There many options of Ripple XRP wallets available and it can be pretty difficult to choose the right one. This guide will help you decide what kind of Ripple wallets are out there and which one is the right one for you.
Before Getting a Wallet
The very first thing you should know before getting any Ripple XRP wallet is that regardless of which wallet you select, 20 XRP will be required from your balance to reserve your wallet address. Those 20 XRP will not be available for any transactions, the XRP being used to keep your wallet open and activate your XRP on the Ripple Ledger. (This is not the case when storing XRP on an exchange.)
That is why it’s recommended that you keep and use just one Ripple wallet unless it is strictly necessary.
The Different Types of Wallets
Before going over the types of Ripple wallets on this list, it’s essential that you know the difference between the different types of wallets on the market. By knowing the differences, you can decide which wallet type best suits your needs.
A software wallet is an online wallet which can be held on a computer, tablet or mobile device. They require the internet to be accessed and stored. They are easy to use, and many can be downloaded for free. Due to their online connection, they are considered vulnerable to attack and require a stable internet connection when transacting.
A hardware wallet is a physical wallet (it usually looks like a USB stick) on which you store your digital assets. They are considered to be the most private and secure methods of storing cryptos. On the other hand, they are more on the expensive side.
A hot wallet, also known as a browser wallet, is a type of wallet that can be accessed exclusively while online. This enables the users to perform instant transactions.
A paper wallet is a piece of paper on which all the data of your crypto funds are printed on, including the private keys and addresses.
Ledger Nano S
Ledger Nano S is a hardware wallet that resembles a USB drive which features an OLED screen. It is regarded by crypto enthusiasts as the safest way of storing private keys because it limits the hacker’s ability to access the currency.
Unlike other wallets, Nano does not restrict the number of coins you can store, meaning you can store an unlimited amount of XRP coins. It also supports other cryptocurrencies.
To access the funds you stored on your Ledger Nano S, you just plug it in your PC or mobile, and you can easily start sending and receiving XRPs.
All the private keys are kept in the offline environment, and thus it is near impossible for hackers to steal your funds. The device is compatible with PCs that run Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome OS. By using an OTG Cable, you also connect it to your Android Phone.
This device features a separate screen that displays the transaction details such as the seed key. The private keys are kept separately in the device as it runs the cryptographic indicated, firmware uploaded in its dual-chip architecture. Furthermore, when you connect it to the PC, it requires you enter a 4-digit PIN code.
After connecting Ledger Nano S to your PC, it is required that you install an application to verify your XRP balance and all the transactions. When you wish to send XRP, you need to physically access the device to authorize the transaction, which makes it more secure as it restricts contact with just the owner.
Exarpy
Exarpy, a smart play of words on XRP, is a Ripple (XRP) web wallet that enables traders to interact directly with the Ripple network via their accessible application. The wallet allows users to conduct Ripple transactions from anywhere, providing a connection between the user and the global Ripple network via an easy to use and interactive interface.
Their interface is very responsive and can be used even by newbie traders. What’s more, Exarpy does not hold any member information, as the platform does not own or manage a database. Also, the platform does not monitor clients through back-end analytics tools such as Google Analytics. This is done because keeping such records increases the risk of online hacks.
The most secure option that the wallet offers would be their PIN login security measure. When you try to login in Exarpy, a message will be shown to you, telling you to disconnect your PC or laptop from the internet. After you disconnect, you’ll be sent to the login page where you’ll be required to provide your given Pin and verification code. After entering your details, you click on the login button. Afterward, the wallet will tell you that it is safe to reconnect to the internet again.
It should be noted that the Exarpy wallet charges a 0.0025 XRP fee per transaction (which include the network fees). Being one of the most popular Ripple Wallets, Exarpy is a secure platform on which you can store your valuable XRP coins, without having to worry that your holdings will be hacked or lost.
Guarda Wallet
Wallet website: https://guarda.co/
Wallet type: Web, Mobile, Desktop, Chrome Extension
Ease of use: Easy
Safe: Yes
Cost: Free
Guarda is an open-source, single-currency mobile wallet. It supports Android devices, giving users the chance to send, receive, and exchange XRP coins right from their smartphones. In addition to it, users can check their transaction history, courtesy of the user-friendly interface that makes its application easy, faster, and enjoyable. The developers of the wallet are always looking for new ways to enhance the experience of their clients.
Guarda is a multi-coin wallet that supports most of the mainstream cryptocurrencies, including XRP. Other cryptocurrencies supported include Bitcoin (BTC), NEO, Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Bitcoin Gold (BTG), among others. One of the most interesting features of this wallet is that it offers a non-custodial solution for holding cryptocurrencies.
To ensure that all people remain in control of their funds, Guarda does not store any personal information, including wallet information and private keys. The private key remains in a secure memory of the device and deletes itself immediately a user logs out from the device. This feature makes Guarda one of Zcash’s best wallets online.
As reported by Trustpilot, Guarda wallet has 84% of positive comments from users that consider that the wallet is “Excellent” or “Great.” Just 13% of the reviews were negative, considering the services provided by the wallet “Poor,” or “Bad.” This also shows that the wallet is offering good services to users in the cryptocurrency market.
Toast
Toast is an online wallet developed by StarStone Limited. It was initially developed to be a mobile wallet, but now it also has available desktop versions. All the private keys are generated and kept on the user’s device, rather than storing them online, thus making everything more secure and less susceptible to hacking attacks. The source code and the software binaries on which is based is open sourced.
Toast can be downloaded for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux. This wallet is completely free, not charging anything on their part. They do not direct any information or secret passcodes from your device to their servers, thus claiming to have enhanced security.
Conclusion
This has been our top three of the best wallets for your XRP. We hope our top picks will help you narrow down the search for your desired wallet.