Beaver Bitcoin

The 5 Best Bitcoin Wallets in Canada

Updated February 17, 2025

It's important to secure your bitcoin in a Bitcoin wallet only you control. It's easier than you think and we're here to help you select the best Bitcoin wallet for you, based on your specific needs.

Let's go.

Our 2025 list of the best Bitcoin wallets for Canadians:

The Blockstream Jade hardware wallet features a colour LCD screen and sleek debossed word mark
1.

Blockstream Jade

The best overall Bitcoin wallet in Canada

Type

Hardware wallet

Features

  • Full colour LCD screen
  • Simple and sleek user experience
  • Fully open-source hardware
  • USB-C®, Bluetooth™, QR code

Size

60mm x 24mm x 17mm

Where to Buy

Blockstream Store

Price

CA$117.00

We consider the Blockstream Jade to be the best overall bitcoin wallet in Canada due to its combination of robust features, security measures, and user-friendly interface.

This hardware wallet stands out by being secure, affordable, and fully open source (all of its code is publicly viewable online).

With Jade, Bitcoin owners can safely sign and send transactions from their wallet without ever letting their private keys touch a computer.

Jade also comes paired with a free, native desktop and mobile Bitcoin wallet called “Blockstream Green” for viewing your balances and managing your bitcoin.

Green itself is overflowing with features. Users can send bitcoin signed by their Jade via bluetooth, USB, or QR code.

Final word: Jade and Green form a complete package as the best overall Bitcoin wallet in Canada, appealing to both beginners and veterans who have varying convenience and security needs.

Blockstream Jade Breakdown

AttributesNotesRating
PriceAt CA$117 the Jade is a very affordable hardware wallet option and could easily cost more.
SecurityAs an open-source hardware wallet the Jade is very secure and employs an advanced security model for extra protection.
UsabilityThrough Green’s step-by-step instructions even beginner users will be ready to receive their first bitcoin right away.

More Jade Features

  • Open source
  • Optional stateless use
  • Optional air-gapped transaction signing via QR
  • Fee control
  • BIP39 passphrase protection
  • Lighting and Liquid support
The BlueWallet mobile app features a simple interface.
2.

BlueWallet

The best Bitcoin wallet for beginners

Type

Mobile app

Features

  • Easy download for iOS and Android phones
  • Simple to use
  • Bitcoin-only
  • Open source

Size

iOS: 37.9MB

Android: 60.5MB

Price

Free

BlueWallet is a mobile app Bitcoin wallet that lets you send, receive, and secure your bitcoin.

We love BlueWallet because it's free, user friendly, Bitcoin-only and open source. This makes BlueWallet both a quick and secure way for beginners to get started receiving bitcoin.

The app includes prompts to ensure you write down your 12-word backup phrase when creating your first Bitcoin walletand the user interface is simple and easy to navigate.

BlueWallet users can easily view their wallet balances in any currency denomination of choice, including bitcoin, sats and CAD.

Because BlueWallet is a “hot wallet” connected to the internet, it's not as secure as hardware wallets that remain offline, and so is better used for securing smaller amounts of bitcoin. Note that a lost or stolen phone does not mean your bitcoin is lost or stolen. As long as your phone is locked and you have written down your 12-word backup phrase, you can restore access to your bitcoin holdings using another phone with the BlueWallet app, or even a different Bitcoin wallet altogether.

Final word: Canadians without any Bitcoin experience can't go wrong with BlueWallet and we continue to recommend this Bitcoin wallet regularly.

BlueWallet Breakdown

AttributesNotesRating
PriceBlueWallet is a free mobile app available for iOS and Android phones.
SecurityBlueWallet is secure but as a “hot wallet” it is best used for securing smaller amounts of bitcoin.
UsabilitySimple and beginner friendly. Includes prompts to ensure new users write down their 12-word backup phrase.

More BlueWallet Features

  • Bitcoin-only
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Open source
  • Push notifications
  • Free download
  • Lightning support
Even the transparent encasing is a security feature of the COLDCARD MK4
3.

COLDCARD MK4

The most secure Bitcoin wallet

Type

Hardware wallet

Features

  • Ultra-secure hardware wallet
  • Tamper evident packaging
  • Made in Canada

Size

88mm x 52mm x 10mm

Where to buy

COLDCARD website

Price

CA$167.94

COLDCARD MK4 is the best Bitcoin wallet in Canada for those whose priority is maximum security for their bitcoin savings.

