Best Self-Custody Crypto Wallet Apps for iPhone 

Ratings change often. Before making a decision, verify the latest numbers in the app store listing.

Self-custody is when you keep the keys to your crypto, and not a company. A private key is a confidential code that verifies that the funds are yours. The money is in your hands and you have control.

In the case of exchange accounts, the company has your keys. The exchange could freeze your account or close down, and you may lose access. That middleman is eliminated in the case of a self-custody wallet.

The trade-off here is responsibility. If you forget your recovery phrase and lose your phone, you can't reset the phone with another one. This can all be explained in more detail in this beginner's guide to what is a self-custody wallet.

To keep things simple we listed only the wallets and asked the same questions of all.

• Is it really self-custodial? It is important that Private Keys remain in hand and are not left with the lender.

• Does it exist in the iOS App Store from a trusted developer?

• Is it well established or is there a definite security approach?

• Does it indicate true US App Store ratings we can point to?

• For whom is it better and what does it miss?

We didn't include custodial apps, which are applications in which the company owns your keys. Additionally, we did not include BRD Bitcoin Wallet since it was last updated in the App Store in March of 2022.

1. Oppi Wallet (our pick for managing & spending crypto)

Oppi is a multi-chain wallet for iPhone that is self-custody. It is compatible with Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, TRON and Solana and over 40 cryptocurrencies such as USDT and USDC.

Your private keys remain on your device. The app employs AES-256 encryption, a 12-word recovery phrase, PIN, biometrics and Google 2FA. VASP certified and audited by Cyberscope.

Best for: Individuals who would like to keep their crypto coins in their wallets and also use them.

What we like: You can send and  receive crypto, swap tokens at real-time rates, and get a virtual or physical Visa crypto card. Money will only change to spendable balance if you add money to the card.

Watch out for: Oppi has five major blockchains than the largest wallets. It requires ID verification and selfie, and isn't currently available in all countries. The Oppi cards are not accepted at ATMs for cash purposes.

You can learn more about crypto cards on the virtual crypto card page for current fees and country limits.

2. Trust Wallet

Trust Wallet is one of the popular self-custody wallet app. It's the most popular App Store rating on this list, and offers the most amount of blockchains and tokens.

Best for: Individuals who have numerous coins across various blockchain networks.

Watch out for: Being overwhelmed with the options of tokens. There are also fake tokens out there, so take care when tapping. If you are considering both the apps then you can read our Oppi wallet vs Trust wallet comparison.

3. Coinbase Wallet

Coinbase Wallet is a wallet application that doesn't use the Coinbase exchange app, and it is a self-custody wallet. Your exchange account and this wallet are two different things.

Best for: Existing Coinbase customers, who want their own wallet.

Watch out for: Avoid the Coinbase exchange app, which is used for custody. Your wallet keys are only provided in the wallet app. The name of the app has changed several times, so please verify the app name in the App Store.

4. MetaMask

MetaMask is a popular wallet for Ethereum and Ethereum-based applications including DeFi platforms. DeFi means decentralized finance, which is lending, trading and earning without a traditional bank.

Best for: For those looking to interface with Ethereum applications and marketplaces.

Watch out for: DeFi apps can be risky. Before you do anything, check if it is the right app that you are connecting to.

5. Phantom

Phantom began as a wallet for Solana users and remains the most popular wallet for Solana. It has the highest rating among the big, high-volume wallets here.

Best for: The users who typically rely on Solana apps and tokens.

Watch out for: If your crypto is primarily stored on other chains, please ensure that Phantom supports them before switching.

6. Exodus

Exodus is recognized for its clean, friendly design. If you're just getting into wallets for the first time, it's easy to learn how.

Best for: People just starting out who prefer a simpler design and experience.

Watch out for: Compare its network fees and supported assets with the other wallets before you choose.

7. Tangem

Tangem keeps your keys on an NFC-compatible physical card, which you tap against your iPhone. NFC is the same short-range technology employed for contactless payments.

