TOP 12 best wallets for Ethereum: rating for ETH wallets of different types

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Ethereum (ETH) is the second most popular and largest cryptocurrency in the world. At the moment, its total value is approximately half that of the most famous cryptocurrency - Bitcoin (BTC), and 5 times more than that of its closest pursuer - Tether (USDT). The price of one coin not long ago reached a historical maximum of $4.3 thousand. It was the popularity of ETH that led to increased demand and rising prices for video cards around the world.

Investing in Ethereum is profitable – that’s a fact. Anyone can purchase coins on a cryptocurrency exchange, from other users (P2P) or through exchange offices. But another question arises - where to store them?

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A bank account or e-wallet is not suitable for these purposes. Special cryptocurrency wallets are used to store virtual money. Today we will look at all types of crypto wallets for Ethereum, and also tell you about the most reliable ones.

Types of Ethereum wallets

The main criterion for classifying cryptocurrency wallets is the method of storing coins. ETN wallets are:

• Cold
• Hot

When the cryptocurrency is stored cold, the wallet is not connected to the Internet; when it is stored hot, it is connected. Of course, connecting to the network increases risks. For example, attackers can gain access to a wallet if the owner of the service provider and the user do not take certain security measures.

Of course, this does not mean that hot wallets are unsafe. It all depends on the type of wallet used (hot wallets are also divided into several types), on the security measures taken, etc. At the same time, hot wallets are much more convenient to use, since they allow you to quickly send cryptocurrency transfers to other users (a cold wallet must first be connected to the network).

Thus, we can draw a simple conclusion: it is advisable to use cold wallets for long-term storage, and hot ones for everyday use.

Both cold and hot wallets come in several types:

We will look at their features and differences from each other a little later. And now we invite you to get acquainted with several more criteria for cryptocurrency wallets:

Thus, cold decentralized non-custodial wallets are the optimal choice for those who are looking for maximum security. In this case, you do not depend on anyone, and the safety of the coins lies entirely with you. When using hot centralized custodial storage, you entrust the storage of cryptocurrency to some service. This does not make them unreliable, but it does increase the risks. On the other hand, you get additional functionality and more convenient use of cryptocurrency.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Where should I store my Ethereum?

This is a question that no one can answer for you. Well, except for the words “in a secure Ethereum-compatible crypto wallet.”

The list of best Ethereum wallets that we have presented in this article is by no means exhaustive, and there are many other excellent ETH wallets on the market.

If you are choosing a crypto wallet for the first time and investing in crypto, we recommend using a hot wallet, preferably beginner-friendly and easily accessible, such as a mobile or web wallet.

Where can I buy an Ethereum wallet?

Most Ethereum wallets are free and you don't have to spend a penny on them. However, if you want to get a hardware wallet, you will have to buy one.

Where you should buy your Ethereum wallet depends on the country in which you live. We recommend checking the wallet's website first to see if it ships to your country, or perhaps there are links to some reputable markets for your country of residence. Don't buy crypto wallets from sellers you don't trust or don't have good reviews.

What is the most secure wallet for Ethereum?

I repeat once again, it is difficult to give a definitive answer. In general, hardware wallets such as Ledger or Trezor are considered the most secure way to store Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies, but currently hot wallets are not that far behind in terms of security.

An Ethereum paper wallet is also a good choice if you're looking for extra security.

Is Ledger More Secure Than Metamask?

Metamask is a hot wallet while Ledger is a cold wallet. By design, any Ledger wallet will be safer than Metamask since the latter is connected to the Internet while the former is not.

Best Hardware Wallet for Ethereum

A hardware wallet is a cold non-custodial storage for cryptocurrency. Such a wallet is a separate device that looks like a flash drive, key fob, bank card, and so on. It stores a private key that provides access to the coins. Owners of hardware wallets can receive cryptocurrency transfers at any time, but to send cryptocurrency to other users, they need to connect the wallet to the network - this can be done using a computer or smartphone (via a USB connector).

Hardware wallets often have a display and navigation buttons on their body. The display displays the transfer address, which allows you to protect the transaction from address spoofing. And navigation buttons are needed to confirm transfers - this protects against the virtual waste of coins.

A hardware wallet is considered one of the most secure ways to store cryptocurrency. Firstly, private keys are stored on the device itself - i.e. third parties do not have access to them. Secondly, if the device is stolen or lost, another user will not be able to use it, because The wallet is password protected. Thus, the safety of your funds depends only on you.

