New to crypto and looking for the best software wallet? We tested and reviewed all of the most popular and emerging wallets in the market to get to the five best software wallets right now.
You’ll find beginner-friendly options like Best Wallet and Zengo, which are super easy to use for both holding your crypto and everyday transactions. Others, like Binance and OKX, are best if you plan to dive into more sophisticated trades like DeFi yield farming or collecting NFTs.
Read on to learn more about our best software wallet picks and what they can do for your crypto game. We’ve also included an easy how-to guide to help you get started with a software wallet.
The Best Software Wallets at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at the best software wallets right now and what each one can do.
- Best Wallet — Best mobile software wallet for convenience and ease of use
- Zengo Wallet — Best crypto hot wallet with top security and no seed phrase
- Margex Wallet — Accessible CEX-integrated wallet with quick and easy staking
- Binance Wallet — Top self-custodial hot wallet with extensive Web3 compatibility
- OKX Wallet — Best decentralized software wallet for NFTs and thousands of cryptos
The Top 5 Crypto Wallets in 2025 Reviewed
All of these top software wallets cover the basics, like trading, swapping, and asset monitoring. But each one adds a little something extra, be it a token launchpad, comprehensive Web3 integrations, or next-gen security for your keys and assets.
These reviews include all the details you need to choose the best crypto software wallet for you.
1. Best Wallet – Best Mobile Software Wallet for Convenience and Ease of Use
Best Wallet is the #1 option if you’re looking for a free, simple, and lightweight wallet that can just about do it all. This app covers all the core crypto trading features you need to onramp, buy, sell, or swap thousands of cryptos across all major blockchains (expanding to 60+ chains soon).
The clutter-free and intuitive interface also makes Best Wallet great for first-time crypto wallet users or simple everyday crypto transactions. But that’s not to say you’ll be missing out on more advanced features.
You’ll find you can access several integrations without even leaving Best Wallet. These include a staking directory, DeFi tools like Pancakeswap and Dex Screener, and a launchpad where you can find the best crypto presales for early investment opportunities.
The Best Wallet ecosystem is still under development, with loads of features in the pipeline. According to the project’s roadmap, future rollouts will include a portfolio management feature, NFT integrations, advanced derivatives trading functionality, and even a crypto credit card.
Trust and Security
Best Wallet is one of the newest crypto software wallet providers on the market, having only launched in 2024. But the app is one of the fastest-growing crypto wallets, boasting a 50% month-over-month growth.
The app has established itself as a secure hot wallet option for several reasons:
- It’s fully non-custodial and decentralized—your keys and your assets are yours alone to control.
- It encrypts your secret keys through advanced cryptographic techniques, so your wallet is always secure online.
- You can make an account without KYC, so you enjoy higher anonymity and data privacy.
- You have plenty of ways to secure the app, including MFA and biometrics.
- Your crypto funds are secured by Fireblocks, the biggest crypto asset custody and settlement platform.
Overall, ease of use, versatility, and comprehensive security make Best Wallet the best software wallet in 2025, especially if you’re just getting started with crypto.
Pros
- Free to download
- Fully non-custodial
- The most user-friendly mobile wallet
- No KYC needed to sign up
- Versatile, with several integrations
Cons
- No advanced trading and Web3 features (yet)
- Minor bugs are still awaiting updates
2. Zengo Wallet – Best Crypto Hot Wallet with Top Security and No Seed Phrase
Zengo is easily the safest software wallet for crypto, as it lets you secure your crypto assets in six different ways. The most powerful method—available on all plans—is its next-gen private key encryption.
Even on the free plan, your private keys are encrypted through Multi-Party Computation (MPC), the most secure cryptographic technique trusted by institutions and top crypto providers like Coinbase and Fireblocks.
This makes your keys virtually unhackable on any platform. Nobody will ever have access to your secret key (not even you, as it’s encrypted with MPC), and the key is never revealed to sign transactions. Despite this, Zengo Wallet is fully non-custodial; nobody can manage your funds except for you.
As far as UX, Zengo Wallet is a very straightforward, barebones app. It doesn’t have many integrations like Best Wallet, but it does give you all the basics, like on-ramping, selling, transfers, swaps, and staking. You can also store NFTs.
