Choosing a digital wallet: the top five crypto wallets for 2025 and beyond
Before choosing a crypto wallet, it helps to understand what they are and why they matter. Digital wallets aren’t just places to store cryptocurrency – they’re essential for keeping private keys safe and managing access to digital assets.
Just as a physical wallet lets you store your money, a cryptocurrency wallet securely holds your private keys, which authorise transactions and confirm ownership of your digital assets. A private key is an encrypted alphanumeric code that enables these actions.
While there are many types of wallets, most are categorised as either software or hardware wallets, depending on whether they are connected to the internet.
How do crypto wallets work?
Crypto wallets make it easy to send, receive and store cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH). They allow you to manage multiple assets from one place, often through a single app or interface. Wallets rely on decentralised networks and cryptographic systems that secure transactions and protect identities. Unlike traditional online banking, they use public key infrastructure (PKI) to authenticate users and safeguard data.
- Hardware wallets are regarded as one of the most secure storage options, as they remain offline, minimising exposure to online threats. However, software wallets are commonly used due to their convenience and accessibility on mobile and desktop devices.
- Software wallets can be custodial (where a third party holds the private keys) or non-custodial (where the user controls them). Many users opt for non-custodial wallets for greater autonomy and transparency.
Top five crypto wallets by client numbers
Competition among digital wallets has intensified as user expectations for security, mobile usability and multichain access continue to rise. As of November 2025, the five most widely used software wallets are Trust Wallet, MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Exodus and Crypto.com Wallet.
1. Trust Wallet
Trust Wallet remains one of the top choices among mobile-first crypto users, supporting more than 70 blockchains and over a million assets. It integrates with Binance and continues to expand staking and NFT functionality.
Recent updates include enhanced NFT integration and DeFi tools, making it a comprehensive gateway to the decentralised ecosystem. Its interface is optimised for mobile use and now includes biometric and social login recovery options, increasing convenience without compromising security.
Trust Wallet’s global user base is estimated at more than 17 million active users. Its broad asset coverage and mobile-optimised interface make it popular among both newcomers and experienced traders (CoinLaw, 20 September 2025).
2. MetaMask
MetaMask remains the most widely used Web3 and Ethereum wallet globally, with an estimated 30 million monthly active users. It supports over 11 blockchains and continues to dominate the decentralised application (dApp) space (SQ Magazine, 22 October 2025).
Recent updates include multi-signature support, privacy enhancements via multi-party computation (MPC), and improved social login recovery. Users can now manage multiple accounts and connect directly to DeFi protocols from within the app.
MetaMask is known for its intuitive DeFi access, staking tools and NFT marketplace connections, while maintaining strong user control and data privacy. It also integrates with hardware wallets such as Ledger and Trezor.
3. Coinbase Wallet
Coinbase Wallet now reports approximately 3.2 million monthly active users, separate from the broader Coinbase exchange’s 73 million registered accounts (The Coin Republic, 23 November 2025).
The wallet offers expanded multichain functionality, NFT display, and enhanced security protocols following a major mid-2025 update. Users can link their exchange and wallet accounts, allowing smoother transfers between trading and storage.
Coinbase Wallet also introduced DeFi access, simplified social recovery and improved fiat on-ramps, appealing to both new crypto users and advanced traders seeking a regulated ecosystem.
4. Exodus Wallet
Exodus continues to attract both desktop and mobile users with its clean design and support for over 150 cryptocurrencies. Its consistent experience across devices has earned it a loyal following, with around 1.6 million monthly active users (Exodus, 6 November 2025).
In 2025, Exodus added DEX trading features and a revamped staking interface, allowing users to earn rewards directly through the app. It remains a strong choice for traders seeking an intuitive, design-led wallet with reliable asset management tools.
5. Crypto.com Wallet
Crypto.com Wallet has grown steadily as part of the broader Crypto.com ecosystem, offering native DEX access, cross-chain swaps and an expanding range of DeFi tools – with ‘over 100 million customers worldwide’ (Crypto.com, 20 February 2025).
It supports hundreds of assets and continues to introduce new mobile features and stronger DeFi integration, appealing to users seeking an all-in-one solution for exchange, trading and storage.
The wallet’s broad functionality and active community support have strengthened its position as a comprehensive digital asset management tool.
Current market trends
The digital wallet sector has evolved rapidly in 2025, reflecting shifts in user behaviour, security priorities and regulation.
- Security: Hardware wallets such as Ledger and Trezor remain preferred for cold storage, while software wallets lead in active users due to mobile accessibility and new cryptographic safeguards.
- Multichain integration: MetaMask, Trust Wallet and Crypto.com have expanded cross-chain compatibility, allowing users to manage assets from multiple blockchains in one interface.
- Mobile usability: Mobile-first design continues to drive engagement, with Trust Wallet and Exodus rated highly for app performance and ease of use (Reuters, November 2025).
Key takeaways
Choosing a digital wallet in 2025 depends on your priorities – whether that’s security, mobility or DeFi access.
Trust Wallet, MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Exodus and Crypto.com Wallet remain among the most used and well-developed platforms. Each caters to different preferences, but all share a core goal: providing secure, accessible and user-controlled management of digital assets.
As always, remember that cryptocurrency trading and storage carry risks. It’s important to research the available options carefully before deciding which wallet best suits your needs.
What is the safest way to store crypto?
The safest way to store cryptocurrency depends on how frequently you trade and the level of security you require. Hardware wallets, such as Ledger and Trezor, are generally considered among the most secure options for long-term storage because they keep private keys offline, away from potential online threats. However, many users now rely on non-custodial software wallets such as Trust Wallet or MetaMask, which offer enhanced protection features, including biometric locks, social recovery, and multi-party computation (MPC), while maintaining easy access to DeFi tools and staking options.
What crypto wallet has the lowest fees?
Most leading crypto wallets do not charge fees for storing assets but may include network transaction fees depending on the blockchain in use. Trust Wallet and Exodus are often noted for offering low or no in-app transaction fees on swaps, while MetaMask allows users to customise gas fees to suit network conditions. Coinbase Wallet also provides clear visibility of network costs before confirming a transaction. Ultimately, the most cost-effective wallet depends on your usage patterns, the assets involved, and current blockchain conditions.
How do mobile wallets compare to hardware wallets?
Mobile wallets dominate by client numbers, offering quick access, DeFi integration, and support for multiple blockchains. While hardware wallets remain the most robust against online threats, mobile-first wallets now feature advanced safeguards, such as two-factor authentication, encrypted backups, and biometric verification. Many users rely on mobile wallets for convenience, storing smaller amounts online for flexibility while keeping larger reserves offline for enhanced security.
Can I trade crypto CFDs on Capital.com?
Yes, you can trade cryptocurrency CFDs (contracts for difference) on Capital.com. CFD trading allows you to speculate on crypto price movements without owning the underlying asset, meaning you can go long or short depending on market conditions. CFDs are traded on margin, and leverage amplifies both profits and losses.