Regulatory obstacles can be a huge barrier for traders seeking to enter the crypto world, one dilemma that many UK traders resonate with. That said, having the best crypto wallet in the UK can break you out of that barrier, so you can live your life as a full-fledged trader!
Choosing a compatible wallet to store your digital assets is no small feat, especially with the many options in the market. Perhaps you’ve heard of the more popular names like Ledger, Trezor, or Coinbase.
Yet, questions may still linger in your mind. Which wallet is the safest? Are there trade-offs with the more affordable options? Let’s not let these questions burn further.
Based on my research, here are the best crypto wallets in the UK:
- Ledger Nano X
- Trezor Safe 5
- Ledger Nano S Plus
- Trezor Safe 3
- Coinbase Wallet
- Zengo Wallet
- SafePal Wallet
Now, it's time to take a closer look!
Did you know?
Ever wondered which crypto wallets are the most secure for your crypto assets?
Navigating Crypto Regulations in the UK
Before jumping into the best crypto wallets in the UK, let’s try to solve the riddle of whether crypto is still a gray area in the country. It used to be for some time, and still pretty much is today, but regulations are finally in place to bring more clarity to the landscape.
Thanks to the increased nationwide adoption of crypto, the UK government has paid more attention by updating the Financial Services and Markets Act in 2023. Crypto assets, including tokens, fiat-backed stablecoins, and NFTs (to name a few), are now officially regulated with consumer protections and safeguards.
Further, UK Chancellor George Osbourne plans to adopt blockchain technology into financial institutions in the near future[1]. Central banks and technology firms have noticed the immense potential of blockchain in revolutionizing banking, from processing payments to trading shares on decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
And yet, what if your crypto investment goes wrong? The National Crime Agency (NCA) now classifies illicit crypto transactions as financial crimes. Law enforcement has the authority to seize, freeze, and destroy crypto assets linked to criminal activities. Nevertheless, you should still protect yourself and check with the FCA ScamSmart before investing.
You may ask, what’s the role of a crypto wallet in all of this? Think of it as a tool that adds an extra layer of security to your investments. Whether it’s a cold (offline) or hot (online) wallet, it stores private keys that can only be unlocked by you, the owner, to deposit, withdraw, or trade crypto.
Beyond protecting your digital assets, the best Bitcoin wallet in the UK does a lot more, which is what I will guide you through today. Before compiling the list of top cryptocurrency wallets UK citizens can access, I made sure to do thorough research on each platform’s security, user-friendliness, durability, and other factors you may find important.
Without further ado, let’s examine the best crypto wallets in the UK!
1. Ledger Nano X: Convenience and Security, All In One
Ranks #1 out of 7 Crypto Wallets
- + Can be managed from mobile device
- + Very secure
- + Supports more than 5500 cryptocurrencies
- + Comfortable design
- - Relatively expensive
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Wallet type: Cold wallet
Price: $149
Supported assets: 5,500+ cryptocurrencies
Ledger Nano X deserves its spot amongst the best crypto wallets UK residents can use. Generally, I recommend using cold rather than hot wallets as they provide stronger security measures for protecting your crypto holdings.
The Nano X itself is a hardware wallet, a type of cold wallet but with crazier security features. Now, did I say crazy? With this type of wallet, it’ll be impossible for hackers to touch your asset, theoretically.
Transactions can only be signed using hardware like your personal PC. Even if your desktop is compromised with viruses, hackers still can’t trespass because a secret recovery phrase–also known as seed phrase–is required to sign off any transaction.
This is why cold wallets consistently trample over hot wallets when security is at stake. As you know, the online world is filled with scams and hacks, and the crypto field is no exception. In 2023, for instance, one investment banker in the UK fell victim to crypto theft after putting all his life savings into an app-based wallet.
With Ledger Nano X, though, there’s no reason to be paranoid. All your assets will be held offline, keeping them further from cybersecurity threats.
On top of that, Ledger combines the groundbreaking technology of the ST33 secure element chip with its proprietary operating system called BOLOS. It is the first and only crypto wallet in the UK that accomplishes this, providing next-gen cryptographic operations to safeguard your private keys.
