The Best Cardano Wallets 2019

One of the most unique crypto assets, Cardano combines the innovations of Bitcoin and the flexibility of Ethereum. Consisting of several layers, its blockchain can be customized to be used in banking infrastructure, aeronautics and other spheres. Besides, its soft forks allow users to choose which updates they need and which they don't.

If you've decided to diversify your crypto portfolio by adding Cardano, you should take care to find a reliable storage system for it. In this detailed guide, we will observe the worthiest Cardano storage solutions to keep your riches safe and sound.

What should be considered?

You ought to think about personal needs. Here are aspects to give careful consideration to:

1. Want to trade on the go? Select a mobile wallet.
2. What’s the required frequency of ADA exchanges? Hard wallets and paper certificates are suitable for long-term holding. Their desktop and web counterparts are adaptable for fast exchanging and spending.
3. Which amount of ADA will you handle? For immense ADA sums, use gadget wallets. For small sums – cyber wallets.
4. Is the wallet sufficiently secure? Be careful so that your private code never goes on the web. Choose an online wallet that won't unveil your information to outsiders.
5. What's the commission? ADA exchange fees can run from 0% to 4% and higher. A number of wallets don't charge for operations, but you should be prepared for expenses when working with exchange websites.

Ideally, a user should have a mix of wallets for various purposes. It guarantees higher security and easy management of your computerized assets.

Types of ADA wallets

There are 4 primary classifications of ADA wallets, each with its pros and cons.

Hardware wallets

These are gadgets that resemble a USB, similarly being connected to a client’s PC. A hard wallet stores private codes inside and can be accessed only when the proprietor enters a PIN. His advanced money can't be accessed through the Internet — direct association with the contraption is required. It's called cold stockpiling and is viewed as the safest option for putting away resources. The fundamental disadvantage is a moderately surprising expense of the arrangement.

Online wallets

These are web sites that enable clients to create their customer area with their own Cardano wallet. It implies that ADA is practically put away on outsider servers. In view of the risk of hacking, this strategy is considered not protected. Notwithstanding, it depends on the site you deal with.

Desktop wallet

In this situation, the software is installed on a PC or use a mobile application. Private keys are put away on the gadget and never go online. This is a moderately safe technique for crypto stockpiling unless your PC is defenseless against viruses and malware. Such a suite may take gigabytes of space, not mentioning some essential IT skills and abilities, so it should be utilized by IT-savvy folks.

Paper wallets

It’s the safest method for crypto stockpiling. A client's private and open keys remain printed on paper. It is typically placed in a bank safe for storage. Even if it seems to be obsolete, this technique is still significant and reliable.

Daedalus

This is an open-source official ADA wallet that works with the Cardano protocol and ensures 100% protection. It’s made to simplify user experience: the installation procedure is intuitive and fast, especially for Macs. Personal keys stay encrypted on customer’s gadget so as to not leak online.

As for the wallet's functionality, it allows for managing ADA transfers and getting an insight into the transaction logs. In the future, Cardano creators want to enable third-party developers to make their own apps based on the blockchain, which might enrich the scope of available tools. Daedalus also supports the creation of ADA paper wallets, so it's ideal for both cold and hot storage.

Infinito

When it comes to this mobile ADA wallet, customers enjoy decent functionality and client support. The app boasts excellent security and 24/7 backup for users. The blockchain connection is constantly updated, which makes for excellent transaction speed. Convenience is enhanced by the list of frequently used addresses and messages that can be pinned to every transaction.

Infinito does not disclose user keys to anyone — codes never leave their smartphones. Make sure to remember password and passphrases to retain access to your wallet! Otherwise, you won't restore it.

Yoroi Wallet

For more adaptability and client availability, use the lightweight Yoroi Wallet. Created a year ago, it quickly became a top pick among crypto holders.

EMURGO's Yoroi Wallet is enjoying top stats! ?We are happy to announce that #Yoroi Wallet reached #1 in Productivity apps (Top New Free category) in the google play store, Japan! (currently #2) Thank you for downloading and reviewing the #Yoroi wallet app. RT and download Yoroi! pic.twitter.com/aAr1K0A6VV

— EMURGO (@emurgo_io) February 6, 2019

It’s available as a Google Chrome extension. It's made to be safe, quick, and intuitive. The private keys are encoded and never imparted to their servers, or any outside supplier. Mobile apps have recently hit the market, and the dev group additionally plans to add more languages, support for different programs, hardware wallet coordination, and features to send out exchange histories to Excel.

Guarda

This is a lightweight multi-crypto wallet that can be utilized on PCs and cell phones. It’s a nice pick for Cardano storage and instant trading. The simplicity of use and optimal performance make it a perfect fit.

Guarda puts customers' security on a pedestal: it doesn't keep the client's information, private keys or exchange details. Codes don’t leave the client's gadget and are erased from the soft once you log out. No KYC procedure is required, so you don't need to make numerous confirmations.

Atomic Cardano Wallet

Supporting 300+ coins, it remains the most straightforward and simple suite to deal with crypto resources. The wallet enables overall control for clients to see how their tokens are distributed and sent and makes storage safe as never before. It is the safest, most simple, and decentralized ADA storage option you can ever envision. Solid encryption and smart private key storage make it exceptionally secure, so you should definitely pay attention to Atomic.

Trezor Wallet

Great news for ADA holders: as of December 2018, Trezor Wallet has introduced support of ADA in its T model. It’s perfect for keeping crypto away from hackers’ prying eyes. It functions as a USB drive on which information is accessed exclusively by the owner. The PIN code should be set up. On the chance that you lose it, there's a recovery seed for backing up the money. Wish to transfer other coins to this hardware depositary? No problem! Trezor is a multi-currency gadget.

