The Complete List of the Best Non-Custodial Cryptocurrency Wallets. As decentralized finance continues to expand, non-custodial wallets are becoming more and more common. Storing your digital assets is a vital element of any crypto investment journey. Digital wallets that allow users to reclaim complete possession of their assets are known as non-custodial wallets. The wallet does not hold custody of your cryptocurrency; instead, it acts as an interface that lets you access it efficiently and permits third-party integrations. This is where the term “non-custodial” originates.
Ownership is the primary distinction between custodial and non-custodial options. With custodial wallets, on the other hand, the organization providing the services is the one that stores and protects your cryptocurrency. For example, centralized cryptocurrency exchanges are frequently custodians, meaning you do not own the private keys; instead, they hold your Bitcoin for you.
This is where “not your keys – not your Bitcoin,” one of the most well-known sayings in the field, becomes relevant. It may be used for all other cryptocurrencies, of course. You are the one who must keep your private keys in non-custodial wallets, which lets you retain complete ownership of your assets. This is not without its hazards and difficulties, of course. If you decide to utilize a non-custodial wallet, you are the only one who needs to keep your private keys safe. There is nothing the wallet provider can do to assist you in getting your money back if you misplace the keys for whatever reason.
MetaMask
Established in 2016, MetaMask is a seasoned wallet for browser add-ons, and industry leader ConsenSys introduced it. It has since expanded to become the most widely used non-custodial wallet. This is primarily because during the enormous DeFi surge in the summer of 2020—later dubbed the DeFi summer—it was one of the few options accessible. One of the primary uses of MetaMask over the last year has been its connection with the well-known NFT marketplace OpenSea.
In addition to enabling users to construct ERC-20-based wallet tokens, MetaMask may be integrated to operate on various EVM networks, including Optimism, Polygon, BNB Chain, and Arbitrum. The cryptocurrency wallet also serves as a browser extension that lets users engage with decentralized applications (dApps) created on Ethereum and other networks compatible with the Ethereum virtual machine (EVM).
Additionally, it features an internal swap function that lets users instantly switch between tokens without using a decentralized exchange (DEX). Your seed phrase and private keys remain under your control, with MetaMask giving you total autonomy over them.
On the downside, MetaMask only supports the Ethereum blockchain and networks built using the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). You cannot use MetaMask to store cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Solana (SOL).
Coinbase Wallet
Coinbase Wallet, as its name implies, was developed by the well-known US cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and is swiftly becoming a favorite wallet for many purposes.
For starters, Coinbase Wallet makes the switch extremely simple for people who already use a self-custody wallet by providing a user experience similar to current alternatives. However, it also bears the Coinbase brand’s reputation, which is something to consider given that it has around 90 million users worldwide.
Since its 2018 launch, the wallet has gained widespread recognition as one of the most user-friendly self-custody options available. Like MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet can be installed as a Chrome extension and supports Ethereum and other blockchains compatible with EVM.
Additionally, Coinbase Wallet has a fully functional mobile application that is quick, simple, and straightforward to install. In addition to offering a flawless user experience, the mobile app supports holding several significant non-EVM compatible tokens, including Litecoin, Dogecoin, Bitcoin, Ripple, and more.
The Coinbase Wallet functions independently of its parent firm in that no Coinbase account, KYC, or registration is necessary. Users of Coinbase’s centralized exchange can instantly move assets from one Coinbase Wallet to another if they so want by linking their Coinbase Wallet to a Coinbase custodial account. It is entirely voluntary, once more.
Trust Wallet
An open-source, decentralized cryptocurrency wallet called Trust Wallet gives customers various choices for purchasing, selling, and storing digital assets.
Currently, Trust Wallet supports more than 160 distinct digital assets and more than 35 blockchains. With the wallet’s built-in buy, swap, and exchange functions, users may quickly exchange one cryptocurrency asset for another or purchase cryptocurrency with cash. Users can engage with apps on Ethereum and fourteen other ecosystems compatible with the EVM without sacrificing security or privacy. The wallet may be accessed on desktop, Android, and iOS devices.