The most charming aspect of Nano X, one that not many other crypto wallets have, is its Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capability. This feature offers an upgraded level of convenience and flexibility, eliminating the need for a cable, as it can immediately connect to any PC or phone.
Talking about apps, Ledger is a powerhouse. Its storage space of 2 MB can handle 100 apps simultaneously, which comes especially handy for those with diversified portfolios. Not to mention, Ledger supports 5,500 cryptocurrencies. These include popular coins like Bitcoin, Tether, Solana, and Ethereum, along with any token based on the ERC-20 standard!
That’s a lot, right? And it’s not the end. Users who prefer trading niche crypto assets, such as less popular altcoins and NFTs, can also do so via Ledger. Here’s the best part—Ledger Live, the companion app to your Ledger wallet, allows you to buy, sell, cash out, and lend your assets right inside your phone.
Now, who doesn’t like seeing their assets grow? This one’s also possible with the staking solutions in Ledger Live. In essence, staking allows you to potentially earn higher yields by locking up your coins as validators on Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchains[2]. Aside from Ethereum, Ledger Live supports Polkadot, Solana, Cosmos, Tron, and a range of other PoS-based blockchains.
As a trader, you need to monitor your digital wealth at all times, and that’s made easy with Ledger’s built-in battery that can stay up to 8 hours. Compared to Nano S Plus, another fan-favorite wallet from Ledger, this is a leap forward as you no longer need to rely on an external power source.
You don’t need to worry about the wallet lifespan, either—Nano X is highly durable. Made from stainless steel, your wallet will stay intact even if you drop it from a substantial height. That said, Ledger Nano X’s price tag is pretty hefty; it costs $149. You do get a bang for a buck, though, considering its extensive features.
2. Trezor Safe 5: Impermeable Security and Display
Ranks #2 out of 7 Crypto Wallets
- + Supports over 7000 crypto assets
- + Easy navigation
- + Open-source
- + EAL6+ certified chip
- + Enhanced security features
- - Relatively expensive
- - No seed recovery service
Wallet type: Cold wallet
Price: $169
Supported assets: 7,700+ cryptocurrencies
One of the best crypto wallets in the UK that has been making waves is Trezor Safe 5. This next-gen wallet enhances security through its open-source framework, sparking excitement in the Web3 community.
For those unfamiliar with the open-source architecture, it means that the code is available for the public to see and audit. Developers can contribute to improving the codebase, and resolving potential loopholes by suggesting improvements along the way.
Based on real-time user reviews, Trezor’s open-source nature strengthens user’s trust in the product. Not only that, crypto investors feel more at peace with the EAL6+ secure element chip embedded into the Safe 5 wallet. This is the strongest chip available in the market—virtually bulletproof against identity theft.
The EAL6+ chip is particularly superior to the preceding EAL 5+, introducing the modern SLIP 39 or Shamir backup protocol. This advanced security standard eliminates single failure risks through multi-share backups distributed across people or locations, future-proofing your assets.
Trezor’s new backup format also uses the 20-word instead of the 12- or 24-word seed phrase, which the company deems revolutionary. The wordlist has also been upgraded, featuring carefully selected words designed to be easily distinguishable from one another.
Moreover, Trezor’s EAL6+ chip is NDA-free certified. The company has signed an NDA-free agreement to use the OPTIGA Trust M (V3), ensuring higher levels of safety with its PIN protection mechanisms.
Similar to the previous model T from Trezor (but better), the new Safe 5 lets you encrypt PINs using a microSD card. It’s easy to use—when the feature is turned on, a secret code is stored on the microSD card. Practically, without that card, nobody can unlock your Trezor device.
If you’re impressed by Safe 5’s security features, wait until you discover the staggering amount of cryptocurrencies it supports, which is 7,700! Trezor is also compatible with EVM networks (Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Cronos, etc), the Ethereum blockchain, and even DEXs like Uniswap. Essentially, you won’t need multiple wallets to diversify your token and coin collections!
On the other hand, if you’ve been eyeing niche coins like Monero (XMR) and Stellar (XLM), Trezor provides non-native support with third-party services.
