If you’re a cryptocurrency investor from the United Kingdom, there’s a wealth of crypto wallets for UK users that will do a great job of keeping your digital assets safe and sound. We’re highlighting a diverse range of crypto wallet options to ensure that every type of cryptocurrency investor can find a wallet to suit their needs.
Our list includes two hardware wallets, two crypto exchanges with a great track record on security, and four non-custodial software wallets.
Hardware wallets manufactured by Ledger are widely regarded as the safest and most reliable way to store Bitcoin and other crypto assets. As long as the seed phrase storage is handled with care, there’s no way that any malicious actor or software could endanger the safety of your crypto.
List of the best crypto wallets for UK users:
- Ledger Nano S Plus — The go-to hardware crypto wallet
- Best Wallet — A multi-crypto wallet with token and airdrop
- Ledger Nano X — A hardware wallet with Bluetooth connectivity
- Kraken — A rock-solid crypto exchange with a stellar track record on security
- Coinbase — A safe crypto exchange with a large selection of listed coins
- MetaMask — The gold standard for Ethereum wallets
- Rabby — An Ethereum wallet with extra security features
- Trust Wallet — A software wallet that supports a huge selection of cryptocurrencies
- Electrum — A popular and easy-to-use software wallet for Bitcoin
The best crypto wallets for UK users
If you have invested a significant amount into cryptocurrency and are willing to expend some effort to back up your recovery phrase securely, we recommend you consider purchasing a hardware crypto wallet. With proper usage, a hardware wallet will provide the highest level of security that’s realistically attainable for the average crypto investor.
Many cryptocurrency investors opt to keep the majority of their crypto portfolio in a hardware wallet for long-term storage and use software wallets for day-to-day transactions. Still, all the software wallets featured in this article can be used in conjunction with hardware wallets for additional security.
To learn more about the different types of crypto wallets, make sure to check our article exploring hot vs cold crypto wallets. Meanwhile, users who have invested a relatively small amount in cryptocurrency or don’t feel comfortable with self-custodying their crypto can benefit from keeping their crypto on an exchange.
While this is a somewhat unpopular opinion in the cryptocurrency space, we believe that users who are new to cryptocurrency or aren’t too technically savvy can actually be better off keeping their cryptocurrency on a high-quality exchange such as Kraken or Coinbase compared to managing their private keys themselves.
1. Ledger Nano S Plus — The go-to hardware crypto wallet
The Ledger Nano S Plus is the most popular hardware cryptocurrency wallet on the market and one of the best crypto wallets overall — and for good reason. The device, which has an affordable price point of £69, provides a very high level of security for your cryptocurrency holdings and can be used to store more than 5,500 different crypto assets.
As a hardware wallet, the Ledger Nano S Plus stores the private keys necessary to access your cryptocurrency. It features an EAL 5+ certified Secure Element for very strong security and also requires a PIN code to ensure only you can approve transactions with the device.
In order to make cryptocurrency transactions, you connect the Ledger Nano S Plus to your desktop computer or mobile device.
When you’re ready to send the transaction, the Ledger Nano S Plus will use your private keys to sign the transaction without actually leaking the private keys themselves to your desktop computer or mobile phone. This means that even if your phone or computer was infected with a virus, your cryptocurrency would remain safe.
After you set up your Ledger Nano S Plus, or any other hardware wallet for that matter, it’s crucial that you securely back up your recovery phrase (also referred to as the “seed phrase”). You can back up your recovery phrase on a piece of paper, but if you want more peace of mind, you can use a metal backup that will be able to withstand extreme conditions (for example, a house fire or flood).
This is an ordered phrase of 12 words that provides the same level of access to your cryptocurrency as your private key, which means that it’s very important that you never disclose it to anyone. The reason why the recovery phrase exists is because you can use it to get access to your crypto even if you lose your hardware wallet or if it gets stolen.
2. Best Wallet — A multi-crypto wallet with token and airdrop
Best Wallet is a versatile multi-currency crypto wallet designed to simplify the process of buying and securely storing digital assets across over 60 blockchains. With its non-custodial structure, users have full control over their private keys, ensuring they can access their funds at any time by securely backing up their seed phrase.