MyEtherWallet
MyEtherWallet (MEW) is an industry veteran who caters mainly to individuals with technological experience. It is a client-side, accessible interface to assist users in interacting with the Ethereum blockchain. Although a little more technical than the other items on the list, it is still reasonably straightforward.
Its complete open-source nature is another factor to take into account. Like numerous other wallets on our list, MEW is also interoperable with other Ethereum-compatible networks. These include the BNB Chain, Polygon, Ethereum Classic (ETC), etc.
Additionally, MEW provides cross-chain swapping capabilities, allowing users to switch between Dogecoin, Litecoin, and Ether. If you choose, it can give the best rates by collaborating with some decentralized exchange aggregators, like 1 inch.
Coinomi
Coinomi is an additional well-liked option with a lengthy past. Launched in 2014, this multi-currency wallet is among the oldest non-custodial wallets available.
More than 1,770 digital assets are supported, some of which can be transferred using SegWit to lighten transaction loads. It supports roughly 125 networks. Direct access to dApps, several Web3 projects, its internal exchange, and direct token exchanges are all offered by Coinomi to its users. Along with its strong security measures, Coinomi is accessible to a broad user base across several platforms and operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and iOS. Additionally, it is offered in eight other languages.
Exodus
Exodus is a multi-currency, non-custodial wallet with iOS, Android, and Linux on Mac and Windows computers. The wallet has an intuitive, user-friendly layout because its primary target audience is individuals who have never dealt with cryptocurrency.
Exodus is made to offer services for cryptocurrency exchange and portfolio management. As a result, customers need to use one interface to store, manage, and trade cryptocurrency. More than 130 cryptocurrencies, such as BTC, ETH, BNB, SOL, and DOGE, are supported.
The wallet’s ability to provide customers with a risk-free method of profiting from their cryptocurrency is another perk. Users who buy crypto-to-crypto through Exodus get a cut in profits. The users’ accounts receive the prize straight away.
BRD
BRD favors simplicity, even though drawn-out onboarding procedures and intricate user interfaces beset some non-custodial wallets. BRD, formerly known as BreadWallet, has an easy-to-use interface ideal for novice investors. Indeed, the wallet has an integrated lesson for investors just starting in the cryptocurrency industry.
The majority of the most popular cryptocurrencies on the market, such as BTC, ETH, BCH, XRP, and other ERC-20 standard tokens, are supported by BRD. Additionally, it takes payments in more than 35 different fiat currencies for cryptocurrency purchases. BRD’s security measures are almost basic, although its interface is straightforward. It uses a wide range of cutting-edge security measures designed to safeguard users’ belongings and personal information.
In addition to its non-custodial features, which allow only wallet owners to control their funds, BRD utilizes the Simplified Payment Verification (SPV). The SPV connects users directly to the Bitcoin network, improving the speed of transactions and enhancing security since there are no servers to hack. The wallet has other notable security features, including AES hardware encryption, code signatures, Touch ID, and a 6-digit PIN for extra security.
What is the Best Non-Custodial Crypto Wallet for You?
Choosing the ideal non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet might be challenging, given the many options available. However, it is crucial to consider a few variables before selecting the wallet that best suits your demands and skill level.
Are you new to crypto, or are you an expert? Do you want a wallet that has a Dapp browser and an internal swap function? Which type of wallet would be most beneficial for you—desktop, mobile, or both? What kind of cryptocurrency are you hoping to invest in and store? You can choose the cryptocurrency wallet that best meets your needs by using the answers to the questions above. However, remember that when using non-custodial wallets, you are entirely in charge of ensuring the security of your money.
The Pros and Cons of Non-Custodial Cryptocurrency Wallets
Many cryptocurrency-native users choose self-custody wallets because of their many advantages, but they are not without drawbacks. These are all arbitrary and based on the user’s tastes and level of technical expertise.
Pros:
- Complete control over private keys
- Ability to interact with native DeFi applications
- No KYC or any kind of verification process
Cons:
- A lot more challenging to use compared to custodial solutions
- Greater risk: losing or mistakenly recording your seed phrase means you can never access your funds again
