The Lightning Network is growing very quickly, and we have every reason to celebrate this. Along with the adoption of this technology, many doubts arise, and one of the biggest questions is which Bitcoin lightning wallet to use.
Especially after Blue Wallet deactivated its custodial lightning node, many users were left without this feature in the wallet. It is still possible to use Lightning on Blue Wallet, but you need to connect with your own node and your channels. Unfortunately, not everyone is yet running their own node, so this ends up being a barrier to entry for new users and for old users who still do not have their own Bitcoin and lightning node.
In this article, you will find a summary of the main hot wallets of the Lightning Network for you to choose which one to use daily for payments, as well as to interact with apps, games, and everything that can be monetized through the internet.
What are Bitcoin lightning wallets?
Bitcoin lightning wallets are categorized as hot wallets and the main difference among the available options you can download lies in whether they are custodial or non-custodial.
Custodial Wallets
Custodial wallets are those that do not provide users with access to their keys. This means that the company or organization that created the wallet retains control over the keys. As a result, users must trust that the wallet provider will not go bankrupt or abscond with their funds since they have access to the users’ balances.
When it comes to the lightning network, we are referring to instant transactions with minimal fees. It is primarily a scalability solution for everyday small payments rather than a storage solution for long-term holdings. Therefore, it is not advisable to keep large amounts of cryptocurrency on this layer, but rather smaller amounts.
Considering this, using a custodial wallet may not be ideal. However, if you are new to Bitcoin Lightning wallets and are starting with small transactions to familiarize yourself with the technology, there is no problem in initially using a custodial wallet. Eventually, you can progress to the next level, which involves using a non-custodial wallet and connecting it to your own node.
Non-custodial wallets
Non-custodial wallets are those in which users retain possession of the keys. These wallets not only provide you with total control over your funds but also eliminate the need to trust the app creators entirely.
Now that you understand the meaning of custodial and non-custodial, we are ready to proceed and discuss the best options for lightning wallets available today.
What are the best Bitcoin lightning wallets?
In recent months, we have witnessed the launch of several products and software updates by lightning infrastructure companies. Bitcoin lightning wallets are no exception to this trend.
Below, we will provide a list of the primary options available today, including mobile wallets and browser extensions, and showcase the new Bitcoin lightning wallets that have been introduced.
Wallet of Satoshi
The Wallet of Satoshi is known for its user-friendly interface and straightforward usage. In the event of a lost or damaged phone, users can recover their accounts on a new device by utilizing the email provided during the wallet setup process.
One of its notable features is the seamless integration of LNURL, making it an excellent choice for businesses that wish to accept Bitcoin payments and display a QR code for lightning transactions.
It’s important to note that the Wallet of Satoshi operates in a custodial manner, and it is accessible on both iOS and Android platforms.
Breez
Breez is a feature-rich wallet that supports both lightning and on-chain transactions. Alongside the ability to send and receive satoshis, Breez offers additional functionalities. Users can set up a mobile lightning node on their phone, stream satoshis while listening to podcasts, and transform their phone into a device for accepting bitcoin payments. It allows users to save products with their prices in satoshis, simplifying the sales process.
To start using Breez, users need to open a lightning channel, which incurs a fee of 2,000 satoshis. One criticism of this Bitcoin lightning wallet is that it relies on Apple and Google Drive for backing up users’ channel states.
However, a positive aspect is that it doesn’t utilize its own servers but instead leverages big tech companies, which may raise concerns regarding user privacy.
To address this concern, Breez enables users to create an additional encryption phrase for securing data stored in cloud backups. This feature can be found in the wallet settings. Breez is a non-custodial wallet and is available as an open-source application for both iOS and Android platforms.
Muun Wallet
Muun is a wallet that generates mixed opinions among users, with some praising its simplicity and advanced tools while others argue against its viability as an option.
One of the key points of contention is that, despite having both lightning and on-chain addresses and offering advanced features, Muun does not position itself as a dedicated Bitcoin lightning wallet but rather as an on-chain Bitcoin wallet.
