address common pain points of self-custodial crypto wallets.
As you know, losing a seed phrase means losing access to your crypto funds permanently. But with Zengo’s MPC feature, you no longer need to remember a seed phrase, which reduces the overall risk of losing access to your funds. In fact, Zengo is the first consumer-grade crypto wallet with no seed phrase vulnerabilities, making it a standout solution on this list.
Moreover, 3FA allows for wallet recovery through email, biometrics, and a recovery file stored in the cloud. This heightened security has allowed Zengo to serve over 1M users without a single wallet being compromised, making it one of the most secure crypto wallets on the market today.
Zengo supports over 380 crypto assets across six blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Polygon. While not as comprehensive as Best Wallet’s, it’s still an impressive list of assets. If you’re interested in this reputable crypto wallet, you can download it for free for Android or iOS. Its user-friendliness makes it a top choice for beginners.
However, you can opt for a Zengo Pro subscription for more advanced features. It will cost you $129.99 a year and is loaded with additional features such as the ability to create multiple wallets and Legacy Transfer, which allows you to pass your crypto wealth on to a loved one should you not be able to access it anymore.
For example, you can set an inactivity timer between three and 24 months. This timer resets every time you open your Zengo app. However, if you don’t open it within that time, your nominated recipient, provided they have a valid Zengo account, will be able to access your assets.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL ZENGO WEBSITE TODAY
3. OKX Wallet – Smart Account Lets You Pay Transaction Fees in Stablecoins Like $USDT or $USDC
Crypto & blockchain support: 300K tokens across 70+ blockchains
Security: Biometrics, 2FA, multi-signature technology
OKX Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet that seamlessly integrates with its exchange platform, OKX Exchange, giving you access to 300K tokens across 70+ blockchain networks. Its standout feature is account abstraction, which essentially allows your wallet to act as a programmable smart contract.
The benefit of this is flexible gas fee payment. You can pay for transactions using stablecoins across multiple blockchains, removing the need to hold native tokens, such as $ETH, for Ethereum transactions.
It also enables batched transactions. You can interact with multiple smart contracts within a single transaction, streamlining DeFi operations like yield farming. Head over to OKX Wallet’s documentation if you’d like to learn more about this smart account feature.
Regarding security, OKX Wallet employs MPC, which splits your private key into three parts. It then stores these shards separately, spreading the risk.
Other security features include multi-signature support, which requires approval from multiple parties to carry out a transaction. Moreover, OKX Wallet undergoes various security audits by some of the world’s leading cybersecurity and blockchain experts.
Those interested in NFTs will be happy to know that OKX Wallet has a zero-fee NFT marketplace. Here, you can buy, sell, and mint NFTs on various blockchains without fees other than your standard network fees.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL OKX WEBSITE TODAY
4. Kraken Wallet – A Top Choice for Day Traders Thanks to Integration with The Kraken Exchange
Crypto & blockchain support: 350+ cryptocurrencies across eight blockchains
Security: 2FA, no SMS recovery, cold storage
Kraken is a non-custodial crypto wallet that seamlessly integrates with the Kraken exchange, making it a top choice for day traders and active investors. You trade directly from the wallet instead of transferring funds to a separate platform.
Interestingly, Kraken stores 95% of user funds in cold storage devices, which the company has geographically distributed and monitors 24/7. This ensures that your funds are safe from online attacks or theft attempts. This offline storage makes Kraken one of the safest mobile crypto wallets around.
Like many wallets on this list, Kraken lets you withdraw funds in fiat currencies like USD. However, per US regulations, you must first complete a KYC verification. Solutions like Best Wallet don’t require any KYC for withdrawals, making it a top choice for those who prioritize privacy.
If you’re worried about data breaches or hacks, Kaken’s exchange platform has an impeccable history, which extends to the wallet, bringing peace of mind to all its users.
And if you’re a beginner in the crypto industry, you’ll be happy to know that the Kraken Wallet is easy to use. However, experienced users might find some features lacking, especially compared to high-end hardware wallets like Cypherock and Ledger.