Zengo covers all the major blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB, Tron, Polygon, Aribtrum One, Optimism, and Base. Thanks to this comprehensive multi-chain support, you can manage over 380 crypto assets and NFTs.
Trust and Security
Zengo was the first hot wallet to introduce seedless key management to the average crypto user in 2019. Since then, the app has become the go-to wallet for security enthusiasts, judging by the hundreds of thousands of positive Google Play and App Store reviews.
It must be stated, though, Zengo’s safety features are tiered, and many are exclusive to the Pro plan ($19.99/mo):
- MPC protection (Free and Pro plans): Keeps your secret key fully hidden, even when you’re signing off transactions.
- 3-Factor recovery (Free and Pro plans): Secures your account with your email, 3D FaceLock, and a Zengo recovery file.
- Multi-wallet support (Pro plan): Create up to 5 separate wallets for more granular management and security over your assets.
- Legacy transfer (Pro plan): Set up an automatic fund transfer to a wallet of your choice if you’re inactive for 3–24 months great failsafe in case of wallet loss or inability to access your wallet.
- Theft protection (Pro plan): Secure your funds with 3D FaceLock verification for withdrawals.
- Web3 firewall (Pro plan) – Use real-time smart contract analysis to shield against scams and other Web3 threats.
If you’re willing to invest in a premium solution, Zengo is the best software crypto wallet for security today.
Pros
- Fully non-custodial
- No seed phrase vulnerability
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Covers major blockchains and hundreds of assets
Cons
- Advanced security features (on the Pro plan)
- Limited in-app integrations
3. Margex Wallet – Accessible CEX-Integrated Wallet with Quick and Easy Staking
Margex is one of the smaller Centralized Exchanges (CEXes), but its built-in wallet is a reliable option for HODLing your major crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. For starters, the platform has quick and easy liquid staking with a competitive 7% APY on $ETH.
Although other coins without Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanisms can’t be ‘staked’ in the traditional sense, you can earn 6–7% interest on $BTC, $BUSD, and $USDT through the platform’s Centralized Finance lending program.
Indeed, Margex imposes a strict 5% APY minimum to ensure you’ll always get the best returns, even as more investors join the staking pools. Staking is also flexible, so you can unstake your coins at any time with no withdrawal limits.
Since Margex is a CEX, you also get all the features you need to trade and manage your portfolio like a pro. You’ll enjoy quick and easy onramping, spot and derivatives trading, and customizable price alerts to stay in the loop about key market trends.
The platform covers over 55 major crypto assets. Besides the major ones like $BTC, $ETH, $ADA, and $MATIC, you’ll also find smaller altcoins and meme tokens like $DOGE, $BONK, $TRX, and $SUI. Trading any pair comes with competitive maker (0.019%) and taker (0.060%) fees.
Trust and Security
Margex has been around since 2019 and built a community of over half a million active users. Although it’s a custodial wallet, it ensures your asset security in several ways:
- Cold wallet storage, so your keys are not vulnerable to digital threats
- 2FA to guard your account and email confirmation to approve all withdrawals
- Real-time monitoring and alerts of suspicious asset movements
- The latest encryption protocols to protect your sensitive information
The platform also has dedicated 24/7 live chat and email support to help you with any question or technical issue.
Pros
- Flexible, liquid staking
- Good staking APY on top cryptocurrencies
- Cold storage of your keys
Cons
- Custodial key management
- Mandatory KYC
4. Binance Wallet – Top Self-Custodial Hot Wallet with Extensive Web3 Compatibility
Binance is hands-down the most well-known CEX, but did you know it also has the best free software wallet for DeFi and other Web3 activities? And it’s fully self-custodial, so your crypto is always in your control.
What else makes it such a popular choice? Well, you can cross-chain swap thousands of tokens on one of the best decentralized exchanges—perfect for quick, cheap, high-volume transactions. The wallet also supports over 30 major networks.
Besides Bitcoin, you get all the big names for dApps and DeFi, including Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, Optimism, and Arbitrum. You can interact with thousands of other Web3 dApp, too. Simply navigate to the [Discover] section and select [DApps].