The main disadvantage of hardware storage is cost. Even the cheapest models will cost you several thousand rubles, and some devices – 15-20 thousand rubles. You can create other types of cryptocurrency wallets (for example, paper, software and online wallets) absolutely free.

Which Ethereum hardware wallet to choose

In fact, all popular manufacturers offer excellent and reliable storage options. To be as objective as possible, we will tell you about three hardware wallets that are offered by the official Ethereum website.

Trezor (Trezor Model T)

Trezor is a Czech company that produces cryptocurrency hardware wallets. It was they who released the world’s first hardware crypto wallet, Trezor One, but we will look at a more modern model – Trezor Model T.

Model T has been in production since 2022. The device looks like a regular key fob and has a USB Type-C connector, with which you can connect the wallet to a computer or smartphone (the previous model only supported connection to a computer). On the case there is a color touch LCD display (resolution – 240x240 px), a slot for a micro-SD card (allows you to encrypt personal files with a private key) and a magnetic holder. The kit also includes cards for writing the Seed phrase.

The wallet supports Ethereum, as well as many ERC-20 tokens (UNI, LINK, MKR, etc.). In total, it can store more than 1 thousand different cryptocurrencies.

D'CENT (Biometric Wallet)

IoTrust is a South Korean manufacturer of hardware and software cryptocurrency wallets. The company was founded in 2017 and has been producing the popular D'CENT hardware wallet since 2022.

A biometric hardware wallet looks like a keychain with a Micro-USB connector for connecting to a computer. In addition to the standard USB connection for this type of wallet, D'CENT supports a Bluetooth connection. On the body of the device there is an OLED display (resolution – 160-160 px), as well as several navigation buttons. A distinctive feature of the wallet is a fingerprint sensor. Thanks to biometric authentication, you can be sure of the safety of your funds even if your device is stolen or lost (thanks to the Seed phrase, you can restore access to your wallet). Standard PIN code authentication is also supported. The wallet can store Ethereum and many ERC-20 tokens (more than 1.8 thousand cryptocurrencies in total).

In addition to D'CENT hardware storage, the company offers a software wallet and a cryptocurrency card.

imToken (imKey)

imToken is a Chinese company founded in 2016. It offers users cryptocurrency wallets for storing coins and an exchange platform.

The imKey wallet looks like a bank card (dimensions: 64 mm/38 mm/2.3 mm), on which there is a small hole that allows you to attach the device to something. On the body there is a small monochrome display and 4 navigation buttons. In imKey you can store Ethereum and ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens, as well as many other cryptocurrencies.

Safety

MyEtherWallet does not have a multi-sig feature.

In order to reduce the likelihood of hacking, you need to follow the following 7 recommendations:

1. Use the Chrome extension Meta Mask. Log in through it to all exchanges, exchange services, ICO sites, and so on.
2. Keep your private key in a safe place and do not display it on the screen in clear text.
3. Create several wallets for different purposes, keep your main assets on the device.
4. To receive tokens, use a separate wallet. After receiving, withdraw tokens from it to cold storage.
5. Never post on the Internet or send in instant messengers the KeyStore file or any file with your private key. Skype is especially weakly protected.
6. Do not open your wallet while TeamViewer or other programs that read information from the screen are running.
7. Be sure to download all software from official sites, carefully look at their domain and periodically scan your computer with an antivirus.

Beginners often don’t know how phishing works and why all reviews include official sites.

When phishing, a person is redirected through a search engine or through a link to a clone site of the official one. By entering your data on such a site, he gives hackers access to it.

Phishing is used to account for more than 90% of cryptocurrency thefts.

Here is an example of a letter from hackers. It was posted on the TaaS Slack chat channel. Everyone was waiting for dividends from TaaS tokens, and many people clicked on the link to check the contract.

The arrow indicates the address of the site where the link in the letter was followed. This is not the official MEW website, it is located in a different domain zone. The TaaS team also had nothing to do with this mailing.

Here is another example of a phishing site stealing user data, and again - the wrong domain address.

In this video you can learn many more interesting nuances about the security and operating principles of a cryptocurrency wallet.

Offline transfers in MyEtherWallet, clear instructions

The infographic shows the use of MEW as cold storage. For this option you will need 2 computers, but what if you only have one?

Then you need to do this:

1. Look up the information you need for translation on the Internet.
2. Download MEW, go offline.
3. Open the wallet on a clean and previously unused flash drive.
4. Generate offline translation.
5. Transmit the completed and signed transaction to the blockchain.

