Best Desktop Crypto Wallets in 2026
Desktop cryptocurrency wallets run as applications on your laptop or desktop computer, offering more screen real estate, advanced features, and greater control than mobile alternatives. For Bitcoin users who need coin control and UTXO management, DeFi participants running complex transaction sequences, or privacy-focused individuals who want full node verification, desktop wallets provide capabilities that mobile wallets simply cannot match.
This guide reviews the leading desktop wallets for 2026, compares their features and security properties, and helps you choose the right wallet for your operating system and use case.
Why Use a Desktop Wallet?
Desktop wallets offer several advantages over mobile and browser alternatives:
Advanced Functionality
Desktop applications can offer features that mobile wallets cannot due to screen size, processing power, and storage limitations:
- Full node connectivity: Verify transactions against your own copy of the blockchain, eliminating trust in third-party servers
- Coin control: Select specific UTXOs for Bitcoin transactions, critical for privacy
- UTXO labeling: Tag and organize individual transaction outputs for accounting and privacy
- Multi-signature coordination: Manage complex multisig setups with detailed views
- Air-gapped signing workflows: Construct and manage PSBTs for air-gapped hardware wallets
- Custom transaction construction: Fine-grained control over inputs, outputs, fees, and timelocks
Security Advantages
- Desktop operating systems provide more granular security controls than mobile
- Full-disk encryption (FileVault, BitLocker, LUKS) protects wallet data at rest
- No app store restrictions on security features
- Easier integration with hardware wallets via USB
- Dedicated machines can be used exclusively for crypto (no other software to compromise)
Privacy Features
- Tor integration: Route all network traffic through Tor for IP privacy
- Full node verification: No reliance on third-party servers that can track your addresses
- CoinJoin: Collaborative transaction mixing for Bitcoin fungibility
- Custom server selection: Choose which Electrum server to connect to (or run your own)
Top Desktop Wallets for 2026
Electrum (Bitcoin)
Overview: Electrum is one of the oldest and most respected Bitcoin wallets, first released in 2011. It is lightweight (does not require downloading the full blockchain), feature-rich, and fully open source. Electrum has been a cornerstone of the Bitcoin ecosystem for over a decade.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Key features:
- Lightweight SPV client (connects to Electrum servers)
- Hardware wallet support (Ledger, Trezor, Coldcard, Keystone)
- Multi-signature wallet creation and management
- PSBT support for air-gapped signing
- Custom transaction fee control
- Coin control and freezing
- Payment channel support (Lightning via plugins)
- Watch-only wallets
- Reproducible builds for verification
- Plugin system for extended functionality
Security:
- Fully open source (GitHub)
- 12-word seed phrase (Electrum format) or BIP-39 import
- Password encryption for wallet files
- Two-factor authentication option
- Supports Tor proxy for network privacy
- Connect to your own Electrum server for full privacy
Electrum seed format note: Electrum uses its own seed format by default, which is different from BIP-39. This means an Electrum seed cannot be directly restored in a non-Electrum wallet. However, Electrum can import BIP-39 seeds from other wallets. If cross-wallet compatibility is important, use BIP-39 format when creating a new Electrum wallet.
Pros:
- Proven track record (13+ years)
- Extremely lightweight and fast
- Comprehensive feature set
- Excellent hardware wallet integration
- Fully open source with reproducible builds
Cons:
- Bitcoin only
- Interface looks dated compared to modern wallets
- Electrum seed format compatibility issues
- Server-based SPV model (less private than full node by default)
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
Best for: Bitcoin users who want a powerful, proven, lightweight wallet with advanced features and hardware wallet support.
