What is a Bitcoin Wallet?

What is a Bitcoin wallet?

A Bitcoin wallet is a device which houses a Bitcoin user’s public and private keys which are used to access cryptocurrencies A Bitcoin wallet might not be the best term as no actual cryptocurrency tokens are stored within the wallet.

If the wallet safely stores the public or private keys of a user, there is no method of another user accessing the tokens without consent. Imagine it like this: Your physical wallet can be used to store your bank card. Without your bank card’s pin, someone else cannot access your funds.

Bitcoin wallets come in different forms, with particular formats offering features which are appealing to some while others offer different features.

What is a private key and how does it work?

A private key is a sophisticated piece of cryptographic code which allows a cryptocurrency user to access their digital funds. The private key is paired with a public address. Anyone with cryptocurrency can send funds to another user’s public address. The private key is then used to access the funds. It is nearly impossible to gain access into a wallet without the private key, which means that it is of utmost importance to keep the private key safe and not share it. The private key is usually made up of 51 alphanumeric characters. This sequence makes it difficult for a hacker to attack.

Furthermore, because of the extremely high security involved in cryptography, if a user loses their private key then the funds will be lost too, so it is crucial to keep the key in a safe location to which only you have access.

The best Bitcoin wallet

There are many different types of wallets available, so choosing ‘the best’ for you entirely depends on what your needs are.

Desktop wallets

A desktop wallet is an ideal system of storage for a trader. These wallets allow the user to access their Bitcoin straight from the desktop of their computer. Most computing systems – such as Microsoft’s Windows, Linux, and Apple’s macOS – allow Bitcoin wallets to run on the desktop.

The benefits of desktop wallets:

• The Bitcoin or cryptocurrency tokens are easily available
• It is appealing for traders to use because of the ease of access to tokens.

The disadvantages of desktop wallets:

• Some wallets act as nodes and are therefore require large downloads and updates take place often – which can be expensive on internet plans

This does not refer to all desktops wallets. Some house private and public keys with no additional features.

Mobile wallets

While desktops wallets are found on a computer’s desktop, a mobile wallet is found on a – you guessed it – mobile phone. Apple’s iPhones, Android and Window’s mobile phones offer a Bitcoin wallet which can be handy at all times. This is convenient for users who want to use cryptocurrencies while they are out, or if they want to trade if they are not behind their computer.

The benefits of mobile wallets:

• They are always available as you can take them with you on your phone
• It is convenient to have cryptocurrencies available at all times
• They offer quick payments and transactions
• They offer QR-code scanning and near field communications (NFC)

The disadvantages of mobile wallets:

• The entire cryptocurrency blockchain is not downloaded on the mobile wallet. Rather the transactions rely on trusted nodes.

Hardware wallets

Hardware wallets are devices which are designed with the sole purpose of holding a user’s public and private keys. Usually, these wallets have an online and offline version.

The benefits of hardware wallets:

• The private keys are usually safely stored and cannot be transferred out of the wallet in plaintext
• The private keys are able to avoid vulnerable software through the hardware systems
• The wallets cannot be attacked by computer viruses as opposed to software wallets which are vulnerable

The disadvantages of hardware wallets:

• Malware on a computer might change the recipient address – allowing the owner to send crypto to the wrong user
• Although they are invulnerable to hacking software, they are not invulnerable to other bugs.

Paper wallets

These wallets are easily the cheapest way of storing Bitcoin private keys. The paper wallet requires the manual process of printing out a copy of both the public address and private key QR codes. A paper wallet means that the user or the other party needs to scan the QR code in order to allow the transaction to go through.

The benefits of paper wallets:

• There is no risk of being hacked through the internet
• There is no need to trust another company or wallet provider with important information related to the private key

The disadvantages of paper wallets:

• The wallet could be damaged or stolen physically
• The manual process is much less convenient