You can easily get a crypto wallet for your mobile from Google Play Store or Apple App Store, from the internet for your desktop, from Google Chrome Webstore for wallet-based browsers, and for cold wallets, you can buy from Amazon or the wallet manufacturer.
For a definitive list of top wallets, visit our guide on: Top Crypto Wallets
How to Download a Hot Wallet?
- To download a mobile crypto wallet, simply open the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and search for crypto wallets. Download any one from the list shown there.
- To download a Chrome-based wallet, simply go to the Chrome Web Store and download any top browser wallet like MetaMask or Trust Wallet. Beware of fraud plugins.
- To download a desktop or a laptop crypto wallet, go to the official website of top wallets like Exodus, Guarda, or
How to Order a Cold Wallet?
Cold wallets are best for serious investors who want to invest for the long term. Since cold wallets remain offline most of the time, they significantly reduce the scope of a hack compared to a hot wallet.
Most cold wallets are hardware-based devices (except crypto vaults). Therefore, to use them, you need to order these wallets from their manufacturers. You can easily order a wallet either via e-commerce networks like Amazon or order it directly from the manufacturer.
You can visit the official stores of top hardware (cold) wallets by searching the names below. All these manufacturers ship globally.
- Ledger
- Stacks
- Trezor
- Ellipal
- Safepal
Shown below is the Ledger Official Store.
Wallet Choice Guide for Beginners
It is very simple to choose a crypto wallet. First, evaluate your investor profile, then understand your needs, and finally budget. By the time you do all three, you will have clarity on which wallet to choose.
Pick Your Investor Profile and Needs
Understand which investor type you are by asking yourself whether you want to just trade in crypto markets, use leverage trading, invest for a short time, a long time, or do everything.
- For traders, an exchange wallet is best because it gives you easy access to trading markets.
- For leverage traders, you can either choose an exchange wallet or a hot wallet for trading on DEXs.
- For short-term investors, a hot wallet, whether mobile, desktop, or browser, is the perfect choice because they can see the impact of price movements easily and understand market behavior.
- For long-term investors. A cold wallet is best because it keeps crypto secure for longer periods by remaining offline when not in use.
- For those who want to do everything above, choose a hot wallet for frequent use and a cold wallet for long-term investing.
Set the Budget
Each wallet type is set for a different kind of user. Beginners prefer free crypto wallets like MetaMask, but serious investors need long-term storage plans and prefer cold wallets like Ledger.
However, beginner-friendly cold wallets start as low as $50.
Take a look at the type of investors above and decide which one best suits your needs.
Finalize Your Wallet
Mobile Wallet
A mobile wallet is best for frequent buyers and sellers. It is also suitable for beginners, as the cost and effort required for a cold wallet are not justified at the beginning.
Desktop Wallet
A desktop wallet is better suited for those who want to keep their crypto a little safer. Desktop wallets tend to have better security than mobile wallets. Most desktop wallets are available for free as well.
Browser Integrated Wallet
Browser-based wallets are easy to use for frequent DeFi users. These wallets provide a one-step connection to all DeFi protocols, but are at very high risk of being drained by scammers.
Wallet Best Practices
- Never disclose private keys to anyone.
- Always store private keys and seed phrases written on paper in a secure place to avoid being locked out of your own assets.
- Never use investment-related wallets in DeFi protocols; use a hot wallet to add an extra layer of security.
- Be aware of the latest cybercrime incidents in crypto markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Ledger Desktop Wallet for free without a hardware wallet?
No, because the software is designed only for use with Ledger hardware (cold) wallets.