There are different lightning network wallets (LN) and it is not easy to know which wallet is best suited to your use. So, if you want to pay in bitcoin inexpensively and instantly, you will necessarily need a wallet compatible with the Lightning Network (LN).
Depending on your needs and your familiarity with cryptocurrencies, some wallets will be more suitable than others. Likewise, know that if you do not know the LN network well, there is no difficulty in using it.
Lightning network wallets work exactly the same as other payment apps you own. Some have additional features and may have other uses and connections.
However, if you want to pay in bitcoin, send and receive btc and not have to pay significant fees, then typically an LN wallet is what you need.
We have compiled a list of the most advanced wallets on the market. You just have to choose the one you prefer.
Should you choose a custodial or non-custodial wallet?
Before providing you with the list of the best wallets that support the Lighting Network, we must remind you of the fundamental differences to know.
To choose a wallet (beyond the services provided, the quality of the interface, etc.), it is above all the custodial or non-custodial characteristic that must be understood.
🔒 A custodial wallet: A custodial wallet (custodian) like exchange platforms like Binance or Kucoin for example. These are the platforms that keep the private key. They are responsible for the security of your funds. However, only you have permission to make transfers. You can recognize a custodial wallet when you are asked to register with your email address.
🔐 A non-custodial wallet : It is the user who has total control of his funds. This makes it easy to tell if you are dealing with a non-custodial wallet. You will have your private key to keep safe. Do not share it because it is this private key that will allow you to manage your account.
Should you prefer custodial or non-custodial wallets? In absolute terms, it is preferable to choose a non-custodial wallet because you remain in control of your funds and to remain confidential. However, these wallets generally do not have the ability to convert cryptos to FIAT and are limited in their uses. In fact, by default, you can choose custodial wallets for more complete use.
1/ Wallet of Satoshi: Ideal for beginners (custodial).
Wallet of Satoshi is a fully custodial Lightning Network wallet. So this has a very simple setup. To get started with Lightning payment, this can be a good place to start. It is also the most used (most downloaded) lightning network wallet. Also, it is one of the oldest lightning wallets.
However, Wallet of Satoshi is a custodial wallet, meaning you are not the one holding your keys. We recommend it especially for beginners who are not yet comfortable with the idea of protect their seed phrases themselves.
You can buy bitcoins directly through the app and also convert your bitcoin to FIAT (euros/dollars). Wallet of satoshi is available on iOS and Android.
2/ Blue Wallet: complete non-custodial wallet
BlueWallet is a non-custodial wallet with several interesting features. Of course, you can make payments on the LN network and therefore have reduced fees for your transactions. BlueWallet is available with iOS and Android.
Other benefits of using BlueWallet because you can create multi-sig wallets and secure wallets with your own keys. This makes it a very secure wallet where you remain in control of your funds.
Blue Wallet is custodial by default, but you can connect it to your own node and transact yourself. This is clearly an app that we recommend.
3/ Phoenix: The minimalist wallet at lower costs
Phoenix Wallet, created by the company AT FIVE. It is a company specializing in the development and continuous improvement of Lighting network. For example, the company owns the largest lightning network node. In 2019, they launched the non-custodial Pheonix wallet which allows you to send and receive bitcoins on the LN network.
Le Phoenix wallet is simple to use and therefore allows you to pay easily and inexpensively, thanks to the Lightning Network network.
We can say that it is a very minimalist lightning network wallet with a very simple and pleasant UX to navigate. At the time of writing this article, the Phoenix wallet available on iOS and Android.
4/ BottlePay: An app suitable for merchants
The Lightning Network wallet BottlePay is a complete app that allows you to send and receive BTC on the LN network. Likewise, it is possible to instantly convert BTC to Euros as well.
BottlePay is a useful application for individuals but also for professionals. For the merchants who want to accept payment in bitcoin, this remains a good option. (Besides, for those who want to run their own nodes, we can also cite BTCPay server). On BottlePay, it is very easy to use for all parties. No need for complex configuration or installation. Likewise, it is possible to convert BTC in pounds sterling and euros.
5/ Zap: An autonomous wallet (beta version currently)
Wallet Zap is a non-custodial and open source wallet. It was launched in 2017 and its founder and CEO is Jack Mallers. The startup Zap has raised more than 3,5 million in seed round. Zap caused a lot of ink to be spilled because the company immediately wanted to establish partnerships with VISA and other bank payment giants.
Zap is a Lightning network wallet that can also connect to your own node network. Zap is available for download on iOS, Windows, Mac and even Linux. Zap is linked to the app Strike. This gives the possibility of purchasing BTC on the Lightning Network. It is also possible to link a debit card to pay basic bills in bitcoin.
However, at the moment, Zap is still in beta.
Bonus / Breez: Lightning network wallet for professionals
Breez is much more than a portfolio because it is also aimed at professionals. It is then possible to send and receive bitcoins instantly on the lightning network. Additionally, Breez also allows you to set up a payment address if you are a professional.
This remains interesting because Breez is a non-custodial wallet and therefore leaves users in control of their funds.
Final word on Lightning network compatible wallets
We have taken a non-exhaustive tour of the LN wallets on the market currently. . Know that there are others but we wanted to present to you the most popular wallets of this type. We could have talked to you, for example, about HolyTransactions For example. You will definitely find the app that suits you best. Don’t hesitate to test the apps before making your choices.
You can also see in your crypto wallet current if it supports the Lighting network. More and more platforms and applications support le lightning network.
If you see any new LN wallets that we should mention in this list, let us know in the comment section below.
Note: There is no financial advice in this or any other article on this site. This is information of which you are the sole judge and master. Be responsible with your investments and only invest as much as you are willing to lose.
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