Discover the best Cardano software and hardware wallets to securely buy, manage, stake ADA, and access dApps.
Cardano is a groundbreaking blockchain platform and the first to fully implement a decentralized proof-of-stake (PoS) system, setting new standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. Its native cryptocurrency, ADA, is central to network operations, used for staking, governance, and transactions.
Recently, Cardano achieved a significant milestone with the Hydra Layer 2 solution, enabling over 1 million transactions per second (TPS). This innovation has made Cardano the fastest blockchain, highlighting its commitment to scalability and its role as a leader in decentralized financial ecosystems.
Wallets play a crucial role in managing your Cardano (ADA) assets. They allow you to store ADA securely, stake ADA for passive income, manage NFTs, and interact with decentralized applications (dApps). With the growing Cardano ecosystem, wallets are indispensable tools for safeguarding your assets while providing access to advanced blockchain features. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned user, choosing the right wallet enhances your Cardano experience.
Can you use the hardware wallets for Cardano ADA?
Yes. The best match for the Cardano (ADA) holders and Cardano ecosystem participants is using the Ledger Nano X + Eternl wallet.
Hardware wallets are the only way to keep your crypto assets 100% safe.
What is the best Cardano wallet?
These are the best Cardano ADA wallets in 2025.
1. Ledger Nano X + Eternl – Best Match!
Ledger Nano X is the most popular and trusted hardware wallet. Cardano developers had developed an app on Ledger to provide security for their users’ assets.
Ledger Nano X is compatible with all OS and devices: Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS. It supports over 5,500+ coins and tokens. It is very easy to set up and use, as the navigation uses only two buttons.
It works with the Ledger live app (desktop or mobile version), allowing you to buy, sell, swap, and lend crypto assets. Buy gift cards for the world’s best brands and many other features using a safe environment. It has Bluetooth, which is very useful for mobile users.
How to use Ledger Nano X for Cardano
1. Buy Ledger Nano X and set it up using Ledger Live.
2. In Ledger Live, install the Cardano App from The App catalog.
3. Click the Accounts tab and add the Cardano account.
You can now receive, store, send, swap, buy ADA, and keep it 100% safe.
Using a Ledger Live Cardano account is also the best way to securely stake ADA and earn competitive rewards every 5 days, which is the duration of one Cardano epoch.
If you want to collect NFTs and Cardano native tokens, access and use dApps – DeFi protocols like MinSwap, or NFT marketplaces like JPG Store, let’s connect our Ledger device to the Eternl browser extension wallet.
We are providing Eternl only with our hardware wallet public key. The 3rd party software wallets never got in touch with your hardware wallet’s private key, which is kept in the device safe chip. It is used to sign the transactions (shown on your device screen) internally – offline.
That’s why the hardware wallets are the “cold wallets”; they are not connected to the internet. That way, they are immune to hacks, viruses, and malware.
All Cardano software wallets are “hot wallets.” The moment you install them, the recovery phrase, which is the form of the private key, and all information is processed through your device and internet provider. They can be easily snatched and you lose all your crypto assets.
How to connect Ledger Nano X to Eternl wallet
1. Install Eternl browser extension.
You will now see it in your browser widgets section (you might need to click that puzzle icon to pin it).
2. Open it and click Add wallet, and choose Hardware wallet.
3. Select Ledger and click Next.
4. Choose Nano X, click Connect and confirm on your hardware device.
5. That’s it.
You can now use all the functions of the Eternl wallet, but all transactions and operations must be confirmed manually by you on your Ledger hardware wallet.
You can now connect the wallet to dApps, and participate in the Cardano blockchain governance.
If you want to invest in ADA and operate in the Cardano ecosystem, using the Ledger hardware wallet is the best way. In fact, entering the crypto space or investing in and managing any cryptocurrency without a hardware wallet is simply gambling.
- Safely receive, send, store, and buy ADA cryptocurrency
- Top-notch security only a hardware wallet can provide
- Ledger Live features
- Connect to Cardano software wallets and access their features while keeping your coins and tokens 100% secure
- Access and use dApps
- Manage Cardano tokens and NFTs
- Safe Cardano staking
Ledger Nano X price is 149,00€
2. VESPR (Mobile, Browser extension)
VESPR wallet is designed exclusively for the Cardano ecosystem, offering advanced features like staking, NFT support, and hardware wallet compatibility. Its user-friendly mobile app ensures accessibility for all levels of users.
Available for iOS, Android, Chrome, Brave, and Edge.
- Clean, intuitive mobile app interface.
- Supports Cardano-based NFTs and tokens.
- Hardware wallet support for added security.
- Cardano staking
3. Yoroi (Mobile, Browser extension)
A lightweight Cardano wallet developed by EMURGO, Yoroi focuses on simplicity and security. It’s perfect for managing ADA, NFTs, and staking pools through a mobile app or browser extension.
Available for iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
- Open-source for transparency
- Supports Cardano-based NFTs and tokens
- Hardware wallet integration with Ledger
- Cardano staking
4. Lace (Browser extension)
A browser extension wallet, Lace focuses on providing seamless dApp integration and ease of use for ADA transactions, staking, and NFT trading.
Available for Chrome.
