Top 10 Bitcoin Only Software Wallets You Can Use in 2023
One of the most important things to consider when owning bitcoins is to store them securely, and it is your responsibility to ensure the safe storage of your bitcoin assets.
Read on to discover a list of the best Bitcoin-only software wallets you can use to keep your coins safe.
What are bitcoin-only wallets?
Bitcoin wallets are cryptocurrency wallets that allow you to securely store your bitcoin. Additionally, they allow you to send and receive bitcoin, similar to how you would manage your fiat currency in your bank account.
Bitcoin-only software wallets are one of the two main categories of Bitcoin wallets: cold and hot wallets. This article looks at software wallets, which are considered hot wallets.
Bitcoin software wallets are categorized into online, mobile and desktop wallets. Users can access web wallets online through any online service, while desktop and mobile wallets are accessible via desktop and mobile devices respectively. Finally, there are also hybrid wallets that you can access on multiple platforms.
Best Bitcoin Only Software Wallets
Now let’s take a look at some of the most popular wallets that you can use on your desktop and/or smartphone. We’ve split the list into on-chain wallets and those that also support the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
On-chain Bitcoin wallets
Here are the best Bitcoin wallets you can use on chain.
Bitcoin core
Bitcoin core is a full node Bitcoin wallet that validates transactions and forwards them to the Bitcoin network. The wallet is completely open source, which means that any software developer can audit the code and verify that the software wallet does not hide secrets from users. Additionally, it gives users full control over their BTC, meaning no third party can access their assets. However, users are still responsible for backing up and securing their wallets.
As a full node Bitcoin wallet, Bitcoin Core provides a high level of security since no third parties are involved when verifying a transaction. However, since the software is loaded on devices that are vulnerable to malware, users must secure their devices by enabling two-factor authentication and using strong passwords.
The wallet requires a good space of about 500 GB and another 5-10 GB per month. Users must store all of this data, although it is possible to reduce it to about 6 GB by enabling cropping.
Characteristics:
- Full node validation
- Excellent privacy
- Great user interface
Samurai
The Samurai wallet is one of the most feature-rich Bitcoin-only software wallets with a unique focus on privacy and security. The wallet was developed by a group of privacy advocates and is only available for Android devices, although there are plans to launch a Samourai wallet app for iOS.
Although it is a software wallet, the app works in all network conditions, including a full offline mode, which strengthens the wallet’s security. It also supports the Bitcoin network’s Taproot upgrade, which improves bitcoin for layer two and multi-signature protocols.
Other notable features built into the Samourai wallet include:
- Smart calculation of miner fees
- Dojo Bitcoin full node server
- Stonewall addresses cluster protection
- PayNym first-touch wallet address protection
- Batch expenses
- Encrypted pin
- Whirlpool bitcoin transaction cycling
- Stealth mode to hide your wallet from your device and launcher
- Ricochet protection against unjustified account closure
Sparrow wallet
Sparrow is a desktop bitcoin-only wallet built with privacy, security and ease of use in mind. Developers publish the source code of the wallet so that any developer can audit it, and the wallet also provides as much detail as possible about transactions and UTXO. However, users still have to trust the wallet developers when installing or updating the software.
The wallet supports single and multi-signature script types and can interact with hardware wallets. It also connects to the Bitcoin core or an Electrum server, which means some trust in a third party is needed when verifying transactions. The wallet also has a transaction editor and a blockchain explorer.
Users have full control over their assets and fees when using Sparrow. The wallet rotates addresses to make spying on transactions complicated and prevents disclosure of information to other network users. You can also enable Tor, which blocks ISPs or attackers from linking payments to an IP address.
Characteristics:
- Supports single sig and multisig
- Strong encryption
Wasabi
Launched in 2018, Wasabi is a non-custodial bitcoin wallet created by zkSNACKs. It is a non-custodial wallet compatible with Linux, MacOS, UBUNTU and Windows. The software is built with a reliable design; therefore, developers and the public cannot breach the privacy of your wallet. It is a complete no-knowledge bitcoin software wallet.
