Looking for the best Cardano wallet? In this guide, we’ll rank the best options based on factors like user-friendliness, staking support, and security!
Quick look: The Best Cardano Wallets
- Daedalus
- Eternl
- Yoroi
- Nami
- Exodus Wallet
- Flint
- VESPR
- Atomic Wallet
- Ledger
Daedalus
Daedalus is a software wallet built specifically for the Cardano blockchain. Daedalus is supported by Input/Output — a project co-founded by Charles Hoskinson, the creator of Cardano.
Pros
- Full node: Daedalus downloads a full copy of the Cardano blockchain and independently validates each transaction. This is considered a better option for security and decentralization.
- Desktop support: Daedalus supports Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Mentioned on the Cardano website: While Cardano does not have an official wallet, Daedalus is the primary wallet highlighted on the official Cardano website.
- Open source: Daedalus is open source — which means that all code is available to review and audit online!
- Staking: Daedalus allows you to stake ADA and earn rewards directly on the wallet.
Cons
- Supports only Cardano: Daedalus does not support other blockchains — which means it’s not the best option if you want to hold all of your crypto in a single wallet!
- Downsides of full node: Users on Reddit have complained that Daedalus takes a long time to sync blockchain transactions. In addition, Daedalus requires 10GB of space to download.
- No mobile support: Currently, Daedalus does not have a mobile application on the App Store and Google Play.
Eternl
Eternl is a software wallet designed specifically for the Cardano blockchain. Eternl is one of the most recommended Cardano wallets on Reddit!
Pros
- Desktop and mobile support: Eternl is available as a mobile app on the App Store and Google Play, as well as browser extensions like Brave Browser and Google Chrome!
- Fast: Users have praised Eternl for quickly synchronizing transactions.
- Staking and decentralized apps: Eternl makes it easy for users to get started staking and connect to decentralized apps!
Cons
- Not open source: Unlike some of the other wallets listed, Eternl is not open source. Because of this, some have complained about Eternl’s lack of transparency.
- Complex interface: Some users have criticized Eternl for having a complex interface that isn’t suited for beginner investors.
Yoroi
Yoroi is one of the most popular software wallets for Cardano and Ergo. Yoroi does not require a download to get started and is available on mobile and desktop!
Pros
- Browser extension & mobile: Yoroi is available as a browser extension and a mobile app — making it easy to use across different devices!
- Open source: Yoroi’s code is fully open source.
- Privacy: Yoroi can generate new external addresses for each transaction — helping you maintain your privacy!
- Staking pools: Yoroi allows you to use multiple staking pools to earn rewards. That means there’s no need to download and sync the entire Cardano blockchain to get started with staking!
Cons
- Buggy interface: Some users have reported bugs in the Yoroi user interface.
Nami
Nami is a browser-based wallet built specifically for Cardano. The wallet has been praised for its user-friendly interface!
Pros
- User friendly: Nami has been praised for its slick user interface and quick sync times!
- Browser extension: Nami is available as a browser extension on Chrome, Brave browser, and Edge!
- Staking pool support: Nami allows you to earn staking rewards through staking pools.
Cons
- No mobile app: Nami is only available as a browser extension and does not have a mobile app available.
Exodus Wallet
Exodus Wallet is a popular wallet for beginner crypto investors. Exodus is a great option if you’re looking for a wallet that can store all of your crypto-assets — including coins outside of the Cardano ecosystem like ETH and BTC!
Pros
- Cryptocurrency support: Exodus Wallet supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies — including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cardano.
- Customer service: Unlike other software wallets, Exodus Wallet offers responsive customer support!
- ADA staking: Exodus allows users to get started earning ADA staking rewards!
Cons
- Not built for Cardano: Because Exodus wasn’t built for Cardano, it may not have the same level of functionality as Cardano-native wallets.
- Closed source: Exodus Wallet is not an open source wallet.
Flint
Flint is a cryptocurrency wallet built for Cardano (with support for Solana and Ethereum coming soon!) The wallet is a great choice for users looking for a mobile-friendly Cardano wallet.
Pros
- Desktop and mobile: Flint is available as a browser extension and a mobile app!
- dApp browser: Flint has a dApp browser so that you can find new decentralized applications built on the Cardano blockchain!
