Hardware Wallets
Physical devices that store private keys on dedicated hardware and sign transactions on-device.
Typical use
Keeping signing keys off an internet-connected computer or phone.
Wallet Type Navigator
Explore wallet types
Wallet categories describe where keys live and who controls them — not how safe a product is. No category is universally safer than another; the risks simply move to different places.
Mobile Wallets
Wallet applications installed on a phone, usually combining keys and an interface.
Typical use
Day-to-day access, payments and interacting with on-chain apps.
Desktop Wallets
Software installed on a computer, sometimes with full node or hardware integration.
Typical use
Larger workflows, advanced settings and desktop-based key management.
Browser Wallets
Browser extensions and web interfaces that connect to sites and decentralised applications.
Typical use
Interacting with web-based crypto applications.
Custodial Wallets
Accounts where a third party holds the keys and controls access on the user's behalf.
Typical use
Users who prefer account recovery handled by a service provider.
Self-Custody Wallets
Wallets where the user alone controls the private keys and the recovery material.
Typical use
Users who want direct control and accept full responsibility for backups.
Multisig
Wallet arrangements that require several independent approvals before a transaction is valid.
Typical use
Shared treasuries, organisations and distributed key setups.
Comparing wallet types
The table below compares structural characteristics only. Product-level fields are added to individual reviews when they can be verified against official documentation.
| Wallet type | Custody | Where keys live | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware Wallets | Self-custody | Physical devices that store private keys on dedicated hardware and sign transactions on-device. | Keeping signing keys off an internet-connected computer or phone. |
| Mobile Wallets | Varies | Wallet applications installed on a phone, usually combining keys and an interface. | Day-to-day access, payments and interacting with on-chain apps. |
| Desktop Wallets | Usually self-custody | Software installed on a computer, sometimes with full node or hardware integration. | Larger workflows, advanced settings and desktop-based key management. |
| Browser Wallets | Usually self-custody | Browser extensions and web interfaces that connect to sites and decentralised applications. | Interacting with web-based crypto applications. |
| Custodial Wallets | Third-party custody | Accounts where a third party holds the keys and controls access on the user's behalf. | Users who prefer account recovery handled by a service provider. |
| Self-Custody Wallets | Self-custody | Wallets where the user alone controls the private keys and the recovery material. | Users who want direct control and accept full responsibility for backups. |
| Multisig | Distributed | Wallet arrangements that require several independent approvals before a transaction is valid. | Shared treasuries, organisations and distributed key setups. |