You’ll find navigating the mobile app’s dashboard straightforward, making managing your balances, making deposits, and staking crypto a breeze. The wallet supports staking for popular crypto assets like $ETH, putting you in a position to earn passive income.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL KRAKEN WEBSITE TODAY
5. Uphold Wallet – Non-Custodial Hot Wallet and Multi-Asset Investment Platform with Key Replacement Service
Crypto & blockchain support: $BTC, $XRP, $RLUSD, $SOLO, $CORE, and $HBAR (depending on wallet type)
Security: Two-key system, co-sign transactions, 2FA
Uphold offers various custodial models, including full custody (Uphold Wallet), assisted self-custody (Uphold Vault), and self-custody (UPHODL). This unique approach makes Uphold one of the most versatile crypto storage solutions.
Uphold Wallet is a custodial multi-asset wallet, meaning it holds your keys and supports more than just crypto tokens. It allows you to acquire precious metals like gold and silver as well as fiat currency, such as USD and GBP. In other words, this is a great tool if you’d like to diversify your investment portfolio.
Uphold Vault reduces the risk of losing your keys by holding a third key to your assets. If you lose one of your keys, you can use the secure replacement service to obtain another one. But since you always need two keys to access your funds, Uphold can’t do it on its own.
An outstanding feature of Uphold’s Vault is the transaction co-signature function, which makes moving your cryptocurrencies even more secure. It works simply by having one key (your private key) and Uphold having a second key (the Uphold key). Both keys must ‘sign’ the transaction if you want to move your cryptocurrencies from the vault to another wallet.
If you want full control of your keys, you can download the UPHODL wallet. This Web3 wallet is a multichain, self-custodial wallet that supports $BTC, $XRP, ERC-20 tokens, and NFTs in a single place. Moreover, you can take advantage of the different DeFi trading venues through WalletConnect.
It’s worth noting that there’s a charge if you decide to use the Vault. Pricing starts at $4.99/month or $49.99/year. If you prefer complete control over your keys and funds, the UPHODL wallet is free to use.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL UPHOLD WEBSITE TODAY
6. Coinbase Wallet – Optional Burner Wallet to Interact with Potentially Risky dApps
Crypto & blockchain support: 5.5K cryptocurrencies across multiple blockchains
Security: 2FA, biometrics
Coinbase is a well-known crypto exchange platform that facilitates nearly $300B worth of trades every quarter. Coinbase Wallet gets to ride high on this reputation and is easily among the best Web3 wallets on the market today, blending a user-friendly design with advanced security.
Coinbase Wallet allows you to create multiple separate wallets (sub-wallets) within a single account. Interestingly, you can create a ‘burner’ wallet to interact with potentially dangerous dApps or websites.
Separating your wallets like this helps keep your portfolio safe while shopping for something new and interesting. We like that Coinbase Wallet supports over 5.5K cryptocurrencies across blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.
The wallet integrates with thousands of dApps for DeFi, NFT trading, gaming, and more via a built-in dApps browser. And if NFTs are your thing, you can collect, store, and trade NFTs across multiple blockchains through a dedicated interface.
You can download Coinbase Wallet for Android and iOS or create a new wallet directly in your browser. Moreover, if you want to bolster your security, Coinbase Wallet integrates with hardware wallet Ledger for offline storage.
Setting up your non-custodial wallet is easy and doesn’t require personal information, not even an email address. That said, once set up, you’ll receive a 12-word phrase. Make sure you keep it safe because if it’s lost, you won’t be able to access your crypto.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL COINBASE WEBSITE TODAY
How to Choose the Best Hot Wallet
Here’s a list of the criteria you should keep an eye out for when looking for the best hot wallet for you.
Security
It should go without saying that security is the most important aspect to keep in mind when looking for a hot wallet. While custodial wallets are reputable, your crypto assets could be at risk.
Consider choosing a wallet where you have full control over the security measures. Besides, a non-custodial wallet means no third party can access your funds. Other security aspects are authentication methods such as 2FA, biometrics, and strong encryption.
Cryptocurrency & blockchain support
Portfolio diversification is essential if you want to offset potential losses. Look for a multi-chain wallet to manage assets across a range of blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and others. Moreover, the best hot wallet should be able to handle NFTs for a truly diversified portfolio.
Functionality
Look for extra features like staking, which allows you to earn passive income, and swapping, which lets you exchange one crypto for another.
Device and platform compatibility
Hot wallets should offer convenience. Check what platforms and devices your preferred choice works on. For added flexibility, look for solutions offering browser extensions and mobile apps.
Ease of use
A good wallet should be intuitive and relatively straightforward to use. The onboarding process must be quick and painless, and you should only need to share minimal user information (no-KYC policy).
