Best Bitcoin Desktop Wallets Review and Comparison
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Desktop wallets are programs that store and manage the private key for your Bitcoins on your computer’s hard drive. In this post, I will review the most popular desktop wallets around for Mac, Linux, and Windows.
Bitcoin Desktop Wallets Summary
There’s a wide variety of Bitcoin desktop wallets around, each one has a different edge. For example, the crypto wallet with most security options would be Armory, while Bitcoin Core’s wallet verifies each transaction with a full copy of the blockchain. The winner in all categories overall is Exodus.
Here are the best Bitcoin desktop wallets:
That covers Bitcoin desktop wallets in a nutshell. If you want a more detailed review of the different desktop wallets keep on reading, here’s what I’ll cover:
Desktop Wallets Overview
By design, crypto desktop wallets are more secure than mobile wallets (since they’re harder to steal) and less secure than hardware wallets.
Desktop crypto wallets are considered “hot wallets”, since they are connected to the Internet. This makes them inherently insecure. However, for small amounts of Bitcoin or altcoins, they are a good solution.
For large amounts of Bitcoin ALWAYS use cold storage wallets (i.e. wallets that aren’t connected to the Internet) like a paper wallet or hardware wallet.
Exodus – The All-Around Winner
Platforms: Mac OS, Linux, and Windows.
If you’re just getting started with Bitcoin and you’re still trying to wrap your head around everything that’s going on, Exodus has got you covered. Exodus launched in July 2016 and since then has gained some serious momentum.
I’ll start with the downside – it’s not open source. This means that the developers can potentially insert malicious code into the software without you knowing about it. And of course, when it comes to money, having a closed source program can raise some concerns.
However, since in any case, I suggest you use desktop wallets for small amounts of Bitcoin only (closed or open source), then this is not a big issue in my book. I never put an amount I’m not willing to risk in any hot wallet (desktop, mobile or web).
Exodus also allows you to hold a variety of altcoins such as Ethereum, Litecoin, Dash and more. The interface is super easy to understand and even total newbies will get the hang of it. Exodus is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Visit Exodus Read Review
Zengo – The Keyless Crypto Wallet
Zengo combines wallet security with ease of use and an intuitive UI/UX. Zengo wallet ditches the hard-to-remember private keys that secure most crypto wallets, and instead secures your account on multiple devices using advanced cryptography known as Multi-Party Computation (MPC)
Zengo supports over 120 different cryptocurrencies and the list is continuously growing. Users can buy crypto, stake their crypto, or swap their crypto all within the Zengo app. That makes Zengo highly usable and multi-functional, and it can be a one-stop shop for some crypto investors with limited needs.
The Zengo user experience is very positive, with a beautiful design and layout that is simple to navigate. This first-of-its-kind wallet also offers users something quite unique in the crypto industry, while the wallet is free to download and use, users can opt-in for Zengo Pro which offers:
- Legacy Transfer allows you to pass your wallet on to loved ones.
- Lock your assets to a unique 3D FaceLock biometrics.
- Alerts and protections against Web3 attacks.
- Priority support is guaranteed in less than 1 hour, with most responses handled in less than 5 minutes.
Many of the team members here at 99Bitcoins use Zengo as one of their wallets in a diversification strategy as relying on just one wallet for all your crypto may not be the most optimal choice. We like that Zengo leverages MPC technology in place of traditional crypto wallets, making it a top choice for diversifying risk across different cryptographic security methods.
Visit Zengo Read ReviewElectrum – The No-Frills Wallet
Platforms: Mac OS, Linux, and Windows.
It took me a while to start using Electrum, but once I did, I loved it.
Again, I’ll start with the downside – Electrum is ugly. The interface looks like a 90’s version of Windows. Also, if you’re completely new to Bitcoin, I have the feeling you’ll get lost pretty quickly due to the unfriendly interface. 
However, once you get over the interface issues, Electrum is one of the most robust, effective and secure desktop wallets out there.
Also, it’s open source, meaning many people have taken part in reviewing and composing the code. This reduces the chance of malicious code inside the software to practically zero.
In times when the Bitcoin network is “crowded” and transaction fees can skyrocket, Electrum is one of the few wallets that allows you to replace the fee you’ve set to an already broadcasted transaction. This feature is very handy when you can’t get your transaction to confirm.
Additional features include address tagging, fee adjustments, encrypting your wallet and signing/verifying messages (this is an advanced feature).
Bottom line, this is an excellent desktop wallet. If you understand Bitcoin well enough to use it, go for it.
Visit Electrum Read Review
Ledger – Desktop and Mobile Version
Platforms: Mac OS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android.
Ledger is a wallet company most famous for their hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S. However, they also have a desktop wallet app called Ledger Live. The Ledger Live app can be paired with a Ledger hardware wallet or used as a standalone hot wallet for your crypto. The interface is not particularly user friendly, but is also not terribly tough to use after you get the hang of it. Ledger Live supports a long list of cryptocurrencies, meaning this wallet should be able to handle much of your web3 needs.