Understandably, managing all these assets can be hectic, but Trezor offers a centralized solution called the Trezor Suite. Here, you can do so much more, like tracking balance or performing transactions.
Okay, enough chat about Trezor’s software; let’s assess Safe 5’s hardware. The wallet has a sleek and premium exterior, made with PC-ABS plastic, aluminum back places, and a touch of laser engravings.
Going to the display, it is the most user-friendly of all of Trezor’s products. For comparison, instead of the 2 buttons in Trezor Safe 3, Safe 5 has a larger multicolor touchscreen for an eye-pleasing view—offering seamless control.
Additionally, Safe 5’s display is fully protected with scratch-free Gorilla Glass, making the wallet more resistant to drops, bumps, and dents.
For an elevated user experience, Trezor comes with a new feature: tactile feedback. This haptic engine improves touch-screen interactions, minimizing errors from accidental touches. Navigating through Trezor 5 will feel so smooth, almost like you’re using your phone.
Of course, not all Bitcoin wallets in the UK, like Trezor, are perfect, and a drawback is inevitable. With Safe 5, some users complain that their recovery phases are impossible to restore once lost, so you have to be very careful. In comparison, the Ledger wallet allows easy recovery with your ID.
Trezor does have a solution for this issue, known as KeepMetal. It’s a stainless steel capsule in which you can simply punch four letters to recover your seed phrases. It does add up to your overall investments, though, but if you’re forgetful—perhaps it’s worth a shot.
How much is Trezor Safe 5? For $169, you can get your hands on possibly one of the best Bitcoin wallets in the UK. It comes in three color variations: black graphite, violet ore, and green beryl—depending on which suits your preference.
3. Ledger Nano S Plus: Budget-Friendly and User-Friendly
Ranks #3 out of 7 Crypto Wallets
- + Top-tier security
- + DeFi app support
- + Store over 5500 assets, install up to 100 apps simultaneously
- + Fair-priced
- + NFT support (with Ledger Live)
- + Larger display screen
- - Button placement could be better
Wallet type: Cold wallet
Price: $79
Supported assets: 5,500+ cryptocurrencies
Where affordability meets security, that’s Ledger Nano S Plus, one of the best crypto wallets UK citizens can get their hands on. It’s half the price of Ledger Nano X, but still powerful enough for any trader.
For starters, Ledger Nano S Plus is beautiful. It has a stylish and modern display, boasting a 128 x 64-pixel screen where you can see more apps and features at once. Compared to other Ledger wallets, Nano S Plus’s screen integrates with the device more seamlessly.
Just like Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus has not reported any security break-ins. The brightest green flag of all is the CC EAL6+ standard that comes with the wallet, the highest-certified secure chip, as of writing. Theoretically, no phishing or asset extraction attempts can bypass this state-of-the-art layer of security.
In other words, you can safely store all your assets in one instead of multiple storage devices—a plus point for convenience. Transactions on the blockchain are only authorized once you input your recovery phrase–something that evil hackers don’t have–directly through Ledger’s straightforward interface. Another plus point for user-friendliness.
Nano S is intuitive for beginners but still advanced enough for experts, enabling you to double-check transaction details right from the wallet. It also packs a punch of industry-grade security features, namely PIN code locks and password encryptions.
Similar to Ledger Nano X, the S model allows you to install up to 100 apps in a slimmer storage space of 1.5 MB. It also supports 5,500 tokens and coins, namely Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP. Even more, you can store, send, and receive NFTs straight from Ledger’s user interface without an intermediary, although an integration is still available.
As you come across cryptocurrency wallets in the UK, it’s rather uncommon to see NFT support, which makes Ledger special. Compiled with DeFi support, you can do more with Nano S Plus: crypto borrowing, lending, swapping, staking, yield farming… the list goes on. Plus, your wallet serves as your primary identity, protecting you amid all these activities.
One aspect that deserves appreciation is the wallet’s official app, Ledger Live. The mobile version gives you access to trading, crypto storing, balance checks, and other needed features. The PC version, on the other hand, opens broader possibilities for tracking and managing your portfolio.
There’s a bit of a kicker, though: Ledger Nano S Plus has no Bluetooth support, unlike Nano X. This is not a tiebreaker for many users, but a cable will be required to power up your wallet before using it.