- Easy browser-based setup
- Supports Cardano-based NFTs and tokens
- Hardware wallet integration with Ledger
- Cardano staking
5. Ledger Stax – Modern Hardware Wallet
Ledger Stax hardware wallet is a premium option for secure ADA storage, offering a modern e-ink touchscreen display for a seamless user experience. Designed for optimal security and convenience, it integrates perfectly with Cardano wallets like Eternl and Yoroi for staking and transactions.
The Ledger Stax earns fewer stars in our rating because its higher price may not suit every budget, despite its innovative features.
The Ledger Live app is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Ledger Stax price is 399,00€
- Features a curved E-Ink touchscreen display, a major upgrade from the traditional button-based interface
- The screen wraps around the edges and offers a more modern, intuitive experience
- Users can customize the lock screen with images or personal branding
- Ledger Live features
- Connect to Cardano software wallets and access their features while keeping your coins and tokens 100% secure
6. Daedalus (Desktop)
Daedalus is a full-node desktop Cardano wallet that downloads the entire blockchain, offering good security and decentralization. It is designed for advanced users who want complete control over their ADA and staking activities.
Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Supports Cardano-based NFTs and tokens
- Robust backup and recovery options using a 24-word recovery phrase
- Cardano staking
7. Exodus (Desktop, Mobile, Web Wallet)
Exodus wallet offers a sleek interface and multi-asset support. It’s a solid option for users managing diverse portfolios while enjoying ADA staking.
Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and as a Web wallet.
- User-friendly interface with cross-platform support
- Supports over 330 cryptocurrencies
- Integrated staking for ADA
Types of Cardano Wallets
Cardano wallets come in various forms, each tailored to meet different user needs. Whether you’re a beginner, an active trader, or a long-term holder, there’s a wallet that suits your requirements. Cardano wallets fall into three main categories: hot wallets, cold wallets, and hybrid wallets. Below, we’ll explore each type in detail.
Hot Wallets
Hot wallets are online wallets connected to the internet, offering convenience and accessibility. They are ideal for everyday transactions, staking, and quick access to your ADA. Popular examples include VESPR and Eternl, which support features like delegation and integration with DApps. While easy to use, their online nature makes them more vulnerable to hacking, so strong security practices are essential.
Cold Wallets
Cold wallets, like hardware wallets, provide offline storage for maximum security. These wallets are perfect for long-term investors who prioritize safety over convenience. Ledger Nano X is a popular option that allows you to store ADA offline while managing staking via integrated applications. By keeping your private keys offline, cold wallets protect against online threats like phishing and hacking.
Hybrid Wallets
Hybrid wallets combine the features of both hot and cold wallets, offering a balanced approach to security and accessibility. These wallets typically involve software interfaces that can integrate with hardware wallets, such as Eternl paired with Ledger devices. They are ideal for users who want advanced features like full-node support while maintaining strong security practices.
FAQ
These are some of the most common questions people have about the Cardano blockchain and its wallets.
1. What is a Cardano Wallet?
A Cardano wallet is a digital tool used to securely store, manage, and interact with ADA, the native cryptocurrency of the Cardano blockchain. These wallets not only store your ADA but also serve as a gateway to participate in the Cardano ecosystem, such as staking, sending transactions, and interacting with decentralized applications (dApps).
Unlike a traditional wallet that physically holds your money, a Cardano wallet doesn’t store ADA directly. Instead, it holds the cryptographic keys that allow you to access your funds on the blockchain. There are two types of keys involved:
- Public Key: This is used to generate your receiving address, which you can share with others to receive ADA.
- Private Key: This grants access to your funds and must be kept secure. Anyone with access to your private key can control your funds.
2. How do I store my ADA securely?
For optimal security, it’s recommended to use a hardware wallet such as Ledger Nano X in conjunction with a Cardano native wallet like Eternl or Yoroi. This setup ensures your private keys remain offline, protecting them from potential online threats.
3. Why does my Cardano wallet have multiple receiving addresses?
Cardano employs the Extended UTXO (eUTXO) model, allowing wallets to generate multiple receiving addresses. All these addresses are linked to a single stake key, which unifies them under one wallet for staking purposes. This design enhances privacy and security.
4. Can I use multiple wallets to access the same ADA funds?
Yes, by restoring wallets using the same seed phrase, you can access your ADA from different wallet interfaces. For instance, if you set up a wallet in Eternl and then restore it in Lace using the same seed phrase, both will display the same ADA balance, as they access the same funds on the blockchain.
5. What should I do if my wallet isn’t displaying a recently purchased token?
If your wallet isn’t showing a token you’ve acquired, try resynchronizing or refreshing the wallet. This action can often resolve display issues. If problems persist, consider checking your wallet’s addresses on a blockchain explorer to verify the transaction and token balance.
6. Is it safe to keep ADA on an exchange like Binance?
While exchanges like Binance offer convenience, storing ADA in a personal, non-custodial wallet provides greater control and security. With a personal wallet, you hold the private keys, ensuring only you have access to your funds. Additionally, you can participate in Cardano governance primarily through Project Catalyst, where you can vote on funding proposals for ecosystem development using your ADA as voting power.
7. What precautions should I take to protect my Cardano wallet?
Always safeguard your seed phrase by storing it offline and never sharing it with anyone. Be cautious of phishing attempts and ensure you’re using official wallet websites and software. Regularly update your wallet software to benefit from security patches and new features
8. Can I use ADA in online casinos?
Yes, you can use Cardano (ADA) in online casinos! Explore our guide to the seven best Cardano casinos with no KYC required for more details.