If you’re buying, trading, or holding cryptocurrency in the UK, a reliable crypto wallet is essential. A crypto wallet doesn’t store your coins directly. Instead, it stores the public and private keys that let you access your crypto on the blockchain.
Think of it as the gateway to your digital assets. Lose your private key, and you could lose access to your coins. Choose the wrong wallet, and you might be exposing yourself to unnecessary risk. From security to usability, each wallet offers something different.
This guide compares the top crypto wallets for 2025—covering hot wallets, cold wallets, and options for all levels of experience. We’ve tested, reviewed, and ranked the best wallets available in the UK right now.
eToro Money Wallet is our top recommendation. It’s user-friendly, secure, and works directly with eToro’s trading platform. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a casual investor, it’s a reliable choice.
Rank | Wallet | Price (Approx. £) | Type | Platforms | Exchange Integration | Supported Coins | Best For |
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#1 | eToro Money Wallet | Free | Hot | iOS, Android | eToro platform only | 120+ | Beginners and daily traders |
#2 | Best Wallet | Free | Hot | iOS, Android | Best DEX | 60+ blockchains | DeFi users |
#3 | Coinbase Wallet | Free | Hot | iOS, Android, Browser Extension | Coinbase | 100+ | Coinbase users |
#4 | MoonPay | Free | Hot | iOS, Android, Web | Fiat-to-crypto on-ramp | 100+ | Simple crypto purchases |
#5 | Cypherock X1 | £150–£170 | Cold | Windows, Mac, Linux | No direct integration | 1,000+ | Maximum security |
#6 | Trezor Model T | £200–£220 | Cold | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android | 3rd-party (e.g. Exodus) | 1,800+ | Advanced coin support and safety |
#7 | Ledger Nano S Plus | £70–£90 | Cold | Windows, Mac, Linux, Mobile (OTG) | Ledger Live | 5,500+ | Secure, affordable cold storage |
#8 | Ledger Nano X | £120–£140 | Cold | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Ledger Live + 3rd-party apps | 5,500+ | High-end mobile security |
#9 | MetaMask | Free | Hot | iOS, Android, Browser Extension | Web3 and DeFi platforms | Ethereum + EVM | Easy access to Ethereum and dApps |
Why we like it: This wallet works seamlessly with the eToro trading platform. It’s a solid pick for anyone already using eToro for crypto investing.
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Who it’s best for: First-time investors who want a beginner-friendly wallet with integrated trading.
Why we like it: Best Wallet is designed for DeFi users and offers access to a wide range of blockchain networks through a sleek mobile interface.
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Who it’s best for: Active DeFi users who want a wallet that connects directly to Web3 protocols.
Why we like it: A strong standalone wallet that works well whether or not you use Coinbase’s exchange.
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Who it’s best for: Users already familiar with Coinbase or those seeking a simple mobile wallet.
Why we like it: MoonPay isn’t a wallet in the traditional sense, but it’s the easiest way to buy crypto using familiar payment methods.
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Who it’s best for: Users who want a quick, no-fuss way to buy crypto in the UK.
Why we like it: It adds layers of physical and digital protection, ideal for those with large crypto holdings.
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Who it’s best for: Serious investors or institutions prioritizing security above all.
Why we like it: A hardware wallet with a long-standing reputation and an open-source platform.
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Who it’s best for: Users who want an open-source, trusted cold wallet.
Why we like it: This wallet offers high security at a reasonable price, making it ideal for cold storage beginners.
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Who it’s best for: New cold wallet users or those managing multiple coins.
Why we like it: The Nano X adds mobility to Ledger’s trusted cold storage tech.
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Who it’s best for: Users who want secure, mobile cold storage on the go.
Why we like it: One of the most widely used Ethereum wallets. Essential for DeFi and NFTs.
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Who it’s best for: Anyone involved in Ethereum, NFTs, or Web3 apps.
Crypto wallets fall into two main categories: hot wallets and cold wallets. The right type for you depends on how often you use your crypto and how much security you need.
Hot wallets are always connected to the internet. They’re designed for speed and ease of use.
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Examples: MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, eToro Money Wallet
Cold wallets store your private keys offline. They’re physical devices that add an extra layer of protection.
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Examples: Ledger Nano X, Trezor Model T, Cypherock X1
Yes. Many serious investors use both types:
Crypto wallets don’t store coins. Instead, they hold two important keys:
Here’s how it works:
Wallet apps track your balance by scanning the blockchain for activity linked to your public key. Your funds stay on the blockchain—your wallet just gives you access to them.
The exact steps vary by wallet, but here are the basics:
Crypto transactions are permanent—there’s no undo button. That’s why wallet security is essential.
Losing access to your wallet doesn’t always mean losing your crypto—but it depends on the type of wallet you’re using.
If you lose a hardware wallet like a Ledger or Trezor, your assets are still safe as long as you’ve stored your recovery phrase. This is usually a 12- or 24-word phrase shown when you set up the wallet. You can use this phrase to recover your funds on a new device.
Tip: Write your recovery phrase on paper and store it offline in at least two secure places. Never store it digitally.
If you’re using a non-custodial hot wallet (like MetaMask), losing access without a recovery phrase means your funds are gone. There’s no backup.
With custodial wallets like eToro, the platform holds your keys and may offer account recovery through identity verification. This is safer for new users but means you’re trusting a third party with access to your funds.
Crypto wallets fall into two types—custodial and non-custodial. The difference comes down to who controls the private keys.
With custodial wallets, a company or platform holds your private keys. You access your crypto with a username and password, just like online banking.
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With non-custodial wallets, you’re in full control. Only you have access to your private keys and recovery phrase.
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The best wallets in 2025 offer more than just storage. Here are the features that matter most:
Different wallets suit different users. Here’s a quick guide to help you find one that fits your needs:
User Type | Recommended Wallets | Why It Works |
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Beginners | eToro Money Wallet, Coinbase Wallet | Simple to set up, user-friendly, easy recovery options |
Long-term holders | Ledger Nano X, Trezor Model T | Strong offline security, ideal for long-term storage |
DeFi users | Best Wallet, MetaMask | Built-in access to dApps and DeFi tools |
NFT collectors | MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet | Native NFT support, easy transfers |
Mobile-first | eToro Wallet, MetaMask Mobile | Mobile-optimized design with biometric logins |
Advanced traders | Cypherock X1, Ledger + desktop combo | Custom workflows, strong encryption, deep integration |
Crypto wallets are getting smarter, safer, and easier to use. Here’s where the space is headed:
These trends make crypto wallets more user-friendly while improving security. Whether you’re new to crypto or a long-time holder, the tools are getting better.
Cold wallets like Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T are considered the safest because they store your private keys offline, away from hackers.
Yes. Many users keep a hot wallet for daily use and a cold wallet for long-term storage. Using both adds flexibility and security.
Most hot wallets are free to download and use. Cold wallets are physical devices and typically cost between £70 and £200.
As long as you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on a new device. Without the phrase, there’s no way to access your crypto.
Yes. Some wallets—like MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, and Trust Wallet—support NFTs and display them in your account.