If you’re a beginner, there should be helpful resources to help you understand the features, how to use them, and other crypto basics.
Reputation & customer support
Look for a wallet that has a clean history and positive sentiment from the crypto community. Many hot wallets are free to use, so we can’t really expect priority, top-notch customer support. However, it’s still important that you can get help should you need it.
Security Tips When Using Hot Wallets
Hot wallets use several security measures to keep your funds safe. For example, many wallets employ measures like 2FA and biometrics. However, constant internet connection means there are still risks, especially if you accidentally expose your private keys or use weak or compromised passwords.
That said, let’s take a look at some security tips to keep in mind when using hot wallets:
- Diversify storage: Many wallets allow you to create sub-wallets for different assets. Moreover, you can use a combination of hot and cold wallets, where you keep most of your assets offline and only use the assets you’re trading on the hot wallet.
- Enable 2FA and use strong passwords: We recommend enabling 2FA wherever possible. Even better, use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator rather than SMS, as SMS messages can be intercepted. Additionally, use complex passwords with a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols.
- Stay away from public Wi-Fi: Avoid connecting to public WiFi if you want to log in to your wallet. If you find yourself in a position where you must use a public network, use a trusted VPN service to ensure your connection is encrypted.
- Back up your private keys: With a non-custodial wallet, you’re fully responsible for your private keys. Ensure you’ve backed up this private key and keep it in a safe place, preferably offline.
- Update your wallet: Make a habit of updating your wallet regularly. Software updates ensure you get the latest security patches and vulnerability fixes. You can also enable automatic updates.
How to Set Up a Hot Wallet
We’ll show you how to use a hot wallet using Best Wallet as an example, which is completely free to download and use. Note that other hot wallets have a similar setup process, so feel free to use one that resonates with you.
Step 1: Download the Best Wallet App
Navigate to the Best Wallet website and download the app on your Android or iOS device. Clicking ‘Download Best Wallet’ will provide you with a QR code to scan; simply scan it to start the download.
Step 2: Register a New Account
Once the download is complete, open the app and enter your email address. To complete your registration, you’ll need to enter the unique verification code that Best Wallet will email you.
Step 3: Set Up Security Features
Now that you’ve successfully registered an account, you’ll need to set up a four-digit passcode to log in to your account. It can be any combination you want, but we advise against easy-to-guess combinations like birthdays or anniversary dates.
Step 4: Purchase and Hold Crypto
Well done, you are now the proud owner of a brand new crypto wallet account. All you need to do now is buy some crypto with fiat if you don’t have any yet. Alternatively, if you already own some crypto, you can deposit it into your Best Wallet account from an external wallet via the ‘Add Wallet’ option.
If you’d like to learn more about one of the best non-custodial hot wallets, take a look at our expert review of the Best Wallet App.
Rounding Up Our Guide to the Best Hot Wallets
Crypto wallets are important tools for the management of your crypto portfolio. The best hot wallets offer convenience and accessibility, enabling fast access to your funds and easy transactions. However, their online nature introduces some security risks.
In this article, we’ve highlighted the best hot wallets for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. These include Best Wallet, which offers a presale aggregator, and Zengo with its innovative keyless security model.
At the end of the day, all the options on this list are reputable and solid choices. However, please don’t treat this article as financial advice. It’s merely an opinion based on independent testing. Always do your own research before making any commitments, especially when it comes to investments.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL BEST WALLET WEBSITE TODAY
FAQs
1. What is a hot wallet in cryptocurrency?
A hot wallet is a software-based crypto wallet that requires an internet connection to work. It provides easy access to your digital assets. These wallets typically run on devices like a mobile phone or a laptop.
2. Are hot wallets safe to use?
While hot wallets are safe to use, their connection to the internet does introduce some risks, such as hacking, malware, and phishing attacks. It’s important that you set up adequate security measures, like complex passwords and biometrics.
3. What’s the difference between a hot wallet and a cold wallet?
A hot wallet is a crypto wallet that is connected to the internet. A cold wallet stores your private keys offline and only connects to the internet to facilitate a transaction. Cold wallets are generally safer to use, but are more complex and offer less convenience than hot wallets do.
4. What is the best hot wallet for beginners?
The wallets in the article above are all reputable hot wallets that are relatively easy to use. If you’re just starting out, try Best Wallet. It offers loads of learning materials and is very easy to use.