Looking for the best non-custodial wallet to store your crypto securely?
Whether you’re holding Bitcoin or Ethereum or using the Lightning Network, using the right non-custodial wallet is the only way to guarantee full control and self-custody of your crypto.
Material Bitcoin: Secure. Trusted. Educational.
Material Bitcoin is more than a cold wallet; it’s your gateway to crypto security and confidence. Trusted by thousands, our steel wallets keep your assets safe while our blog helps you stay informed. Whether you’re storing Bitcoin or just starting out, we’ve got you covered.
Overview: 6 Best Non-Custodial Wallets of 2025
| Wallet | Wallet Type | Supported Cryptos | Security Level | Platforms | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledger | Hardware, Non-Custodial | BTC, ETH, 5,000+ | 🔒🔒🔒🔒 | Desktop, Mobile | Multi-asset storage |
| Trezor | Hardware, Non-Custodial | BTC, ETH, 1,200+ | 🔒🔒🔒🔒 | Desktop (Trezor Suite) | Security-first hardware storage |
| MetaMask | Software, Non-Custodial | ETH, ERC-20, EVM chains | 🔒🔒🔒 | Browser, Mobile | Ethereum & DeFi access |
| Phantom | Software, Non-Custodial | SOL, SPL tokens | 🔒🔒🔒 | Browser, Mobile | Solana ecosystem |
| BlueWallet | Software, Non-Custodial | BTC, Lightning Network | 🔒🔒🔒 | iOS, Android | Best Non-Custodial Lightning Wallet |
| Material Bitcoin + Material Ether | Cold Storage, Non-Custodial | BTC + ETH (physical) supports 24-word seeds | 🔒🔒🔒🔒🔒 | Offline (paper + steel) | Safest offline self-custody wallet. Ideal for long-term HODL |
Check out Material Bitcoin — the safest and easiest self-custodial wallet
What Is a Non-Custodial Wallet?
A non-custodial wallet is a type of crypto wallet that gives you full control over your private keys.
It does not rely on third-party platforms, like an exchange or financial service.
This means only you can access or authorize transactions.
This is a fundamental principle of self-custody crypto wallet security.
With most non-custodial wallets, you typically generate a BIP39 seed phrase.
This is a randomly generated 12-, 18-, or 24-word backup phrase.
This phrase is used to recover your crypto wallet if you lose access to your physical device.
The Best Non-Custodial Wallets
Having a hard time picking the right self-custodial crypto wallet for you?
Here is a breakdown of our top 6 picks, with use cases for the ideal investor.
🔒 Top Pick for Long-Term Security: Material Bitcoin & Material Ether
Use Case
- Best for secure, offline self-custody of Bitcoin and/or Ethereum.
Features
- Material wallets are physical stainless steel crypto wallets without electronics or internet access.
- They’re resistant to fire, water, and corrosion, making them ideal for cold storage and long-term self-custody crypto wallet solutions.
Pro |
Con |
|---|---|
| Completely offline and immune to cyber threats. | Not intended for frequent transactions or multi-asset portfolios. |
🪙Best for Multi-Asset Investors: Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Stax
Use Case
- Managing a wide portfolio of cryptocurrencies with secure offline storage.
Features
- Ledger supports over 5,000 assets, including BTC, ETH, XRP, ADA, and more.
- The Ledger Stax adds a touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity, while the Nano S Plus offers a budget-friendly option.
Pro |
Con |
|---|---|
| Large token support and high-grade security chips. | Requires the Ledger Live app and firmware updates for full functionality. |
📟 Best Electronic Hardware Wallet: Trezor Safe 5
Use Case
- Secure, open-source cold wallet with a color touchscreen for improved UX.
Features
- The Trezor Safe 5 has top security with an EAL 6+ secure element, supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of tokens, and includes encrypted backups.
Pro |
Con |
|---|---|
| User-friendly hardware wallet with advanced protection. | No mobile app support; primarily desktop-based. |
🔷Best for Ethereum & EVM Chains: MetaMask
Use Case
- Easy access to Ethereum, DeFi apps, and EVM-compatible networks.
Features
- MetaMask functions on both browsers and mobile, supporting ETH and other ERC-20 tokens.
- It also functions on networks like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Polygon.
Pro |
Con |
|---|---|
| Smooth connection to DeFi, staking, and NFT marketplaces. | As a hot wallet, it’s vulnerable to phishing and browser-based risks. |
⚡ Best Non-Custodial Lightning Wallet: BlueWallet
Use Case
- Ideal for mobile Bitcoin and Lightning Network transactions.
