What is a Web3 wallet and how to one that fits your needs?

Crypto users can’t live without wallets. Those are the essence of the crypto. Yet, there are different kinds of crypto wallets. And if you are still using good old crypto wallets for crypto tokens from «first» layer only (i.e. BTC, ETH) only you are missing so much.

The Web3 era has come. And it is here to stay for a while.

To make sure you don’t deprive yourself of the best gimmicks of the modern crypto world, you need a Web3 wallet right now.

Which one to choose in 2024?

What is a Web3 wallet?

A Web3 wallet is a digital tool that allows users to securely manage and interact with cryptocurrencies, tokens, and decentralized applications (dApps) on the blockchain.

Unlike traditional wallets, Web3 wallets are non-custodial, meaning users have full control over their private keys and, consequently, their assets. Of course, there are traditional non-custodial wallets for BTC and other tokens. Advanced users refer those, but myriads of users never bother to think of the nature of the wallets they are using. Web wallets are secure. But that’s not the only point.

These wallets enable seamless access to the decentralized web, including activities like trading tokens, interacting with DeFi platforms, and purchasing NFTs. Web3 wallets also often include features such as dApp browsers and support for multiple blockchain networks, making them essential tools for navigating the evolving digital landscape.

Let’s take a look at 10 best Web3 wallets for 2024.

1. MetaMask

We will open with MetaMask, and that will probably hardly surprise you. Metamask is arguably the most popular Web3 wallet in the crypto space.

Especially among Ethereum users.

No wonder, because Ethereum is the blockchain that gave birth to Web3, though someone might disagree, of course. MetaMask is to Ethereum what peanut butter is to jelly - they just go together. After all, Ethereum is the blockchain that birthed Web3 (though some crypto purists might fight you on that one).

What's the big deal, you ask? Well, imagine a wallet that plays nice with pretty much every decentralized app (dApp) out there. That's MetaMask for you. It's like the cool kid at school that everyone wants to hang out with.

You can slap it on your browser as an extension or carry it in your pocket as a mobile app. Either way, it's your golden ticket to the Ethereum wonderland. Want to swap tokens? Done. Impulse-buy an NFT at 3 AM? Go for it. All without leaving the comfort of your MetaMask home.

But wait, there's more! For you security nerds out there (and let's face it, in crypto, we all should be), MetaMask buddies up with hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor. It's like having a bouncer for your digital assets.

The best part? MetaMask somehow manages to be the Jack of all trades and master of... well, most of them. It's got enough bells and whistles to keep the crypto veterans happy, but it's also newbie-friendly enough that your grandma could probably figure it out (no offense, Gran).

So, whether you're a Web3 wizard or just dipping your toes in the crypto waters, MetaMask might just be the wallet you've been looking for. It's like the Swiss Army knife of the crypto world - handy, versatile, and always ready for action.

2. Coinbase Wallet

Ever felt like you're not really in control of your crypto? Well, Coinbase Wallet might just be your new best friend. Unlike its big brother, the main Coinbase app (which is basically a digital Fort Knox for your coins), this wallet puts you in the driver's seat.

We're talking full control over your private keys and digital goodies. It's like having your own personal crypto vault, but without the hassle of digging a hole in your backyard.

This wallet isn't picky either. It'll happily store your run-of-the-mill tokens, those funky NFTs you impulse-bought at 2 AM, and even some Layer 2 solutions like Polygon. And if you're already part of the Coinbase fam? Transferring your assets between the exchange and the wallet is smoother than a buttered-up penguin on an ice slide.

But wait, there's more! Coinbase Wallet comes with its own Web3 browser. Think of it as your passport to the wild world of dApps, DeFi platforms, and NFT marketplaces. All without leaving the comfort of the app.

And for the paranoid among us (let's face it, that's all of us in crypto), they've packed in some nifty security features. We're talking biometric authentication and cloud backups for your private keys. Because let's be honest, remembering where you stashed your seed phrase is so 2017.

So, if you're looking for a wallet that gives you control, flexibility, and doesn't require a PhD in cryptography to use, Coinbase Wallet might just be worth a spin.

3. Trust Wallet

Ever feel like juggling your crypto assets is like herding cats? Enter Trust Wallet, the do-it-all sidekick that Binance scooped up back in 2018. This isn't just another run-of-the-mill wallet - it's like the Mary Poppins bag of the crypto world, seemingly bottomless and full of surprises.