Even though it offers nearly every feature expected in a modern crypto wallet, Best Wallet goes a step further with unique functionality that sets it apart in the crowded market. Beyond the basics of storing, receiving, sending, and staking cryptocurrencies, it also includes a token presale aggregator and easy access to iGaming platforms.
The wallet supports a token swapping function, enabling users to exchange different types of cryptocurrencies effortlessly.
An additional standout feature of Best Wallet is its utility token, BEST, which offers several perks to holders as they use the wallet. For instance, BEST holders enjoy reduced fees on token swaps.
Currently, Best Wallet is running a campaign where users can accumulate points to qualify for the upcoming BEST token airdrop. To participate, users simply need to link their X (formerly Twitter) account.
3. Ledger Nano X — A hardware wallet with Bluetooth connectivity
The Ledger Nano X is the slightly fancier counterpart to the Ledger Nano S Plus. The two devices are almost identical in terms of functionality, but the Ledger Nano X is unique because you can connect it to other devices via Bluetooth, and it can also be used with the Ledger Live app on iOS and Android.
Meanwhile, the Nano S Plus can only connect to other devices through a cable. If you want to use it with Ledger Live on a mobile device, it only supports Android. Both the Nano X and the Nano S Plus can be used with desktop computers.
While the Ledger Nano X’s Bluetooth connectivity is a great feature for those who primarily transact with crypto on their mobile devices, the Nano X (£136) costs almost twice as much as the Nano S Plus.
4. Kraken — A rock-solid crypto exchange with a stellar track record on security
The Kraken cryptocurrency exchange has been a crypto industry trailblazer since its establishment in 2013.
Kraken has a decade-long track record of maintaining robust security measures, and the exchange’s cryptocurrency wallets have never been hacked (this is, unfortunately, a somewhat common occurrence in the crypto industry). Kraken is widely regarded as one of the safest crypto exchanges today, offering users extra security features such as 2-factor authentication and other protective options.
While Kraken may not list as many cryptocurrencies as some competitors, it still provides a substantial selection. However, unless you’re interested in very niche cryptocurrencies, you’ll likely be able to find the coins you want to invest in on Kraken.
Kraken stands out among the best Bitcoin exchanges by allowing users to trade BTC and other cryptocurrencies directly against GBP. This simplifies the process of investing in crypto and makes it easy to cash out your gains if your investment becomes profitable.
5. Coinbase — A safe crypto exchange with a large selection of listed coins
Coinbase is another pioneer in the crypto industry, having been active since 2012. Coinbase has been offering cryptocurrency trading services in the United Kingdom since 2015, which makes it one of the most established exchanges on the market.
In 2021, the exchange reached a major milestone by securing a public listing on the NASDAQ stock exchange. Since Coinbase is now a publicly-traded company, it has to focus more on its operations than on privately held exchanges.
Coinbase has gained popularity as an entry point for investors venturing into the crypto space. Its user-friendly interface simplifies the process of depositing money from a bank account via wire transfer or using a card to purchase cryptocurrency, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
Coinbase is recognized for offering numerous fiat currency-denominated trading pairs, allowing users to trade digital assets directly against GBP.
Coinbase users in the United Kingdom are eligible for a Coinbase Card, which makes it possible to spend cryptocurrency balances wherever Visa is accepted. The Coinbase Card also gives you cashback rewards in the form of crypto anytime you make a purchase with it.
6. MetaMask — The gold standard for Ethereum wallets
MetaMask is a wallet for Ethereum (and other EVM-compatible blockchains) that you can use as a web browser extension or mobile app. MetaMask has become ubiquitous in the Ethereum community and is supported by practically all decentralized applications built on the Ethereum blockchain.
In addition to sending ETH as well as Ethereum-based tokens, MetaMask also allows you to buy and sell crypto or swap between different types of tokens directly on the blockchain. The wallet also provides a portfolio tracking feature, making it easy to track the performance of your crypto investments.
Since MetaMask can be used with any EVM-compatible blockchain, it’s not just limited to Ethereum. You can also use it for blockchains such as BNB Chain, Avalanche, Polygon, and many others.
If you’re an active user of decentralized finance protocols or NFT marketplaces, MetaMask is one of the best wallets for the job. MetaMask can be used as a hot wallet or as a cold wallet (in combination with a hardware wallet such as the Ledger Nano S Plus).
