Overview of Self-Custody Wallets
DeFi wallets make decentralization of funds possible which means funds are not controlled by central authority. Users have full control over their private keys and manage their funds. Unlike custodial wallet which is integrated into crypto exchange and do not give access to private keys, self-custody wallet is not held by any centralized authority, and users have control over their private keys. You can use such wallet on any DeFi platform like NFT marketplaces, and DEXs. However, self-custodial nature of these wallets also comes with risk – losing funds if you forgot your private keys. This risk is not present in custodial wallets, since users’ private keys are held by centralized crypto exchange.
In the recent years, multi-chain functionality has also become popular feature of crypto wallets made possible through technology known as blockchain interoperability. Multi-chain wallets allow users to manage cryptocurrencies from different blockchains in a single interface. In this review, we explore features and reliability of top 5 multi-chain wallets.
Choosing the Best Wallet
DeFi wallets are internet-connected wallets, that provide access to ecosystem of DApps. Without robust security measures, they can be hacked if there are vulnerabilities in smart contracts and web protocols. That’s why researching security features like encryption technologies, multi-signature support, and network protections is necessary to ensure your chosen wallet is secure.
Alongside security, we also consider several other factors to spot a reliable crypto wallet:
- The supported crypto assets
- Multi-chain functionality
- User-friendliness
- DeFi integration
These are crucial factors to consider when choosing a crypto wallet.
1. Trust Wallet
🌍 Multi-Chain Power – Supports 65+ blockchains and over 1M tokens.
💹 Earn Rewards – Stake coins directly in the app to grow your portfolio.
🖼️ NFT Friendly – Manage and view your NFTs alongside your crypto assets.
⭐ 4.9/5
Trust Wallet is one of the most popular crypto wallets with multi-chain access, providing a combination of unique features such as a built-in Web3 browser, multi-currency support, and staking services. Initially developed by software developer Viktor Radchenko in 2017, this wallet was later acquired by Binance in 2018 and remains one of the top wallet choices for investors.
A mobile app is also available, so users can manage their assets from their smartphones. The reason we consider this a top wallet is its vast blockchain and cryptocurrency support. Trust Wallet supports over 1 million tokens across 65+ blockchains. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to manage their assets through a single interface.
Here are some of the standout features:
- Integrated Web3 browser allows users to interact with an ecosystem of dApps.
- Users can stake coins and earn yields.
- Users can swap cryptocurrencies directly in the app without needing a crypto exchange.
You can send, receive, swap, and stake a wide range of coins and tokens. Another interesting feature is the ability to view and manage NFTs. The company utilizes strong encryption, security audits, monitoring systems, and a bug bounty program to maintain wallet security. Overall, it is a very good option for new and experienced traders.
2. MetaMask
🌐 Web3 Access – Connect instantly with thousands of decentralized apps (dApps).
🔄 Token Swaps – Swap coins directly with liquidity from multiple DEXs.
🎨 NFT Ready – Store, view, and manage your NFTs in one wallet.
⭐ 4.7/5
MetaMask was developed by ConsenSys, a blockchain company, with the aim of providing accessibility to DeFi and Web3. It is a multi-chain wallet used to manage crypto assets and provide a gateway to decentralized finance applications. It mainly supports EVM-compatible blockchains like Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and other networks, allowing users to interact with multiple blockchains.
MetaMask is available as a browser extension and mobile app. It provides access to a wide range of Ethereum-based tokens and some staking services. Here are its standout features:
- Web3 integration allows interaction with multiple DeFi apps.
- Users can swap tokens in the app using aggregated liquidity from decentralized exchanges.
- Users can store and view NFTs in the wallet.
MetaMask has also publicly revealed independent security audit reports, demonstrating its dedication to platform security. Moreover, it can be integrated with hardware wallets, which further enhances security. MetaMask is a good option for those who want to manage Ethereum-based coins.
3. Coinbase Wallet
🔑 Full Control – Self-custodial wallet giving you ownership of your private keys.
