Non-custodial wallets have emerged as the favorite type of crypto wallets recently. Let’s explore and find the best one that suits you well.
A non-custodial or self-custodial wallet is a crypto wallet that allows you to fully control and manage your digital assets. Therefore, you don’t need to trust your valuable cryptocurrencies or NFTs with exchanges or platforms.
Non-custodial wallets are mainly divided into two types that include:
- Hardware Wallets: These wallets are physical devices that you can use to store your digital assets offline.
- Software Wallets: These wallets allow you to store your digital assets using applications or software from your PC or mobile devices.
Now, let’s explore the best non-custodial wallets from the crypto space, starting with hardware wallets. Stay tuned!
Ledger Nano X
Ledger Nano X is a prominent hardware wallet from the Ledger series. This wallet allows you to manage over 5,500 crypto tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Solana (SOL), Ethereum (ETH), and more.
This wallet is protected using the secure element chip, which is used for high-end security solutions. In addition, this Ledger wallet has passed international security evaluation to obtain an EAL5+ certificate.
Moreover, you can access and manage your wallet using their Ledger Live app on the go. This app is compatible with Linux, Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS.
Furthermore, this wallet provides both Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity. All these features and security come with a price of $149.
KeepKey
KeepKey is an affordable hardware wallet with a sleek design. Moreover, you can use this wallet to store 2,500 crypto assets and your NFT collections.
In addition, this non-custodial wallet provides a “KeepKey Desktop Application” to manage your stored assets. You can download this software on your device that supports Windows, Linux, or macOS.
KeepKey Wallet also offers high-end security to users with PIN and passphrase protection. Moreover, you can choose your passphrase length from 12, 18, and 24 words according to your convenience.
Finally, this lightweight hardware wallet comes with micro USB connectivity. You can purchase this KeepKey wallet from their official website for $78.
ELLIPAL Titan
Are you looking for a hardware wallet with 100% internet isolation? If yes, ELLIPAL Titan is the best choice out there.
This fully metal-sealed wallet has an impressive 4-inch HD display to monitor and manage your cryptos. In addition, it supports the storage of NFTs and 10,000+ crypto assets.
Moreover, this wallet uses two-factor authentication (2FA) to safeguard user’s assets. Additionally, its “Auto-self Destruct” mechanism automatically deletes your private information if someone tries to tamper with the device.
Furthermore, the firmware updates are 100% offline to prevent online attacks. The price of ELLIPAL Titan is $139 at the time of writing.
BitBox02
BitBox02 is a second-generation hardware wallet built in two editions. These editions include:
- Bitcoin-only edition: This wallet is focused on the safe storage of only Bitcoin (BTC).
- Multi edition: In contrast, this wallet supports Bitcoin (BTC), Cardano (ADA), Ethereum (ETH), and other 1,500+ tokens.
This Swiss-made wallet comes with a 128 x 64px OLED display. Moreover, you can connect it with your PC using its USB-C connector.
When it comes to the security aspects, this non-custodial wallet provides encrypted communication between its app and the device. Moreover, it uses the dual chip security concept to protect the stored digital assets.
In addition, this wallet also provides BitBoxApp to manage crypto assets from your Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android devices. Both BitBox02 editions are available for €115.83.
COLDCARD Mk4
COLDCARD Mk4 is the latest hardware wallet created by Coinkite, a leading Canadian security and hardware manufacturer. However, this wallet is dedicated only to the storage and transaction of Bitcoin (BTC).
This wallet has two connectivity options: a MicroSD slot and a USB-C port. Notably, there is no transaction size limit for your Bitcoin transaction.
In addition, this device provides two secure elements to enhance its wallet security. Moreover, as an additional protection, users are required to enter a PIN code to access the device.
Furthermore, this wallet comes with an NFC feature for transaction and address sharing. Finally, you can buy COLDCARD Mk4 from Coinkite’s official website for $157.94.
SafePal S1
SafePal S1 is a super light hardware wallet that supports unlimited token transfer across 100+ blockchains. In addition, this wallet is 100% offline without Bluetooth, WiFi, and NFC connectivity.
It has a 1.3-inch Full Color Screen to manage all your crypto assets. You can also install SafePal App on your Android or iOS devices to access your wallet on the go.
