Bitcoins are usually stored in several types of wallets. Desktop wallets are one such kind of wallets, which are the best wallets when compared to the other wallets like mobile wallets, ethereum wallets and so on. In our last article, we have discussed segwit and hardfork in Bitcoin. Bitcoin online wallets such as Coinbase or other exchange wallets hold controls on your private key.
In the event of a hard fork in Bitcoin, it is also recommended that the user should shift their coin to a wallet where they hold control over private keys. In this article, we will discuss the best bitcoin desktop wallets so that you can make your bitcoin highly secure. Android users may also use Mycelium secure Android bitcoin wallet.
Best Bitcoin Desktop wallets:
Desktop wallets are used for the storage of bitcoin private keys on the system’s hard drive. An important advantage of using desktop wallets is that they are highly safe and secure in comparison with the other types of wallets. These wallets require an internet connection and hence called ‘hot wallets’.
The following are the four important desktop wallets, which are accessible on all three major OS (Operating systems) such as Windows, Linux, and Mac OS
.
Exodus:
It is an exclusive wallet, designed specifically for new bitcoin users. It contains an easily understandable interface, which is helpful for new users. It is not an open-source wallet so that some malicious codes can be inserted easily into the application software. In addition to bitcoins, it permits the storage of several other cryptocurrencies like Litecoin, Ethereum, Dash and many more.
Guarda
Guarda is a multi-currency wallet available, apart from other versions of the wallet, for Desktop (macOS, Windows, Linux).
Currently, the wallet supports over 40 major blockchains along with more than 10.000 tokens. All the wallets are non-custodial, so the users are in charge of their funds at all times. Besides, Guarda wallets have built-in cryptocurrency management features, additional services and more.
The Desktop version of Guarda also offers support of the Ledger Nano device, which is a great security feature – all you need to do is connect your Ledger and manage existing wallets in the user-friendly and clean interface provided by Guarda Wallet.
The key features of the Guarda Wallet include:
- Secure backup encryption and custody-free storage police
- Built-in purchase and exchange services
- Wide range of supported cryptocurrencies with new coins and tokens added constantly
- 24/7 customer support line with the fastest response time on the wallet market
- Cross-platform operations – all the wallets are easily synced across available versions
- Currency-specific features of supported coins
- Additional services such as ERC20 Token Generator
- Ledger Nano integration
Jaxx:
Jaxx is a multi-currency wallet that supports many altcoins along with Bitcoin. Jaxx wallet is developed/maintained by a Canada based company. It is a pin protected HD wallet and has an inbuilt crypto exchange ShapeShift. Currently, it supports more than 40 coins or tokens and you can also import and export privet key in the wallet.
Electrum wallets:
These are the best and open source wallets for the storage of bitcoins.
Merits of electrum:
- It is a more – robust, secure, excellent and efficient desktop wallet.
- Its transaction charges are very less when compared with the other desktop wallets.
- It provides several additional services including wallet encryption, tagging of addresses and text or message verification.
Demerits of electrum:
- It does not have a user – friendly interface so that the new users will be a little bit confused.
- Its interface is exactly like an old windows version.
Atomic Wallet:
Atomic Wallet is a new multi-asset, a non-custodial solution with an actively growing user base. Atomic Wallet already supports 300+ top coins and tokens that can be managed in the intuitive, user-friendly interface. The list of available assets is updated on a weekly basis, so if you didn’t find your favorite coin here — you can be sure it will be added soon.
Apart from the intuitive UI, Atomic Wallet has offered a wide range of features, such as decentralized storage for private keys, a built-in option to buy crypto with a bank card, Atomic Swaps, instant exchange via Changelly or Shapeshift and an interface for custom tokens. What makes Atomic Wallet so unique is the support of Atomic Swaps, a relatively new decentralized exchange technology based on hash timelock contracts.
Bitcoin core:
It is a full node an exclusive wallet for hardcore Bitcoiners. The full node wallet implies that the wallet contains the whole blockchain copy on the desktop or system. This, in turn, verifies network transactions independently. Bitcoin Core is the first bitcoin wallet. Using this option means you will have control over private keys also, which ensures safe storage.
However, Bitcoin Core requires a lot of space as it comes with data on each bitcoin transaction ever performed.