Sparrow Wallet (Bitcoin)
Overview: Sparrow is a modern Bitcoin wallet designed for users who value financial sovereignty, privacy, and detailed transaction visibility. Created by Craig Raw, it has rapidly become the preferred desktop wallet for privacy-conscious Bitcoin users and those who manage hardware wallets in advanced configurations.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Key features:
- Full UTXO management with labeling and visualization
- Hardware wallet support (Ledger, Trezor, Coldcard, Keystone, Jade, SeedSigner)
- Multi-signature wallet with detailed signing flow
- PSBT workflow for air-gapped operation
- Whirlpool CoinJoin integration for privacy
- Full node connectivity (Bitcoin Core, Electrum server, or public servers)
- Address derivation path exploration
- Transaction graph visualization
- Payjoin support
- BIP-39 and SLIP-39 (Shamir) seed support
- QR code-based air-gapped communication
Security:
- Fully open source (GitHub)
- BIP-39 seed phrase (standard, cross-wallet compatible)
- Wallet file encryption
- Tor support (built-in or via external proxy)
- Connects to your own Bitcoin Core node or Electrum server
- Reproducible builds
Pros:
- Best-in-class UTXO management and visualization
- Excellent hardware wallet and air-gap support
- Modern, well-designed interface
- Strong privacy features (CoinJoin, Tor, full node)
- Active development with frequent updates
- Standard BIP-39 seeds for cross-wallet compatibility
Cons:
- Bitcoin only
- More complex than simple wallets (by design)
- Requires some Bitcoin knowledge to use effectively
- CoinJoin features may attract regulatory attention in some jurisdictions
Best for: Privacy-conscious Bitcoin users, hardware wallet managers, and anyone who wants detailed visibility into their Bitcoin transactions and UTXOs.
Exodus
Overview: Exodus is a multi-chain desktop wallet known for its striking visual design and built-in exchange. It aims to make cryptocurrency accessible to non-technical users while supporting a broad range of assets.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (also iOS, Android)
Key features:
- Support for 200+ cryptocurrencies
- Built-in exchange for in-app trading
- Portfolio dashboard with charts and analytics
- Staking for supported proof-of-stake chains
- NFT gallery
- Trezor hardware wallet integration
- Cross-platform sync with mobile app
- 24/7 customer support
- Fiat on-ramp for purchasing crypto
Security:
- Non-custodial (12-word seed phrase)
- Wallet file encrypted with password
- Trezor integration for hardware security
- Not open source
Pros:
- Most visually polished desktop wallet
- Broad cryptocurrency support
- Built-in exchange convenience
- Excellent cross-platform experience (desktop + mobile sync)
- Responsive customer support
- Beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Not open source — cannot independently verify security
- No coin control or UTXO management
- No full node connectivity
- Exchange fees higher than external alternatives
- Limited privacy features
- No dApp browser
Best for: Users who want a beautiful, easy-to-use multi-chain desktop wallet with built-in exchange and portfolio tracking, and who are comfortable with closed-source software.
Wasabi Wallet (Bitcoin)
Overview: Wasabi Wallet is a privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet that pioneered trustless CoinJoin on desktop. It runs a full Tor-routed connection by default and is designed for users who prioritize transaction privacy above all else.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Key features:
- WabiSabi CoinJoin protocol (next-generation trustless mixing)
- Automatic CoinJoin coordinator
- Full Tor integration by default (all network traffic routed through Tor)
- Coin control with privacy scoring
- Full node support (Bitcoin Knots or Bitcoin Core)
- UTXO-level privacy labels
- Payment-aware CoinJoin (send during mix)
- BIP-39 seed phrase
- Hardware wallet support
Security:
- Fully open source (GitHub)
- BIP-39 seed phrase
- Wallet encryption
- Tor by default (IP privacy)
- Reproducible builds
- Privacy as a first-class security feature
Pros:
- Industry-leading transaction privacy
- Tor by default
- CoinJoin is nearly effortless
- Strong open-source community
- Privacy labeling and coin scoring
Cons:
- Bitcoin only
- CoinJoin introduces complexity
- Mixing takes time and costs coordinator fees
- Regulatory scrutiny of CoinJoin/mixing tools
- Interface is functional but not polished
- Heavier resource usage due to Tor routing
Best for: Privacy-maximizing Bitcoin users who want automated CoinJoin mixing and Tor-routed communication. Not recommended for beginners.