SafePal S1 is created with multiple security sensors like frequency sensor, light sensor, and temperature sensor, to name a few. Moreover, this device has dual-chip architecture to protect user’s private keys and crypto assets.
This wallet also has a self-destruct mechanism to protect your valuable assets. Notably, all these impressive features come with a budget-friendly price of $49.99.
Trezor Model T
Trezor Model T is the advanced hardware wallet from Trezor, the company that created the world’s first crypto hardware wallet. In addition, they have maintained a good reputation for over 10 years in the crypto space.
This non-custodial wallet has a sleek 1.54-inch Color LCD display and USB-C connectivity. Moreover, it supports the storage and transfer of over 1,000 crypto assets.
Notably, the users can set a PIN code that can be as long as 50 digits. Besides, you can independently verify each transaction and confirm it to avoid wallet misusage by others.
You can install their Trezor Suite to manage your assets using your Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, or iOS devices. Finally, the Trezor Model costs $219.
We have covered the best hardware wallets from the crypto space. Next, let’s dive into the best software wallets. Stay along!
MetaMask
With more than 30 million users, MetaMask is one of the leaders in software wallets. This Ethereum-based wallet allows you to store, stake, and transfer your crypto tokens smoothly.
Moreover, the private keys of the wallet are only provided to the wallet owners for safety purposes. Besides, you can use a 12-word seed phrase to recover your wallet at any time.
Notably, MetaMask is available for Android and iOS users. You can install this wallet from Google Play or App Store for free.
The most impressive feature I noticed about this wallet is its browser extension. This feature allows you to smoothly connect with multiple crypto platforms without leaving your web browser.
SafePal
The software wallet version of SafePal is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android users. In addition, you can install its browser extension for your Chrome, Edge, or Firefox web browsers.
You can use this wallet to store and manage 200,000+ cryptocurrencies from over 100 blockchains. Moreover, you can buy NFTs and other crypto assets using numerous fiat currency-based payment options.
Additionally, you can use this non-custodial wallet to connect with the prominent DApps available in the crypto space. For example, you can connect to a SafePal wallet and buy your favorite NFTs from the popular NFT marketplace, OpenSea.
Most importantly, SafePal doesn’t store any of your data, including account information, seed phrases, or private keys. For this reason, you are in total control over your assets stored in your wallet.
Coinbase Wallet
Coinbase Wallet is the official wallet of Coinbase, a prominent crypto exchange with assets worth over $128 billion. Moreover, this software wallet supports over 200,000 cryptos.
You can use this wallet to supply or borrow crypto tokens from a wide range of platforms. In addition, you can swap two assets from decentralized exchanges(DEXs) like Uniswap, PancakeSwap, Curve, etc.
This wallet also lets you buy NFTs and cryptocurrencies using supported fiat currencies. To do so, you can choose debit or credit cards as your payment option.
Moreover, you can cloud backup your recovery phrase to recover your wallet if necessary. Besides, this wallet warns you about unsafe websites and platforms.
Coinbase wallets come as mobile apps for iOS and Android users. In addition, it has a browser extension for Chrome users.
Exodus
With over 300+ supported crypto assets, Exodus wallet is available for desktop, mobile, and web browser users. In addition, you can use this wallet to transact for over 50 blockchain networks.
You can use this wallet to send and receive crypto assets using a QR code or smart contract address. Moreover, this non-custodial wallet has a built-in swap feature for fast and smooth crypto transactions. In addition, you can also buy and store NFTs in a few simple steps.
When it comes to security aspects, this wallet encrypts your transaction data and private keys. This encryption method safeguards against wallet hacks and attacks.
Additionally, you can use this wallet to monitor the value of your crypto portfolio. To do so, you just need to install Exodus on your Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android devices.
XDEFI Wallet
Are you looking for an efficient software wallet that is dedicated to web browsers? If yes, XDEFI Wallet is a great option to consider. You can add its browser extension for your Chrome, Opera, Brave, or Edge.
This wallet supports NFTs and cryptocurrencies across 34 blockchains. Additionally, you can use this secured wallet to store, transact, and swap a wide range of crypto assets.
Notably, I found it effortless to create a new XDEFI Wallet. You can create this wallet within two minutes. As simple as that!