You’ll find top platforms like PancakeSwap and Sushi Swap that make swapping crypto easy. But you also have plenty of dApps for decentralized staking, lending, derivatives trading, NFTs, and even GameFi.
Basically, you can access any platform you would normally use—OpenSea for NFTs, AAVE for DeFi lending, Beefy Finance for cross-chain yield farming, you name it, all from within the wallet app.
Similar to Zengo, Binance is also seedless, giving you extra security without the hassle of secret key management.
Trust and Security
Binance is the largest CEX worldwide in terms of users and trading volume. The platform has been serving the crypto community since 2017 and has maintained a good track record over the years.
Binance’s Web3 wallet is no different; it strives to ensure the same trust and security through several methods:
- MPC mechanism to keep your keys fully hidden and unbreakable
- Recovery password to restore your wallet in case you delete the app or lose your device
- Automatic alerts against suspicious smart contracts to ensure smooth Web3 sailing
- An export function to retrieve your private key should the need arise*
*Note that exporting your private key will render your Binance wallet unusable. This feature is only for emergency situations.
Pros
- Free to download
- Fully non-custodial
- Easy to use
- Extensive Web3 integrations
- Smart contract monitoring and alerts
Cons
- KYC is required to set up a Binance account
5. OKX Wallet – Best Decentralized Software Wallet for NFTs and Thousands of Cryptos
OKX is the most goodie-packed Web3 wallet we’ve reviewed so far. Although it’s another exchange-backed option, it’s fully non-custodial and big on decentralization.
This wallet stands out with the widest network and asset coverage—over 127 blockchains and thousands of cryptos that you can filter by chain, recent top gainers, or new listings. Whether you’re looking to trade top established cryptos or the best meme coins, you’ll find it all here.
And, unlike other Web3 wallets, OKX has more options than just swapping. You can bridge your tokens across blockchains and use the Meme mode to buy or sell meme coins with zero fees.
If you’re an NFT aficionado, you’ll appreciate the in-app marketplace. Here, you’ll find both trending and newly minted collections. How about getting free NFTs? Well, OKX has an NFT airdrop section for that.
The best part is that you get more than the typical Ethereum, Solana, or Polygon projects. OKX also lists niche Bitcoin fungible tokens under the ‘Runes’ section for those rare gems you might not find anywhere else.
Lastly, you get DeFi integrations like AAVE, Yearn, and Pancake to earn passive APR on your cryptos through staking or lending. And, unlike competing wallets on the list, OKX has staking for a lot more coins, including Solana (10.76% APR) and Wrapped BTC (38.38% APR).
Trust and Security
As one of the longest-standing providers in the market, of course OKX is among the top five crypto exchanges in our list. But it’s security where it really sets the bar – OKX was ranked the #1 best crypto wallet for cybersecurity and #2 best overall by CertiK in 2024.
Here’s a quick look at what OKX’s security entails:
- Fully non-custodial key management: Full access and control over your seed phrase.
- Biometric and password lock-up: Use your fingerprint, face ID, or a password to lock your wallet app for an extra layer of security.
- Proactive monitoring: Steer clear of Web3 scams, spoofed domains, high-risk transactions, and suspicious tokens.
Bear in mind that OKX Wallet is the only exchange-backed wallet that is both decentralized and gives you complete custody of your keys (i.e.: it doesn’t use MPC protection like Binance).
These features make OKX a top choice for those who prioritize security, privacy, and control over their own digital assets.
Pros
- Open-source
- Fully non-custodial
- Widest chain and asset coverage
- NFT airdrops and rare $BTC runes
Cons
- Not very user-friendly for beginners
What Is a Software Wallet?
A software wallet (also called a ‘hot wallet’) is an internet-connected app you install on your phone or computer. Despite being called a ‘wallet,’ it doesn’t actually store cryptocurrency. It simply stores your cryptographic keys and lets you manage your crypto assets using them to access the blockchain.