Visit Ledger Read Review
Bitcoin Core – A Full Bitcoin Node
Platforms: Mac OS, Linux, and Windows.
All of the wallets I’ve covered so far are known as SPV wallets or lite wallets. This means that they don’t have a full copy of the blockchain in order to verify transactions – they rely on other computers on the network to give them transaction information.
Bitcoin Core is a full node Bitcoin wallet. This means that once you download the wallet, you will also download the whole blockchain to your computer. This can get really messy as the blockchain’s size is a few hundred Gigabytes and can take some time to download.
However, once the Blockchain is downloaded you can start independently verifying transactions on the network. You no longer need to trust anyone else in the system. Or as Bitcoiners like to say “don’t trust, verify”.
In all honesty, I don’t think it’s worth the hassle unless you’re super paranoid. You can gain some educational value by completing this process, but for day to day transactions and use, Bitcoin SPV wallets are completely fine.
Visit Bitcoin Core To be Reviewed
Copay – A Multisig Bitcoin Desktop Wallet
Platforms: Mac OS, Linux, and Windows.
Copay is a wallet created by BitPay, one of the largest Bitcoin payment service providers around. The wallet is available for most major platforms (mobile and desktop) and is a multisig wallet.
Multisig means that you can have the wallet require an X amount of people to sign off on each transaction in order to broadcast it to the network. Using Copay’s multisig feature allows you extra security against theft and could be a good option if you can’t afford a hardware wallet.
Copay’s code is open source and has been around since 2014.
Visit Copay Read Review
Armory – The Desktop Vault
Platforms: Mac OS, Linux, and Windows, Ubuntu and RaspberriPi.
Armory is a well-known and trusted brand when it comes to Bitcoin security, though the wallet is usually best suited for more advanced users.
If you are looking for a wallet that emphasizes safety and security, Armory should make the short list as the wallet features a variety of encryption and cold-storage options.
Armory is among the most respected brands when it comes to Bitcoin security.
Visit Armory To be Reviewed
Looking for a Secure Mobile Alternative?
All the desktop wallets we listed, from Electrum to Exodus, are great solutions for Bitcoin management. We did say that desktop wallets are generally considered more secure than mobile wallets because they are harder to crack when it comes to cyber security. But what desktop wallets lack is portability and the versatility needed for on-the-go users.
If you’re seeking an equally secure but more mobile-friendly option, Best Wallet is worth considering. While desktop wallets may appeal to users who prefer managing their assets in a single, stationary location, Best Wallet caters to the rest of them.
Platforms : Android, iOS
Best Wallet is a user-friendly, non-custodial crypto wallet designed for secure and convenient management of digital assets. It supports over 60 blockchains, allowing users to store, trade, and stake cryptocurrencies seamlessly. With built-in features like a DEX, staking options, and advanced security measures, it’s an all-in-one solution for both beginners and experienced crypto enthusiasts.
Download Best Wallet
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Transfer Money to My Bitcoin Wallet?
- Open your wallet
- Find your Bitcoin address (long string of letters and characters that starts with 1 or 3)
- Send Bitcoin to your wallet address
- Wait for 3 confirmations (recommended but not necessary)
How do I Transfer Money from My Bitcoin Wallet to My Bank Account?
Banks don’t accept Bitcoin, so you’ll need to sell your Bitcoins for fiat currency (Dollar, Euros, etc.) on a Bitcoin exchange and then withdraw those funds from the exchange to your bank account.
How to Store Seed Phrases Securely
When using non-custodial wallets, users are provided a ‘seed phrase.’ This is a sequence of typically 12, 18, or 24 words. When the words are entered in the correct sequence on the wallet device, users can access all their digital assets.
Therefore, it is of utmost importance to secure your seed phrase with a storage device. One such popular device is Cryptotag – which allows users to store between 24 – 42 seed phrases. The Cryptotag device stores seed phrases in a 6mm titanium plate, which is water resistant and bullet-proof. This device is compatible with wallets such as Metamask, Ledger, Trezor, and Trust Wallet.
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of desktop wallets for Bitcoin and this can sometimes be overwhelming for beginners. If you’re new to Bitcoin, start with Exodus and work your way up. If you feel that you’re pretty technical, Electrum can provide you with some more advanced options.
In the end, try to suit the wallet to your needs, since each one of the wallets I’ve reviewed here has a different edge. There are many different options out there and your sure to find one that fits your needs. In fact, most advanced crypto users hold their assets in multiple different wallets, a wallet security best practice.
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Great intro. My only recommendation would be including air-gap solutions such as the Coldcard and describe Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions.
Are there no online wallet (completely online) that you don’t need to download – that you recommend?