Bitcoin has been gaining traction worldwide, attracting people eager to explore the advantages of this technology. That’s why it’s essential to have tools that are both secure and easy to use. After all, not everyone is immediately familiar with Bitcoin, and that shouldn’t be a barrier for those who want to get started.
With this in mind, Proton Wallet was created—a digital wallet designed to make using Bitcoin more accessible and secure for everyone.
Proton Wallet describes itself as “the most secure way to store Bitcoin” and is the result of a team based in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy and security laws.
But what makes this wallet so special? Why does it stand out among so many other options on the market?
If you’re new to Bitcoin or looking for a practical solution to protect your coins, keep reading. Let’s explore how Proton Wallet can be a powerful ally in your journey into the world of Bitcoin.
Let’s dive in!
What is Proton Wallet and how was it created?
Proton Wallet is a Swiss digital wallet designed to combine advanced security with ease of use for storing Bitcoin.
More than just a digital wallet, Proton Wallet is part of an ecosystem that has prioritized privacy and security for over a decade.
It all began in 2014 with the launch of Proton Mail, an email platform that revolutionized the market by offering end-to-end encryption to protect communications. Since then, Proton has expanded its operations, remaining committed to creating trustworthy and accessible solutions.
The wallet is operated by Proton Financial AG, an independent Swiss subsidiary of Proton AG.
Additionally, Proton AG’s primary shareholder is the Proton Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting privacy and security in the digital world. This structure reflects the company’s mission: to provide high-quality tools that respect user privacy, often for free and with open-source code.
Despite being a recent addition, Proton Wallet already introduces an innovative approach. Developed within the Proton Blockchain, it enables the integration of verified identities with fast, secure, and fee-free payments.
Therefore, by choosing Proton Wallet, you’re opting for a solution that goes beyond the basics. It’s more than just a wallet—it’s a reflection of a continuous commitment to privacy, security, and technological innovation.
And the best part?
Just like other Proton services, the wallet is free and open-source, allowing anyone to explore, use, and contribute to its evolution.
If you’re a Bitcoiner who values privacy and seeks tools that genuinely respect your data, Proton Wallet is a choice that deserves your attention.
Key features of Proton Wallet
Proton Wallet is a hot wallet, meaning it is connected to the internet and designed to make using Bitcoin seamless in daily life.
Currently, it is available for desktop, Android, and iOS. However, it does have some notable limitations for Bitcoiners: it does not yet support the Lightning Network, meaning all transactions must be conducted on-chain.
This is an important factor to consider if you’re looking for a solution for fast, low-cost payments.
What makes Proton Wallet interesting for all users?
While it’s not perfect, Proton Wallet offers features that may appeal to those who prioritize security, privacy, and simplicity.
Let’s take a closer look:
- Self-custodial: This is for those who follow the Bitcoin mantra: “Not your keys, not your coins”. With Proton Wallet, you have full control over your private keys. This means that no one — not even the Proton team — can access your Bitcoin. It’s total sovereignty over your sats, the way it should be.
- Sending Bitcoin via email: This function is unique and practical. Proton Bitcoin Wallet allows you to send and receive Bitcoin using email addresses, eliminating the need to deal with long alphanumeric addresses and making transactions easier, especially for beginners. However, this feature only works among users with Proton accounts.
- Privacy-focused: The wallet generates new public addresses for each transaction, making it harder to track your financial history. If you value your privacy (and who doesn’t?), this is a huge advantage compared to other wallets that can reuse addresses and compromise your security.
- Open-source: Total transparency! The Proton Wallet code is available for audit by anyone, allowing anyone interested to review and suggest improvements, ensuring greater security and trust in the wallet.
- Easy to use: The interface of Proton Wallet was designed to be intuitive and simple. Even those without technical knowledge can use it without difficulty. The goal is to make Bitcoin accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level.
- Integrated Bitcoin purchase: Through partnerships with third-party services, you can buy Bitcoin directly within the wallet using fiat currency.
- 24/7 human support: This is a bonus that not all wallets offer. If you encounter a problem, you can count on human support available 24/7. So whether you’re solving a technical detail or a larger problem, you’re not alone.
- Passphrase: You have the option to set up a passphrase, an extra secret phrase that only you know. This additional security layer is never stored by Proton, meaning that even if someone discovers your username and password, they will not have access to your wallet.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): With this feature enabled, you add an extra layer of security to accessing your wallet. This means that, besides your password, an additional verification step (usually via an authenticator app or SMS) is required.
Well, now that you know the main features of this wallet, let’s understand how to use it in practice!
A simple guide to using Proton Wallet
Creating a Proton Wallet is straightforward and follows the same setup process as most other hot wallets on the market.