The drawback with Muun is that all funds are kept on-chain, and interaction with the Lightning Network occurs solely through submarine swaps. Consequently, users who wish to utilize Lightning with this wallet often face higher fees.
On the positive side, Muun is a non-custodial wallet for on-chain Bitcoin transactions. The wallet generates one private key on the user’s phone and another on the backend. In the emergency kit, the user receives a backup of both keys, ensuring that Muun never has access to the phone’s private key.
Even if someone were to find and attempt to recover the wallet on a different device, they would be unsuccessful without the second key. Muun emphasizes that only the user can move their coins by utilizing the combination of the emergency kit and the recovery code, which the user sets up during the wallet setup process.
One notable aspect of Muun is that it combines the balances of both the on-chain and lightning wallets. This approach simplifies usability for beginners who may not yet grasp the concept of Bitcoin’s different layers.
Considerations
However, Muun does have limitations. It does not utilize Tor for enhanced privacy, and it lacks the ability to connect with a user’s own node.
Users should also be aware that they may incur higher fees in exchange for the convenience and ease of use that Muun offers.
Despite these limitations, Muun remains a suitable wallet option for beginners. The Muun app is available for download on iOS and Android platforms.
Blixt
Blixt is a comprehensive Bitcoin lightning wallet that is highly regarded by experienced users thanks to its advanced tools and user-friendly interface designed to accommodate new users as well.
One of the standout features of Blixt is its commitment to open-source development and non-custodial functionality. It enables users to set up a Bitcoin Lightning node on their mobile devices within minutes, providing them with greater control over their funds.
This Bitcoin lightning wallet offers a range of powerful features:
- It supports Tor integration, enhancing user privacy throughout their Lightning transactions.
- Users can actively manage their channels, including opening new ones and connecting with existing nodes.
- Blixt also allows users to save backups and restore unused nodes for added convenience.
- Additionally, it supports LNURL and Lightning Address, facilitating easy payment integration and multi-path payments.
- With multi-path payments, users can split invoice payments across multiple channels, leveraging the balances from different sources.
Blixt is available for both Android and iOS devices, ensuring broad compatibility and accessibility for users across different platforms.
Zebedee
Zebedee is a unique custodial Bitcoin lightning wallet that has strong connections with the gaming industry and embraces the use of Lightning Network for in-game transactions. They have even integrated with popular games like Counter-Strike and are reviving old games in a Bitcoin version.
One notable aspect of Zebedee is its alternative account creation process. Users have the option to link their Bitstamp exchange account, Google, Discord, or simply use their email to create an account. Additionally, each user can create a gamertag, which allows them to be easily identified within the Zebedee community.
In terms of design, Zebedee stands out from other wallets with its impressive UI and UX. The team behind Zebedee seems to be heavily investing in enhancing the visual appeal and user experience of their wallet.
Zebedee is available as a desktop extension and as a mobile app, providing users with the flexibility to access their wallets across multiple devices.
New Bitcoin lightning wallets in the beta phase
There are also new emerging options in the beta phase, which means they are currently being tested before their official release.
Users can choose to use and test these options, but it’s important to be aware that bugs and issues may occur during this testing phase.
Bitkit
Bitkit is a feature-rich mobile Bitcoin and Lightning wallet that offers users a range of powerful functionalities. It enables portable social profiles, dynamic pay contacts, interoperable data feeds, password-free web accounts, and more.
Bitkit aims to redefine the wallet experience with its modern and sleek design, simplifying technical aspects for users. Developed by Synonym, Bitkit combines three core technologies:
- Bitcoin;
- Lightning Network;
- and Slashtags.
Synonym is also working on developing the open-source Slashtags protocol, which will ensure the portability of user data and protect it from censorship.
Currently, the wallet app is available in beta mode for both Apple and Android devices.
