If you want complete control of your digital assets, then you need a good non-custodial wallet. But with so many options on the market, which is the best non-custodial crypto wallet for you? Good question.
In this review, we’ll line up the top six self-custodial wallets and figure out what makes them great. We’ll also explain the differences between the various types of wallets to help you decide which suits your needs.
After all, when it comes to your crypto, you don’t want to skimp on security, trading capabilities, and multi-currency and multi-chain access.
So read on to discover why we believe Best Wallet, Zengo, Ledger, and three other top-quality non-custodial wallets are well worth considering.
The Best Non-Custodial Wallets in Brief
Let’s start off with a quick round-up of the best non-custodial wallets in 2025 and what makes them unique:
- Best Wallet – Top Hot Wallet with Fireblocks MPC-CMP Technology
- Zengo – Online Wallet with Advanced Multi-Party Computation
- Cypherock – Leading Decentralized Cold Crypto Wallet
- Ledger – Only Crypto Wallet with a Customizable E-Ink Touchscreen
- Tangem – No-Device Hardware Wallet for Access On the Go
- Ellipal – World’s First Air-Gapped Hardware Wallet
The Top Non-Custodial Wallets in 2025 Reviewed
There are lots of self-custodial crypto wallets on the market, and it can be hard to know, without testing them all, which is the best for you. You also need to decide between opting for a hot wallet or a cold wallet. So let’s jump straight into our review of the top six, to help you get some answers.
1. Best Wallet – Top Hot Wallet with Fireblocks MPC-CMP Technology
Best Wallet takes the top spot in this review for good reason. This mobile-first app involves no third-party key management, making it entirely non-custodial. Only you have access to your private keys. And as a non-KYC (know your customer) mobile app, you have complete anonymity.
Security, of course, is an important factor for all crypto wallets. Best Wallet stands out as the first crypto wallet to use Fireblocks’ MPC-CMP technology to protect your private keys.
That means the wallet splits your private key into two, storing one half on your mobile phone. The other is stored on a Fireblocks server and is automatically refreshed in minutes-long intervals. That same MPC-CMP technology also enables transactions to be signed up to 800% faster.
Best Wallet uses advanced bank-grade security – as well as multi-factor authentication and biometrics – to keep your crypto safe. And, as a Web3 multi-chain, multi-currency hot wallet, it supports the trade of thousands of currencies across most major blockchains.
It also has multi-wallet functionality. This means you can create, track, and manage numerous wallets in the app.
And if you already have an existing crypto hot wallet, you can import that into Best Wallet too. Our comprehensive Best Wallet review explains more about that.
Best Wallet is the first and only crypto wallet to give you the opportunity to buy the best new meme coins before they’re launched on a DEX or CEX. This means early-bird access to the top presale crypto at a low, pre-listing price, along with generous presale staking options.
Right now, the crypto wallet market is worth around $10B but is expected to increase by a CAGR of 24.8%, reaching $94B+ by 2033.
The team behind Best Wallet has ambitious plans to dominate 40% of the market by the end of 2026. Even though it’s a relative newcomer, Best Wallet already has 500K+ users and growing 50% month on month.
It also recently launched the Best Wallet Token ($BEST), which is currently in presale. $BEST will power additional benefits, including lower transaction fees and higher staking APY for $BEST holders.
The wallet’s functionality will also evolve, adding features such as portfolio management tools, an NFT gallery, a staking aggregator, and market analytics down the line.
➡️Get Started with Best Wallet
2. Zengo – An Online Wallet With Advanced Multi-Party Computation
Zengo never stores nor has access to your full private keys. That’s what makes this hot wallet the runner-up for the best self-custodial cryptocurrency wallet title in this review.
Typical crypto wallets tend to opt for a seed phrase or single private key model. But that’s where things can – and often do – go very wrong.
Zengo uses a unique approach to private key management called MPC (Multi-Party Computation). Instead of relying on a single private key, Zengo splits the private key into two parts.
One half lives on the Zengo server; the other is stored on the device on which your Zengo app is installed.
This method makes it nearly impossible for hackers to compromise your entire key. Add to the equation email confirmation and 3D face mapping, and you have the Fort Knox of crypto wallets.
Zengo has an excellent Trustpilot rating – 4.5/5 – and 81% of reviewers gave this top non-custodial wallet five stars. That’s not surprising. Zengo claims 1.5M+ users and zero hacking incidents
We like that you can view all your NFTs – on both Ethereum and Polygon – right from the Zengo app. That’s on top of access to trade 380+ cryptocurrencies across 10 blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Doge, Polygon, and Tron.