Beginners will benefit from step-by-step instructions on how to do this.

First, you need to log into your wallet on a computer connected to the Internet. Open the Send Offline tab, enter the address of the wallet from which the transfer will be made. If desired, you can change the amount of gas. Here you can see the optimal one for quick transfer etherchain.org/tools/gasPriceOracle.

Gas is regulated in the same place, with a slider in the upper right corner.

Then you need to download the latest version of the wallet from Github github.com/kvhnuke/etherwallet/releases/tag/v3.11.2.

In a separate tab, open one of the following sites and enter your public address there in order to find out the exact balance:

1. ethplorer.io.
2. etherchain.org.
3. etherscan.io.

Disconnect your computer from the Internet. Unpack the archive with the downloaded wallet onto a flash drive.

Find the index.html file in it and open it.

A notification will appear indicating that there is no Internet connection. You don't need to do anything about it.

Go to the Send Offline page and fill out the fields.

Then go down below and select the option to log into your wallet. For example, through a KeyStore file. After this, you need to confirm the transfer with a password and click Generate Transaction. A code will appear in the Signed Transaction field. It needs to be copied into a notepad.

Interface etherscan.io/pushTx.

Then go to the website etherscan.io/pushTx and enter this code. The flash drive should no longer be connected to a computer on the Internet as long as the wallet exists on it.

Best Paper Wallet Generator for Ethereum

A paper wallet is a cold non-custodial storage for cryptocurrency. Paper Wallet is one of the most secure wallets for storing coins, and unlike hardware wallets, it is completely free.

A paper wallet is a piece of paper with a recorded private key or Seed phrase. The private key gives the user access to the cryptocurrency, and the Seed phrase helps to recover the private key. Special services help you create such a wallet. They generate a unique ETH address and private key. Using this data, you can accept cryptocurrency transfers and send money to other users.

The weak point of paper wallets is ease of use. In its original form, a piece of paper with a private key will only allow you to store cryptocurrency and accept transactions. To send coins, you will have to turn your paper wallet into a software wallet (via importing the private key). In comparison, a hardware wallet simply requires a physical connection to your computer or smartphone to send coins—the private key will not leave the device.

Let's consider one of the most popular services for generating paper wallets for ETH - MyEtherWallet.

To create a paper wallet, you need to go to the official website of the service and select “Create a new wallet.” The system will offer you 3 options:

• MEW Wallet
• Key storage file
• Mnemonic phrase

The first option is to create a software wallet (mobile application for Android and iOS). Since we are creating a paper wallet, we can choose a storage file or a mnemonic phrase. In the first case, you need to come up with a password (at least 8 characters, the system will prompt you with the appropriate complexity) and download the file. To access the wallet, you will need to download this file on the MyEtherWallet website and enter the specified password. In the second case, save the mnemonic phrase and use it to log into your wallet on the site.

In both cases, your wallet interface will open in front of you. Now you can print the wallet - to do this, click on the print icon. A window will open in which you will see the appearance of your Paper Wallet. Next, you need to click the “Print” button and print the wallet on the printer.

At the top of the wallet is an address and QR code that can be used to send cryptocurrency to your account. After printing, the bottom part of the wallet should be cut off - this is where your address and private key are located.

Now you need to take care of protecting your wallet. First, laminate it. This will protect the paper from fading and mechanical damage. Secondly, keep your wallet locked away from prying eyes (for example, in a safe).

You can also use special devices (for example, Cryptosteel and others) that allow you to duplicate your private key onto another non-wearable medium.

What is an Ethereum wallet

Ethereum is a digital currency that needs to be stored somewhere. For this purpose, digital wallets have been created, which are used to send and receive cryptocurrency, trade, and pay for goods and services online.

Any storage for ether has a set of private keys. A private key is a secret code of letters and numbers that designates certain coins as the personal property of the user. Their complexity certainly doesn't make it easy for users to remember. This is exactly what crypto wallets are for. When you send Ethereum coins to your wallet, it stores all the keys associated with them, allowing you to access them without having to enter your private key each time.

Best Hot Cryptocurrency Wallets for Ethereum in 2021

Hot cryptocurrency wallets are divided into 2 main types - software and online wallets. The first, in turn, are divided into 2 more types - mobile and desktop.

Software crypto wallets are a separate program or application that is installed on the user’s device. In this case, private keys will be stored on the device itself, that is, the wallet is non-custodial. However, it requires a connection to the network - therefore it is hot. If your device is lost or stolen, you can restore access to it using the Seed phrase.

