Software Wallet Overview
Software wallets run on the cloud and are accessible from any computing device. While more convenient, online wallets store your private keys online which make them more vulnerable to attack. We will overview some of the best software & mobile wallets to choose from below!
Jaxx
Jaxx is a multi-currency Ether, Ether Classic, Dash, DAO, Litecoin, REP, Zcash, Rootstock, Bitcoin wallet and user interface. Jaxx has been designed to deliver a smooth Bitcoin and Ethereum experience. It is available on a variety of platforms and devices (Windows, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, OSX, Android mobile & tablet, iOS mobile & tablet) and connects with websites through Firefox and Chrome extensions. Jaxx allows in wallet conversion between Bitcoin, Ether and DAO tokens via Shapeshift and the import of Ethereum paper wallets. With an array of features and the continual integration of new currencies, Jaxx is an excellent choice for those who require a multi-currency wallet.
- Pros: Good privacy & security, Multi-currency, wallet linking across multiple platforms, great user support, feature rich, user-friendly, free.
- Cons: Code is not open source, can be slow to load.
Exodus
Exodus is a relatively new and unknown digital wallet that is currently only available on the desktop. It enables the storage and trading of Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoins, Dogecoins and Dash through an incredibly easy to use, intuitive and beautiful interface. Exodus also offers a very simple guide to backup your wallet. One of the great things about Exodus is that it has a built-in shapeshift exchange that allows users to trade altcoins for bitcoins and vice versa without leaving the wallet.
- Pros: Good privacy & security, beginner friendly, intuitive, easy to use, in-wallet trading, supports multiple currencies, open source software, free.
- Cons: Hot wallet, no web interface or mobile app
Copay
Created by Bitpay, Copay is one of the best digital wallets on the market. If you’re looking for convenience, Copay is easily accessed through a user-friendly interface on desktop, mobile or online. One of the best things about Copay is that it’s a multi-signature wallet so friends or business partners can share funds. Overall, Copay has something for everyone. It’s simple enough for entry-level users but has plenty of additional geeky features that will impress more experienced players as well.
- Pros: Good privacy & security, multisig transactions, multiple platforms & devices, multiple wallet storage, beginner friendly, open source software, free
- Cons: Can be slow & unresponsive, limited user support
MyEtherWallet
An open source, javascript, client-side tool for generating Ethererum Wallets & sending transactions. Created by kvhnuke and tayvano.
MyEtherWallet gives you the ability to generate new wallets so you can store your Ether yourself, not on an exchange. This process happens entirely on your computer, not their servers. Therefore, when you generate a new wallet, you are responsible for safely backing it up.
MyEtherWallet.com are not "web wallets". You do not create an account or give them your Ether to hold onto. All data is created on our computer/your browser, not their servers. It's not a website where you put your Ether and they store it for you. They just make it easy for you to save your wallet information in your browser/on your computer. Then they give you a place where you can access that information and do stuff with it.
- Pros: Convenient, Open Source, Comptabile with some hardware wallets, supports offline transactions, does not store private keys online
- Cons: Only web interface, no mobile application yet