
If you’ve been paying attention to the realm of Blockchain lately, then you know that the center of all the action is currently in Ethereum – the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization (above $161 billion as of this writing).
With that in mind, if you’re interested in investing in Ethereum, you should note that one of the best ways to keep your funds safe from hacks and threats is to get one of the best Ethereum wallets.
That’s easier said than done though. The sheer number and variety of options available, combined with misleading advertisements and a lack of reliable information sources, can turn the simple task of picking the best wallet into a seemingly impossible feat.
Our goal today is to help you find a secure and reliable Ethereum wallet, and that’s why we have created this ultimate guide on the best Ethereum Wallets in 2021.
5 Elements Every Ethereum Wallet Should Have in 2021
Before picking the best Ethereum wallet, you need to ensure that it meets certain criteria, including:
- Security: The Ethereum wallet you pick should be secured with multi-signature features and a 2-factor authentication. These advanced security features will allow the wallet to ward off any possible threats of getting hacked.
- Ease of use: If this will be the first Ethereum wallet you’re using, then you need to stay away from complex wallets designed for experts and stick to beginner-friendly alternatives. Every wallet in this guide is beginner-friendly.
- Solid development: A strong development team ensures that the wallet you pick is secure, well maintained, and fitted with the latest technology updates. The development community also ensures that the wallet is ready to manage systemic improvements like segwit (segregated witness) and occasional hard forks as blockchain tech evolves over time.
- Multi-currency: With thousands of different coins out there, this is a must-have element if you’re counting on investing in multiple assets and not just Ethereum. Most wallets will allow you to access all your different cryptocurrencies from the same account.
- Compatibility: The best Ethereum wallet should be compatible with different operating systems and platforms, giving you flexibility to manage your funds.
Best Ethereum Wallets 2021
Ledger Nano S
From the image above, you can already tell that Ledger Nano S is an Ethereum hardware wallet designed to look like a USB flash drive. This ledger device will allow you to store your Ether (ETH) as well as all other ERC20 tokens.
What’s more? Ledger Nano S is also widely recognized as one of the most secure and versatile hardware wallets in the market, thanks to the wide array of security features it delivers (including a secure chip to store your private keys, a PIN passcode, and two-factor authentication.) The device also allows you to use a confidential recovery phrase when backing up your hardware wallet.
In regards to its versatility, Ledger Nano S is a multi-asset solution, which means you can use it to store different digital currencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Classics, and more.
The price tag of this crypto wallet is also an attractive aspect to consider. If you decice to go all-in with cold storage, this ether wallet will cost you nearly of the company’s top model Ledger Nano X.
Trezor One
For those that really value their privacy but aren’t sure about a good-old Ethereum paper wallet, the Trezor One is another hardware wallet that can support the storage of Ether and all other ERC20 tokens. This wallet was initially invented to hold Bitcoin but scaled over time to become one of the most popular Ethereum Wallets that one can use with the MyEtherWallet web interface.
Other digital currencies you can hold using the service include Ethereum Classic (ETC), Dogecoin (DOGE) Dash (DASH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BTH), Bitcoin (BTC), and much more.
This Trezor wallet review would be incomplete if we didn’t mention its advanced security features, including encryption via GPG, Secure Shell, as well as 2-factor authentication. It’s also compact, light, and compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Metamask
MetaMask is a browser extension cryptocurrency wallet that not only allows its users to store ether (ETH) but also enables them to access decentralized Ethereum apps (DApps) and store ERC-20 tokens. Currently, the total number of decentralized applications built on Ethereum is 2,652.
If you’re a developer, MetaMask will allow you to run and design Ethereum DApps right in the browser without having to run the full Ethereum node (that’s actually what developers had to do before MetaMask was available.)
MetaMask also boasts a secure identity vault that offers user-interface users can use to sign Blockchain transactions and manage multiple identities across distinct sites. Your private keys will be stored and encrypted in your system.
Exodus
Exodus is the world’s first desktop wallet that can be used to store multiple currencies. Other than Ether, the wallet also allows you to secure, manage, and exchange 70 other cryptocurrencies and 33 Ether tokens. You can also use Exodus wallet on your Trezor One wallet, where every coin supported by Trezor One will also be supported by Exodus.
Let’s talk about another FIRST delivered by the Exodus Desktop wallet. The service has been fitted with an inbuilt Shapeshift, which allows users to trade between different Blockchain assets without needing to leave the wallet app.
Immediately after launching Exodus’s website, you’ll note that the company has focused most of its efforts on usability and design. The wallet is ready to use as soon as the application starts, making its setup process one of the simplest in the realm of cryptocurrency wallets.
Exodus is currently compatible with 6 different operating systems, including Linux, Windows, Trezor, OS X, iOS, and Android.