The classification of software crypto wallets is simple: mobile wallets are applications for smartphones on Android and iOS, and desktop wallets are programs for Windows, MacOS and Linux. Most often, software wallets are cross-platform, i.e. they have versions for both computers and mobile devices.

Online wallets are hot custodial storage. This type of wallet is considered the least secure because you are storing your cryptocurrency in an account with another service. It is easiest to compare such crypto wallets with regular electronic wallets (for example, YuMoney or QIWI) - you create an account, protect it with a login and password, as well as two-factor authentication. If the service’s servers are hacked or dishonest actions on the part of the owners or employees, you can lose all your investments.

However, risks can be reduced - for this you should use only proven sites. Also, hot wallets are considered one of the most convenient. You can quickly send cryptocurrency to other users, log into your wallet from any device, use additional functions (for example, exchanging or purchasing cryptocurrency), and so on.

Let's look at the best hot crypto wallets for ETH. For objectivity, we will also take examples from the official Ethereum website.

Programs

Below are the types of digital savings programs and their main features:

• Smart Contract

They have smart contracts, with the help of which client accounts are protected with an additional encryption for safe use. Contains two-factor authentication (for recovery through family or friends), personal white and black lists, fraud alerts and emergency blocking.

• Hardware

Represents a physical device. This is the most secure method as it does not reveal the client's encrypted key on the network during transactions.

• Mobile (mobile wallet)

Funds are always at hand, as they can be stored on your smartphone.

• Desktop

This is a service that can work exclusively on a personal computer and is compatible with any version for Windows, Mac OS and Linux.

• Web (web resources)

This view is located on the site, it is created for interaction with accounts.

Rating of mobile wallets for ETH: a selection of the 5 best

WallETH

Mobile crypto wallet for Android devices. You can store ETH and other tokens ERC-20, ERC-67, ERC-681, ERC-55, etc. in it.

The mobile wallet supports collaboration with Trezor hardware storage via USB and KeyCard via NFC. A distinctive feature is the view mode - you can check your balance without logging into your wallet.

Enjin

Mobile crypto wallet for Android and iOS. Supports not only Ethereum and ERC-20, ERC-721 and ERC-1155 NFTs, but also Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Distinctive features of the wallet include double encryption (NSA) to protect user keys and data, custom ARM instructions (ensure that sensitive data is instantly deleted from the smartphone’s memory) and a special keyboard to protect you from data interception and keyloggers.

AlphaWallet

Mobile crypto wallet for Android and iOS. It is open source, the application can be downloaded from Google Play, App Store or from the wallet website in APK file format. The wallet can store Ethereum, as well as ERC-20, ERC-721 tokens, etc.

You can secure your wallet using biometrics or PIN authentication. Also, when creating a wallet, you generate a 12-word Seed phrase that allows you to restore access. Finally, AlphaWallet does not require KYC, so you can use the wallet completely anonymously.

Coinbase Wallet

Mobile crypto wallet for Android and iOS from a popular cryptocurrency exchange. Allows you to store Ethereum, ERC tokens and other cryptocurrencies (including NFT collectibles). In total, over 500 tokens are supported. You do not need a Coinbase account to use the wallet.

A distinctive feature of the wallet is a special extension for Google Chrome. It allows you to use cryptocurrency on your desktop while keeping your private keys on your mobile device.

ZenGo

Mobile crypto wallet for Android and iOS. Supports Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens, as well as other cryptocurrencies. The platform allows you to create a mobile wallet as quickly as possible - no passwords, seed phrases, etc. are needed. With the help of biometrics, only you can control your funds.

In addition to storing ETH, ZenGo allows you to buy and sell cryptocurrency, as well as earn money by storing it (similar to a savings account).

Multi-currency Exodus and Jaxx

Exodus is another wallet that allows you to keep Ether, as well as other cryptocurrencies, on your computer. It has a stylish and user-friendly interface. All available coins are shown in the form of a visual diagram. Exodus also makes it possible to exchange tokens without leaving your wallet thanks to a connection with ShapeShift. There is an “Exchange” tab for this.

Jaxx wallet works on different platforms: both on desktop and mobile devices. An extension for the Chrome browser is also presented. In addition to Ethereum, it allows you to store Bitcoin, Litecoin, Zcash, Dash and many other crypto coins. It also allows you to convert one currency to another using the built-in ShapeShift converter.

