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Four wallets commonly named among the best crypto wallets in 2021 were Exodus, Mycelium, Wasabi Wallet, and Shift Crypto. They suit different users, from beginners who want a simple interface to Bitcoin holders who care about privacy or hardware storage.
Key takeaways
- A crypto wallet gives access to your transaction history and your account on a blockchain network.
- Wallets fall into hot (connected) and cold (offline) types, which differ in the security they offer.
- Exodus, Mycelium, Wasabi, and Shift Crypto each target a different type of user.
- Wallet choices should be re-checked regularly, since products and conditions change.
What is a crypto wallet?
A cryptocurrency wallet lets you hold and manage your digital currency. It provides access to your transaction history and to your account on a blockchain network. Wallets are usually grouped into hot wallets and cold wallets, which differ in the level of security they offer for your assets.
Which crypto wallets were considered the best in 2021?
| Wallet | Type | Described focus |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus | Desktop, iOS, and Android software wallet | Ease of use and a polished interface |
| Mycelium | Mobile wallet | Advanced transactions and experienced users |
| Wasabi Wallet | Open-source, non-custodial Bitcoin wallet | Privacy through CoinJoin |
| Shift Crypto | Hardware wallets (BitBox02) | Storing private keys on a dedicated device |
Exodus
Exodus is a desktop, iOS, and Android wallet known for its visually appealing interface and ease of use. It brings several investor-focused tools together in one place, and it can be paired with a Trezor hardware wallet. Like any software wallet, its security depends partly on the device it runs on, so malware on that device is a risk.
Mycelium
Mycelium is a long-established wallet that emphasizes security and advanced transactions, which makes it better suited to experienced users. It runs on a smartphone and includes a watch-only mode that tracks balances without allowing outgoing transactions. It also offers a peer-to-peer marketplace.
Wasabi Wallet
Wasabi is an open-source, non-custodial wallet for Bitcoin. Its standout feature is its CoinJoin implementation, which combines coins from several people into a single transaction to make individual transactions harder to trace.
Shift Crypto
Shift Crypto makes the BitBox02 hardware wallets, offered in a multi-coin edition and a Bitcoin-only edition. A hardware wallet keeps private keys on a separate device rather than on a computer or phone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a hot and a cold wallet?
A hot wallet is connected to the internet, while a cold wallet stores keys offline. Cold storage generally offers a different security trade-off than hot storage.
Are newer wallets worth considering?
New wallets appear regularly, for example Crypterium, which positions itself as an ecosystem with cards and other services. Any newer product should be researched carefully before use.
A note on risk
Crypto assets are volatile, and wallet features and reputations change over time. This list reflects 2021 and is not financial advice, so verify a wallet’s current status before using it.
Conclusion
Exodus, Mycelium, Wasabi, and Shift Crypto each take a different approach to storing and managing crypto. The right pick depends on experience level, privacy needs, and how much of the setup a user wants to handle personally.