Yes, again we are looking at something that can be easily compared to a swiss army knife. But for crypto. All kinds of crypto.

Picture this: over a million different assets spread across a smorgasbord of blockchains. Ethereum? Check. Binance Smart Chain? You bet.

But wait, there's more! Trust Wallet comes with its own built-in dApp browser.

Think of it as your own personal crypto concierge. It gives you VIP access to DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and other Web3 wonders. All without having to leave the app. It's like having a mall, a bank, and an art gallery all in your pocket.

Now, for you tinfoil hat types (and let's face it, in crypto, a little paranoia is healthy), Trust Wallet is as transparent as a freshly Windexed window. It's open-source and gets more health check-ups than a hypochondriac, with regular code audits to keep everything ship-shape.

But here's the kicker - Trust Wallet lets you stake your crypto too. That's right, you can make your digital money work for you, earning passive income while you sleep. It's like having a money tree, but instead of leaves, it grows more crypto. With its multi-chain support, user-friendly interface, and Binance's seal of approval, Trust Wallet is like the Swiss Army knife of the Web3 world. Whether you're a crypto newbie or a blockchain veteran, this wallet's got your back. So why juggle multiple wallets when you can trust just one?

4. Ledger Live

Ever feel like your digital coins need their own Fort Knox? Say hello to Ledger Live, the tough-as-nails sidekick to Ledger's hardcore hardware wallets.

We're talking about the Ledger Nano S and X - those little USB stick-looking things that are basically kryptonite to hackers.

Here's the deal: Ledger Live is like a super-secure treehouse for your crypto. It keeps your private keys locked up tighter than your grandma's cookie jar, way offline where cyber baddies can't get their grubby mitts on them. But don't worry, it's not all "keep out" signs and barbed wire.

This app is your friendly neighborhood bridge between your ultra-secure hardware fortress and the wild west of the blockchain. Want to check how your crypto babies are doing? Ledger Live's got your back with a slick portfolio view.

Feeling like your coins should be working harder? Stake 'em right from the app and watch your wealth grow while you sleep.

But wait, there's more! Ledger Live isn't picky about which crypto it hangs out with. Bitcoin? Ethereum? That obscure altcoin your cousin swears will be the next big thing? They're all welcome at this party. It's like having a universal remote for your entire crypto stash.

And for you DeFi daredevils and NFT collectors out there, Ledger Live is dipping its toes into the dApp pool. Now you can play in the decentralized playground without leaving the safety of your Ledger fortress. It's like having your cake and eating it too, but the cake is made of unbreakable encryption.

So, if you're the type who sleeps better knowing your digital fortune is locked up tighter than Area 51, Ledger Live might just be your new best friend. It's like having a personal bodyguard for your crypto - tough, reliable, but still knows how to have a good time.

5. Argent

Argent, the Web3 wallet, is basically the James Bond of the Ethereum world - smooth, sophisticated, and packing some serious security heat.

Picture this: a wallet that's so user-friendly, it feels like it should come with a hug. Argent's got your back whether you're into plain old ETH, those funky ERC-20 tokens, or if you're riding the NFT wave. It's like an all-you-can-eat buffet, but for Ethereum stuff.

Now, here's where it gets really cool. Remember that time you forgot your password and had to do that whole "forgot password" dance? Argent says "Nah, we're too cool for that." Instead of making you memorize a seed phrase longer than your last Netflix binge, they've cooked up this nifty thing called social recovery. It's like having a crypto A-Team.

You pick your "Guardians" - maybe your bestie, your tech-savvy cousin, and that guy from the office who never forgets a birthday. If you ever lose access, these folks can help you get back in. It's like having a spare key, but way cooler.

But wait, there's more! Argent's got DeFi built right in. Want to make your crypto work harder than a caffeinated squirrel? Lend it out, borrow against it, or earn interest, all without leaving the cozy confines of your wallet. It's like having a mini financial empire in your pocket.

And for all you paranoid androids out there (hey, in crypto, paranoia is just good sense), Argent's got more security features than a spy movie. Daily spending limits? Check. Two-factor authentication? You bet. It's like having a bouncer for your digital assets.