TOP desktop mobile wallets

Coinomi

A cross-platform crypto wallet offering desktop versions for Windows, MacOS and Linux, as well as mobile versions for Android (including APK file) and iOS. You can store Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens and over 1.7 thousand crypto assets in your wallet. The wallet has been operating since 2014.

Coinomi does not have a KYC policy, so you can maintain your anonymity. The wallet is completely free, you do not pay for storing, receiving, or sending cryptocurrency (with the exception of the commission to miners when sending coins, which is calculated dynamically, allowing you to get the optimal price-speed ratio). You can also buy cryptocurrency from a card inside your wallet (via integration with Simplex).

Guarda

A cross-platform crypto wallet that supports desktop devices (Windows, MacOS, Linux, including Ubuntu and Debian) and smartphones (Android and iOS). There is also an extension for the Google Chrome browser.

The wallet can store Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens and more than 10 thousand crypto assets. The system supports more than 50 major blockchains. If you wish, you can exchange cryptocurrency inside your wallet, as well as buy it from a bank card.

A distinctive feature is earnings on Ethereum staking. When storing ETN, you can receive up to 6.64% of net profit, and the profitability from storing other coins reaches 25% per annum.

Where can you buy and sell Ethereum cryptocurrency

Buying and selling coins is available in exchangers and cryptocurrency exchanges. The easiest way to convert Ethereum is on an exchange resource. For a profitable exchange, it is convenient to use the website bestchahge.ru, where proven platforms and current exchange rates are collected.

Advantages of exchange sites

Exchangers offer many exchange options. You can buy and sell Ethereum through payment systems, electronic wallets, bank cards, phone balance, etc.

Transactions are completed quickly: there is no need to wait long for funds to be credited to your account. When registering, only your email and password are provided. Another plus is a lot of competition. There are more exchangers than exchanges, so exchange rates are flexible.

Advantages and disadvantages of exchanges

The rate on exchanges is more favorable than in exchange offices, but commission fees usually level out the indicator. Payment is charged first for depositing funds, then for withdrawal. Not all exchanges work with fiat currencies. Large platforms (Poloniex, Bittrex) exchange Ethereum only for other types of cryptocurrencies. It turns out that it is more profitable to use exchangers, although their Ethereum rate is higher.

Review of the best online wallets for Ethereum

Binance

The largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, founded in 2022. Supports Ethereum and many other cryptocurrencies. Being the largest trading platform, it pays great attention to security issues. Thanks to this, you can be confident in the safety of funds placed on the exchange.

In addition to storing ETH in an exchange account, you can buy cryptocurrency from a card, through a P2P exchanger, etc. For convenience, you can download the Binance mobile application (or desktop client for PC). If you are looking for maximum security, use Binance Trust Wallet. This is a mobile software wallet from the Binance exchange. In this case, the private keys will be stored on your device.

Coinbase

A large American cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2012. You can store Ethereum, Bitcoin, Litecoin and other cryptocurrencies on it. All you have to do is create an account, link your bank account, and you can buy and sell coins.

The exchange stores most digital assets in secure offline storage. 98% of user assets are offline. In this case, coins placed on exchange accounts are covered by insurance.

Broex

Platform for buying, selling and managing a cryptocurrency portfolio. Just register, choose a deposit method (cryptocurrency, Visa/MasterCard or QIWI) - and you can create your own portfolio and store coins. Broex supports all popular cryptocurrencies: Ethereum, Bitcoin, Litecoin and more than 20 assets.

The service adheres to the KYC&AML policy, so anonymous use of the web wallet is not possible. Not all internal commissions exceed 1%.

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Exchanger-wallet Matbi

One of the reliable services offering services for buying, selling, exchanging and storing cryptocurrencies is “Matbi”, which has been operating since 2014.

To create a wallet there, you just need to register using your phone number or email, which consists of filling out a couple of fields. Even without identity verification, which is now mandatory on almost all services working with cryptocurrencies, Matbi will automatically create an ether wallet.

Funds on it are protected by three-factor authentication. That is, to access coins you need to know three types of passwords: pin, from sms and from email. This level of security is quite high for an online service.

What is convenient about storing digital assets on “Matbi” is the ability to quickly carry out purchase/sale/exchange operations for Ethereum, as well as a number of other cryptocurrencies. Moreover, at a very favorable rate and with minimal commissions.

What Matbi offers is similar to the exchange storage facilities we mentioned above. But it is also a mobile wallet: the Matbea application has been available for download in the Play Market and Apple Store since December 2022. All functions on the site are also available in the application.

If the user has any questions, the Matbi team has prepared detailed video instructions.