The Zengo wallet also uses open-source WalletConnect v2.0 technology. That means you can interact easily with Web3, dApps, and DeFi.
All this is included in the Zengo Essentials wallet, which is free.
Zengo Pro, on the other hand, is a subscription-based wallet that throws in even more features and benefits.
These include a discount on transaction fees of up to 50% when buying crypto, up to five wallets, theft protection, a Web3 firewall, and priority customer support. You also have the option to pass your crypto onto someone you nominate in the event you’re no longer around.
Zengo Pro costs $19.99p/m, or $129.99 p/a. The latter includes a three-day free trial.
3. Cypherock – Leading Decentralized Cold Crypto Wallet
Now it’s time to introduce the best non-custodial cold wallet in this review. That’s the Cypherock X1 – one of the top decentralized hardware wallets right now.
Cypherock is the first physical wallet that doesn’t require a seed phrase. You still need a private key, though, and that’s where this crypto wallet shines.
Cypherock splits your private key into five parts: four credit card-size cards and the X1 Vault.
This is thanks to a cryptographic algorithm known as Shamir’s Secret Sharing. It’s a way of distributing private information securely, making it a foundational component of MPC. And because it eliminates a single point of failure – a server breach or lost key, for instance – it’s extremely secure.
It also means you have complete control over your private key – no part of it is stored on an external server. You need just two parts of the key to access your wallet – the handheld X1 Vault and one of your cards. So you can lock away the remaining cards in safe locations in case you lose the one in use.
Another area where Cypherock stands out is in the number of digital assets it supports – more than 9,000! And that’s across popular blockchains such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB, Arbitrum, Doge, Solana, and many more. Using WalletConnect, you can access DeFi and dApps.
Cypherock is compatible with Windows and macOS, but not yet with a smartphone. That will hopefully change in the future. But for now, you can use the Cypherock X1 after downloading the cySync software onto your computer and then connecting the vault via a USB-C cable.
This cold wallet retails at $199, but Cypherock is currently offering at a discounted price of $131.97. That includes the vault, four cards, and a hard case, and a one-year warranty.
4. Ledger – Only Crypto Wallet with a Customizable E-Ink Touchscreen
Ledger is a France-based technology company renowned for its cold crypto wallets. The company has been around for 10+ years and has sold 7M+ units to users in 180 countries worldwide.
Ledger enables you to generate a private PIN when setting up the wallet. Only you know it. And as your private keys are stored on your device – offline – this is a highly secure non-custodial wallet.
As for security, Ledger has it covered with its Secure Element Chip (ST33K1M5). The chip is CC EAL6+ certified, which is the industry standard for the highest level of security. The Ledger Stax is also protected with a PIN only you know.
Ledger has four crypto wallets to choose from, starting with the entry-level Ledger Nano S Plus ($79) and the mobile-first Ledger Nano X ($149). Both are compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. The Nano X is also compatible with iOS.
Next is the higher-end Ledger Flex ($249), which ups the ante with a 2.84-inch e-ink touchscreen.
But it’s the Ledger Stax ($399) that steals the show and firmly places Ledger in our list of the best non-custodial wallets for crypto.
That’s because the Ledger Stax features a curved 3.7-inch e-ink touchscreen that enables ‘clear signing’. This means that thanks to the decent-sized and highly legible screen, you can easily view and verify all transaction details before you sign and seal a deal.
The e-ink screen also consumes less energy than traditional LED screens, which means a longer battery life. On a single charge, both the Flex and Stax offer up to 10 hours of normal use or 150 transactions.
Unlike the Ledger Flex, the Ledger Stax is capable of fast wireless charging. Its screen is also customizable. It can display images – be it your beloved pet or your NFT collections – whether the device is on or off.
The Stax and Flex are compatible with Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, Android, and iOS. They’re also compatible with 50+ third-party wallets. All Ledger wallets support 5.5K+ tokens – including Ethereum and Polygon NFTs.
Despite its comparatively hefty $399 price tag, the Ledger Stax is an excellent balance of form and function.
That’s not surprising, considering it was designed by Tony Fadell, inventor of the iPod, co-inventor of the iPhone, and former Nest Labs CEO.
➡️Explore the Ledger wallet range.
5. Tangem – No-Device Hardware Wallet for Access On-the-Go
In contrast to Ledger Stax’s bells and whistles is Tangem, a stripped-down no-device cold crypto wallet. This is a mobile-only card-based wallet that uses near-field communication (NFC) to connect to your smartphone.
When you activate your Tangem wallet, the card’s built-in EAL6+ certified chip generates a random private key.