Atomic Wallet
Overview: Atomic Wallet is a multi-chain desktop wallet offering atomic swaps (decentralized, cross-chain exchanges) alongside standard wallet functionality.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (also iOS, Android)
Key features:
- Support for 300+ cryptocurrencies and tokens
- Atomic swap functionality (decentralized cross-chain exchange)
- Built-in exchange and buying options
- Staking for 10+ proof-of-stake chains
- Portfolio tracking
- Custom token support
Security:
- Non-custodial (12-word seed phrase)
- Wallet data encrypted locally
- Not open source
Note: Atomic Wallet experienced a security breach in June 2023 where some users lost funds. The company has since implemented additional security measures, but this incident is worth considering when evaluating the wallet.
Best for: Users interested in atomic swap technology and broad multi-chain support. Exercise caution given the 2023 security incident.
Bitcoin Core (Bitcoin Full Node)
Overview: Bitcoin Core is the reference implementation of the Bitcoin protocol. Running Bitcoin Core means you operate a full Bitcoin node, independently verifying every transaction and block without trusting any third party.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Key features:
- Full blockchain verification (complete trustlessness)
- Built-in wallet functionality
- Coin control
- RPC interface for advanced users
- PSBT support
- Multi-wallet support
- Descriptor wallets (modern key management)
- Mempool monitoring
Security:
- The gold standard for Bitcoin verification
- No reliance on any third party
- Fully open source (the reference implementation)
- Wallet data encrypted with passphrase
Pros:
- Maximum trustlessness — you verify everything yourself
- Supporting the Bitcoin network
- Complete transaction privacy (no third-party server)
- Reference implementation
Cons:
- Requires downloading the full blockchain (~600+ GB as of 2026)
- High disk space and bandwidth requirements
- Wallet interface is minimal and technical
- Not suitable for beginners
- Slow initial blockchain sync (days)
- No altcoin support
Best for: Advanced Bitcoin users and developers who want to independently verify the blockchain. Often used as a backend for Sparrow Wallet or Electrum server rather than as a primary wallet interface.
Desktop Wallet Comparison Table
| Feature | Electrum | Sparrow | Exodus | Wasabi | Bitcoin Core |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Chains | Bitcoin | Bitcoin | 200+ | Bitcoin | Bitcoin |
| Open Source | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| HW Wallet | Yes | Yes | Trezor | Yes | Limited |
| Coin Control | Yes | Yes (advanced) | No | Yes | Yes |
| CoinJoin | No (plugin) | Yes (Whirlpool) | No | Yes (WabiSabi) | No |
| Full Node | Via server | Via Core/server | No | Via Knots/Core | Yes (is the node) |
| Multisig | Yes | Yes (advanced) | No | No | Yes |
| Air Gap | PSBT | PSBT + QR | No | No | PSBT |
| Tor | Proxy | Built-in/proxy | No | Default | Proxy |
| Beginner Friendly | Moderate | Low | High | Low | Very Low |
| Multi-platform | Yes | Yes | Yes (+ mobile) | Yes | Yes |
Desktop Wallet Setup Guide
General Installation Steps
- Download from official sources: Always download wallet software directly from the project's official website or GitHub release page
- Verify the download: Check the checksum (SHA-256) and/or PGP signature against the values published on the project's website
- Install: Follow your OS standard installation procedure
- Create or restore: Generate a new wallet (seed phrase) or restore from an existing seed phrase
- Back up your seed phrase: Write on paper/metal, store securely offline
- Configure security: Set a strong wallet password, configure auto-lock
Verifying Downloads (Critical)
Downloading a fake wallet is a common attack vector. Always verify:
Checksum verification:
# macOS/Linux
shasum -a 256 wallet-installer.dmg
# Compare output with the published hash on the official website
# Windows (PowerShell)
Get-FileHash wallet-installer.exe -Algorithm SHA256
PGP signature verification (for Electrum, Sparrow, Wasabi):
- Import the developer's PGP public key
- Download the signature file (.asc) alongside the installer
- Verify the signature using GPG
These steps ensure your downloaded file has not been modified by an attacker.
