Desktop Wallets
Find the best Bitcoin wallet for your desktop computer.
Blockstream
Simple and secure desktop Bitcoin wallet with Lightning, Liquid support, and hardware wallet integration.
Unchained Vault
Collaborative custody multisig vault for securing bitcoin. Web app designed for desktop use with hardware wallet requirement.
Wasabi Wallet
Desktop wallet designed around maintaining privacy through advanced features such as Coinjoin and Tor routing.
Specter
Makes multisig wallets on desktop easy. Connect all your hardware wallets for multiple keys protecting your Bitcoin.
Electrum
One of the oldest and most trusted Bitcoin wallets with advanced features for privacy and fee settings.
Bitcoin Core
Bitcoin full node wallet that downloads the entire blockchain. Most private option but requires patience and resources.
Ledger Live
Desktop companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. Most secure desktop wallet option but requires a Ledger device.
Desktop wallets are a great option for anyone sending frequent Bitcoin payments from their computer.
Key Takeaways
- Desktop wallets offer more features and control than mobile wallets.
- Large amounts of bitcoin should not be stored on a desktop wallet alone.
- All of the wallets listed on this page can be made more secure by using them with a hardware wallet.
Compare Desktop Bitcoin Wallets
| Wallet | Best For | Platforms | Open Source | Hardware Wallet | Full Node |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Blockstream
|
Best Overall | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | |
|
Unchained Vault
|
Multisig & Inheritance | ✗ No | Required | ✗ No | |
|
Wasabi Wallet
|
Privacy | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | |
|
Specter
|
Multisig | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | |
|
Electrum
|
Advanced Users | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | |
|
Bitcoin Core
|
Full Node / Maximum Privacy | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Required | |
|
Ledger Live
|
Ledger Hardware Wallets | ✗ No | Required | ✗ No |
Wallet Details
Blockstream
The Blockstream app guides you from your first bitcoin purchase to full self-custody, all inside one elegant, security-first Bitcoin experience. Built by the pioneers of Bitcoin wallet architecture, it's 100% open-source software and independently auditable.
- Effortless setup — open a wallet in seconds
- Buy Bitcoin in under 60 seconds via exchange partners
- 100% open-source and independently auditable
- On-chain Bitcoin, Lightning, and Liquid assets in one view
- Hardware wallet support (Blockstream Jade, Ledger, Trezor)
- Connect to your own full node
- Tor support built-in for privacy
- No mandatory documents or personal data required
- Multilingual (15+ languages)
- Available on Windows, Mac (x86, ARM64, Universal), and Linux (Flatpak, AppImage)
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Advanced features can be overwhelming
- No native mobile sync (use mobile apps separately)
Unchained Vault
Note: This is a web application, not a traditional desktop wallet. It's designed to be used on your computer through a browser and requires hardware wallets for key management.
Unchained Vault is a collaborative custody solution that uses 2-of-3 multisig to secure your bitcoin. You hold two keys while Unchained secures a backup key. This is a web application designed to be used on your desktop computer - more secure than a standard desktop wallet because it requires hardware wallets and uses multisig protection.
- Two-of-three multisig security - more secure than standard desktop wallets
- You control two keys, Unchained holds backup key
- Collaborative custody means help when you need it
- Protect yourself from single points of failure
- Built-in inheritance planning for your heirs
- Key replacement is simple - transaction history persists
- Secure cosignatures available while traveling
- Business vaults available for teams and entities
- 5.0 rating on Google Reviews
- Unchained Connections lets you secure keys for family
- Requires hardware wallets to use
- Web app, not a native desktop application
- Premium service with associated costs
- Unchained holds one key (though cannot move funds alone)
Wasabi Wallet
Wasabi wallet is a desktop (as well as mobile) wallet designed around maintaining privacy through advanced features such as Coinjoin and tor routing.
- Open Source
- Full Segwit support
- Coinjoin functionality
- All traffic routed through Tor
- Connect to full node
- Works with Ledger, Trezor and Coldcard hardware wallets
- Advanced features make this not a beginner wallet
Specter
Specter makes multisig wallets on desktop a total breeze. You can use this easy and intuitive desktop wallet software to connect all your hardware wallets so that you have multiple keys protecting your Bitcoins! The simple interface and fast setup means anyone can hold coins like a true pro.
- Open Source
- Multisig made easy
- Connect Ledger, Trezor, and others
- Connect to full node
- DIY hardware compatible
- OSX, Windows, and Linux compatible
- Overkill for small amounts of Bitcoin
Electrum
Warning: There are a lot of fake versions of Electrum out there. Make sure you verify you are installing the real Electrum.