A criticism that’s louder from some user reviews, though, is the awkward placement of the two buttons. Despite this, many find the Ledger Nano S pretty mindless to navigate, and the issue has been resolved in the Nano X model.
Nano S Plus comes in 5 colors with brushed steel and plastic materials. This USB-shaped hardware wallet is priced at $79, giving you the best of both worlds in terms of pricing and functionality.
Did you know?
Compare Crypto Wallets Side by Side With Others
All Crypto wallets may look similar to you but they're NOT all the same!
4. Trezor Safe 3: Good Pricing, Even Better Features
Ranks #4 out of 7 Crypto Wallets
- + Resistant to brute-force attacks
- + Easy to set up
- + Crypto-industry pioneer
- + Supports over 7000 digital assets
- + Open-source code
- + Affordable pricing
- - Potentially uncomfortable design
- - Plastic screen prone to scratches
Wallet type: Cold wallet
Price: $79
Supported assets: 7,700+ cryptocurrencies
Trezor Safe 3 is not only one of the best crypto wallets in the UK but also one of the most affordable. Despite the price, this wallet comes with an expansive range of features typically found in more expensive alternatives.
Like Safe 5, Safe 3 is EAL6+ certified, which is still the unparalleled security chip standard amongst cryptocurrency wallets in the UK (as of writing). Making use of SLIP 39, Trezor offers diverse backup options, splitting your recovery seed into multiple shares.
The wallet is notably open-source—again, just like Safe 5. Unlike the closed-source system that relies on a single entity for gradual improvements, an open-source model focuses on the collective expertise of the global community in maintaining the integrity of the wallet through consistent enhancements. This move by Trezor gained the respect of crypto investors.
With Trezor, security is not the only aspect crypto enthusiasts are fond of. Safe 3 supports a whopping 7,700 cryptocurrencies. Aside from the classics like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and thousands of tokens based on the ERC-20 standard, this best Bitcoin wallet in the UK is also compliant with DEXs like UniSwap and Web3 games.
Interestingly, Trezor’s official crypto management platform, the Trezor Suite, offers trading opportunities through the TOR network. If you want to anonymize your IP and access a wider range of crypto exchanges like Bybit and Kraken, TOR provides one of the safest gateways to crypto transactions.
BYBIT | KRAKEN | |
More Advanced Users | Best for Beginners | |
Russia, South Korea, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Turkey, +150 more | United States, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Canada, + 190 more | |
All Bybit Coupons | All Kraken Coupons | |
A popular crypto derivatives exchange with some super-low trading fees. | One of the best crypto exchanges. | |
Visit site
Read review |
Visit site
Read review |
---|
Table: Comparison between Bybit VS Kraken.
While Trezor Suite does not natively connect to major exchanges, its compatibility extends to a generous spread of third-party applications. For crypto traders, this gives a chance to explore the rich variety of digital assets in Web3. Rest assured, Trezor will keep your funds secure throughout your journey.
Moreover, Trezor Suite offers simplicity with its view-only mode. By activating this, you can monitor your balance without needing your Trezor wallet or private keys. It’s 100% safe, too! The view-only feature works by tracking your wallet’s extended public key (XPUB), granting permissions only when the address matches.
Some traders, though, prefer to limit their trades exclusively to Bitcoin. If that’s the case, there’s a specific wallet from Trezor Safe 3 dedicated to this purpose. When you order Trezor Safe 3, the hardware is expected to arrive with a holographic seal, guaranteeing that the device hasn’t been tampered with during shipping.
Once you receive the wallet, you’ll notice it features a classic design with no touchscreen, relying on 2-buttons for navigation. Some people prefer this traditional approach as it gives in-depth control and is considered to be more user-friendly than the modern touch-screen. But to each one’s own, right?
That said, Trezor’s exterior does have a few compromises. For one, it’s made from plastic, but you can protect your wallet with a bumper case. However, this can cause subsequent issues. Some users reported not being able to charge the wallet due to the bulkiness of the case.
