Whether you’re holding assets long-term or actively trading in the crypto market, you need one main tool – a reliable software wallet. The best software wallet will let you store, swap, and stake crypto safely.
But what is a software wallet, I hear you ask? Put simply, it’s online storage for your private key, which is necessary for proving ownership of your crypto and interacting with blockchain networks. As with cryptocurrencies, there are a variety, each offering different features. Some only provide a home for your investments, whilst others offer additional services that enhance user experience and generate rewards.
How do you know which is the best software wallet for you? Drawing on our first-hand experience, we’ll guide you through our best hot wallet selection. We’ve reviewed our top seven crypto software wallets for 2025, including Best Wallet, Zengo, Margex, and Binance Wallet, to help you make an informed decision.
Top 7 Best Software Wallets – Editor’s Choice
Who doesn’t love a sneak peek? Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of our top 7 best software wallets for 2025.
Best Wallet | The all-in-one crypto solution with direct access to presales |
Zengo | Keyless crypto wallet for ultimate security |
Margex | Leveraged trading with a secure wallet integrated with a major CEX |
Binance Wallet | Your gateway to the Binance ecosystem |
OKX Wallet | Swap smart, explore Web3, own your keys – your crypto universe streamlined |
Kraken Wallet | Audited security, guaranteed reserves, simple control |
Uphold Wallet | One wallet for crypto, fiat, and commodities |
What is a Software Wallet in Crypto?
A software wallet is a digital application that holds the private keys that grant you access to your crypto on the blockchain. It also lets you manage your digital assets.
Software wallets act as a middleman between you and the blockchain network, enabling you to send and receive cryptocurrencies through an online interface. They come in various forms, including desktop, mobile, and web apps.
Key functions of the best software wallets include securely storing private keys, displaying your cryptocurrency balance, providing a transaction history, and allowing you to interact with decentralized applications (dApps).
How Does a Software Crypto Wallet Work?
You can break down the ‘how does a software crypto wallet work’ into four bite-sized steps.
- Key generation: When you create a software wallet, it generates a pair of private and public keys.
- Transaction signing: When sending crypto, you enter the recipient’s wallet address and the total you want to send. The wallet then uses your private key to create a digital signature.
- Blockchain broadcast: The wallet broadcasts your signature to the blockchain network, where validators verify it, after which the ledger is updated.
- Balance display: The wallet recalls your balance information from the blockchain for you to see.
Software Wallets vs Hardware Wallets – What’s the Difference?
The key difference between software ‘hot’ wallets and hardware ‘cold’ wallets is the internet connection. Software wallets maintain an internet connection to liaise with the blockchain, whereas hardware wallets are disconnected from the network.
However, there are other differences between the two wallet types. Here, we provide a quick list for your reference.
Software Wallets | Hardware Wallets |
---|---|
Store private keys in an online setting | Store private keys on physical offline devices |
More vulnerable to online threats such as hacking and malware | More secure and resistant to online threats |
High convenience for frequent online transactions | Less convenient for frequent transactions |
Often free or very low-cost | Requires the purchase of a physical storage device |
Better for daily transactions and smaller amounts of cryptocurrency | Better for long-term storage and large amounts of crypto |
The main risk is online threats | The main risk is the loss or damage of the physical device |
In the debate of hardware wallet vs software wallet, there’s no clear winner. If you make transactions frequently, a hot wallet might be best, but if you prefer long-term storage, a cold wallet may be a safer option.
What Are the Benefits of a Crypto Software Wallet?
Here are some of the key benefits of a crypto software wallet:
- Convenience: Easy to access, quick transactions.
- Cost-effectivity: Many are free or low-cost.
- Accessibility: Available as browser extensions, mobile apps, and desktop software, so you can manage your crypto anywhere with an internet connection.
- User-friendly interface: Usually designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners.
- Transaction speed: Quick sending and receipt of cryptocurrencies.
- Near-instant access: Normally quick and easy to set up.
Expert Analysis – Best Software Cryptocurrency Wallets Reviewed
Variety is the spice of life, but sometimes, it gets overwhelming. Let us take a load off your shoulders and help you understand which are the best software wallets for trading and HODLing in 2025.
In this section, we’ll review each of our top seven best crypto software wallets in-depth, sharing our first-hand experience.
1. Best Wallet — The All-in-One Crypto Solution With Direct Access to Presales
- 2FA verification methods: SMS and biometrics
- Assets and blockchains supported: 1K+ across multiple chains
- Exchange integration: Yes
Whether you’re new to crypto or a seasoned trader, Best Wallet’s intuitive design and advanced capabilities make it one of the best anonymous crypto wallets.