A software wallet that grants you full control over your keys is also known as a non-custodial wallet. Wallets that hold and manage the keys on your behalf are custodial. Non-custodial wallets are considered more secure, as you’re not reliant on a third-party service to access or manage your funds. You have full control over your assets.
How Does a Software Wallet Work?
A software wallet uses four elements to secure and let you manage your blockchain activity:
- A private or secret key: This grants you access and control over your on-chain funds. The wallet encrypts and stores this key and uses it to prove ownership when you initiate a transaction. Think of it like a password to your blockchain funds.
- A public key or wallet address: Derived from your private key, this is the address you can share with others to receive funds. You can also use it to send crypto to somebody else’s public wallet.
- An internet connection: The wallet works online, so you need to be connected to send transactions to the blockchain network for validation and execution.
- A seed phrase or recovery phrase: A 24-word phrase you can use as backup to recover a lost wallet.
When you install and run a software wallet, the app will automatically generate these keys for you. Then, you can start buying crypto in-app, either through an onramp feature or integrated exchanges, using your public key as the address where you want to receive the funds.
The secret key should always remain private. If somebody else knows your secret key, they can use it to sign off transactions with your wallet, which gives them full control over your assets.
Hardware Wallets vs Software Wallets
Unlike hot or software wallets, which are apps that connect to the internet, hardware wallets are physical devices. They store your private keys offline on an internal chip (hence they’re also called ‘cold wallets’).
Hardware wallets are always non-custodial, which means they’re your responsibility to keep safe. Keeping your private keys offline guards your data against breaches, hacks, and other online threats.
While cold wallets provide the most secure way to manage your crypto, no wallet is perfect for all uses and preferences. It’s worth weighing the pros and cons of both to decide which option to choose and when.
Software Wallet – Pros and Cons
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Hardware Wallet – Pros and Cons
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How We Selected the Best Software Wallets for This Guide
The best software wallet app should be safe, efficient, and versatile. Our top picks all fit the description because we based our choices on several non-negotiable factors:
- Trust and reputation: The wallet should come from a reputable provider with a good track record. We looked for wallet apps with large and active communities, positive verified reviews, no data breach events, and built-in safety measures to protect user assets.
- Security: As hot wallets are vulnerable to online threats, we took note of those with added security, whether non-custodial management, advanced data encryption, or multi-factor authentication methods.
- Cryptocurrency support: Some wallets only work with specific networks, but we chose the ones with the greatest multi-chain and multi-currency support. This ensures you can trade or swap virtually any crypto, including OG coins and new cryptocurrencies.
- Compatibility: We took note of wallets with cross-platform compatibility, including across mobile OSes and desktop browsers. We also prioritized added Web3 integrations like DeFi and other dApps to give you a multifunctional tool for crypto management.
- Ease of use: Apps that are clutter-free and intuitive ensure quick setup and easy transactions. If the wallets have built-in integrations that let you connect to exchanges directly from the app, that’s even better.
If you find a software wallet that sounds interesting but isn’t on our list, the above checklist can help you decide whether the app is a good choice.
Getting Started with a Software Wallet
Getting started with a software wallet is quick and easy. You can do it in just a few minutes following this step-by-step guide. We’re using Best Wallet for this example, but most hot wallet apps are similar.
Step 1: Install the Official Software Wallet App
Visit the official provider website and find the app download buttons on the main page. Best Wallet has a version for Android and iOS devices.
If you’re on a desktop, click the app you want and scan the QR code to download and install it. On mobile, tapping the option will send you to the App or Play Store. The installation should take less than a minute.
Step 2: Make and Confirm Your Account
Find and open the newly installed app to make an account. Next, enter a valid email address and hit ‘continue.’
Check your email for the verification code and type it in the next menu. Wait for the page to refresh.
Step 3: Set Up Your Security Preferences
Once your email is verified, Best Wallet will load the next setup steps. Here, you can choose whether you want to enable additional security measures, like email 2FA and biometrics.
You can choose to skip these steps, but they are good for maximum safety against phishing and hacks.
Next, choose a 4-digit passcode. You’ll use this (or 2FA or biometrics if you prefer) to unlock your app every time you reopen Best Wallet.