When setting up any desktop wallet, cross-verify your seed phrase using SafeSeed's Address Generator on an air-gapped machine. This confirms that your wallet software is correctly deriving addresses from your seed, which is especially important when using non-mainstream wallet software.
Desktop Security Best Practices
Operating System Security
- Full-disk encryption: Enable FileVault (macOS), BitLocker (Windows), or LUKS (Linux)
- Keep OS updated: Security patches protect against known vulnerabilities
- Use a standard user account: Do not run as administrator/root for daily use
- Firewall: Enable your OS firewall and only allow necessary connections
- Antivirus/anti-malware: Run reputable security software (especially on Windows)
Dedicated Machine Strategy
For significant holdings, consider using a dedicated computer exclusively for cryptocurrency:
- Use an older laptop that you no longer need for other purposes
- Install a fresh OS (Linux is preferred for security)
- Install only the wallet software and necessary dependencies
- Do not browse the web, check email, or install any other software on this machine
- Keep the machine offline when not actively transacting
This dramatically reduces the attack surface by eliminating the possibility of malware from other software, websites, or email attachments.
Network Security
- VPN or Tor: Route wallet traffic through a VPN or Tor to hide your IP address
- Own node: Connect to your own Bitcoin Core or Electrum server for maximum privacy
- Avoid public WiFi: Do not transact on untrusted networks without a VPN
- DNS security: Use encrypted DNS (DoH/DoT) to prevent DNS-based attacks
Wallet File Protection
Desktop wallet files contain your encrypted private keys:
- Know where your wallet file is stored (check wallet documentation)
- The wallet file is encrypted with your wallet password — choose a strong one
- Back up the wallet file separately from the seed phrase (belt and suspenders)
- If your computer is compromised, the wallet file can be copied — the password is the last line of defense
Hardware Wallet Integration
Most desktop wallets support hardware wallet signing, combining the desktop wallet's features with hardware-level key security:
Electrum + Hardware Wallet
- Launch Electrum > Create New Wallet > Standard Wallet > Use a Hardware Device
- Connect your hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor, Coldcard)
- Select the device and derivation path
- Electrum manages transactions; the hardware wallet signs them
Sparrow + Hardware Wallet
- Launch Sparrow > File > New Wallet > Connected Hardware Wallet
- Connect via USB or initiate air-gapped connection (QR code for Keystone, microSD for Coldcard)
- Import the hardware wallet's account information
- Full Sparrow features (coin control, CoinJoin) with hardware wallet signing
Exodus + Trezor
- Connect your Trezor
- In Exodus: Settings > Trezor > Link Trezor
- Your Trezor accounts appear alongside Exodus software accounts
- Trezor confirmation required for transactions from hardware accounts
Desktop Wallets for Ethereum/EVM
While the wallets above focus primarily on Bitcoin, Ethereum and EVM chain users have desktop options as well:
Frame
Overview: Frame is an Ethereum-focused desktop wallet and OS-level provider. Instead of running as a browser extension, Frame runs as a native application and injects its provider at the system level, making it available to any browser or application.
Key features:
- System-level provider (works with any browser)
- Hardware wallet support (Ledger, Trezor, Lattice1)
- Multi-chain support (Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, etc.)
- Transaction summaries with risk assessment
- Gas management and predictions
- Account management across multiple devices
Best for: Privacy-conscious Ethereum users who want hardware wallet DeFi access without browser extension risks.
MetaMask Desktop (via Browser)
While MetaMask is technically a browser extension rather than a standalone desktop application, it is the de facto desktop wallet for Ethereum and EVM chains. See our MetaMask Setup Tutorial for complete setup instructions.
Rabby Desktop (via Browser)
Rabby offers superior transaction simulation and multi-chain management as a browser extension. Its pre-transaction risk analysis is particularly valuable for DeFi users who want to understand what a transaction will do before signing.
