Comparison of Bitcoin Lightning Wallets
Overview:
- The bitcoin lightning network ecosystem is a community effort with many great wallets.
- Wallets vary in features, ease of use and operating system as described below
- Alby lets you use your bitcoin without boundaries with a self-custodial lightning wallet, a mobile app, a browser extension and developer APIs all together
Introduction
Before reading, please note that, while this article cannot be totally unbiased, we have done our best to provide an objective comparison to help you navigate the landscape of bitcoin lightning wallets.
Bitcoin’s lightning network is in a period of rapid growth. In 2023 River, a Bitcoin tech company, published a report revealing that the network has grown by 1212% in two years. Since then major exchanges like Coinbase and FinTechs like Nubank joined the ecosystem.
Similarities
Most wallets allow sending and receiving bitcoin over the lightning network via mobile apps. Often you find features like buying bitcoin and a lightning address integrated in these wallets. They also have security features in place to protect access via 2FA or passwords. Most importantly you can transact with any other lightning wallet, because they all share the same specification (BOLT11).
Differences
Wallets vary in features and ease of use. Some of them also offer additional apps for other operating systems.
This comparison is based on a comprehensive external source, which does not yet include other self-custodial Lightning wallets like Bitkey, Blixt, Breez, Phoenix, or Zeus. Hence, this table is not complete but aims to give readers a first good overview of available lightning wallets.
NWC stands for Nostr Wallet Connect, an open protocol to let users connect their wallets to applications for in-app payments.
Alby leads the way for in-app payments
Alby Hub combines a self-custodial wallet, and an app marketplace that lets you take full control of your bitcoin while earning and spending. With a one-click setup, easy channel management, card top-ups, and the seamless integrations of dozens of apps, Alby Hub makes self-custody accessible to everyone.
While Alby Hub requires you to open a payment channel before you start transacting, we made it extremely easy to select professional channel partners. After all, in this way you stay in control of the transaction fees you pay on the lightning network.
Alby Hub isn’t just a standalone wallet app on the device of your choice (desktop, server, Alby Cloud or microcomputer)—it’s your Hub for bitcoin payments. You can connect it to the Alby Browser Extension for payments on websites, to Alby Go for mobile payments on the go and to numerous other apps for in-app payments. There’s no need to deposit funds upfront. Simply connect your Alby Hub and stay in control.
This is how Alby leads the way for in-app payments and that’s what creates a great fit for individuals, merchants, creators and developers, who can leverage 3rd party apps and Alby’s wallet API to send and receive payments programmatically on the internet.
Conclusion - Don’t trust, but verify
While there are many excellent wallets available, it’s important to explore reviews and try out different options to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider factors such as features, ease of use, and compatibility with your operating system. Additionally, don't overlook the importance of control, privacy, and fees when making your decision. Your choice should align with your personal preferences and priorities for the best overall experience.
You don’t know Alby yet? These links might be useful:
👥 Discord - community to ask questions, chat about anything - join us!
🤗 Onboardings - group sessions helping you launch your Hub
☎️ Community calls - meetup with unannounced updates and demos
🔍 Alby Guides & Videos - great place to learn more about our products
⭐ Feedback Board - leave bug reports, suggest new features and vote on them
💙 Support - if your Hub requires a personal help