It’s hard for a beginner to decide on a program for storing ether. That’s why we’ll take a look at the 5 best, in our opinion, options that will suit a beginner crypto-investor.
Ethereum Wallets | Top 5 Popular Options
Ethereum wallets are available as an online service, a browser extension, a computer and smartphone program. They are released by official blockchain developers, third-party companies, programmers, and cryptocurrency exchanges. But below we will talk only about those that are used most often and have proven themselves on the positive side.
ETH Web Wallet
Online wallet, which, in our opinion, is the best and most versatile solution among ether owners. ETH Web Wallet gives access to the asset online and is not tied to the user’s computer. That is, it is used for “hot” storage, so it is very fast and convenient to conduct operations with it. However, it requires a stable Internet connection.
Advantages:
- first, the ability to work with Ethereum and other ERC-20 tokens;
- second, clear and convenient interface;
- third, synchronization with cold Ethereum storage.
But there is a disadvantage – the possibility of hacking in case the user doesn’t comply with the security rules when working on the Internet. At the same time, the security of the service itself is provided by multi-level protection.
Mist
Ethereum wallet, developed by the creators of ether. It is used for cold storage of cryptocurrency on a computer. But for authorization you need a key, which the user receives during registration. It is recommended that you keep it on a separate medium, as well as multiple copies. If you lose the file, you won’t be able to access coins.
Advantages:
- first, the ability to exchange ether for dollars and vice versa in the wallet itself;
- second, cryptocurrency storage with provision of access to trusted persons;
- third, compatibility with other ERC-20 tokens issued on the Ethereum blockchain.
The main disadvantage of Mist is its slow operation and the need to store the blockchain on the computer, which requires a lot of free space.
Ledger Nano S
This is a hardware wallet for storing cryptocurrency. It is sold as a device that connects to a smartphone or laptop. But thanks to the combination of cryptographic and hardware security, remote access to the stored coins is impossible.
Advantages:
- first, absolute security for secure storage of cryptocurrency;
- second, compatibility with ether, ERC-20 tokens and other coins;
- third, possibility to use on computer or smartphone.
Disadvantage – the need to buy the device at a fairly high price. At the moment the cost of Ledger Nano S on different resources is in the range of 80-120 dollars.
Jaxx
This is a cryptocurrency wallet that can be accessed through a browser, computer app, or smartphone app. It’s available for most of the operating systems used.
Advantages:
- ability to store various cryptocurrencies, including those on other blockchains;
- possibility of exchange through built-in tools.
Disadvantage – insufficient protection against remote hacking. Together with Jaxx installation we advise you to buy additional software for additional protection of your data.
Metamask
A popular wallet that works as a browser extension. Available for all popular browsers except Safari.
Advantages:
- you can work with any tokens on ERC-20;
- keys are stored on the computer;
- user-friendly interface.
The disadvantage is insufficient security. Therefore, using such an Ethereum wallet, it is necessary to take measures to protect the authorization data yourself. Metamask is quite a frequent object of hacker attacks, but the developers are constantly working to improve the security of the wallet. Despite the vulnerability, many users fancy this wallet.
Conclusion
In this article, we have given information about only 5 wallets. On the network you can find a huge variety of services for storing Ethereum – software, online, mobile wallets.
Remember that any service requires verification. Look at the ratings, find reviews, look for attempts of attacks on the selected wallet. Yes, you will spend some of your time searching for information, but it can save you from losing your funds.