All things considered, Trezor 3 is still a superior crypto wallet UK citizens can try out. With its cutting-edge security features, you can trade a broad selection of digital assets without the anxiety. Most of all, it’s only $79! As I told you, it’s a pretty good deal, right?
5. Coinbase Wallet: One of the "Hottest" in Security
Ranks #5 out of 7 Crypto Wallets
- + Easy to use
- + Free to register and keep crypto coins in
- + Supports thousands of digital assets
- + Top-notch security measures
- - Not as secure as a cold wallet
- - Not the best customer support
Wallet type: Hot wallet
Price: Free (trading fees apply)
Supported assets: 100+ cryptocurrencies and 1,000+ dApps
Now, we enter the realm of software or hot wallets. A name that stands out as one of the best crypto wallets UK residents have probably heard of is the Coinbase wallet.
You may have heard the argument that cold wallets like Ledger or Trezor are more secure than hot wallets. Don’t take the Coinbase wallet for granted, though, as it is one of the most secure options out there. No hacking incidents have been reported from this wallet so far!
Core security features in the Coinbase wallet include two-factor authentication (2FA), confirmation requests, multi-signatures, and security locks. It’s not shy on the advanced security features, either. Users can keep their assets and web3 identities separate with multiple address support and control dApp connections with permissions management.
Having elaborated the security defenses, hot wallets are still superior to cold wallets in one aspect: built-in integrations with crypto exchanges. This particular wallet, as you can guess, is seamlessly compliant with Coinbase – one of the most frequently used exchanges in the UK.
Whether you’ve interacted with the Coinbase exchange or not, you’ll find that the user interface is clean and straightforward—which goes the same with the wallet. Most of all, the Coinbase wallet is free and quick to download via Apple or Google Play Store.
Once downloaded, connect your wallet to your Coinbase account or sign up if you don’t have one. Logging into the wallet, navigating the different functionalities is not rocket science, either.
Onto the fun part, how many digital assets does the Coinbase wallet support? As of this write-up: thousands of dApps and hundreds of crypto assets. However, in case you’re interested in expanding your crypto portfolio with altcoins, it might not always be possible to do so with the wallet.
Supported assets aside, it’s the wallet capabilities that truly take the wheel. Aside from storing your precious assets, you can also buy crypto with fiat, join quests to earn rewards, and mint NFTs—all in one wallet.
As mentioned, the Coinbase wallet is free to use; no charges for storing and transferring cryptocurrencies. However, if you purchase a coin or token, there are fees to pay, which is expected from online wallets.
For Coinbase, the fees are somewhere from 1.49% to 3.99% as of writing.
6. Zengo Wallet: Unique and “Keyless”
Ranks #6 out of 7 Crypto Wallets
- + Keyless wallet system
- + Top-tier security
- + In-wallet crypto swaps and purchases
- + 24/7 customer support
- + Free to use
- - Some services not available in select countries
Wallet type: Hot wallet
Price: Free (trading fees apply)
Supported assets: 180+ cryptocurrencies
Now, you’ll find that the Zengo wallet is a rather unique choice on many “best crypto wallet UK” lists. Conceptually, Zengo is a non-custodial wallet, meaning you’re fully responsible for your private key rather than entrusting it to another entity.
At first, it might seem odd and make you question, “Who’s securing my assets, then?”. However, user reviews tell a different story. Many Zengo wallet owners prefer having exclusive control over their assets, valuing the reassurance of being the sole guardian of their private keys.
After all, what gives users a deepened sense of security is the wallet’s multi-party computation (MPC) cryptography. Instead of private keys, you’ll have two signatures: one for you and the other for Zengo’s servers. It’s like a backup system if your key is lost or compromised.
No Zengo wallet has also been hacked so far. Zengo’s servers, employing no single point of failure, are quite impossible to bypass (as of writing). This was put to the test when Zengo opened a challenge, inviting 200 hackers to break into user wallets—and none succeeded.
Zengo does put its users first in the security category, giving them account safety options like 3FA (three-factor authentication), wallet sign-in confirmation, biometric face scanning, and cloud-based file recovery.
Another uniqueness Zengo brings to the table is crypto staking, allowing users to earn APY on Ethereum and APR. Further, you can swap and purchase 180+ coins and tokens without leaving the wallet environment.