- User friendly: Flint has been praised for its user-friendly interface!
Cons
- No staking on browser extension: Currently, Flint’s browser extension does not support staking.
- Lack of updates: Some users have complained that Flint has not been updated in recent months.
VESPR
VESPR is an open source software wallet for Cardano. VESPR is available on mobile and has been praised for its fast speeds!
Pros
- Mobile friendly: VESPR’s mobile app has been praised for being user friendly and incredibly fast!
- Community ran: VESPR’s community votes on features for the project’s developers to prioritize — which means that you have a voice when it comes to improving the wallet!
- Staking support: VESPR allows users to earn staking rewards of up to 3%.
- Open source: VESPR’s code is open source and available to view on Github!
Cons
- No desktop support: Currently, VESPR is only available as a mobile app. VESPR does not have a desktop application or a browser extension.
Atomic Wallet
Atomic Wallet is a non-custodial wallet that boasts a user-friendly interface and a substantial user base of over 5,000,000 individuals worldwide. Atomic Wallet supports more than 500 coins and tokens — including Cardano!
Pros
- Full support for Cardano transactions: Atomic Wallet users can securely and anonymously store, purchase, swap, and stake Cardano. Users have the flexibility to buy Bitcoin (BTC) and easily convert it into ADA, or vice versa!
- Available on all devices: Atomic Wallet is available for use on various devices — including PC, Mac, Android, and iOS — ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users!
- Highly secure: Atomic Wallet places an emphasis on security. The wallet grants users complete control over their private keys.
Cons
- No browser extension: At this time, Atomic Wallet does not offer a browser extension.
Ledger
Ledger is one of the world’s most popular hardware wallets. Ledger supports cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, and ADA — making it one of the best options for investors looking for multi-chain support and highly-secure storage.
Pros
- Highly secure: Hardware wallets like Ledger store your private keys offline — protecting you from potential hacks!
- Software wallet pairings: Ledger can be paired with software wallets like Daedalus so that you can make transactions while keeping your private keys safe!
- Staking rewards: By pairing Ledger with a software wallet, you can earn staking rewards.
Cons
- Price: Unlike the other wallets mentioned in this guide, you’ll need to pay for a Ledger wallet. The Ledger Nano S Plus is currently listed at $79.
How should I choose a Cardano wallet?
If you’re looking to get started with a Cardano wallet, you should consider the following factors.
Reputation: Unfortunately, the cryptocurrency ecosystem is rife with scams. Before you choose a cryptocurrency wallet, be sure to read third-party reviews and testimonials.
Security: Look at the security features your Cardano wallet offers — such as two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption.
Purpose: Understand your purpose for getting started with a cryptocurrency wallet. Will you be making transactions on decentralized applications on a regular basis, or are you more interested in long-term security? Answering this question can help you understand what type of wallet is best for you.
Open source: Open source wallets have source code available for anyone to review and audit. Because transparency is a core value of the crypto ecosystem, many investors prefer open source wallets.
Supported devices: Some Cardano wallets only support desktop, while others only support mobile. Before you get started, understand which devices you’re likely to use when making Cardano transactions.
Supported blockchains: Before you get started, consider whether you want a cryptocurrency wallet that supports multiple blockchains. These wallets may be more convenient, but may lack features supported by Cardano-specific wallets.
How do I get started with Cardano staking?
To get started with ADA staking, you should download a Cardano wallet with staking functionality. Wallets like Yoroi allow you to delegate your crypto to a staking pool and get started earning rewards in minutes.
For more information, check out our guide on the best ways to stake Cardano.
Do Cardano wallets report to the IRS?
At this time, decentralized wallet providers are not required to report to the IRS. However, it’s important to note that the IRS works with contractors like Chainalysis to track publicly available crypto transactions and crack down on tax fraud.
Should I use a hardware wallet for Cardano?
Hardware wallets like Ledger are a great way to keep your ADA secure.
Because hardware wallets generate your private keys offline, you’re less likely to lose your crypto in a hack. In addition, hardware wallets can pair with software wallets like Daedalus so that you continue to make transactions on the Cardano blockchain.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official wallet for Cardano?
What wallet is best for Cardano?
What is the safest wallet for Cardano?
What Cardano wallet is best for mobile?