If you’re looking for a versatile software wallet, Best Wallet, accessible on iOS and Android, offers comprehensive asset management. It lets you store, buy, sell, swap, and stake a wide range of crypto across major networks like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, all from one interface.
Best Wallet also has a Token Launchpad that grants users privileged early access to crypto presales, helping you secure the best possible price. We discuss this in detail in our Best Wallet review.
If iGaming is your thing, you’ll appreciate that Best Wallet offers its users exclusive deposit bonuses, free plays, and reduced withdrawal fees on partner platforms.
Future features include portfolio management, crypto market insights, and a debit card allowing you to use your crypto in all stores that accept MasterCard. The card also gives you a nice 8% cashback.
Best Wallet takes the guesswork out of discovering the best meme coins by applying strict safety standards to all new projects it features. It offers a centralized source for all essential project details, including roadmap, tokenomics, and staking rewards.
If you want a say in the Best Wallet ecosystem development, you can gain governance rights by purchasing its native token, $BEST, currently available on presale at $0.024325.
Being non-custodial, Best Wallet gives you complete control over your private keys, meaning that your holdings are safe from third-party risks such as exchange hacks and bankruptcies, asset freezes, or seizures.
The multi-chain support means you can store all your crypto assets in one place, which simplifies portfolio management and makes Best Wallet a great Bitcoin software wallet. With the planned Portfolio Management feature, you’ll gain even deeper insights into your holdings to make informed decisions about your long-term strategy.
Pros
– User-friendly
– Exclusive presale access through the Token Launchpad
– Governance rights through its token $BEST
– Best Card and Best Crypto Wallet Market Insights to come
Cons
– Currently only works on smartphones
– NFT support is in development
VISIT THE OFFICIAL BEST WALLET WEBSITE TODAY
2. Zengo — Keyless Crypto Wallet for Ultimate Security
- 2FA verification methods: Email, biometrics, and Zengo recovery file
- Assets and blockchains supported: 380+ across six blockchains
- Exchange integration: Yes
Unique for its three-factor authentication (3FA) feature, Zengo is a non-custodial solution that stands out as one of the safest software wallets for crypto. A Zengo Pro subscription gives you six different ways to secure your assets.
Even with the free version, your private keys are secure thanks to multi-party computation (MPC). You and Zengo each hold a shard of your private key, so no one ever sees your complete key. Consequently, your crypto is virtually unhackable, as Zengo never exposes your secret key.
For those demanding the absolute pinnacle of security, Zengo Pro offers the upgrade at $19.99 monthly or $129.99 annually. This premium tier unlocks priority customer support, ensuring rapid assistance when needed.
Zengo prioritizes ease of use with a streamlined interface, focusing on core functionalities like on-ramping, selling, transfers, swaps, and staking. While it may lack the extensive integrations of some competitors at only around 380 compared to others, which have thousands, it excels in simplicity and security.
Despite its user-friendly approach, Zengo boasts robust multi-chain support, encompassing major blockchains such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB, Tron, ArbitrumOne, Optimism, Base, and Polygon. This broad compatibility allows users to manage over 380 crypto assets and NFTs across these networks.
Pros
– Enhanced security (MPC)
– 3FA security
– NFT support
– Multiple wallets
– Legacy transfers
– Private transaction mode
Cons
– Limited integrations (380+ across six blockchains)
– Zengo Pro is pricey
VISIT THE OFFICIAL ZENGO WEBSITE TODAY
3. Margex — Leveraged Trading With a Secure Wallet Integrated With a Major CEX
- 2FA verification methods: Google Authenticator, email, and SMS
- Assets and blockchains supported: 55+ across multiple networks, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and Tron
- Exchange integration: Yes, Margex DEX
Margex, like most exchanges, includes an integrated wallet. It’s a custodial wallet, meaning Margex is responsible for the security of your assets. Margex stores user funds in multi-signature, offline storage requiring multiple private keys to confirm transactions.
Margex positions itself as a versatile centralized exchange, appealing to both novice and experienced traders. The platform’s leverage trading is a significant draw for seasoned investors, offering the potential for amplified profits and increased market exposure, enabling them to capitalize on short-term fluctuations. This feature caters to those seeking sophisticated trading strategies.
On the other hand, new traders may find the copy trading functionality particularly attractive. It streamlines market entry by allowing you to copy the strategies of successful traders, flattening the learning curve and reducing the overwhelming volume of information. This feature provides a practical avenue for beginners to potentially profit without needing extensive trading knowledge.