The key is stored on the card and nowhere else, making Tangem a fully non-custodial crypto wallet. And as it is entirely offline, it’s also safe from online breaches.
If you like the sound of a tap-and-go crypto wallet that you can use while you are on the go, then this one’s for you.
Like the Ledger Stax, each Tangem card is equipped with an EAL6+ certified chip. Again, that’s the highest chip security standard that exists.
An access code, in addition to biometrics, also adds to the security factor, keeping the wallet and crypto safe from hackers and other third parties. In fact, of the 2M+ Tangem cards sold to date, there have been no reports of breaches.
The Tangem wallet is sold as a set of two or three cards, although you need just one card to access and manage your digital assets. The additional cards simply offer more recovery options should one be misplaced or if you forget the access code.
You need to download the Tangem software to your smartphone to access your wallet. It’s free and available for Android and iOS. Indeed, the Tangem app has an impressive 4.8/5 rating on Google Play, across 21.9K user reviews. On Apple Play – 4.9/5 across 11.3K reviews.
This self-custodial wallet supports 80+ blockchains and an impressive 13K+ digital assets. Tangem also gives you access to DEXs, dApps, and NFTs.
On the downside, the Tangem app doesn’t support NFT management. But you can connect the wallet to the NFT marketplace via WalletConnect.
The Tangem wallet is available for a budget-friendly $49.41 for the two-card set, and $62.91 for the three-card set.
Then there’s the Tangem ring – a wearable crypto wallet made of zirconia ceramic. Like the Tangem card, it has EAC6+ chip security and connects to your phone via NFC. But at $144 for a ring and two-card set, we’re not convinced it’s the best Tangem offering. The standard card sets are better value.
6. Ellipal – World’s First Air-Gapped Hardware Wallet
Ellipal entered the crypto wallet scene in 2019 when it launched the Ellipal Titan, the world’s first ‘air-gapped wallet’. That means it is completely disconnected from any form of wireless communication, whether Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC.
As any online access comes with a risk of a breach, being ‘air gapped’ means this wallet is 100% cold and quintessentially non-custodial. Your private keys can’t be intercepted or hacked.
The second iteration of this crypto wallet – the Titan 2.0 – has since been released. It relies solely on QR codes to access and manage digital assets, and that means excellent security.
The Titan also uses a 24-word seed phrase and passphrase. That’s in addition to the all-important EAL5+ security chip.
This crypto wallet has another unique security feature – a self-destruct mechanism. If the built-in anti-tamper sensor detects any sign of forced entry or disassembly, the security chip will consider it a hacking attempt, and automatically erase all private keys and other sensitive data.
That doesn’t mean your digital assets are forever lost if the wallet self-destructs, but you’ll need to use your seed phrase on a compatible wallet to access your funds. So be sure to secure that seed phrase somewhere safe.
The Titan 2.0 is compatible with Android and iOS. In other words, it’s a mobile-only device, and you will need to download the Ellipal app onto your smartphone to use it.
The Ellipal wallet supports 40 blockchains and 10K+ tokens, and that includes NFTs. And unlike many crypto wallets, there’s no need to use WalletConnect to buy, send, and sell NFTs with Ellipal.
That said, if you want to connect to any of the 200+ dApps that Ellipal supports, you can do that using compatible hot wallets like MetaMask or WalletConnect. We also like that Ellipal supports $ADA, $ATOM, $XTZ, $DOT, and $KSM staking.
The Ellipal Titan 2.0 is roughly the size of the average mobile phone, has a fully metal-sealed body and 4-inch touchscreen – and costs $169. That includes a one-year warranty.
➡️Take a closer look at Ellipal
What Is a Non-Custodial Wallet?
Non-custodial wallets give you, the holder, complete control over your private keys. And, because those private keys are the only way to access your wallet and the crypto in it, this gives you full financial control of your digital assets.
You don’t need permission from any third party to transact your crypto. Even more importantly, a non-custodial wallet is generally much more secure; as only you have access to your private keys and crypto. Cold non-custodial wallets are especially secure as they store your private keys offline, out of reach of hackers.
And in case you’re wondering how a non-custodial wallet differs from a self-custodial wallet – it doesn’t. They’re the exact same thing.
What’s the Advantage of a Non-Custodial Wallet?
Non-custodial wallets have a lot of advantages. First is full autonomy over your digital assets. As long as you keep your private keys safe, no one else will be able to access your wallet.
A custodial wallet, on the other hand, is hosted by a third party – an exchange or bank – which holds your private keys on its central server. Hence, it manages your crypto. You need the exchange’s or wallet’s approval to perform a transaction, and it has the ability to freeze – or restrict access to – your account.