It also has CoinJoin, which helps block filtering and communication through the Tor network. It also embeds an anonymous credential scheme known as WabiSabi, enabling more efficient and accessible CoinJoins.
Characteristics:
- Complete transparency
- Easy to use
- Excellent privacy
- Coinjoining at a reasonable price of 0.3% (for coins with a value above 0.01 BTC)
Bitcoin wallets that support the Lightning Network
Now let’s take a look at Bitcoin-only wallets that also support LN.
Bitnob
Bitnob is a Bitcoin and Lightning wallet built in Africa to make connecting to the Bitcoin blockchain easy for any African and African business. It comes with unique features such as the individual BTC savings plan that users can choose to do daily, weekly or monthly.
The wallet is easy to set up and supports a variety of African currencies and payment methods.
Characteristics:
- Supports bitcoin and local African currencies
- Bitcoin for settlement in local currency
- Bitnob for Woocommerce plugin
Breeze
Breeze is a Bitcoin wallet explicitly optimized for the Lightning Network.
When you first set up Breez, it will automatically create a lightning network wallet for you when you receive BTC for the first time. The wallet also includes a feature for merchants who want to accept Bitcoin payments. Also, the wallet offers easy-to-use backup options, making it an appealing wallet for first-time Bitcoin users.
Characteristics:
- Seller’s point of sale function
- The Podcasting 2.0 tab
- Easy backup
- Access to lightning apps
Blue wallet
Blue wallet launched in 2017 to introduce a powerful Bitcoin-only wallet. The wallet has an elegant design that is relatively user-friendly and minimalistic.
However, it is a feature-rich platform that uses multi-sig vaults, one of the best securities available for the Bitcoin protocol. You can also create multiple saves, including fake saves, in case you face a forced disclosure.
Blue Wallet also easily connects to hardware wallets, allowing users to manage their cold vaults. Transactions are also cheap and fast, with the option to choose fees when shopping. Users also receive notifications for all transactions that occur on the wallet.
Characteristics:
- Plausible denial
- Multi signature vault
- See-only wallets
- Advanced mode for experienced users
- Transaction control with fee adjustment
Electrum
The Electrum Bitcoin wallet is available for desktop and mobile users looking for speed and simplicity.
The wallet’s software is open source, and developers can revise it at any time. It deploys remote servers capable of handling the most complex parts of the Bitcoin network to recover your wallet using a secret phrase. It is also compatible with other wallets, so you can connect the Electrum wallet with major hardware wallets.
When it comes to security, users can choose a personalized system. They can use multi-sig, two-factor or standard security system. Using the wallet is hassle-free as it has a navigable layout. You can always check the transaction and use other functions of the app without struggle.
Characteristics:
- Personal safety
- Fast, secure and easy to use
- Compatibility with hardware wallets
Muun
Muun is a non-custodial wallet ideal for beginners and Bitcoin experts. The design of the wallet allows you to create an account and back it up so that only you have access to the backup. Muun will never store your backup data. You can also adjust your wallet’s security under the settings and security tabs and create three forms of backups for added security.
The wallet supports both the Bitcoin main chain and the Lightning Network. It provides unmatched security to your digital assets with its 2-of-2 multi-signature feature, which requires outgoing transactions to be validated with two keys instead of one. One of the keys is kept in your device, while the Emergency Kit contains both. Muun also has an upcoming feature that will allow users to lock their wallet until they get a new phone in case the device gets lost.
Characteristics:
- Multi-factor authentication
- Code for cold recovery
- Multiple backup options
- Mempool-based fee calculation
Wallet by Satoshi
The Wallet by Satoshi is a mobile escrow wallet that focuses on simplicity. All you need to do to start using the wallet is to download the app for Android or iOS and instantly send or receive bitcoins via the lightning network.
Characteristics:
- Simple design
- Various refill options
In addition to the software wallets in this article, you can also check out our top list hardware wallets that consist only of bitcoin! A hardware wallet is advisable if you want to store large amounts of bitcoin, while a software wallet – like the ones listed above – is meant to store the bitcoin you want to use for your daily expenses.