Its security model involves splitting your private key between your device and Margex servers. This provides a robust safety net, meaning that even if the platform is breached, your funds remain protected, as hackers would lack your portion of the key.
Within the Margex Wallet, the ‘Staking’ tab gives you all the information about your staked currencies, including an APY calculator.
It also provides a clear overview of your finances with its ‘Total Balances’ section, prominently displayed at the top of the page. This section offers essential insights at a glance:
- Total balance: A comprehensive view of your combined holdings, displayed in your preferred equivalent ($BTC, $ETH, or $USDT).
- Available balance: The portion of your funds readily available for trading, excluding any amounts already committed to active orders, open positions, or pending withdrawals (expressed in USD).
- In orders: The total funds currently assigned to active orders and open positions (in USD).
If you want a more detailed breakdown, the wallet’s ‘Assets’ tab provides a detailed list of each supported cryptocurrency.
The ‘Transaction History’ offers exactly what it says on the tin! It details everything you have done in the wallet, enabling easy tracking of your financial transactions.
The platform, and therefore the wallet, covers over 55 major cryptocurrencies, providing ample trading opportunities. Coupled with this are competitive trading fees: 0.019% maker and 0.06% taker fees, making Margex a cost-effective platform for active traders.
Pros
– Cold storage of your keys
– Good staking APY – on average 5%
– Integration with the Margex DEX
Cons
– Reliance on the platform for your assets’ security
– Not available for US citizens
VISIT THE OFFICIAL MARGEX WEBSITE TODAY
4. Binance Wallet — Your Gateway to the Binance Ecosystem
- 2FA verification methods: Biometric authentication, cloud, and QR code backups
- Assets and blockchains supported: 32+, including Ethereum, BNB, Solana, and Bitcoin
- Exchange integration: Yes
The largest CEX based on trading volume, Binance, is known to most in the cryptocurrency game. It should, therefore, come as little surprise that it, too, has its own software wallet – Binance Wallet. And, it’s free!
Binance offers its users a powerful non-custodial wallet within its app. It gives you complete control over your digital assets, effectively turning your Binance account into a gateway into the broader world of decentralized finance (DeFi).
You can manage a diverse portfolio, including $BTC, $ETH, $BNB, and countless of the best altcoins, all while seamlessly swapping and staking tokens. It’s also an easy way to invest in upcoming Binance listings.
The Binance Wallet unlocks access to a diverse range of dApps that cover all your DeFi needs. From trading on PancakeSwap and Uniswap to earning passive income with Venus Protocol and even exploring the NFT space on OpenSea, you can manage your entire crypto experience in one place. Plus, Yearn Finance helps you optimize your yield strategies, ensuring you get the most out of your assets.
The integration with the Binance ecosystem streamlines asset transfers, creating a fluid transition between the centralized exchange and decentralized wallet.
Binance Wallet also offers two native staking options. The ‘Simple Yield’ lets you easily earn rewards on common crypto like $BTC and $ETH. Just pick the coin and protocol and start earning.
For those comfortable with more complexity, ‘Yield+’ uses advanced strategies that combine different staking methods to get potentially higher returns. Who doesn’t love a bit of variety in life and staking options?
Pros
– Fully non-custodial wallet
– Binance exchange integration
– Wide asset support
– Range of staking options through Binance Earn
Cons
– KYC required for the Binance exchange account
– Not available to new users in the UK
VISIT THE OFFICIAL BINANCE WALLET WEBSITE TODAY
5. OKX Wallet — Swap Smart, Explore Web3, Own Your Keys – Your Crypto Universe Streamlined
- 2FA verification methods: biometric authentication, cloud, and QR code backups
- Assets and blockchains supported: 70+, including Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, and Polygon
- Exchange integration: Yes
If you’re into trading, OKX Wallet is pretty slick. It offers a large selection of cryptocurrencies and DeFi integrations, and the built-in decentralized exchange tool helps you find the best prices when trading. This is great for traders who want to swap tokens quickly and efficiently.
OKX Wallet is a self-custody wallet, so you are in charge of your private keys, which is an added security boon. You can also store coins from different blockchains all in one spot, which keeps things organized.
Being able to switch networks inside your wallet means you don’t need to bounce around apps or worry about compatibility. It’s like having a universal remote for your crypto, making managing your diverse portfolio much easier.
The ‘Discover’ section of OKX Wallet is a portal to the Web3 world, where you can check out dApps, NFTs, and much more. You can also store your NFTs in the wallet.
