Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are one of the most exciting technologies in circulation. What started as a frenzy about “JPEGs” and social media profile pictures (PFPs) has expanded into an expansive ecosystem.
NFTs form a major part of the web3 realm, and in the web3 space, there is nothing more important than the security of assets and identities. Thus, NFT wallets are secured spots where NFTs can be safely secured, kept, and accessed. Whether you are a newbie or an old-timer, NFT wallets are a must-have for collectors, creators, and traders.
This article explores the best NFT wallets to use in 2023. To save you the stress, we have also compiled a list of their pros and cons to guide you in your decision-making. The only thing you have to do is read to the end. Without wasting more time, let’s dive in!
Best NFT Wallets
Due to the fast growth of the NFT market, there are many NFT wallet service providers. These wallets offer customers different experiences, especially regarding access and interoperability. Nonetheless, here are the top NFT wallets in 2023:
Metamask
Few wallet services can match Metamask‘s popularity. The crypto wallet was founded in 2016 by ConsenSys, making it one of the earliest crypto wallets. One of the primary reasons for its popularity is the abundance of features that make it simple to use. It’s also one of the most interoperable wallets, supporting numerous blockchains and over 600,000 cryptocurrencies. Surprisingly, the platform does not support Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency.
Metamask is available as a mobile web wallet or a browser extension. Users can get their hands on various digital collectibles from blockchains that support Metamask. Furthermore, Metamask allows users to have multiple addresses where they keep their NFTs and crypto. This feature prevents total asset loss if one of the wallet addresses is compromised.
The crypto wallet also includes an in-app swap feature, which allows users to swap cryptos without leaving the app. Despite these benefits, Metamask is not recommended for newcomers to the NFT market because the platform is best suited for intermediate to professional use.
Pros:
- Shows NFT on various blockchains
- compatibility with multiple devices
- Provides guides for NFT market newcomers
- Users have access to numerous cryptocurrencies
- Allows multiple in-wallet accounts
Cons:
- Slow processing time
- Doesn’t support Bitcoin
- Users have to add preferred cryptos manually
Zengo
Zengo is one of the fast-rising wallet services in the NFT market. The NFT wallet was created in 2018 by Ouriel Ohayon, Tal Be’ery, and Omer Shlomovits, and in 2021, the company raised $20 million in a funding round led by tech giants like Samsung. One of the reasons why Zengo is gaining widespread use in the NFT marketplace is its user-friendly interface and its security mechanism.
Unlike other non-custodial wallets, Zengo is the first to introduce a Web3 wallet with no private key vulnerabilities. Private keys give access to wallets; when users lose them, they lose access to their wallets and assets; however, with Zengo, that has been replaced with biometrics, a much safer and more advanced security mechanism. Thus, through biometrics, users can easily recover their wallets through a simple 2-step verification process.
While Zengo has these features, it doesn’t support as many assets and blockchains as most other wallet services on this list. Another drawback is the long time it takes for transactions to be completed. Despite these challenges, the platform remains one of the best options for users, especially newbies just entering the crypto market. Additionally, Zengo has 24/7 customer service with real people.
Pros
- 24/7 active in-app customer service
- Secured by cryptography instead of private keys
- Offers more security
- No KYC requirements
- Cryptocurrency portfolio tracking option
Cons
- Limited variety of cryptocurrencies on the platform
- Long transaction processing time.
- Supports only Ethereum NFTs.
Math Wallet
Math Wallet is one of the best overall NFT wallets, founded in 2019 by Eric Yu and Ke Qiao. The wallet is a cloud, mobile, and web wallet. Compared to other wallets, Math Wallet supports over 140 blockchains, ranging from top ones to lesser-known ones. That includes blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, and Filecoin.
One of the exciting features of Math Wallet is that it allows you to sync your hardware wallets with their mobile or web applications. It also allows users to create multiple wallet addresses at the same time to keep the NFTs they are holding. Additionally, the platform has features that help users efficiently search for digital collectibles. Like Metamask, users can swap and stake cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum Classic.
Math Wallet is a good option for users looking for an alternative to Metamask. In addition to the features mentioned, the wallet is easy-to-use, especially for beginners. Depositing and withdrawing are straightforward on the app, even though it doesn’t have a built-in exchange.
Pros:
- Supports multiple blockchains.
- Accessible as a browser extension.
- Wallet extension supports any browser.
- Features a dedicated dApp Store.
- Developer friendly.