Most importantly, this wallet doesn’t store your private information, password, and seed phrase. For this reason, over 200,000 users from the crypto space have installed this wallet.
Atomic Wallet
Trusted by more than 5 million users, Atomic Wallet has a good reputation among the crypto community. This non-custodial wallet allows you to buy, stake, and exchange thousands of crypto assets.
Security is a major aspect that this non-custodial wallet doesn’t compromise on. For instance, your private keys are fully encrypted and stay within your device.
You can also create a new Atomic Wallet by staying completely anonymous. As a result, you don’t need an account or KYC verification.
The desktop version of this wallet is available for Ubuntu, macOS, Windows, Fedora, and Debian devices. Besides it also has mobile apps for Android and iOS devices.
Trust Wallet
With over 60 million users, Trust Wallet is one of the most secure software wallets. In addition, this wallet is owned and managed by the largest crypto exchange, Binance.
This wallet is integrated with the best decentralized exchanges, PancakeSwap and Uniswap. This integration will help you to conduct faster crypto trading directly from your wallet.
Moreover, this wallet comes with an in-built DApp browser. Therefore, you can use this feature to access and use popular DApps from the crypto ecosystem.
Trust Wallet is available as a mobile app and browser extension for Android, iOS, Brave, and Chrome users. Finally, you can secure your wallet using Touch ID, Face ID, or passwords.
OKX Wallet
OKX Wallet is a software wallet developed by one of the top crypto exchanges, OKX. This non-custodial wallet supports over 60+ blockchain networks and thousands of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Solana (SOL), Ethereum (ETH), and more.
You have the option to protect your stored NFTs and cryptocurrencies using a password. In addition, you can use the seed phrase to recover your wallet if your device gets stolen or damaged.
You can install this wallet on your devices that support Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Additionally, you can also add its browser extension for your Brave or Chrome browser.
Furthermore, this wallet has a Web3 portfolio dashboard. You can use this feature to monitor your asset’s performance and crypto transaction details.
What Exactly is a Non-Custodial Wallet?
The collapse of the FTX exchange in November 2022 led to an increase in demand for non-custodial wallets. Notably, users lost assets worth over $1 billion stored inside FTX’s custodial wallet.
Moreover, custodial wallets come with transaction and withdrawal fees. In addition, third-party platforms can set a transaction limit for your assets. Considering the safety issue and flexibility, it’s best to choose a non-custodial wallet for storing your cryptos and NFTs.
Additionally, you’ll be the only person with your wallet’s recovery phase and private keys. As a result, others can’t conduct transactions from your wallet.
In addition, you can use non-custodial wallets to access thousands of DApps from the crypto space. For example, you can instantly connect the Exodus wallet to the crypto gaming platform Axie Infinity and receive your token rewards.
Most importantly, you can choose a non-custodial hardware wallet to keep your assets disconnected from the internet. This method helps you safeguard your cryptos from online hackers and spammers.
FAQs
The major differences between these wallets are as follows:
1) The ownership of custodial wallets lies with a third party. In comparison, non-custodial wallets provide users with complete control over their wallets.
2) To create a custodial wallet, you need to complete your KYC verifications. In contrast, you can create a non-custodial wallet by staying anonymous.
3) Custodial wallets are suitable for beginners in the crypto space. At the same time, non-custodial wallets suit users with at least basic experience in using wallets.
4) You can recover your assets if you lose your password to your custodial wallet. On the other hand, losing your recovery phrase or private keys of your non-custodial wallet can result in the loss of your assets forever.
No, non-custodial wallets are also available in the form of software. Moreover, most software wallets are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.
In the case of non-custodial wallets, the private keys of your wallet stay with you. For this reason, you are in total control of your assets stored inside your wallet.
In addition, non-custodial wallet owners can choose hardware wallets. In that case, their assets stay protected from online hacks and attacks.
You can use a non-custodial wallet to store crypto assets like coins, tokens, and NFTs.
Final Thoughts
Non-custodial wallets undoubtedly provide you the freedom to access and manage your crypto assets. If you use your wallet regularly, I would recommend software wallets like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Atomic Wallet.
Whereas, if you have cryptos worth hundreds of U.S. dollars, it’s best to buy a hardware wallet. In particular, beginners can go for SafePal S1, which costs just around $50.
Next, you may also explore the best NFT wallets.