Besides that, the wallet is simple to use — its interface is clear and comprehensible for novice users. Simply plug it in to enjoy breezy navigation combined with great performance. The gimmick is lightweight — take it anywhere with you. Extra security is guaranteed thanks to the 24-word seed coupled by the passphrase: that makes getting to the wallet inconceivable for anybody except the proprietor! Caution: if you forget/lose the passphrase, you won't probably restore it.

Are there any drawbacks? If you aren’t against paying up to $100 and connecting it to your PC, this device is impeccable. While Trezor isn't connected to a PC, it's turned off.

Future consideration: Ledger Nano S

This year, we will get the opportunity to create an ADA wallet in Ledger Nano S: the company is intending to add ADA coin in 2019. Ledger Nano S is a rare gadget that works with hundreds of cryptocurrencies, so it’s not a surprise that ADA will join the row soon.

Hardware storage of cryptocurrencies presupposes keeping your assets offline, which makes it the safest storage alternative accessible. It will keep private codes in a safe environment protected by a PIN code.

It also provides two-factor validation code support and swap operations are confirmed using OLED screen by pushing the buttons.

You can buy a safe Ledger wallet by using this referral link.

Online exchanges

Why consider an exchange? There are many reasons for which it may be a good option:

1. You don't have enough money to afford a device like Trezor.
2. You don't need a solution for cold storage and prefer active trading instead.
3. You’ll deal with small sums.
4. You don't have enough space to install a desktop wallet (which might take gigabytes) or an application on your mobile phone.

The truth is that Cardano has only one official wallet right now, so if you need a more flexible solution, be prepared to use web platforms. Currently, not so many exchanges support the storage of Cardano, so it's important to pick up a safe wallet that will ensure proper protection and security of your account and funds.

Binance

Binance is developing at an astonishing rate, and if this keeps up, it will be one of the greatest crypto trade platforms according to exchanging volume. Also, Binance keeps registering fresh coins from new ICOs, which only contributes to the enormous trade volume. At the moment, it supports over 140 tokens, including ADA. Want to handle several cryptocurrencies and ensure high liquidity? Consider Binance: you will enjoy optimal fees together with a fast transaction speed.

Any other advantages?

• Binance is safe and reliable.
• It ensures great liquidity for coins.
• It’s jam-packed with features, and yet is convenient to navigate.

Although you have to trust your private codes to a third-party server, Binance ensures decent protection of your personal account: 2-factor verification prevents unauthorized access.

Coinbase

It’s quite a controversial alternative for Cardano storage – Coinbase has a couple of drawbacks with regards to protection and security. For instance, it controls your private codes and tracks your cryptocurrency operations (theoretically, client accounts can be closed for unlawful transactions made with ADA).

In any case, Coinbase guarantees brilliant performance and is ideal for purchasing and swapping crypto. With this site, you can work with a U.S. bank account and purchase Cardano in a few seconds. If you decide to sell Cardano, it will be converted into USD and sent to your account as well. It's a truly flexible platform.

Another worry shared by clients is Coinbase's vulnerability to hacking. We have already witnessed tons of notorious hacker attacks, and Coinbase can easily become another target. That’s why storing a huge amount of ADA on an account would be a mistake.

AdaLite

The creators of AdaLite chased the idea of making a comprehensible Cardano wallet that would be used easily by both novices and professionals. To utilize AdaLite, you don't have to deal with registrations and installations. Instead, you can proceed to the wallet at AdaLite.io right away.

Once a new wallet is registered, the user has to create 12-word passphrase which serves as the key to his account. Losing this key means you will lose your all ADA reserves, so keep it very secure.

AdaLite protects users’ keys from all third-party sources. It doesn’t store customers’ information and doesn’t keep backups. So if you take care of it yourself, this website is pretty secure. One more perk is integration with the Trezor Model T and Daedalus wallets: it provides the user with additional protection.

Please, note that AdaLite cannot be used for Cardano Staking.

How to store ADA and sleep soundly?

Here are some practices to guarantee the safe and stress-free storage of crypto funds:

• Go offline. Keep in mind, disconnected wallets reduce the danger of hacking, making it more secure than any wallet with an interface controlled via the Internet. For a large crypto balance, choose a hardware wallet.
• Reap benefits from security features. Does your wallet leverage two-factor validation? Consider setting up a safe PIN or something else for additional security. Ensure you exploit each conceivable security feature to keep hackers at bay.
• Backup. Develop the habit of creating backup copies of your ADA wallet on a regular basis. That will allow you to restore your ADA reserves in case of unknown unknowns.
• Consider extra measures. Make sure to utilize standard security practices while storing your Cardano. For instance, create solid passwords, never disclose passwords or private keys to any other person, keep up to date with reliable antivirus software, and go for wallets from trustworthy suppliers only.
• Avoid scam wallets. There have been reports of fake Cardano wallets springing up on the web. Ensure you only utilize a wallet from a well-established provider that’s been on the market for years.

Bottom Line

Although there are not many native Cardano wallets, you can still choose one of the decent solutions — aside from Daedalus, a few other desktop options are available. Hardware wallets will add ADA soon, and in the meantime, you can store solid amounts of Cardano on a paper wallet. For active trading, consider online wallets: they provide flexibility and ease of access.

With a safe and reliable Cardano wallet, you will sleep soundly knowing that your crypto assets and private keys are inaccessible for hackers. All of the above-reviewed wallets have been tested by time, so you can surely trust them with your crypto riches.