Beginner-Friendly Crypto Wallets
Like physical money, cryptocurrencies are kept inside a wallet. Kind of. Unlike an ordinary wallet for cash, a crypto wallet isn’t a pocket-sized foldable bag. It comes in various types, terms, and forms, such as apps, software and hardware wallets, hosted wallets, and non-custodial wallets. But if crypto lives and breathes inside the blockchain like everyone says, why do you need a wallet? You may ask. Well, crypto wallets aren’t really wallets, similar to how crypto mining isn’t really mining. But I digress.
A crypto wallet’s main job is to safely store private keys and give users secure access to their crypto. As we’ve already discussed in a previous blog, a private key is a sequence of letters and numbers that acts like a password and a proof of one's ownership of a crypto. It is used, together with a public key, to execute a digital transaction. To put it simply, crypto wallets are key holders or password managers, where your crypto credentials are privately kept. Aside from this, it also enables you to transact with your cryptocurrencies.
Hot and Cold Wallets
Hot wallets and cold wallets are the main types of cryptocurrency wallets. Their most obvious difference is their connectivity to the Internet. Hot wallets are online and cold wallets are offline.
Crypto kept in hot wallets, such as desktop, mobile, and web-based wallets, is more easily available to users. However, this accessibility also means it is more vulnerable to hacking. Making use of a hot wallet might be problematic since computer systems tend to have undetected weaknesses that can be exploited by viruses or other cyberattacks.
Cold wallets, which are fully offline, offer much more cybersecurity compared with hot wallets. The biggest drawback is that they are less convenient. Paper and hardware are the two most common forms of a cold crypto wallet.
Best Wallets for Crypto Noobs
You can keep crypto directly on an exchange platform, but it is not recommended except if they’ll be traded regularly or in small quantities. Remember, the security of your precious cryptocurrencies fully depends on how you store them. For beginners, this task can be daunting and overwhelming. But don’t worry, we did the dirty work for you and listed the best beginner-friendly crypto wallets:
Coinbase Wallet
This is probably the most ideal wallet for beginners. It is user-friendly, extremely safe, and supported by a reputable exchange. Because it is non-custodial, this wallet enables users to store their private key on a device instead of servers. Additionally, it can be used without making a Coinbase exchange user account. This means users will not be affected, exposed, or be restricted from accessing their crypto during cyberattacks. Plus, it gives users access to decentralized exchanges within the app that let them exchange tokens without the involvement of a middleman.
Exodus
Any crypto bro should use Exodus, especially those just starting out on their trip to the moon. Its quick transfers, simplicity, and wide range of user-friendly features make it the greatest wallet for PCs. It’s also available on Android and iOS. It supports over 230 crypto assets, more than most wallets. This is one of Exodus' key advantages. Included in this are well-known cryptos, altcoins, and even memecoins, like Dogecoin, Litecoin, Ether, and, of course, Bitcoin.
Crypto.com
If you’re just beginning your foray into decentralized banking, the Crypto.com DeFi Wallet is a fantastic option. Users of DeFi wallets have total control over all assets, most especially their private key. One-to-one crypto exchanges and a variety of options for users to make residual income from the crypto they currently hold are characteristics of this non-custodial wallet that are not offered by conventional crypto wallets. Like Coinbase, this DeFi wallet can be downloaded from its website and be used for regular trading and other crypto transactions without a Crypto.com user account.
Ledger Nano
Crypto bros love Ledger hardware wallets. The company gained popularity in the entire crypto universe because of its reliable products that employ a robust wall of cyber protection through a secure element component. Its latest hardware wallet, the Ledger Nano S Plus, is seen as the finest among the market due to its wide exchange abilities supported by the company’s Ledger Live software, extremely strong security mechanisms, and broad support for assets. In addition to trading digital assets, the Ledger Live software allows users to stake, lend, and track cryptocurrency. Not to mention, the UI of Ledger Live is simple and practical. The wallet’s utilization of USB and Bluetooth technology is also a plus!