Electrum is one of the oldest and most trusted Bitcoin wallets on the market. It also sports advanced features for privacy and fee settings.
- Connect to full node
- Compatible with most hardware wallets
- One of the oldest Bitcoin wallets
- Works with Ledger, Trezor, Keepkey, Bitbox, Coldcard
- Open Source
- More advanced wallet not ideal for beginners
- iOS version widely considered inferior to Android version
- Traditional stock dashboard may distract from crypto-only holders
Bitcoin Core
Bitcoin Core is a Bitcoin full node wallet, meaning it downloads the entire Bitcoin blockchain. It is the most private Bitcoin wallet although it takes patience and quite some time to setup. You also need a reliable internet connection, as well plenty of bandwidth and hard drive space.
- Full node required
- Great for Bitcoiners with no other coins
- Compatible with most hardware wallets
- Developed by some of the best devs in the crypto
- Works with Ledger, Trezor, Keepkey, Bitbox, Coldcard
- Bitcoin Only - no altcoin supported
- Basic wallet with limited features
Ledger Live
Ledger Live is a little bit different than all the other desktop wallets on this list. That's because you actually need a Ledger hardware wallet for it to work. This makes it by far the most secure desktop wallet on this list, but it also means that using it isn't exactly 'free'.
- Most secure
- Easy to use
- All crypto in one dashboard
- Compatible with Ledger Hardware Wallets
- Supports BTC, ETH, LTC, and hundreds of other coins
- Must buy a Ledger hardware wallet to use
- Confirming transactions can be confusing for new users
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use a desktop Bitcoin wallet?
If you're on your computer a lot and don't need super secure storage, a desktop wallet is a good choice.
Do desktop wallets work with hardware wallets?
Yes, many desktop wallets allow the user to utilize a hardware wallet as the signer of transactions. This means that the private key is not held on the computer the desktop wallet is installed on.
Instead, the private key is held on a hardware wallet, and the desktop wallet is used as an interface for the hardware wallet. The desktop wallet sends transaction data to the hardware wallet to sign off on. If you've ever used Ledger Live, this is essentially how it works as well.
Can I store large amounts of bitcoins in a desktop wallet?
You can, but this isn't recommended.
If you want to use a desktop wallet but need to store large amounts of Bitcoin, its best to utilize a hardware wallet to sign transactions for the desktop wallet (as mentioned above).
KeepKey, TREZOR, and Ledger Nano X all work with Electrum. TREZOR One and Model T and the Ledger Nano S and X all work with Copay.
Setup is very easy and you can have your hardware wallet securely signing transactions via your desktop wallet in just a few minutes.
What's the difference between a desktop wallet and a web wallet?
Web wallets are more like accounts. A web wallet makes you set a password which it uses to encrypt your wallet on the web wallet server.
Desktop wallets are actual apps that are installed on your computer.
Are desktop wallets free?
Yes, all desktop wallets are free. Hardware wallets are the only type of wallet that costs money.
If someone has access to my computer can they access my bitcoins?
It depends. Many desktop wallets encrypt your private keys and request a password to decrypt it every time you open the wallet. This means that you need to enter a password in order to send bitcoins from most desktop wallets.
How do I backup my desktop wallet?
Most wallets generate a seed on setup. You write this seed down on a piece of paper and it can be used to restore your wallet if you lose your computer or have it stolen.
Can I use more than one desktop wallet at a time?
Yes, of course. We suggest trying many different desktop wallets and then deciding which one has the features you're interested in.
What is the difference between Blockstream Green and Aqua?
While both of these Bitcoin and Liquid wallets are made by Blockstream, only Blockstream Green is available for desktop. Aqua is only available as a mobile wallet on iOS (Android version available late 2021). The other difference is that Blockstream Green uses a 2-of-2 multisig to protect your coins from hackers. Aqua is a single signature wallet, meaning anyone with access to your phone (either physically or remotely) could steal your coins. In exchange for the increased risk, the wallet is easier to use.
Aqua is new, and if you have an iOS device, it can be a great addition to Blockstream Green Desktop.
Does Blockstream Jade work with Blockstream Green Desktop?
Yes, you can now use the Blockstream Green app on your desktop to set up your wallet on your Blockstream Jade hardware wallet!
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Desktop wallets can be vulnerable to malware and hacking—always use a hardware wallet for large amounts. Features and availability can change without notice. Always verify you're downloading from official sources. Some links on this page may be affiliate links.