Walletano
Walletano is a web-based app (PWA) that offers a user-friendly and convenient solution for managing Bitcoin.
Getting started with walletano.com is a simple process. In just a few easy steps, users can create and secure their Bitcoin Lightning wallet, enabling them to send and receive Lightning payments within minutes. The platform aims to simplify the process and make it accessible for newcomers to join the Lightning Network ecosystem.
One of Walletano’s standout features is the ability to effortlessly send sats (satoshi) to any email address. This innovative option allows users to share the smallest unit of Bitcoin value with friends, family, and colleagues using their email addresses.
Another notable feature is the capability to create an unlimited number of wallets, whether custodial or non-custodial. This allows users to organize their funds and transactions in separate wallets, providing improved organization and control over their assets.
Mutiny
Mutiny is a non-custodial wallet that prioritizes privacy and operates as a web-based app (PWA), enabling it to be accessible on various devices, such as computers and mobile phones.
By being web-based, Mutiny provides instant resistance to censorship and avoids the restrictions imposed by app hosting platforms like Google Play and Apple Store.
In addition to the wallet functionality, Mutiny is also developing a next-generation node implementation specifically tailored for the Mutiny Wallet. This integration will encompass both on-chain and Lightning privacy tools, enhancing the overall privacy and security features of the platform.
Although Mutiny is currently in a closed beta phase and not available to the public, interested users can join a waiting list to receive a test link. The project has garnered attention and support from notable figures in the Bitcoin community, including investors like Ten31, Brad Mills, Chris Hunter, American Hodl, Ti Kawamoto, and NVK. This backing further reinforces the potential and credibility of the Mutiny Wallet project.
Browser Lightning Wallets
There are also options specifically designed to be installed and used on your PC browser to interact with websites and other applications.
These browser-based wallets offer a convenient way to manage and transact with cryptocurrencies directly from your web browser.
Once installed, these Bitcoin lightning wallets allow you to generate cryptocurrency addresses, send and receive transactions, and interact with decentralized applications (dApps) and websites that support cryptocurrency payments.
Let’s check some of them!
Alby
This is a lightning-only wallet that operates as a browser extension, allowing you to connect to various apps that are already integrated into the lightning network.
Alby makes it easy to recognize when a website has lightning integration and focuses on value-for-value transactions, where content creators and followers exchange value in satoshis (sats) for creating valuable content.
Alby is being widely used to access Nostr and other apps created on this decentralized social network protocol. Additionally, you can integrate Alby into blogs, your Twitter bio, and here on YouTube to facilitate lightning payments.
It offers the option to be used as a custodial wallet, where the keys are managed by the Alby service, or you can connect it to your own lightning node with your channels, making it a non-custodial wallet for increased control and security.
Mash
There is a new wallet emerging in the Bitcoin space that is integrating with various web systems. It’s called the Mash Wallet!
You can easily embed it into your website, podcasts, games, social networks, and other online platforms.
Although still in its early stages, it is evident that the Mash Wallet holds great potential for enabling a new culture of monetization that is independent of intermediaries. It aims to establish a fresh relationship between creators and online consumers, revolutionizing the way transactions occur on the internet.
Mash is a custodial desktop wallet that connects everything built on the internet to the Lightning Network. By embracing this technology, Mash empowers users with lightning-fast transactions and opens up exciting possibilities for seamless payments and interactions online.
What’s the best Bitcoin Lightning Wallet?
Honestly, I don’t believe that the perfect Bitcoin Lightning wallet exists just yet. Whether it’s due to unintuitive interfaces, occasional bugs, or missing features, there are still areas for improvement.
However, I am optimistic that significant progress will be made in the coming months with the introduction of new enhancements and wallets entering the market.
In the meantime, I recommend downloading and trying out the Bitcoin lightning wallets we have recommended in this article to see which one suits your preferences. It’s always a good idea to explore different options and find the wallet that best aligns with your needs and preferences.
Until next time, happy exploring! 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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