7. Rabby — An Ethereum wallet with extra security features
Even though MetaMask is currently dominating the Ethereum wallet market, the competition is definitely not sleeping. Rabby is an example of an Ethereum wallet that’s trying to win users over with innovative features and a proactive approach to security.
The most interesting feature of Rabby is that the wallet gives users more insight into what the transaction they are about to approve is actually going to do. This helps users avoid losing funds to malicious smart contracts, which are, unfortunately, a real risk for decentralized finance users.
Before you make a transaction with the Rabby wallet, the wallet also scans the transaction and notifies you of potential risks. For example, the wallet will notify you if you’re trying to interact with a DeFi protocol that has previously been hacked.
Compared to MetaMask, Rabby also offers a smoother experience when switching between different blockchain platforms.
Rabby can be used as a web browser extension or as a standalone desktop application. According to the Rabby team, they are currently also developing a mobile app.
8. Trust Wallet — A software wallet that supports a huge selection of cryptocurrencies
Trust Wallet is a very popular all-purpose crypto wallet that is available both as a browser extension or as a standalone desktop application.
One of Trust Wallet’s biggest strengths is that it supports a truly impressive selection of cryptocurrencies, as it’s not just limited to EVM-compatible blockchains. You can also use Trust Wallet to store Bitcoin, XRP, Solana, and many other popular cryptocurrencies.
Trust Wallet has a user-friendly interface designed to cater to both beginners and experienced users. Navigating the wallet is easy, allowing users to seamlessly view their portfolio value in their preferred currency, monitor their transaction history, and effectively manage multiple wallets.
Adding to its user-centric design, Trust Wallet incorporates a straightforward and intuitive decentralized application browser. This unique feature makes it possible for users to explore various decentralized applications (DApps) without having to exit the app.
If you’re a crypto investor who holds many different cryptocurrencies, Trust Wallet is one of the best options available on the market.
9. Electrum — A popular and easy to use software wallet for Bitcoin
Electrum is a Bitcoin wallet that can be used as a standalone desktop app or as an Android app. Electrum is a non-custodial wallet, which means that the private keys required to access Bitcoin are fully controlled by the user.
Electrum can be used to set up a standard Bitcoin wallet or a multisig wallet. The wallet is very fast and also supports third-party plugins that can enhance your user experience.
Notably, the Electrum wallet uses a decentralized network of servers, which means it will be available any time you need it, as any downtime is very unlikely to occur. In fact, you can also run an Electrum server yourself if you wish to do so.
For those that are exclusively investing in BTC and are in the market for a software wallet, Electrum is likely the best Bitcoin wallet for UK users. Meanwhile, if you like to invest in many different cryptocurrencies, you should opt for another wallet, for example Trust Wallet.
The bottom line — What’s the best crypto wallet for UK users?
Before we conclude, let’s quickly recap the best crypto wallets for UK users with a comparison chart.
| Type | Custodial? | Recommended for | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledger Nano S Plus | Hardware wallet | No | Long-term cryptocurrency storage | £69.00 |
| Best Wallet | Software wallet (Mobile app) |
No | Storing multiple types of crypto | Free |
| Ledger Nano X | Hardware wallet | No | Long-term cryptocurrency storage, use with mobile devices |
£136.00 |
| Kraken | Crypto exchange | Yes | Users who have smaller amounts of crypto or aren’t comfortable with self-custodying their coins |
Storing crypto is free (fees are charged for trading and other services) |
| Coinbase | Crypto exchange | Yes | Users who have smaller amounts of crypto or aren’t comfortable with self-custodying their coins |
Storing crypto is free (fees are charged for trading and other services) |
| MetaMask | Software wallet (browser extension or mobile app) |
No | Active Ethereum users | Storing crypto is free (offers additional services that might incur a fee) |
| Rabby | Software wallet (browser extension or desktop app) |
No | Active Ethereum users who want additional security features |
Free |
| Trust Wallet | Software wallet (browser extension or mobile app) |
No | Users who have many different types of cryptocurrency and like to transact frequently |
Storing crypto is free (offers additional services that might incur a fee) |
| Electrum | Software wallet (desktop app and Android app) |
No | Bitcoin users that make transactions frequently | Free |
If you’re interested in more tips related to crypto investing, make sure to check out our ultimate guide to investing in crypto.