Those third parties also manage the security of your crypto. While most have powerful security protocols in place, they’re still often targeted by hackers simply because of the vast amounts of crypto they hold. Last month, for instance, hackers stole $1.4B in $ETH from the Bybit exchange.
According to a recent blockchain data platform Chainanalyses, private key compromises accounted for 43.8% of stolen crypto last year. ‘The impact of a private key compromise can be devastating,’ it states in its 2025 Crypto Crime Report.
‘We only have to look at the $305 million DMM Bitcoin hack, which is one of the largest crypto exploits to date, and may have occurred due to private key mismanagement or lack of adequate security.’
That’s why non-custodial wallets are considered more secure. You have sole custody of your private keys, and you can transact your crypto without any third-party approval or oversight. And as many non custodial wallets do not require KYC, you can remain 100% anonymous.
Different Types of Non-Custodial Wallets Explained
There are three types of non-custodial wallets that you could use – hot, cold, or paper wallets. Read on to find out how each one works.
Hot Wallets
Simply put, this type of crypto wallet connects to the internet. In other words, it’s a software wallet that you access on the web via your desktop or smartphone. Best Wallet, for example, is a mobile app. This makes it a hot wallet.
The advantage of using a hot wallet is that it’s generally free to use, as there’s no hardware involved. They also typically support multiple currencies and offer fast, simple trading.
As with anything online, however, cyber threats come into play. Hot wallets are apps, so there’s always the risk of being hacked. That’s why hot wallets are better suited for everyday transactions, active trading, and holding smaller amounts of crypto.
That said, the best non-custodial crypto wallet apps have bank-grade security protocols in place to limit the risk of hacking, phishing, and malware.
Cold Wallets
A cold wallet is a physical device or a piece of paper that securely stores your all-important private keys. And because it’s not connected to the internet, there’s no risk of online threats. That’s why a cold wallet is generally considered more secure.
As long as you have your cold wallet safely in your possession and offline, you have complete control over your private keys.
That’s why it’s ideal for long-term storage of your crypto, especially if we’re talking large amounts.
With that, however, comes great responsibility. If you lose access to your device (as in it’s lost, stolen, or you forget your password), you’ll lose access to your crypto – forever. Also, another consideration is that cold wallets aren’t free like most hot wallet apps.
Paper Wallets
A paper wallet is the simplest type of crypto wallet – a physical printout of your private keys, often in the form of a QR code. You’ll still need a digital crypto wallet of some type to actually transact with crypto.
Some people love the simplicity of paper wallets. Being a hard copy of your private keys, you can store your paper wallet securely, and, being offline, it’s safe from online threats. But still, paper is degradable, and anything could happen to that piece of paper, so it is possibly not the most reliable option.
How We Selected the Top Non-Custodial Wallets
When scouring the market for the best self-custodial crypto wallets today, certain factors are non-negotiable.
Here’s what we took into consideration when selecting the top options:
- Compatibility – Is the crypto wallet compatible with different operating systems, whether mobile phones or desktop browsers? The best self-custodial wallets should also give you access to Defi and other dApps via Web3 integrations.
- Security – You don’t want your crypto falling into the wrong hands. So, we investigate the security protocols each crypto wallet has. Features like MPC, EAL6+ chip certification, and multi-factor authentication bring peace of mind.
- User experience – No one wants a clunky, complicated wallet. We expect the best noncustodial wallets to be user-friendly, with fast transactions and, ideally, no KYC so that you can remain anonymous.
- Features – Multi-currency, multi-chain crypto wallets make life so much simpler as you don’t need more than one wallet for all your cryptos. And a wallet with built-in integrations for the best crypto exchanges is a definite advantage.
- Reputation – We do a background check on the company behind each crypto wallet, looking out for any prior data breaches or other reasons for concern. User reviews are also valuable in determining a community’s trust in a particular crypto wallet.
How to Get Started with a Non-Custodial Wallet — Mini Guide
Non-custodial wallets are fairly easy to use, whether they’re hot or cold. If you’re new to the crypto world, however, here’s a guide on how to get started. We’ll use our top pick – the Best Wallet app – as an example, as most crypto wallets follow a similar setup process.
Step 1 – Download the Official App
Best Wallet is an app that you need to download onto your smartphone. There are two ways to do this. The first is to visit the official Best Wallet website where you will find a QR code. Scan it with your phone’s camera.
The second is to download the Best Wallet app directly from the Google Play Store if you’re using an Android phone or the Apple Play Store if you have an iPhone.
Step 2 – Install and Set Up Your Non-Custodial Wallet
Once the app is on your phone, open it and select ‘Get Started’. You’ll be prompted to enter your email address to receive a verification code. Enter the code in the app.
