10 best Web3 wallets: Explore DeFi, NFTs, and dApps securely
Nov 18, 2025・9 min read
In the first iteration of the internet, or Web1, the user experience (UX) was limited to static web pages. Users didn’t have the option to post comments and otherwise interact with most of what they read. Flash forward a few years, and Big Tech companies like Meta and Alphabet reshaped the online experience, allowing users to create and share content on centrally controlled platforms.
Although this Web2 model remains dominant, some crypto developers are leading the charge toward a new paradigm called Web3. Instead of relying on corporate entities and centralized cloud servers, Web3 is a decentralized version of the internet that uses blockchains and automated smart contracts to create a counterparty-free experience.
Anyone interested in exploring the latest decentralized applications (dApps) first has to download a Web3 wallet. Let’s look at 10 of the best Web3 wallets and explore the role they play in this exciting new version of the internet.
What’s a Web3 wallet?
Web3 wallets connect to blockchain-based dApps and store digital assets. Anyone who creates a Web3 wallet receives a cryptographic code known as a “private key,” which gives them control over their cryptocurrencies and other assets while allowing for storage and transfers.
In a way, Web3 wallets serve a similar function to Web2 usernames and passwords. Since Web3 doesn’t rely on centralized servers, a wallet’s cryptographic coding functions like a user ID whenever you log into a dApp.
How do Web3 wallets work?
A Web3 wallet stores a set of unique cryptographic keys that grant users privileged access to their cryptocurrency. During the setup process, the wallet reveals a list of 12 to 24 English words, which together are called a “seed phrase” and correspond to an essential passcode called a private key.
These details give Web3 wallet holders control over crypto and other digital assets on the blockchain. If you lose access to your Web3 wallet, you can use the seed phrase as a backup to restore your balance. This also means anyone who knows the private key or seed phrase has the power to steal someone’s cryptocurrencies, so this information should be carefully secured.
Your public key or wallet address connects to the private key, but is safe to share when depositing crypto. You simply copy and paste the wallet address associated with the crypto you want to receive.
Common types of Web3 wallets
Web3 wallets can be either “hot” or “cold.” Hot wallets (aka software wallets) are mobile or desktop applications that are always connected to the internet. These wallets are typically free to download and easy to use, but there’s a higher risk of security breaches.
In contrast, cold wallets store private keys offline and only interact with apps when you’re actively managing digital assets. Hardware wallets like Trezor and Ledger dominate the cold storage market, and although they cost more upfront and aren’t as user friendly, they’re the gold standard for crypto security.
There are three other categories it’s important to understand when evaluating your wallet options:
- Custodial wallets like Coinbase Wallet: These wallets are managed by a third party, such as a crypto exchange, and are often closely tied to that specific platform. The third party manages keys for you, so you gain convenience but lose control over security.
- Self-custodial wallets like MetaMask: This category includes most Web3 wallets and gives you complete control over your keys. This requires a bit more work and responsibility on your end, but it also means no one else has access to sensitive information.
- Smart wallets like Safe: A smart wallet is self-custodial, but it relies on more than just keys – it uses smart contracts to manage digital assets. This offers a nice mix of security and convenience, but the added complexity can result in a steeper learning curve and added security risks.
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10 reliable and secure Web3 wallets
Any reputable Web3 wallet can help you start participating in activities like yield farming and non-fungible token (NFT) trading, but they vary widely when it comes to security and UI/UX. Here are 10 top wallets and what they have to offer, so you can decide which suits your preferences and goals.
1. MetaMask
MetaMask is one of the top DeFi wallets, with over 30 million monthly active users. Although it initially only worked as a browser extension for Ethereum-based dApps, MetaMask has expanded its range of services to include any chain that supports the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) on desktop and mobile. The developers also consistently introduce new products and services, and current options include in-app staking, swapping, and crypto debit cards.