Choosing the Right Desktop Wallet
By Primary Cryptocurrency
| Cryptocurrency | Best Desktop Wallet | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (simple use) | Electrum | Exodus |
| Bitcoin (privacy) | Sparrow or Wasabi | Electrum with Tor |
| Bitcoin (verification) | Bitcoin Core | Sparrow with Core backend |
| Ethereum / EVM | Frame | MetaMask (browser) |
| Multi-chain | Exodus | Atomic Wallet |
By Use Case
| Use Case | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Day-to-day Bitcoin | Electrum |
| UTXO management & privacy | Sparrow |
| CoinJoin mixing | Wasabi or Sparrow (Whirlpool) |
| Hardware wallet management | Sparrow |
| Multi-chain portfolio | Exodus |
| Full node operation | Bitcoin Core + Sparrow |
| Air-gapped signing | Sparrow |
| Beginner-friendly | Exodus |
By Operating System
All wallets listed in this guide support Windows, macOS, and Linux. Linux provides the strongest security posture for cryptocurrency use:
- Open-source OS with full auditability
- Better isolation between user processes
- Fewer malware threats targeting Linux
- Full-disk encryption with LUKS
- Preferred for dedicated cryptocurrency machines
FAQ
Is a desktop wallet safer than a mobile wallet?
Desktop wallets offer more security controls (full-disk encryption, dedicated machine option, full node connectivity) and are less susceptible to some mobile-specific attacks (SIM swapping, app store fake apps). However, desktop computers face their own threats (malware, keyloggers, screen capture). For maximum security, pair either desktop or mobile with a hardware wallet.
Do I need to run a full node to use a desktop wallet?
No. Most desktop wallets connect to public servers by default (Electrum servers, Infura, etc.). Running a full node provides the highest level of trustlessness and privacy but requires significant disk space (~600+ GB for Bitcoin). Wallets like Sparrow and Electrum work perfectly well without a full node, though connecting to your own node is recommended for privacy.
Can I use a desktop wallet and mobile wallet with the same seed phrase?
Yes. Restoring the same seed phrase on both a desktop and mobile wallet gives you access to the same accounts on both devices. This provides convenient access from your phone and advanced features from your desktop. Note that wallet-specific data (labels, notes, custom settings) does not sync between different wallet applications.
Which desktop wallet has the best privacy features?
For Bitcoin, Wasabi Wallet (automatic CoinJoin, Tor by default) and Sparrow Wallet (Whirlpool CoinJoin, Tor support, full node integration) offer the strongest privacy. For Ethereum/EVM chains, Frame with a hardware wallet provides reasonable privacy, though Ethereum's account model makes privacy fundamentally more difficult than Bitcoin's UTXO model.
How much disk space do desktop wallets need?
Lightweight wallets (Electrum, Sparrow without a full node, Exodus, Wasabi) need minimal disk space — typically under 1 GB for the application and wallet data. Running a full Bitcoin node (Bitcoin Core) requires 600+ GB and continues to grow. Plan accordingly if you intend to run a full node.
Are desktop wallets free?
All wallets reviewed in this guide are free to download and use. Transaction fees (network fees) apply to all Bitcoin and Ethereum transactions regardless of the wallet used. Some wallets charge fees for built-in features: Exodus charges for its exchange, Wasabi charges a coordinator fee for CoinJoin. These are optional features.
Can I use a desktop wallet offline?
You can view your balance and prepare transactions offline (though balances may be outdated). Sending a transaction requires internet connectivity to broadcast it to the network. For air-gapped workflows, you can create PSBTs offline and broadcast them from a separate connected device — this is a core feature of Sparrow Wallet and Electrum.
What happens if my computer crashes?
If you have your seed phrase backed up, you can install the wallet on a new computer and restore from the seed phrase. Your funds are on the blockchain, not on your hard drive. However, wallet-specific data (labels, transaction notes) may be lost unless you back up the wallet file separately.
Related Guides
- Crypto Wallet Types Explained — Full overview of all wallet categories
- Hot Wallet Guide — Understanding desktop wallet security trade-offs
- Mobile Wallet Guide — Mobile alternatives and companions
- Hardware Wallet Setup Guide — Pairing hardware wallets with desktop software
- How to Backup Your Crypto Wallet — Securing your desktop wallet seed phrase