Crypto software wallets play a key role in owning and managing digital assets. These wallets are built to keep your crypto safe, especially when storing or trading online.
Beyond basic protection, the best wallets also come with extra features such as buying, selling, swapping, and even staking cryptocurrency.
Investopedia carried out a detailed, independent study that examined 13 different crypto wallet providers. Using 33 weighted factors, the research team compared every wallet to determine the top performers in various categories.
Based on this data-driven analysis, Zengo ranked as the most secure wallet. For new crypto users or anyone looking for a low-cost but fully functional solution, Coinbase Wallet emerged as the best.
If you prefer managing your assets from a phone, Exodus stood out as the top choice for mobile users. For crypto holders focused on Bitcoin or Ethereum specifically, Electrum and MetaMask were the leading options, respectively.
Best Crypto Software Wallets for December 2025
- Best for Security: Zengo
- Best for Beginners & Best for Low Costs: Coinbase Wallet
- Best for Mobile: Exodus
- Best for Bitcoin: Electrum
- Best for Ethereum: MetaMask
⚠️ Important Warning
Cryptocurrency investments, including DeFi projects and ICOs, carry very high risks. Prices can change dramatically within minutes, and you can lose your investment quickly. Always seek guidance from a qualified financial professional before making decisions. This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to invest. Accuracy of real-time data cannot be guaranteed.
Best for Security: Zengo
Supported Cryptocurrencies: 380
Wallet Type: Hot Wallet
Hardware Wallet Support: No
Cost: $129.99 per year or $19.99 monthly
Why We Picked It
Zengo was selected as the most secure software wallet because it prioritizes user safety at every stage. The platform is built with an advanced security setup designed to block hackers and unauthorized activity. The company also highlights that it protects over 1.5 million users and has never recorded a wallet breach.
Pros
- Strong security measures with frequent weekly updates
- Supports buying, selling, and staking
- Multiple payment options allow users to fund the wallet easily with fiat currencies
Cons
- Zengo Pro subscription is costly
- Cannot be used with hardware wallets
- Third-party services are required for withdrawals
Best for Beginners & Low Costs: Coinbase Wallet
Supported Cryptocurrencies: 5,500+
Wallet Type: Hot Wallet
Hardware Wallet Support: No (but you can connect Ledger for transfers)
Cost: Free
Why We Picked It
Best for Beginners
Coinbase Wallet is ideal for people just starting out in crypto. Its interface is simple, clean, and easy to understand, allowing new users to download the app and begin trading confidently. Coinbase also provides rich educational materials to help beginners learn about crypto step-by-step.
Best for Low Costs
Despite offering a wide range of features, Coinbase Wallet is free. Users only pay standard network fees, which can be adjusted to minimize costs. The platform is affordable without sacrificing quality or security.
Pros
- Great for first-time crypto holders
- Low-cost platform with strong features
- Supports more than 5,500 coins
- Offers high-quality educational content
Cons
- Not open-source
- Does not provide new wallet addresses for every transaction
- Cannot directly use hardware wallets, but Ledger compatibility is available for asset transfers
Best for Mobile: Exodus
Supported Cryptocurrencies: 281
Wallet Type: Hot Wallet
Hardware Wallet Support: Yes
Cost: Free
Why We Picked It
Exodus is the best choice for users who prefer managing their crypto on the go. Its mobile app is fast, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Users can buy, sell, exchange, and stake crypto directly from their phone using various fiat funding options.
Pros
- Smooth integration across mobile, desktop, and browser
- Works with Trezor hardware wallets for enhanced security
- Hierarchical deterministic wallet, offering more privacy
Cons
- Customer support is limited to email
- No built-in exchange
- Not open-source
Best for Bitcoin: Electrum
Supported Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin Only
Wallet Type: Hot & Cold Wallet Options
Hardware Wallet Support: Yes
Cost: Free
Why We Picked It
Electrum is ideal for dedicated Bitcoin holders. It has existed since 2011 and is one of the most respected Bitcoin-only wallets. Its simple design and strong security tools make it a dependable option for serious BTC users. It is also available on multiple platforms and works smoothly with hardware wallets.
Pros
- Free to download and built specifically for Bitcoin
- Available on several operating systems
- Fully open-source for transparency and community auditing
Cons
- No trading features—cannot buy, sell, or stake
- No direct customer support, only community forums
- Setup and use require some technical understanding
Best for Ethereum: MetaMask
Supported Cryptocurrencies: 300
Wallet Type: Hot or Cold (when paired with hardware)
Hardware Wallet Support: Yes
Cost: Free
Why We Picked It
MetaMask is the go-to wallet for Ethereum. It supports ETH and thousands of ERC-20 tokens used across DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 apps. Its browser extension and mobile app make it convenient for users who frequently interact with decentralized applications.
Pros
- Built specifically for Ethereum and its ecosystem
- Provides Ethereum-based trading options
- Can be used as both hot and cold storage when connected to hardware devices
Cons
- Does not support Bitcoin
- Customer support is not round-the-clock
- Does not generate new addresses for every transaction
Why You Can Trust Our Research
Since its launch in 1999, Investopedia has consistently evaluated financial tools, including crypto wallets. By 2025, the platform has developed a strong research framework to analyze wallets across multiple categories like security, cost, user experience, mobile access, and compatibility. The goal is to give readers neutral and reliable information.
How We Selected the Best Crypto Software Wallets
Investopedia identified 13 crypto wallet providers through competitive analysis and earlier research. Each wallet was reviewed using 33 weighted metrics that covered:
- Security structure
- Wallet features
- Trading abilities
- Pricing
- Customer support
Each metric was scored and weighted to build a final rating. Below are the exact category weights used:
- Security: 34.50%
- Wallet Features: 26.00%
- Trading Features: 25.50%
- Fees: 9.00%
- Customer Service: 5.00%
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