Zengo also streamlines crypto-fiat transactions. That’s not all—whether you’re looking to collect NFTs on OpenSea, earn yield through Lido, trade on DEXs like Uniswap, or play crypto games on The Sandbox, Zengo got you covered.
This hot wallet is free to use for crypto withdrawals and deposits. It’s important to note, though, that the wallet charges a flat trading fee of 0.5%, which is comparatively higher than other best Bitcoin wallets in the UK. For more well-known coins, like Bitcoin (BTC), the fee may also be higher at 1.65%.
7. SafePal S1 Wallet: Your Safe Pal to Crypto Transactions
Ranks #7 out of 7 Crypto Wallets
- + Top-tier security
- + An app, a browser extension, and a cold wallet
- + (Cross-chain) swaps + spot trading
- + Buy crypto with credit / debit card
- + Thousands of supported coins & tokens
- + NFT storage
- - Some concerns about the security of S1 hardware wallet
Wallet type: Cold and hot wallet
Price: $49.99 (cold); free (hot)
Supported assets: 5,000+ cryptocurrencies
SafePal is one of the best crypto wallets in the UK with decent security measures. It is also pretty interesting because SafePal offers both hot and cold wallets—accessible via browser or mobile app. This wallet is protected with an EAL 5+ security chip, leveraging features like a true random number generator, multiple security sensors, and a self-destruct mechanism.
With SafePal, you can access dApps across 54 blockchains, opening doors to 5,000+ coins and tokens with stake-to-yield, swapping, and spot trading functionalities. NFT storage is also part of SafePal’s ecosystem.
Further, you’ll have a bigger role in the crypto world if you hold an SFP, SafePal’s native token, granting you decision-making abilities for the wallet’s development.
Talking about the hardware, SafePal S1 is compact and light to carry around. It also requires no Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, or USB connections, serving as a comprehensive offline storage device that safeguards your crypto assets.
Just like any other best cryptocurrency wallets UK citizens vouch for, SafePal has one aspect that casts doubts based on reviews. Its security is questioned, all because SafePal S1 is too considerably priced at $49.99, but nothing too concerning as of now. Knowingly, its exterior security is not that strong and more prone to damage.
Best Crypto Wallet in the UK: Evaluation Criteria
Phew! That was a pretty long list of the best crypto wallets in the UK. So far, we’ve looked into the top 7 options, carefully curated through the following criteria:
- Security. What asset protection, encryption, backup, and recovery functionalities does the wallet offer?
- User-friendliness. Is it easy and convenient to use the wallet?
- Cryptocurrency support. How many digital assets (coins, tokens, NFTs, etc) does the best wallet in the UK support?
- Features apart from crypto. Does it offer smooth integrations with dApps or other third-party services?
- Durability. Judging from the exterior (specifically for cold wallets), how long are the wallets destined to last?
- Fees. How much does the wallet cost and what fees are entailed?
However, it’s better to also have your own criteria so you can find the best crypto wallet in the UK that meets not only your budget and preferences.
Conclusion
Trading digital assets can be a fun adventure with the best crypto wallets in the UK. Knowingly, the region is quite strict about cryptocurrencies. Rest assured, these wallets are safe to use—ready to accompany your Web3 journey.
Bottom-line, cold wallets are generally more secure than hot wallets. If you prefer your assets to be reserved in offline storage, away from the prying eyes, the best crypto wallets UK residents will appreciate are Trezor Safe 5 or Ledger Nano X.
However, cost-effective options like hot wallets (which are 100% free) do exist. Some even provide security features that rival cold wallets, such as the Coinbase Wallet. Hopefully, you’ll find the best crypto wallet in the UK of your dreams!
The content published on this website is not aimed to give any kind of financial, investment, trading, or any other form of advice. BitDegree.org does not endorse or suggest you to buy, sell or hold any kind of cryptocurrency. Before making financial investment decisions, do consult your financial advisor.
Scientific References
1. D. Meijer d., R. W. Carlo: ‘The UK and Blockchain technology: A balanced approach’;
2. R. Julien: ‘A Crypto Yield Model for Staking Return’.