Cons:
- Slow app load time
- Slow customer support
Trust Wallet
Trust Wallet is one of the most popular non-custodial wallets. The wallet was created in 2017 by Viktor Radchenko, who later sold it to Binance in 2018. Trust Wallet is a mobile-only wallet and features a user-friendly interface. The wallet has improved over the years to give users a better experience.
Like most other wallet services, Trust Wallet has a dAPP browser that lets users easily browse and access the best digital collectibles on the market. It also features a built-in exchange that allows users to exchange and swap tokens without exiting the platform. However, exchanging coins on Trust Wallet doesn’t come for free.
The wallet supports over 54 blockchains, including Ethereum, but due to its link to Binance, the platform offers more support for smart chain tokens. Likewise, the platform is not the best to use when it comes to security. Unlike most other NFT wallets available to users, the platform still uses keyphrases, which lowers the chances of account recovery should a user misplace the phrase. Nonetheless, it is one of the best platforms for novice traders just entering the NFT market. Its support for hardware wallets also makes it one of the most convenient to use in the NFT market.
Pros
- Supports hardware wallets
- Features an In-app dApp browser
- Users can stake and swap coins
- The platform supports multiple digital assets
- Users have complete control over NFTs
Cons
- The platform lists unverified tokens.
- Difficulty swapping tokens.
- High transaction fees charged on exchange and swaps
- Low-security level
Ledger Nano X
Ledger Nano X is a hardware NFT wallet that lets users store their digital assets offline. Unlike software NFT wallets, Ledger Nano runs on a trading and storage software device. Ledger Nano X has the shape of a USB drive and has connection ports.
Cold wallets are a good option in an NFT market rife with scams and hacks. With a cold wallet, the user is rest assured that no third party will have access to their wallet. Thus, Ledger Nano X is one of the best NFT wallets for security.
However, to trade or transfer the NFT out of the wallet, users will need to connect to the internet. But accessing the wallet requires a seed phrase of 14 to 24 words for authentication. One of the exciting features of Ledger is that users can trade NFT collectibles and cryptocurrencies through the markets on Ledger.
The wallet features over 5,500 coins and tokens and supports top blockchain platforms. Likewise, users can stake their assets in Ledger Live or lend out their cryptos through the same app. For new users, the Ledger Nano X is one of the most convenient wallets to start with. It is easy to set up and highly secured.
Pros
- Fast transactions
- Easy-to-use and user-friendly platform.
- Users can connect their Nano X device through Bluetooth with AES encryption.
- Support a wide variety of cryptocurrencies.
Cons
- It doesn’t have a built-in exchange platform for trades
Enijin
Enijin is an NFT wallet that is popular amongst web3 gamers and NFT collectors. Created in 2009 by Maxim Biagov and Witek Radomski, Enijin was initially designed as a gaming network. But since the NFT rave, the platform has become a forerunner in the NFT market with its ERC-1155 token protocol.
Enijin is a top choice NFT wallet for collecting in-game NFTs and other digital collectibles for ease of convenience and use. It features an exceptional user interface. Users can easily navigate NFT collections and curate NFTs from their preferred collections. In addition, the platform has its native token, “ENJ,” which users can also use to trade digital assets.
Enijin allows users to create, register, and create multiple wallet addresses free of charge. Users can also set trading limits and calculate fees before executing trades. Also, Enijin features a native NFT marketplace where users can create NFTs and list them for sale. In addition to that, NFT collectors have access to NFT projects from various NFT marketplaces. The platform also supports many languages and local currencies. Users can also link their hardware wallets to their Enijin wallets.
Pros
- Features a native NFT marketplace.
- Supports a wide variety of cryptocurrencies.
- It has a two-layer protection mechanism.
- Its system prevents keylogging, screenshotting, and recording of video.
- Users can access custom libraries through Enjin.
- Allows users to create NFTs
Cons
- The wallet is not open source.
- Supports a limited number of Ethereum NFTs.
Coinbase Wallet
Coinbase is one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world. But aside from that, Coinbase also has a non-custodial NFT wallet service that is one of the tops in the NFT market. Unlike trading and keeping crypto assets on Coinbase, NFT holders using the Coinbase wallet have complete control over their assets.
One feature that sets Coinbase Wallet apart is using usernames instead of wallet addresses. That removes the stress of ensuring that a wallet address is correct, as users can quickly identify each other through their usernames. Also, the platform has an inbuilt exchange feature, making it easy for users to swap coins or exchange their NFTs for cryptocurrencies.
New users will find Coinbase Wallet one of the most user-friendly wallet services. The platform features a first-time user guide that instructs users on how to navigate its interface. In addition, the wallet also has a feed that provides users with up-to-date news and events in the NFT market.