🔄 Easy Transfers – Seamless connection with Coinbase exchange for quick trading.
📚 Learn & Grow – In-app education to help beginners explore crypto with confidence.
⭐ 4.5/5
It is a self-custodial crypto wallet developed by Coinbase, that supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and provides access to decentralized applications. A prominent feature is its integration with the Coinbase exchange, which allows users to easily transfer funds to and from the exchange for trading.
Here are its standout features:
- Unlike funds on the Coinbase exchange, Coinbase Wallet gives users full control over their private keys and crypto assets.
- Users can transfer assets between the self-custodial wallet and the Coinbase exchange for trading.
- Coinbase provides in-app educational content to help beginners understand crypto and wallet functionality.
Its user-friendly interface and strong security features make it a reliable wallet option for most users. For transactions, users pay the network fees, which can vary depending on network congestion. Moreover, despite being self-custodial and giving users full control over their private keys, it is still developed and maintained by a centralized company, meaning its availability and features may be subject to regulatory compliance.
4. Crypto.com Wallet
🌍 Multi-Chain Support – Manage 30+ blockchains and 700+ tokens in one wallet.
🔗 Seamless Integration – Easily transfer funds between the wallet and Crypto.com exchange.
💰 DeFi & Staking – Swap tokens, stake assets, and earn rewards directly in-app.
⭐ 4.4/5
The Crypto.com Wallet is a non-custodial wallet developed by Crypto.com, designed to give users full control over their crypto assets while also allowing fast asset transfer between the wallet and the Crypto.com exchange. This wallet provides access to many decentralized applications across multiple blockchains and supports NFTs. It currently supports 30 blockchains and over 700 tokens, allowing users to manage coins across different ecosystems.
Here are its standout features:
- Users can swap and trade tokens across multiple blockchains through decentralized exchanges accessible in the wallet.
- Users can stake coins in various DeFi apps accessible in the wallet to earn rewards.
- Supports trading of 1,000+ tokens across major blockchains, including Ethereum, Cronos, and Solana.
The wallet is considered one of the top options for diverse blockchain support. Being integrated with the Crypto.com exchange, users can easily transfer funds between the exchange and the wallet, combining the benefits of centralized and decentralized services.
When using this wallet, users can also choose their preferred network fee and confirmation speed. For those who already use the Crypto.com ecosystem, this wallet can be a strong choice.
5. Gemini Wallet
🔒 Secure & Compliant – Backed by Gemini’s fully audited smart contracts and compliance standards.
⚡ Easy Access – Instant onboarding with passkeys, no seed phrase needed.
🌐 DeFi Ready – Manage assets, explore dApps, and earn rewards with integrated staking and yield options.
⭐ 4.2/5
It is a beginner-friendly crypto wallet, developed by Gemini, that enables users to manage their assets. Users can store, withdraw and swap coins easily across multiple blockchains.
Here are its standout features:
- Gemini Wallet allows instant onboarding using passkeys, letting users access funds without seed phrases.
- With the Gemini Wallet Dashboard, users access a transparent hub for asset management, dApp discovery, trading off-exchange assets, and investing in yield-generating vaults.
- Fully audited wallet contracts and vetted to Gemini’s compliance structure.
The wallet supports 30+ blockchains and gives access to thousands of tokens across ecosystems. It also enables staking and yield farming via integrated DeFi apps. Its strong security protocols, fraud detection (via Blockaid), and social recovery features make it very secure. The intuitive user interface makes it a top choice, especially for beginners exploring decentralized finance (DeFi).
Concluding Remarks
Crypto wallets play a crucial role in managing digital assets, providing users with the ability to securely store, transfer assets, and interact with decentralized applications. Each wallet we explored—MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Crypto.com Wallet, and Gemini Wallet—offers unique features tailored to different user needs.
However, we recommend Trust Wallet as the top choice due to its vast coin and blockchain support, enabling access to dozens of dApps, and its robust security infrastructure. This combination makes it a reliable option for both beginners and experienced traders looking for a secure wallet solution.