Guarda
Guarda is a cross-platform, multi-functional storage wallet you can use for Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens, and a wide array of other crypto assets.
Guarda is probably the least-known Ethereum wallet alternative from this list, but just like Jaxx (see below), it supports all major operating systems.
It’ll work with Linux, macOS, Windows, and will also be available as a mobile version, chrome extension, desktop version, and a web version (and all of them are non-custodial). In other words, it’s a really easy to use wallet for those without many needs.
Guarda security measures also earned it a spot in this ultimate review. Unlike most Ethereum wallets, this one doesn’t store any client information, private keys, or wallet data. In fact, the private key will be stored inside your device’s secure memory and delete itself once you log out of the wallet.
Coinbase
Founded in 2012, Coinbase is a cryptocurrency platform and wallet where users and merchants can transact with digital coins. Today, Coinbase remains one of the most popular, authentic, and oldest wallets on the market. Their software wallet is available on both web and an app version.
In addition to Ethereum, Coinbase supports a big number of digital coins, including Dogecoin, Stellar Lumens, Ethereum Classic, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin, and all ERC-20 tokens.
Note though, cryptocurrencies not available for the transaction on Coinbase can still be viewed by Coinbase users for educational purposes. To help keep its members informed, the platform provides a description, market cap, historic trading data, and relevant links to white papers & project websites for such cryptocurrencies. A big downside for this wallet is the limited availability. Clients not based in the United States or Europe typically have a hard time when it comes to deposits and withdrawals.
MyEtherWallet
MyEtherWallet is an open-source online wallet designed specifically for ether and all other Ethereum tokens. One of the things that set MyEtherWallet apart from other conventional web wallets is the fact it allows its users to store their private keys on their PCs rather than on 3rd party servers.
In other words, the responsibility to secure and save your private keys will be yours 100%. And yes, you can print your details and keep things in the form of a paper wallet.
MyEtherWallet also allows its users to integrate it with other hardware wallets, including Ledger Nano S and Trezor One. MEW also retails with a buy feature which lets you purchase Ethereum. However convenient it may seem, this facility is provided by Simplex. And yes, this third-party provider is especially famous for charging substantial purchase fees.
If you’ll be using the wallet on your smartphone, then I know you’ll be pleased to know that the MEWconnect app delivers additional hardware-style security for both Android and iOS.
Atomic
If you’re looking for a handy way to store your Ethereum, then Atomic Wallet could be the service you’re looking for. This wallet retails with a variety of useful features, including Atomic Swaps, a built-in exchange platform, support for 300+ coins & tokens, and much more.
At the moment, you can use Atomic wallet on Linux, macOS, Windows, and mobile apps for IOs and Android. Add to that the fact Atomic Wallet has a strong growing community and project team that is constantly improving the wallet and adding new features through weekly updates.
Jaxx Liberty
Jaxx has been tagged as one of the best multi-currency wallets in most cryptocurrency wallet reviews, and for good reason. Created in 2014, the wallet was specifically designed with the aim of simplifying blockchain-based currency storage, and has attracted hundreds of thousands of users ever since.
Currently, Jaxx offers support for a wide array of cryptocurrencies, including Rep, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Bitcoin, DAO, Ethereum Classic, Dash, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and much more.
Recently, the wallet was rebranded, upgraded with advanced features, and is now known as “Jaxx Liberty.” The company is even planning on launching a hardware wallet in the near future.
The wallet supports all major operating systems and is available in the form of a chrome extension, desktop app, as well as an Android and iPhone application.
Crypterium Wallet
Last but not least, Crypterium Wallet. Yes, that’s our wallet. And if you’re wondering why we placed ourselves at the very bottom of this article, here’s your answer: we truly believe that all wallets mentioned in this article are serious about becoming the “best Ethereum wallet”. Yet, we also believe that it’s a big market and one cannot focus on just one asset or one kind of feature.
Crypterium Wallet brings everything you need to handle your digital finances in a user-friendly, highly secure, and beautifully designed mobile app and web wallet. That means you can use Crypterium Wallet to store your Ether, but also to buy, exchange, cash out, invest, and even spend. All done from a single application that adapts to your lifestyle and follows you anywhere you go.
Our wallet is currently available in more than 170 countries, making it one of the world’s most global financial services. Apart from Ethereum, you can also find popular coins like USDC, USDT, Bitcoin, DAI, MKR, and many other reliable and fast-growing assets.
Crypterium Wallet is seamlessly integrated with Crypterium Card — the most convenient crypto card out there. It’s free, low maintenance, and you can get a digital version of the card in minutes, not days.
The bottom line
Picking an Ethereum wallet isn’t as straightforward as it seems. You do have to consider plenty of factors before jumping into a decision. After all, it’s your money. We believe the list above is a great place to start your search and hopefully find your next favorite service.