Security: Hardware wallet compatibility, password protection, AES-encryption
Supported blockchains: Primarily Ethereum, Layer 2 blockchains on Ethereum, and EVM-compatible chains
UI/UX: Slightly higher learning curve when compared with competing software wallets, tailored for intermediate to experienced DeFi traders who want extra customizability
Special features: Customizable fee limits, rewards for swaps, connectivity throughout EVM chains, debit cards
Best for: Active DeFi traders in the EVM ecosystem
2. Trust Wallet
Trust Wallet is another established software wallet that helps people store their crypto and explore Web3 opportunities. This wallet includes a Web3 browser to connect to dApps, and it links to over 100 blockchains rather than one ecosystem like Ethereum. Although the centralized exchange (CEX) Binance now owns Trust Wallet, this remains a self-custodial option with transparent open-source code.
Security: Biometric login, hardware wallet integration, AES-256 encryption
Supported blockchains: 100+ options, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Cosmos
UI/UX: Beginner-friendly and mobile-first experience, great for those new to Web3
Special features: Built-in crypto staking, ability to buy and swap crypto in-app, NFT gallery
Best for: Mobile-first users who want a simple UI/UX paired with multi-chain access
3. Ledger
Ledger is one of the foremost hardware wallet manufacturers in crypto. Regardless of which model you choose from Ledger’s portfolio, you’ll decrease your risk of hacks thanks to offline private key storage. Each Ledger device also comes with a “secure element” chip for further protection, along with safety features like an optional passphrase and a key recovery service. Plus, many popular software wallets link with Ledger devices to provide a mix of convenience and safety.
Security: Cold storage, secure element chip, PIN protection, optional passphrase
Supported blockchains: Dozens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP
UI/UX: Higher learning curve that involves connecting hardware units to the Ledger Live app for transactions
Special features: Extra passphrase, multisig wallet, optional backup recovery, Bluetooth (with some models)
Best for: Long-term crypto investors who are most concerned with security
4. Trezor
As the oldest hardware wallet manufacturer with open-source code, Trezor has a strong reputation for security and transparency. Parent company SatoshiLabs continues to innovate on its hardware product line with more intuitive designs, such as the Trezor Safe 7 with its touchscreen displays and easier connectivity to software wallet partners.
Security: Cold storage, open-source code, PIN protection, optional passphrase
Supported blockchains: Dozens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC
UI/UX: Fairly technical, requires connecting Trezor units to Trezor Suite
Special features: Shamir backup, passphrase, PIN entry, Bluetooth (with some models)
Best for: Long-term crypto holders who want a company with high transparency and a long history
5. Phantom
When the Phantom browser extension came out in 2021, it styled itself as MetaMask for the Solana blockchain. Today, this software wallet has one of the most intuitive interfaces in crypto, making it easy for newcomers to adapt to moving around Web3. Phantom still has a close association with Solana, but it’s become a multi-chain wallet on both desktop and mobile.
Security: Biometric login, hardware wallet integration, AES-256 encryption
Supported blockchains: Solana, Ethereum, Base, Polygon, Sui Monad Testnet, and Bitcoin
UI/UX: Intuitive and beginner-friendly experience
Special features: In-app staking and swapping, NFT gallery, automated spam reporting and burning
Best for: Beginners who want a simple UI/UX and are especially interested in Solana
6. Exodus
Launched in 2015, the Exodus multi-chain software wallet is known for its beginner-friendly interface. In addition to desktop and mobile apps, this wallet offers Web3 functionality as a browser extension for Chrome and Brave. Even if you don’t have an exchange account, Exodus makes it easy to get started in crypto with in-app purchases and swaps.
Security: AES-256 encryption, password protection, hardware wallet integration
Supported blockchains: 50+, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and Solana
UI/UX: Stylish and intuitive mobile and desktop settings
Special features: In-app crypto purchases and swaps, staking rewards, portfolio tracking
Best for: Anyone who prioritizes UI/UX and wants multi-chain support
7. Base App (formerly Coinbase Wallet)
Years before its 2025 rebrand as Base App, the former Coinbase Wallet made an impact as a self-custodial tool offering multi-chain asset support, connections to dApps, and in-app services like staking. As this wallet enters a new era, Coinbase now advertises their mobile and desktop wallet as a comprehensive account for exploring all Web3 has to offer, particularly on its Ethereum Layer 2 chain called Base. Along with direct links to Base’s “mini-apps,” this wallet offers unique features like interest and fee-free transactions for the stablecoin USDC.