So, if you're cruising the Ethereum highway and want a wallet that's secure enough to impress a hacker, yet simple enough that your grandma could use it (no offense, Gran), Argent might just be your new best friend. It's the wallet that makes you go, "Damn, why wasn't this a thing sooner?"

6. Rainbow Wallet

Imagine if your boring old leather wallet suddenly burst into a Skittles commercial - that's Rainbow for you. It's like the cool art kid of the Ethereum block(chain), sporting more colors than a paint store explosion and more style than a Milan fashion week.

But don't let its pretty face fool you - this wallet's got brains to match its beauty. It juggles your ETH, ERC-20 tokens, and those funky NFTs you impulse-bought at 3 AM like a pro circus performer. And the best part? It's so intuitive, even your technophobe uncle could probably figure it out (no offense, Uncle Bob).

Now, hold onto your socks, 'cause I'm about to knock 'em off. Rainbow comes with its very own dApp browser. It's like having a VIP pass to the hottest Web3 clubs - DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, you name it. All accessible without ever leaving the app. It's like Ethereum Disney World, but the rides are yield farms and the mascots are animated NFTs.

But wait, there's more! Rainbow's got live token pricing that'll make you feel like a Wall Street hotshot. Watch those numbers dance in real-time, and track your portfolio faster than you can say "to the moon!" It's like having a crystal ball, but for your crypto.

And for all you desktop divas out there, Rainbow plays nice with WalletConnect. That means you can take your Web3 adventures to the big screen without breaking a sweat. It's like having a universal remote for the entire Ethereum ecosystem.

So, if you're tired of wallets that look like they were designed by the same folks who made Windows 95, and you want something that's equal parts form and function, Rainbow Wallet might just be your pot of gold. It's the wallet that makes you go, "Damn, Ethereum, you clean up nice!"

7. Gnosis Safe

This isn't your average Joe wallet, folks. Oh no, Gnosis Safe is like the Ocean's Eleven of the crypto world - it takes a team to crack this baby open. We're talking multi-signature security that would make even the most paranoid crypto-enthusiast sleep like a baby.

Picture this: you're part of a DAO, or maybe you're running a business that's more crypto-savvy than a Silicon Valley startup. You need a wallet that's tighter than Fort Knox, but also plays well with others. Enter Gnosis Safe, stage left.

This bad boy doesn't just hold your run-of-the-mill ETH. Nope, it's got room for all your Ethereum goodies - ERC-20 tokens, those NFTs you swear will be worth millions someday, you name it. It's like a digital treasure chest, but cooler.

But wait, there's more! Gnosis Safe isn't just sitting pretty. It's got its fingers in all the DeFi pies. Want to do some yield farming? Go for it. Liquidity pooling? Be my guest. All with the iron-clad security of multiple signatures. It's like having a team of bodyguards for your crypto adventures.

And for you control freaks out there (no judgment, we're all a little paranoid in crypto-land), Gnosis Safe comes with more bells and whistles than a one-man band. We're talking role-based access control that would make an HR manager weep with joy. And transaction scheduling? It's like having a time machine for your crypto moves.

So, if you're part of a crypto crew that needs industrial-strength security with a side of flexibility, Gnosis Safe might just be your new best friend. It's the wallet that makes you feel like you're in a high-tech heist movie, but you're the good guys. Ocean's Eleven, eat your heart out!

8. Phantom Wallet

Phantom Wallet is about to take you on a joyride through the Solana blockchain faster than you can say "low transaction fees."

Think of Phantom as the sleek sports car of the crypto wallet world, but instead of burning rubber, it's burning through transactions at light speed. This isn't just any wallet - it's the cool kid on the Solana block, tailor-made for those who like their crypto fast and their fees lower than a limbo champion.

But Phantom isn't just about speed - it's got more tricks up its sleeve than a magician at a blockchain convention. SPL tokens? Check. NFTs? You bet. Staking? It's got you covered faster than you can say "passive income."

Now, let's talk dApps. Phantom is like having an all-access pass to Solana's coolest clubs. DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, Web3 wonderlands - you name it, Phantom's got your VIP entry sorted. It's like having a secret handshake with the entire Solana ecosystem.