The Best Wallet will then prompt you to add optional two-factor authentication by adding your mobile phone number. This is always a good idea for maximum security.
Once that’s done, create your own four-digit PIN that you will use every time you open the Best Wallet app.
You can also enable the biometric login option. That way, instead of having to remember your PIN, you can access your wallet with your fingerprint (Android) or facial ID (iOS).
Step 3 – Top Up Your Wallet
Now that your crypto wallet is ready to use, it’s time to add some funds. The simplest way is by on-ramping. In other words, use your bank card, a bank transfer, PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller to buy crypto coins directly through the app.
You’ll find transaction options at the top of the Best Wallet app’s landing page. Select ‘Buy’, then choose the crypto token you want to purchase.
Then enter the amount in fiat that you want to buy. The Best Wallet app detects your region and sets the default currency accordingly, but you can manually choose your preferred currency here.
On entering the amount you want to purchase, the app will show you the cryptocurrency equivalent, as well as the trading platform that has it at the best price. Once you’re happy with the amount, go ahead and select ‘Buy’.
The trading platform will then step in – you’ll need to enter your payment details to continue with your purchase.
Don’t forget to add extra funds to cover the gas fees. Those are the network and transaction fees involved when buying crypto.
After your payment is completed, your cryptocurrency will appear in your wallet balance. Now you can use it to trade, swap, or purchase other cryptocurrencies.
Step 4 – Import Your Existing Crypto
What if you already have cryptocurrency in a different wallet?
Not a problem. You can hold multiple wallets within the Best Wallet app itself. That means you can import an existing wallet into Best Wallet. Alternatively, you can transfer your crypto from one to the other easily. You’ll find a helpful YouTube video that explains how to do that on the official Best Wallet website.
➡️Get started with Best Wallet
Concluding Our Guide on Non-Custodial Wallets
There you have it, everything you need to know about the best non-custodial wallets currently on the market. As you can see, they each offer unique features and benefits. What they all have in common, however, is that they give you full control of your private keys, which is extremely important.
It’s up to you to decide whether a hot or cold self-custodial cryptocurrency wallet is best for you. The way we see it, hot wallets are better suited to regular traders, while cold wallets are good for long-term investments.
Best Wallet app is our top pick as the best free non-custodial crypto wallet. It’s secure and user-friendly, and it’s also the first crypto hot wallet that lets you buy the top presale tokens.
If you’re in the market for a cold wallet, however, the Cypherock X1 is a good choice. This highly secure non-custodial wallet uses MPC technology to split and store your private key across five hardware components.
Finally, as with all things crypto, DYOR relates to your crypto wallet too. Do your own homework to make sure you find the best non-custodial wallet for you.
FAQ
1. What is the best non custodial wallet for crypto?
Each of the six non-custodial wallets we reviewed in this article is a market leader. Our top pick, however, is the Best Wallet app – it’s a no-KYC, multi-chain, multi-currency hot wallet. It’s also the only crypto wallet that gives you the option to buy the top presale tokens. That said, if you would prefer to use a cold wallet to manage your crypto, the Cypherock X1 is a solid option.
2. What is a non-custodial wallet?
A non-custodial wallet gives you full control of the private keys to your digital assets. That means only you can access and manage your crypto, giving you full financial control. A custodial wallet, on the other hand, entails third-party management of your keys by a bank or exchange. Your private keys are stored on a central server, potentially making them vulnerable to data breaches that could compromise your crypto.
3. What is the best cold wallet?
In our experience, the Cypherock X1 is the top decentralized cold wallet because it takes security to the next level. That’s because it uses the cryptographic algorithm Shamir’s Secret Sharing to split your private key into five parts. This eliminates a single point of failure. Each key component can be safely stored in different locations, and you need only two parts of the key to access your wallet.
4. Why are non-custodial wallets more secure?
Non-custodial wallets give you complete control over your crypto, whereas custodial wallets mean third-party involvement. That third-party company – be it an exchange or bank – holds your private keys on its central server. And if that server is hacked, you could lose all your crypto. There’s also the chance that the company could freeze your account or go out of business and shut down operations, leaving you with no access to your funds.
5. What is the best non-custodial crypto wallet for beginners?
The best non-custodial crypto wallet for crypto newbies is the Best Wallet app. It’s user-friendly and highly secure, thanks to Fireblock MPC-CMP security. This wallet is multi-currency, multi-chain, and 100% noncustodial. Best Wallet also offers lower transaction fees and is packed with features, such as the ability to purchase presale crypto at early-bird prices. And with no KYC, you have complete anonymity.