The best Cardano wallets, including both software and hardware wallets, to safely manage Cardano’s native cryptocurrency ADA!
These wallets also enable you to stake ADA, manage Cardano tokens and NFTs, and connect to Cardano decentralized applications like DEXs and NFT marketplaces.
Since Cardano (ADA) has a huge potential to outperform other cryptocurrencies in the future, it is important to use a safe and good wallet in order to manage it.
The Best Cardano Wallets
- Ledger Nano X – Best Hardware Wallet for Cardano
- Trezor Model T – Best for Security
- Eternl – Best for Mobile
- Typhon – Best Browser Extension Wallet
- Nami – Best for Beginners
- Daedalus – Best for Desktop
What is Cardano?
Cardano is a decentralized proof-of-stake blockchain founded in 2015 by the Cardano foundation, while the development is led by Charles Hoskinson and his IOHK team of developers. The Cardano blockchain is the home of ADA cryptocurrency, native assets, NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and DApps (decentralized applications).
What makes the Cardano unique compared to the other blockchains? Cardano development is based on the scientific driven approach and rigorous testing to create the most secure and reliable blockchain in the world.
This vision was achieved:
For all of these reasons, Cardano is often called the “Ethereum killer,” which I believe is inappropriate. Crypto folks and magazines love to make these kinds of headlines when it comes to competition.
However, we can not neglect some facts which strongly go in favor of Cardano and ADA price appreciation in the future.
What is the difference between Cardano Hot and Hardware Wallets?
Cardano hot wallet is a software wallet connected to the internet (hot storage), and it is free to install and use. However, this convenience comes at the cost of increased vulnerability to hacking and theft, making it much less secure than a hardware wallet. Hot wallets for Cardano include all free software wallets like Eternl and Typhon.
Cardano hardware wallet is a physical device that stores private keys offline (cold storage), providing the highest level of security against online threats. Popular hardware wallets for Cardano include the Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T. They are the best and safest way to manage your ADA and Cardano tokens safely.
What is the best Cardano wallet?
These are the best Cardano ADA wallets in 2024, including both software and hardware wallets.
1. Ledger Nano X – Best Hardware Wallet for Cardano
Ledger Nano X is a secure and versatile hardware wallet for all your Cardano (ADA) blockchain needs. This wallet allows you to safely send, receive, store, buy, and exchange ADA with ease and offers many other features as well.
Cardano team had chosen to develop an app on the Ledger to provide security for their user’s assets. Cardano software wallet’s developers follow the same path, and each wallet provides the Ledger integration option.
Ledger Nano X is compatible with all OS and devices: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, the Ledger Nano X can be connected via USB cable or Bluetooth to both PCs and mobile devices. With support for over 5,000 coins and tokens in addition to Cardano (ADA), Nano X is a popular choice among cryptocurrency owners.
The Ledger Nano X works with the Ledger Live app, which provides a secure environment for buying, selling, lending, exchanging, and even purchasing gift cards with cryptocurrency. A free Visa physical card for Ledger users is also in the works.
The Ledger Live mobile app also features WalletConnect, an open-source protocol for connecting to decentralized applications using QR codes. Nano X has a good 100 mAh battery with a battery life of up to 8 hours of constant use or weeks of idle time. Its screen (128 x 64) is easy to read and allows for easy transaction signing, while all operations on the device are made using only two buttons.
How to use Ledger Nano X for Cardano / ADA
1. Buy Ledger Nano X and set it up using Ledger Live.
2. In Ledger Live install the Cardano ADA app from the App catalog
3. Click the Accounts tab and add the Cardano account.
You are now able to receive, store, send, buy ADA, and keep it 100% safe. You can also manage 100+ Cardano tokens and connect to DEXs like MinSwap.
If you want to stake ADA, collect NFTs, or participate in the Cardano governance voting, you can easily connect Ledger to any Cardano software wallet.
If you want to invest in ADA and operate in the Cardano ecosystem this is absolutely the best way to do it. Investing in or managing any cryptocurrency without a hardware wallet is akin to gambling.
Ledger Nano X price is $149.00
2. Trezor Model T – Best for Security
The Trezor Model T is a hardware wallet that’s well-known for its top-notch security features. You can use it safely send, receive, store, buy, and exchange ADA cryptocurrency.
It’s compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android devices (but not with iOS).
With its built-in color touch screen and big display, you can easily read and sign transactions on the Trezor Model T. In addition to Cardano ADA, the wallet supports over 1,000 other cryptocurrencies.