Best for: Who would like to store their keys offline, but not without the help of a huge device.

Watch out for: You must purchase the card before viewing. Don't forget to keep it safe, it's your keys!

8. Ledger Wallet

Ledger Wallet is the partner app to Ledger hardware on iOS and Android devices. The keys remain on the device, and with the app you are able to manage your coins.

Best for: Larger holdings that are intended for an extended period of time

Watch out for: The app works best with a Ledger device (which is an additional expense).

It is the user error that leads to most crypto losses, and not broken technology. These are your preventive habits.

• Look at the developer name. Fake apps mimic genuine logos and names. Click on the official website link of the wallet to go to the correct listing.

• Read recent reviews. A lot of the one-star reviews with comments about lost money are warning signs.

• Record your recovery phrase on a paper. Never screenshot it or store it in iCloud, Notes or email.

• Enable Face ID/Touch ID and establish a strong passcode for your iPhone.

• Do not reveal your Recovery Phrase. It's not something that a real support team will ever ask for.

• Ensure that your wallet application and iOS is up to date for security fixes.

• When sending crypto to a new address, test it out with a little first.

We are showing you how Oppi handles these controls by following the procedures that show how to enable 2FA and manage private keys in Oppi wallet.

The setup process can be completed within a few minutes.

• Find Oppi in the App Store. Make sure the developer is the same name as in the official list.

• Create a new wallet.

• Record your 12-word recovery phrase on paper and keep it a safe place.

• Use a PIN and/or have biometrics enabled.

• Enable Google 2FA, for additional protection.

• Get crypto by importing it from another wallet or exchange.

Use the receive crypto feature to transfer money in. To move funds out, use send crypto. 

Change one token to another, the built-in  crypto swaps show the current rate before you are committing to the swap.

A card is optional. If required, users can only fill out verification for ID and selfie if they wish to. 

Begin by figuring out how to use crypto, then match it up with a wallet.

- For those who intend to spend their cryptos while retaining their keys, try Oppi.
- For those who have multiple coins, check out Trust Wallet.
- For those who use Ethereum apps, check out MetaMask.
- For Solana users, they should refer to Phantom.
- For those who can't be without their keys offline, consider Tangem or Ledger.

You'll find more in-depth information in our guide about how to choose the best crypto wallet. 

In case a card is crucial to you, check out these read on the best crypto wallets that accept virtual cards.

What is the best self-custody crypto wallet app for iPhone?
No wallet is the perfect choice for all. Trust Wallet is the wallet with the most ratings and Phantom is designed specifically for users of the Solana network, whereas Oppi is for those who wish to send cryptocurrencies from a wallet that they can manage. Choose the one that best suits your crypto usage.

Are self-custody wallets more secure than exchanges?
This depends on your routines. With a self-custody wallet, you don't have to worry about your funds being frozen or lost by an exchange. It comes with a risk of being tricked into giving away one's recovery phrase and a risk of them forgetting it. It's all in the storage method.

What happens if I lose my iPhone?
If you lose your phone, you can recover your wallet using the recovery phrase on another phone. If that phrase is missing, then your money can't be recovered. That's why it is best to have it on paper, not on the phone.

Are crypto wallet apps free?
The majority of wallet app are free to download. You always have to pay network fees when you send crypto and some apps have additional charges like devices, cards, etc. Review the charges before signing up. Oppi has lower fees and it doesn't charge on receiving crypto.

Can wallet apps and a hardware wallet be used together?
Yes. Many have a small balance in a mobile application that they can use everyday, and the bigger balance in a hardware device that is used for long term storage.

To own the right self-custody wallet is the one that you understand and use safely. Do small steps, safeguard your recovery phrase, and avoid rush.

If you wish to have your own keys and spend crypto as well, you might check out Oppi Wallet or download it straight from the App store. You can get it from Google Play for Android devices.

Crypto is a volatile asset and you can lose money. Don't invest more than you are willing to lose.