Pros
- A good option for new users.
- Ease of transactions.
- Uses Usernames instead of wallet addresses.
- Has a high-security level.
- Features educational modules on NFT.
- Users can fund their wallets using their debit cards.
Cons
- Privacy concerns due to the use of usernames for transactions
- Poor customer service.
- High transaction fees.
Binance NFT Wallet
Aside from Coinbase, Binance is another cryptocurrency exchange platform offering NFT wallet services to users. Binance NFT is the arm of the company dedicated to NFT trading and exchanges. As a result, Binance NFT features an NFT wallet that users can install as a browser extension.
Aside from the usual benefits of NFT wallet services, the Binance NFT wallet offers more to users due to its link to the crypto exchange Binance. Getting started is straightforward, especially for users who already use Binance for crypto trades or exchanges. Unlike most other wallet services, Binance NFT wallet requires users to fulfill some KYC requirements, which include providing personal information about themselves. But an added benefit of that is that users can easily recover lost passwords using their email addresses and cell numbers.
Users can exchange their NFTs for tokens and trade on the Binance NFT marketplace. Likewise, NFT creators can also try their hands at the platform’s AI NFT generator, “Bicasso,” which can create over 10,000 in minutes.
Pros
- Supports a wide variety of cryptocurrencies
- Features an AI NFT generator, “Bicasso.”
- It has a dedicated Marketplace
- High NFT volume and liquidity.
- Fast Fiat cash out.
Cons
- It has a limited NFT gallery.
- Users can only access Binance Chain NFTs from a web browser extension.
Kukai Wallet
Kukai Wallet is a web-based NFT wallet widely used on the Tezos blockchain. It is one of the most secure and unique NFT wallets available to users on Tezos. You can securely store and access all your digital assets and collectibles in the wallet.
One of its unique features is how users get rewarded for creating content on Tezos. In return for the contents, users are rewarded in the blockchain’s native currency, which they can then use to purchase digital assets and keep in their wallets. Also, users can stake their digital assets and earn passive income from being a part of staking pools.
Kukai is open-sourced; there are no hidden details or information about activities on the platform. There are no hidden details or information. Everything about the platform is open to the public to see and verify. It has a quick user verification system, and users can access the platform through desktop and Android versions. In addition, users can also import an already existing wallet and connect a hardware wallet.
Pros
- Access to Google, Reddit, and Twitter with a single click.
- Kukai has a vibrant community that aids in the growth of the network and instructs traders.
- To improve the security of your wallet, you can use its offline sign-in feature.
- Users can import non-fungible tokens from other sources.
Cons
- The user interface is not very good.
- The only token supported by the Kukai wallet is Tezos.
Alpha Wallet
The last wallet on our list is Alpha Wallet, an open-source mobile NFT wallet. It is a multi-chain Ethereum offering native support for NFTs and blockchain games. The wallet is open-source, meaning that the team is transparent about how assets are kept in the wallet. Also, it is a self-custodial, otherwise called a non-custodial wallet. Hence, users have full control over their assets and their private keys.
Alphawallet is a good choice for NFT collectors just starting. The wallet is mobile-based and available to download from Android or IOS app stores. That means users can access it using their phones without stress. Users can add meta tags to their tokens when browsing their collection to make searching for and filtering them easier.
The wallet gives users access to some of the most reputable NFT collections in the world. The wallet is also supported on Opensea – the largest NFT marketplace in the NFT market. Likewise, search features in the wallet make it easy for users to browse through NFT collections and marketplaces.
Pros
- Features an inbuilt dAPP browser.
- Open-source NFT wallet.
- Simple-to-use interface.
- Active developer community.
- Users can tokenize their business assets.