You can also connect it to all Cardano software wallets like Eternl, Typhon, Nami, Daedalus, Yoroi etc.
The Trezor Model T works with the Trezor Suite website or desktop app, which provides a safe environment for purchasing, selling, and exchanging crypto, as well as buying gift cards. You can use the Trezor Suite interface to stake ADA without using the third-party wallets:
Ledger vs Trezor
Both Ledger and Trezor hardware wallets have been Cardano companions since the beginning. Ledger was always faster to adapt to the blockchain’s new features, making it more Cardano-friendly. However, Trezor is also well-loved by Cardano holders because of its multiple security features.
Some of these unique Trezor Model T security features are:
- On Trezor Model T, you have the ability to add a Passphrase, which adds a custom phrase to your recovery phrase and creates a hidden wallet for added security.
- You can also enable the Tor network connection for increased privacy.
- Another great feature is the Password Manager, which allows you to generate and store complex passwords that are encrypted.
Trezor Model T is also a bit pricier than the Ledger Nano X, but all crypto holders except new users know that having a hardware wallet is a one-time investment for long-term peace of mind.
Trezor Model T price is $219.00
3. Eternl – Best for Mobile
Eternl is a good Cardano wallet that works as both a browser extension and a mobile app. It allows you to manage multiple accounts and store ADA, Cardano native assets, and NFTs.
While all transactions are executed smoothly, Eternl provides a link to the Cardano explorer so you can track the progress of each one.
You can easily stake your $ADA by selecting a stake pool and participate in Cardano governance by voting. Eternl also works seamlessly with most Cardano DApps, including DEXs and Cardano NFT marketplaces.
For added security, you can connect Eternl to your Ledger Nano X or Trezor Model T hardware wallet.
4. Typhon – Best Browser extension wallet
Typhon is a handy Cardano native wallet that functions as both a browser extension and a web wallet. One notable feature of this wallet is the ability to send Cardano assets to multiple recipients in a single transaction.
In addition to sending and receiving ADA, the Typhon wallet also allows users to stake ADA with an intuitive interface that provides important stake pool statistics such as pledge, live stake, and APY based on the last 6 epochs.
Typhon supports the management of all Cardano tokens and provides access to most of the Cardano DApps, including DEXs and CNFT marketplaces. Users can connect their Typhon wallet with a Ledger Nano X or Trezor Model T hardware wallet for added security.
5. Nami – Best for Beginners
The Nami wallet is a simple and user-friendly Cardano native browser extension wallet that is compatible with Chrome, Edge, and Brave browsers. It allows you to manage ADA and all Cardano tokens, including native assets and NFTs, and create multiple accounts.
You can also delegate ADA and stake it to the Berry Pool, which is run by Nami Wallet’s developer. You can use the Nami wallet on Cardano decentralized applications like DEXs and NFT marketplaces, and connect it to the hardware wallets for security purposes.
However, Nami Wallet is not compatible with Daedalus, Yoroi, and some other Cardano wallets due to its unique use of just one address per wallet. It is recommended not to use them simultaneously.
6. Daedalus – Best for Desktop
Daedalus is a desktop wallet for Cardano that operates as a full node and was developed by the IOHK team. It is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
Since Daedalus operates as a full node wallet, it may take approximately 30 minutes to download and sync with the Cardano blockchain. Once synced, you can create an unlimited number of wallets to manage your Cardano assets and stake ADA using the wallet’s user-friendly interface.
Cardano Wallet FAQ
These are some of the most common questions people have about Cardano ADA wallets:
1) How do I buy ADA and add it to my Cardano wallet?
Adding ADA to your Cardano wallet is easy. Buy it on a reputable cryptocurrency exchange like Binance and send it to your wallet address. Some wallets also offer integrated exchanges for added convenience.
2) What is the best Cardano wallet for staking?
Hardware wallets like Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T are recommended for secure ADA staking due to their high protection against hacking and phishing. Alternatively, Eternl, Typhon, and Flint are popular software wallets with user-friendly interfaces and staking features.
3) What is the best hardware wallet for Cardano?
Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T hardware wallets are ideal for the secure storage of Cardano (ADA) and tokens. They offer offline storage, pin code authentication, user-friendly interfaces, and easy integration with software wallets.
4) What is the best Cardano wallet for iOS devices?
The Ledger Nano X and Eternl wallet are the top choices for Cardano storage on iOS devices. Ledger Nano X hardware wallet provides high security and Eternl wallet offers a variety of functionalities as a hot wallet app. Both options are user-friendly with seamless experiences.