Step 4: See Your Private Key
Your private key is what gives you control over your assets. You won’t need it for everyday use, but you should know how to find it if you ever need to import or recover your wallet. It’s best to jot it down and save it somewhere safely offline.
To retrieve it, go to the settings menu and find the ‘Manage Wallets’ option. Tap on your main wallet and open the ‘Private Keys’ menu.
This is the most important information about your wallet. Never share it with anyone else. For safety reasons, it’s also not a good idea to keep a screenshot or text file of your private key, as phishing scammers are adept at finding these.
Step 5: Start Buying Crypto
Time to put your wallet to good use and buy some crypto. If you’ve never bought crypto before, you’ll be using the onramp option to pay with fiat. On the main dashboard, find the ‘Buy’ button under your main wallet. Next, choose the fiat currency and set the amount for your payment.
Below the fiat option, you have a dropdown menu with the cryptocurrencies you can buy, like Ethereum, Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and hundreds more.
Finally, choose your payment method. You’ll have several options, such as credit and debit cards, Revolut, PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill.
When you’re all set, tap the ‘Buy’ button and input your billing details to confirm your transaction.
How to Use a Software Wallet Safely
Software wallets are convenient but can be vulnerable to online security risks. The good news is that by connecting your software and hardware wallets, you can have the best of both worlds—ease of use and rapid transactions plus safe, offline key management.
When you link your two wallet types together, the software wallet acts like the digital interface, letting you access any platform or built-in app like you normally would, except you’re using your cold wallet to do so. Once you kickstart a transaction, it goes to your cold wallet for offline signing, so your key never leaves the hardware device.
Note that not all hardware and software wallets are compatible. You’ll have to check ahead of time before picking your wallet pair.
The process itself is similar across providers. You’ll have to open your software wallet app and find a menu option that says ‘connect hardware wallet’ or similar. Then, connect the hardware wallet to your device, open the hardware’s built-in app, and select the account to connect.
Note: Software wallets also have an ‘import existing wallet’ feature. Never import your hardware wallet key or recovery phrase into your software wallet. This will convert your cold wallet into a hot one, which defeats the purpose of using the wallets together.
Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Best Software Wallet Apps
The best software wallet should be reliable, secure, and fit for your specific crypto investment needs. For example, Best Wallet, Zengo, and OKX are all fully non-custodial and ensure asset safety in various ways, like third-party settlements, Web3 firewalls, and biometrics.
However, each of the best software wallets in our list shines in different areas. Best Wallet is suitable for investing in meme coin presales and everyday transactions, Zengo is great for HODLing major crypto assets, and OKX is best for buying NFTs and interacting with DeFi platforms.
But after all is said and done, it’s always best to DYOR before investing and holding your crypto with a new wallet provider. This article is purely for informational purposes and doesn’t constitute financial advice.
FAQs
1. What is a software wallet?
A software wallet is an internet-connected app that lets you buy, sell, trade, and manage your crypto assets. The app doesn’t hold your cryptocurrencies directly, but it stores the secret and public keys to your real on-chain funds.
2. Which software wallet has the lowest fees?
Software wallets don’t charge any fees directly. The only extra costs you have to pay are the gas fees, which are required for processing and validating blockchain transactions, regardless of which wallet you use. Still, some software wallets, like Best Wallet, can help you get lower gas fees if you hold the app’s proprietary token.
3. Which software wallet is the most secure?
All non-custodial software wallets are quite secure, but OKX Wallet was the most recent winner for the ‘#1 best crypto wallet for cybersecurity’ title, which it received from security-focused crypto audit platform CertiK in 2024.
4. How many software wallets should I have?
There’s no upper limit to how many software wallets you should have, but keeping at least two separate ones is a good idea for higher security and organization. You should keep one software wallet for HODLing important assets and one wallet for daily transactions. This way, your larger funds are safe even if your day trading wallet is somehow compromised.
5. What is the best software wallet for beginners?
Best Wallet is the best software wallet for beginners. The app is free to download and provides good asset protection, straightforward onramping, and plenty of integrations, all without compromising ease of use. You don’t need to KYC to get started, and the app is super easy to navigate for beginners and seasoned traders alike.