Proton Wallet is available across multiple platforms, offering flexibility for different types of users. Currently, you can use it in three main ways:
- Web browser: Access it directly from your computer without installing anything.
- Android app: Available on the Google Play Store, providing mobility for those who prefer using the wallet on their phone.
- iOS: Also available on the App Store.
One of Proton Wallet’s biggest advantages is its quick and easy setup. In just 5 to 10 minutes, you can create your account, configure your wallet, and start using it—whether to send, receive, or buy Bitcoin.
This ease of access is a huge plus, especially for those taking their first steps into the world of Bitcoin.
Now, let’s go through the step-by-step setup!
Step 1: Access the official website
Go to the Proton Wallet website. On the homepage, click the “Protect My Bitcoin” button to begin creating your wallet.
Step 2: Create or Enter a Proton Email
Next, you’ll be redirected to the wallet setup page.
Here, you’ll need to either create a new Proton Mail email address or sign in with an existing one. This email will be linked to your wallet, making transactions and notifications more convenient.
Step 3: Set the Default Currency
Once inside the wallet, you’ll land on the main screen, where you can select your default currency (e.g., USD or EUR for conversion purposes).
At this stage, writing down your private keys is not mandatory, but you can access them anytime in the wallet settings.
Step 4: Understand How It Works
Before you start using the wallet, a brief overview will explain how Proton Wallet functions. The wallet also emphasizes that it is self-custodial, meaning you alone are responsible for your private keys and recovery phrases.
Step 5: Access the Home Screen
Uour wallet is now ready!
On the home screen, you’ll find the main features:
- Receive Bitcoin
- Send Bitcoin
- Buy Bitcoin directly using fiat currency
All these functions are clearly visible and easy to access, even for those new to Bitcoin.
That’s It!
See how simple it is to set up Proton Wallet? Now you can start using it securely and efficiently to manage your Bitcoin.
Pros and Cons of Proton Wallet
Proton Wallet offers several compelling features, making it a great choice for those seeking a practical hot wallet with a strong focus on privacy. Its intuitive design, quick setup, and open-source nature make it an attractive option for many Bitcoin users.
Additionally, its strong commitment to privacy—aligning with Bitcoin’s core philosophy—is a clear advantage.
However, there are some important limitations to consider before fully adopting this wallet:
1. Lack of Lightning Network Support
While Proton Wallet allows on-chain transactions, it does not yet support the Lightning Network. This means you can’t take advantage of instant payments and near-zero fees, which are essential for those who use Bitcoin for everyday transactions.
Without Lightning, Proton Wallet is less versatile, especially for small transactions or users who prioritize speed and cost-efficiency.
2. No UTXO Management
For advanced Bitcoin users, the lack of UTXO (Unspent Transaction Outputs) management in Proton Wallet may be a drawback.
Managing UTXOs is important for optimizing fees and organizing your sats more efficiently, so users who rely on this feature may find the wallet limiting.
3. Dependence on Proton Email
Unlike many non-custodial wallets, Proton Wallet requires you to use a Proton Mail email address. This means that to create a wallet, you must either:
- Already have a Proton account
- Create a new Proton email
This requirement raises questions about the necessity of this integration and its impact on privacy and security.
Wallet Available for Everyone
Proton Wallet has exited the beta phase and is now available to all users.
Currently, there are a few plans available:
- Visionary Plan ($29.99/month): Access to 50 wallets, 6 TB of storage, and many additional benefits.
- Free Plan: Access to 3 wallets and 1 Proton Email.
- Proton Unlimited Plan ($10/month): Access to 10 wallets, 15 Proton Emails, 500 GB of storage, private VPN, encrypted password manager, and more.
Summing up
Proton Wallet has potential and introduces interesting ideas, such as email integration and a strong focus on privacy. However, the lack of Lightning Network support and UTXO management may be drawbacks for more advanced Bitcoiners.
If privacy is your top priority and you don’t mind the current limitations, it might be worth testing. However, if you need a more complete solution, it may be better to wait for future updates or explore other wallet options (check out our complete guide on the blog!).
As every good Bitcoiner knows, choosing a wallet is an important decision. Evaluate your goals and priorities before deciding which one to use. After all, sovereignty over your Bitcoin should always come first.
Until the next article, and OPT OUT!
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Founder of Area Bitcoin, one of the largest Bitcoin education projects in the world, she is a marketer, passionate about technology, and a full-time hands-on professional. She has participated in major Bitcoin conferences such as Adopting Bitcoin, Satsconf, Surfin Bitcoin, and Bitcoin Conference.
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