OKX Wallet offers many features, which can make it a bit overwhelming at first, but this doesn’t stop it from being one of the best software wallet apps. If you’re new to crypto, you might need to spend some time figuring things out. However, OKX has a plethora of learning materials on its website to help anyone get up to speed.
Pros
– Built-in DEX aggregator
– Extensive educational resources
– Seamless OKX exchange integration
– NFT storage and management
Cons
– Somewhat steep learning curve for beginners
– Users are solely responsible for security
VISIT THE OFFICIAL OKX WALLET WEBSITE TODAY
6. Kraken Wallet — Audited Security, Guaranteed Reserves, Simple Control
- 2FA verification methods: Google authenticator, YubiKey, and SMS
- Assets and blockchains supported: 200+ on Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, and Dogecoin networks
- Exchange integration: Yes, DEX aggregator
Kraken puts a major focus on keeping your crypto, NFTs, and personal information secure, which I’m sure we’re all happy to hear. It’s a non-custodial wallet, meaning you have control of your private keys. It also made our list of best crypto wallets for storing your assets in 2025.
Kaken has a whole system in place, built by a team of security professionals, to protect your investments from theft and other risks. It has earned some credible certifications like ISO/IEC and SOC2, Type 1, which shows it meets high-security standards.
Even more reassuring, Kraken tests third-party services and products to help identify, publicize, and solve issues before they’re exploited. Kraken has a dedicated security lab, which you can explore to learn about the security features and processes in even more detail.
To show you can trust it, Kraken regularly does ‘Proof of Reserves’ audits, so you can see it has the crypto it says it does. Kraken uses advanced cold storage for your funds and has strong security measures for your account, like passkeys and withdrawal confirmations. If you have any urgent concerns, Kraken offers 24/7 support.
Kraken’s mobile wallet app supports a wide range of blockchain networks, catering to a broad array of cryptocurrency users. Currently, users can manage assets on popular networks such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as various Layer-2 solutions, including Arbitrum One, Base, Optimism, and Polygon.
When thinking about trading, liquidity is key. Kraken’s liquidity is driven by trading volume, low fees, funding options, and having more active traders on the platform, meaning more open orders can be filled.
Beyond its reputation for $BTC liquidity, Kraken consistently ranks among the leading exchanges for trading volume across a diverse range of altcoins. With Kraken’s global client base actively buying and selling cryptocurrency daily, you’re more likely to secure the best price on your trades.
Pros
– Open-source code
– Rigorous security audits
– Integration with Kraken exchange
– 24/7 customer support
Cons
– Higher on-ramp transaction fees
– Not all features are available in all regions
VISIT THE OFFICIAL KRAKEN WALLET WEBSITE TODAY
7. Uphold Wallet — One Wallet for Crypto, Fiat, and Commodities
- 2FA verification methods: SMS and biometrics
- Assets and blockchains supported: 6+ on XRPL, Hedera, and Bitcoin networks
- Exchange integration: Yes
Uphold Wallet aims to be more than just your typical crypto wallet, offering a wide range of assets from fiat to gold and stocks. This makes it interesting for investors who wish to diversify their portfolios beyond crypto.
Apart from typical cryptocurrencies like $BTC and $ETH, you can dip your toes into precious metals and even fractional stocks, all in one place. Plus, the recurring buy feature makes dollar-cost averaging a breeze.
If you’re more interested in active trading, the ‘Anything-to-Anything’ feature might pique your interest more. It allows you to instantly trade any asset for any other – crypto, stocks, even currencies – all in one place. Just be mindful that the fees can vary depending on what you are trading.
It directly connects you to a wide network of exchanges and liquidity providers. When you start a trade, say between Bitcoin and a stock, Uphold finds the optimal conversion rate across these and executes the trade in a single step. This removes the need for intermediate conversions to the base currency, potentially saving you time and fees compared to platforms that require multiple trades.
Uphold gives you a couple of options for keeping your crypto safe.
The platform also has the Uphold Vault, which is an ‘assisted non-custodial’ storage. You’re still in charge of your keys, but Uphold has a third key in case you lose one. You get your private key and a seed phrase, whilst Uphold keeps a recovery key. Since you need two to move your funds, Uphold can’t touch your crypto without you.
Currently, Uphold Vault only supports $BTC, $XRP, $HBAR, $CORE, $SOLO, and $RLUSD. However, there are plans to expand the range this year. It costs extra at $4.99 monthly or $49.99 annually.