Features
- BlueWallet supports on-chain BTC and Lightning payments, with options for watch-only wallets, PSBTs, and external Lightning nodes.
Pro |
Con |
|---|---|
| Simple interface for fast BTC micro-payments. | Limited long-term development. |
📱Best for Mobile Solana Users: Phantom Wallet
Use Case
- Managing SOL, SPL tokens, and Solana NFTs on the go.
Features
- Phantom supports built-in swaps, staking, and NFT interaction.
Pro |
Con |
|---|---|
| Fast and easy access to the Solana ecosystem. | Only works with Solana. Not compatible with BTC or ETH. |
Pros and Cons of Non-Custodial Wallets
Before choosing how to store your crypto, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of self-custodial wallets vs custodial wallets.
While non-custodial wallets offer self-custody and full control, they also require more responsibility.
| Feature | Non-Custodial Wallet | Custodial Wallet |
|---|---|---|
| Control Over Private Keys | ✅ Full control | ❌ Exchange controls them |
| Recovery Responsibility | ✅ You manage your seed phrase | ❌ Recovery depends on the service |
| Ease of Use | ⚠️ Can be technical | ✅ User-friendly |
| Risk of Theft/Hacks | ✅ Safer when used properly | ❌ Often targeted by hackers |
| Accessibility | ✅ Works offline (cold wallets) | ✅ Always online |
Custodial vs Non-Custodial Wallets: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between custodial and non-custodial wallets is who controls the private keys.
In a custodial wallet, like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken, a third party manages your keys for you.
This makes them easy to use and recover if you forget your login, but it also means you don’t fully own your crypto.
With a non-custodial wallet, like Material Bitcoin, you control your private keys.
⚠️WARNING: There’s no middleman, so that means you’re responsible for securely storing your seed phrase.
Utilizing a seed phrase backup wallet should be your #1 priority if you are using a non-custodial wallet.
It’s the only way to regain access to your crypto wallet if it’s lost or stolen.
Protect your crypto with Material DIY.
A safe, durable, and fire-resistant seed phrase recovery wallet built for long-term self-custody.
How to Use a Non-Custodial Wallet Safely (Step-by-Step)
Using a non-custodial wallet safely means taking a few simple steps to protect your crypto:
1️⃣ Choose a recommended crypto wallet like Ledger, MetaMask, or Material Bitcoin.
2️⃣ Generate and back up your recovery phrase when setting up the wallet.
3️⃣ Verify offline access if you’re using a cold wallet like Material Bitcoin.
4️⃣ Transfer funds carefully, double-checking wallet addresses.
5️⃣ Enable extra security like two-factor authentication or a passphrase layer if available.
6️⃣ Test the wallet with a small transaction before moving large amounts.
7️⃣ Store your recovery phrase securely, not online or in a photo.
🛑 Don’t: Screenshot or save your seed phrase to the cloud.
✅ Do: Engrave it in stainless steel using a backup tool like Material DIY for long-term durability.
Choose the Right Non-Custodial Wallet for You
For active users, MetaMask is great for Ethereum and DeFi, BlueWallet is ideal for Lightning payments, and Phantom works well on mobile for Solana.
Trezor and Ledger offer solid hardware protection for everyday users.
But if you’re looking for the most secure, air-gapped, and tamper-proof cold storage option, Material Bitcoin is unmatched.
It’s built for long-term holders who take self-custody seriously.
➡️ Need help choosing the right wallet? Check out our full guide on the safest place to hold your crypto.
FAQs
What is a non-custodial wallet?
- A non-custodial wallet is a crypto wallet where you control the private keys, giving you full ownership of your assets.
Are non-custodial wallets safe?
- Yes, as long as you securely back up your recovery phrase and protect it from loss or theft.
What happens if I lose my non-custodial wallet?
- You can recover your funds using your seed phrase on a compatible wallet.
Can I use a non-custodial wallet with Bitcoin and Ethereum?
- Absolutely. Wallets like Material Bitcoin and Material Ether, Trezor, and MetaMask support BTC, ETH, and many other assets.
Is a non-custodial wallet legal to use?
- Yes. In most countries, using a non-custodial wallet for self-custody is fully legal.
Worried about the safety and security of your current crypto wallet? Use our free tool to assess your crypto wallet’s risk level.
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