Security: Backing from Coinbase, biometric login, hardware wallet integration
Supported blockchains: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Dogecoin, and EVM chains
UI/UX: Beginner-friendly, particularly for existing Coinbase users
Special features: Seamless connections to Coinbase and Base blockchain, USDC rewards, zero fees on USDC transfers
Best for: Ideal for beginners, especially those with Coinbase accounts or who frequently use USDC
8. Rabby Wallet
Rabby Wallet is a great option for DeFi power users, since many of its key features – including customizable gas fees and automatic dApp detection – were designed with intermediate and advanced DeFi traders in mind. Although beginners can get a lot of use out of Rabby Wallet on mobile or desktop, it’s optimal for more active crypto traders who focus on EVM dApps.
Security: Open-source code, audit reports, transaction simulation, hardware wallet integration
Supported blockchains: Ethereum and EVM chains
UI/UX: Optimized for advanced DeFi traders
Special features: Option to create a GasAccount, in-app swaps, portfolio tracking
Best for: Advanced DeFi traders on EVM chains
9. Ready (formerly Argent)
Ready is a smart wallet that uses smart contract commands on the Ethereum Layer 2 solution StarkNet. This extra programmability offers several conveniences, including multi-call batching for orders and social recovery for users who lose access to their wallets. Ready’s integration with StarkNet also provides faster transaction throughput and cheaper gas fees when interacting with dApps. Add in newer products and features, such as cashback cards and customer support, and Ready is an attractive option for crypto users of all skill levels.
Security: Off-chain recovery, two-factor authentication (2FA), open-source code, multisig
Supported blockchains: Built on top of Ethereum using Starknet
UI/UX: Beginner-friendly on mobile and browser
Special features: Cashback eligibility, crypto debit cards, native account abstraction
Best for: Crypto newcomers and more advanced traders who want multiple ways to use their crypto and make global transfers
10. Zengo
Although Zengo isn’t a cold storage solution, its safety standards are arguably as good as most hardware units, thanks to its multi-party computation (MPC) technology. Instead of a standard seed phrase, Zengo creates a pair of cryptographic secrets (one for the user and one for Zengo’s servers) to use when signing transactions and restoring lost wallets. This wallet offers other security-focused features, such as three-factor authentication and an automatic NFT spam filter, and it provides multi-chain Web3 support on mobile and desktop.
Security: MPC technology, three-factor authentication, annual audits, open-source encryption
Supported blockchains: Over a dozen, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Solana
UI/UX: Mobile first and beginner-friendly
Special features: MPC security, 24/7 customer service, NFT spam filter
Best for: Security-focused investors who don’t want to use hardware wallets
Manage all your Web3 activity securely with CoinTracker
To choose the best Web3 wallet, it’s best to start with security. Because most Web3 wallets are self-custodial, they don’t come with insurance protections in the event of hacks or theft. But features like 2FA, multisig, and biometric login can add layers of protection between your assets and bad actors. After that, take a look at each option’s compatible blockchains, UI/UX, and track record for avoiding and dealing with breaches.
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Disclaimer: This post is informational only and is not intended as tax advice. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.
FAQ
What are the benefits of Web3 wallets?
A Web3 wallet lets users interact with dApps to take advantage of opportunities on the decentralized internet, such as cryptocurrencies, NFT trading, GameFi, and DeFi.
What’s a web-based wallet?
A web-based crypto wallet is a browser extension that helps you conveniently interact with dApps on a desktop.
Are Web3 wallets safe?
Web3 wallets have various safety profiles that users have to consider when downloading and using them. Reputable cold storage manufacturers like Ledger and Trezor have the highest safety rankings, because they keep private keys securely offline.
What’s the difference between custodial and non-custodial wallets?
With custodial wallets, a third party takes responsibility for securing private keys. Non-custodial wallets reveal private keys to users, giving them privileged access to their digital assets.
What’s the difference between Web3 wallets and traditional crypto wallets?
Web3 wallets are safe spaces to store and transfer cryptocurrencies, just like traditional crypto wallets. But because they’re dApp-compatible wallets, users have more freedom to explore emerging opportunities, ranging from crypto loans and decentralized trading to NFT marketplaces and blockchain-based games.