Pros
– ‘Anything-to-Anything’ trading
– Recurring buys
– Non-custodial or assisted non-custodial storage
Cons
– Uphold Vault has limited crypto token support
– Some features are not available in all regions
VISIT THE OFFICIAL UPHOLD WALLET WEBSITE TODAY
How We Choose the Best Crypto Software Wallets
Our recommendations aren’t just opinions; they’re the result of detailed analysis. We rely on a comprehensive set of metrics to ensure you can trust our findings. Before suggesting any wallet, we meticulously evaluate the following.
Functionality
Ease of use and a wide range of features are essential criteria. We prioritize wallets that provide seamless integration with decentralized applications and offer robust tools for managing and trading assets.
We also consider the availability of advanced features like staking, swapping, and NFT support, ensuring the wallet meets the needs of the modern crypto user.
Reputation
We look at user feedback across various platforms, particularly consistent patterns of experiences. We prioritize wallets with transparent development teams and a history of responding to user concerns. Finally, we assess the wallets’ track record regarding security breaches, favoring those with a proven history of safeguarding user assets.
Security
We dig into how each wallet keeps your crypto safe and consider whether it’s custodial or not. We look at things like strong encryption and two-factor logins. Plus, we check for any security differences between the free and paid versions.
Fees
We make sure the wallets we pick don’t break the bank. We check out all the fees and whether any extra features might be worth paying for. The good news is that all our top picks are free, with some cool add-ons if you’re willing to spend a little extra.
Exchange integration
Direct exchange connectivity is a key advantage. Wallets that enable quick, efficient asset transfers to major exchanges stand out. We favor features like in-wallet trading and streamlined deposit/withdrawal processes, which simplify user workflows. Crucially, we prioritize wallets that maintain secure exchange links, guaranteeing safe and prompt transactions.
Supported currencies
Not all wallets play well with every type of crypto. We favor wallets that let you handle pretty much any coin or token out there, so we focus on those with the best multi-chain support.
How to Set Up a Software Crypto Wallet
Setting up a software wallet is a breeze, typically taking a matter of minutes. While we’ll illustrate the process using Best Wallet in this step-by-step guide, the steps are basically the same across most software wallets.
Step 1: Download the App & Create an Account
Head over to the official Best Wallet site and grab the app for your phone (iPhone or Android). If you’re on your phone, it’ll take you straight to the App Store. Desktop users can scan the QR code to get started.
Open the app and register using a valid email address. Verify your email using the code sent to your inbox.
Step 2: Set Up Your Security
Enhance your security by enabling optional features like email 2FA and biometrics. Set a four-digit passcode for quick app access.
Step 3: Make Sure You Know Where Your Private Key Is
Never share this or store it digitally! A private key is what gives you control of your investments. Access your private key through the settings menu (‘Manage Wallets’ → ‘Private Keys’). Store this offline, as you will need it for wallet recovery. You won’t need your key daily, but it won’t be a happy moment if you need to recover your wallet and can’t find it!
Step 4: Start Buying Crypto
From the main dashboard, tap ‘Buy’ and choose the fiat currency you want to use. Select the cryptocurrency you wish to purchase from the dropdown menu.
Select your preferred payment method from the available options, such as credit/debit cards or digital wallets like PayPal.
Confirm the transaction by tapping the ‘Buy’ button. Your purchased cryptocurrency will be deposited directly into your Best Wallet.
The Best Software Crypto Wallets – Verdict
Choosing the right crypto software wallet involves considering security, multi-chain support, user-friendliness, and cost. Look for wallets with strong encryption, multi-factor authentication, and robust backup options. Prioritize wallets that support the cryptocurrencies you intend to use and offer features like staking, swapping, and dApp integration.
Remember, this information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.
FAQs
1. What is the best software wallet?
The best software wallet is Best Wallet. It excels with its user-friendly, non-custodial design, supporting a range of assets and blockchains. Exclusive features like presale access, iGaming perks, upcoming portfolio management, and a crypto debit card make it a top choice. Governance rights, via its token and meme coin vetting, add further value.
2. What is the most secure digital wallet?
While every wallet we recommend prioritizes security, OKX Wallet stands out as the most secure digital wallet, having earned Certik’s 2024 ‘Best Crypto Wallet for Cybersecurity’ award. This recognition from the respected security audit platform underscores OKX Wallet’s commitment to protecting user assets.
3. What is a good Bitcoin software wallet?
For a solid Bitcoin wallet, Best Wallet stands out due to its user-friendly interface and wide range of features. It supports Bitcoin alongside other major cryptocurrencies, enabling diverse asset management. Features like presale access and upcoming debit card integration further enhance its versatility. While other wallets support Bitcoin, Best Wallet’s comprehensive design makes it a top choice for both new and experienced users.