Cons
- Only supports Ethereum NFTs
Top NFT Wallets Compared
Wallet Name | Privacy | Chains | Versatility | Fees |
Metamask | Encryption, Seed phrase | Ethereum | Staking available, cross-device usage, supports Metaverse | 0.875% |
Zengo | Encryption, no KYC required | Multichain – Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tezos | Staking available, cross-device usage, supports Metaverse | Free |
Math Wallet | 2-factor authentication, mnemonic phrases, private keys | Multichain – over 70 blockchains | Staking available, cross-device usage, supports Metaverse | 0.0005 BTC |
Trust Wallet | Private key, 2-factor authentication | BSC Ethereum | Staking available, cross-device usage, supports Metaverse | 5% |
Ledger Nano X | Cold Storage, Seed Phrase | Ethereum | Staking available, cross-device usage, supports Metaverse | $12.5 per contract |
Enjin | Encryption, Anti-keylogging | Ethereum | Staking available, cross-device useage, supports Metaverse | $0 |
Binance NFT Wallet | Cold storage, two-factor authentication, API access control | BSC | Staking available, cross-device useage, supports Metaverse | 1% |
Coinbase Wallet | Encryption, 2-factor authentication | Ethereum | Staking available, cross-device use | $0 |
Kukai Wallet | 2-factor authentication | Tezos | Staking available, cross-device use | $0 |
Alpha Wallet | Encryption, Seed phrase | Ethereum | Staking available, cross-device useage, supports Metaverse | Free |
Key Features of an NFT Wallet
When deciding on what NFT wallet to use, there are some things users need to consider. However, most of these features are present in the wallets we ranked. Here are some of the features:
Ease of Use
A good NFT will have a good interface that makes buying and selling NFTs easy. Users should be able to navigate and browse through NFT collections on the platform without stress. The platform should also be easy for new users to use.
Multichain Support
While Ethereum is the most widely used blockchain for NFTs, several others do as well. To provide you with easy access to as many NFTs as possible, you should have a wallet that is compatible with as many chains as possible.
Compatibility
The NFT marketplaces you want to purchase from should be compatible with your NFT wallet. If it isn’t supported, you won’t be able to buy the NFTs you want, so it’s a no-go.
Cross-device use
Accessing your NFTs from a desktop or mobile device can be helpful. Especially for people who are always on the go, having a wallet they can easily access from different devices is the right option.
Security Features
The NFT market is rife with scams and fraudulent actors. You might lose all your digital assets if these illicit actors access your wallet. Thus, check the security features of the NFT wallet of your choice.
What is an NFT Wallet?
NFT wallets let users store and keep their digital assets, including NFTs and cryptocurrencies. These virtual wallets also allow users to acquire new assets and collectibles with their existing assets.
However, unlike electronic bank wallets that hold your money, NFT wallets do not hold your digital assets. Instead, they merely track the location of your NFTs on the blockchain. Since the NFT bloom, NFT wallet platforms have increased, offering more functionality to the wallets. Some wallets let users stake their assets and earn passive income as rewards. Some wallets feature inbuilt marketplaces to allow users to mint and easily sell NFTs.
One of the benefits of using NFT wallets is that it protects the user from third-party interference. Thus, users can securely buy NFTs using their private keys to conceal their identities. Also, it helps users store NFTs in a safe place. With NFT wallets, users have complete control over the assets kept in them.
NFT Wallet Types
Software wallet
Software wallets are the most commonly used NFT wallets. This is because they are easier to use and less technical to operate. Also called “hot wallets,” they are applications installed on computers or mobile devices. A definitive feature of hot wallets is that they remain available online and are easily accessible to users. MetaMask, Math Wallet, Coinbase Wallet, and Zengo are some of the most popular hot wallets.
Hardware wallet
While software wallets offer more convenient access, hardware wallets give your NFT assets more security. Hardware wallets, also called “cold wallets,” remain offline from internet connections, unlike software wallets that stay online. As a result, it is nearly impossible to steal those assets from the hardware wallets digitally. On the downside, losing the hardware storage device means a user can never recover it, except if they find it. Some well-known cold wallets include Ledger, Trezor, etc.
FAQs
- Can I sell NFTs without an NFT wallet?
No, you can’t. Wallets are virtual purses where you keep your digital assets and link to marketplaces. Hence, not having a wallet is like trying to transfer money without a bank account.
- What is the safest NFT wallet?
Enijin and Trust Wallet are two of the most secure NFT wallets. However, how to secure an NFT wallet also depends on the user. Even with all the extra layers of security, hackers can still gain access to the wallets if the user isn’t cautious.
- Can you own an NFT without a wallet?
Most NFT marketplaces require users to connect with an NFT wallet. So, it is only possible to own an NFT with a wallet. Since NFTs are digital assets, the wallets are virtual purses where they are kept.
- Do you need a wallet to mint an NFT?
Yes. NFT wallets are needed to join a marketplace where you will mint and store the NFT.
- How do I create an NFT wallet?
Creating an NFT wallet is pretty straightforward. The first step is choosing a wallet and then creating an account on the platform’s website. For instance, if you want to create a Metamask wallet, you visit Metamask’s website and sign-up for one.
- How many NFT wallets are there?
Since the NFT boom of 2021, many NFT wallets have emerged, offering unique experiences to users. There are many NFT wallets in the market, but some of the most popular ones are Metamask, Zengo, Math Wallet, and Alpha Wallet.