For all you security buffs out there (and let's face it, in crypto, we're all a bit paranoid), Phantom plays nice with hardware wallets too. It's like having a bouncer for your digital assets - big, tough, and not letting anyone mess with your crypto.

But here's the real kicker - Phantom's got a built-in crystal ball. Okay, not really, but its automatic transaction simulation is pretty darn close. It's like having a personal fortune teller warning you before you make a costly mistake. "I foresee... a potential oopsie. Better double-check that transaction, chief!"

So, if you're ready to dive into the Solana pool and want a wallet that's faster than Usain Bolt on rocket skates, Phantom's got you covered. It's not just a wallet - it's your backstage pass to the hottest blockchain party in town. Solana speed freaks, your chariot awaits!

9. Exodus

Ever feel like you need a wallet with more pockets than a magician's coat? Say hello to Exodus, the wallet that's got more tricks up its sleeve than Houdini at a blockchain convention!

Jokes aside, this is a wallet so versatile, it makes your smartphone look like a one-trick pony. Exodus struts its stuff on both your mobile and desktop, because why choose when you can have it all? It's like having a crypto command center wherever you go.

But here's where it gets wild - Exodus doesn't just play nice with Bitcoin and Ethereum. Oh no, this bad boy's got room for over 100 cryptocurrencies. It's like Noah's Ark for your digital assets, two of every coin... and then some!

Now, let's talk looks. Exodus is the supermodel of the wallet world - sleek, stylish, and turning heads faster than a Ferrari in a school zone. But don't let its pretty face fool you - this wallet's got brains to match its beauty. It's so user-friendly, your grandma could probably figure it out (no offense, Gran).

But wait, there's more! Exodus comes with its own built-in exchange. That's right, you can swap your coins faster than a chameleon changes colors, all without leaving the cozy confines of your wallet. It's like having a crypto stock exchange in your pocket.

For all you paranoid androids out there (and let's face it, in crypto, a little paranoia is healthy), Exodus plays nice with Trezor hardware wallets too. It's like having a bodyguard for your digital bling.

And if you're the type who likes to keep score, Exodus has got you covered with portfolio tracking that would make a Wall Street analyst weep with joy. Watch those numbers dance in real-time, and feel like a crypto Wolf of Wall Street.

So, if you're looking for a wallet that's more versatile than a Swiss Army knife, more stylish than a Milan runway, and more user-friendly than your favorite barista, Exodus might just be your new best friend. It's not just a wallet - it's your backstage pass to the wild world of Web3!

10. MyEtherWallet (MEW)

Let's talk about MyEtherWallet, or MEW as the cool guys call it. This isn't just any wallet - it's like the wise old sage of the Ethereum world. But with a fresh new haircut and some sick dance moves. Very rarely you can see such an old tech being constantly upgraded to stay relevant to the crazy ever changing world of crypto. This was a top notch app five years ago. And it stays above the waterline now.

MEW's been around since Ethereum was just a twinkle in Vitalik's eye. It's like that friend who was into crypto before it was cool, but isn't all hipster about it. And guess what? It's still cooler than a polar bear's toenails.

Now, let's get one thing straight - MEW is all about that "not your keys, not your coins" life. It's non-custodial, which is a fancy way of saying you're the boss, applesauce. Your keys, your crypto, your rules. It's like having a digital Fort Knox, but you're the only one who knows the secret handshake.

MEW doesn't discriminate - it loves all your Ethereum babies equally. ERC-20 tokens? Bring 'em on! It's like Noah's Ark for your Ethereum assets, two of every token... or 200, we don't judge.

But here's where it gets real fancy - MEW's got more connections than a socialite at a blockchain conference. It plays nice with hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor. It's like having a bouncer for your digital disco, keeping all the bad guys out while you party with your crypto.

And for all you web surfers and mobile mavens out there, MEW's got you covered. Whether you're on your laptop sipping a latte or on your phone pretending to work, your Ethereum is always just a click away.

Oh, and let's not forget about ENS - Ethereum Name Service. MEW supports it like a good sports bra. No more copying and pasting addresses longer than your last relationship. Just use a simple name, and you're good to go. It's like having a vanity plate for your crypto car.

So, if you're looking for an Ethereum wallet that's been around the block a few times but still knows how to party, MEW might just be your jam. It's not just a wallet - it's a piece of Ethereum history that's still writing the future.