This calculator-shaped hardware wallet is made in Canada by Coinkite and is shipped directly from the manufacturer inside tamper-evident packaging, ensuring buyers that their product hasn't been physically compromised.

The COLDCARD MK4 also allows for fully air-gapped operation and never needs to touch a computer, with options to sign transactions via microSD or NFC. Air-gapped transactions keep users' private keys fully disconnected from the internet, greatly reducing risk exposure to malware or remote attacks.

That said, COLDCARD MK4 still allows for standard transaction signing via a USB-C connection. Its plethora of advanced security features are entirely optional, making it a viable option for all experience levels.

Additional security features built into the COLDCARD MK4 go well beyond the scope of this article but rest assured the team at Coinkite has thought of everything.

Importantly, all COLDCARD code is viewable, editable, verifiable and reproducible.

Final word: If you're a proudly paranoid Bitcoiner who wants to maximize the security of your bitcoin savings, COLDCARD MK4 is the wallet for you.

COLDCARD MK4 Breakdown

AttributesNotesRating
PricePeace of mind for your family’s generational wealth for a mere $167.94.
SecurityCoinkite and the COLDCARD MK4 represent the gold standard in Bitcoin wallet security.
UsabilityDespite advanced features being optional, the COLDCARD MK4 may appear complicated to some beginners.

More COLDCARD MK4 Features

  • Ultra-secure
  • Air-gapped capability
  • Verifiable source
  • Made in Canada
  • Dual secure element
  • Advanced security features
The Blockstream Green Bitcoin wallet desktop app blends an intuitive user interface with enhanced security.
4.

Blockstream Green

The best Bitcoin wallet for desktop

Type

Desktop app

Features

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Use on its own or integrate with a hardware wallet
  • Available on Windows, MacOS and Linux

Size

220MB

Price

Free

Blockstream Green is a desktop Bitcoin wallet that blends security and ease of use.

Green can be used as a primary Bitcoin wallet or used to interface with hardware wallets like the Blockstream Jade or COLDCARD MK4.

Green is open source and supports 2FA for an additional layer of security on your coins. Additionally, users can enable Tor with a single click to hide their IP address from the potentially curious.

For users looking for a little more out of their wallet, Green also supports Lightning and Liquid.

The Green wallet is widely available on Windows, MacOS and Linux, and is also available (and popular) on mobile

Final word: For individuals looking to get started buying bitcoin quickly and securely, but who don't want a mobile wallet, Blockstream Green is the perfect fit.

The Blockstream Green Bitcoin Wallet Video Thumbnail

Green Breakdown

AttributesNotesRating
PriceBlockstream Green is a free Bitcoin wallet app.
SecurityAs an open source desktop wallet, using Green on its own is more secure than a mobile wallet but less secure than hardware wallet alternatives.
UsabilityLike all Blockstream products, Green is designed to be as secure as possible while remaining user friendly.

More Green Features

  • Open source
  • Fee control
  • Bitcoin, Lightning and Liquid
  • Multilingual
  • 2FA
  • Widely available
Phoenix makes Lightning easy with their mobile app Bitcoin wallet.
5.

Phoenix

The best Bitcoin Lightning wallet

Type

Mobile app

Features

  • Cheap and instant transactions
  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Self-custody, only you control your keys

Size

iOS: 82.5MB

Android: 74.5MB

Price

Free

Phoenix is a mobile app Bitcoin wallet specifically designed for the Bitcoin Lightning network.

The Lightning network, built on top of Bitcoin, allows for near-instant bitcoin payments with extremely low transaction fees, and the best Lightning wallet by far, is Phoenix.

Between payment channels and inbound liquidity, Lightning can be hard to understand for beginners. Thankfully, Phoenix handles all of that in the background to make transacting on Lightning easy.

The best part? Unlike most other Lightning wallets, Phoenix is self-custodial, putting you in full control of your stack.

Final word: Phoenix is an excellent bitcoin wallet for Canadians wishing to spend bitcoin via Lightning. To find Canadian vendors accepting Bitcoin over Lightning, we recommend usingthis Bitcoin mapfromCoinos. (Coinos itself is an easy-to-use Lightning web wallet, however it isn't self-custodial like Phoenix).

Phoenix Breakdown

AttributesNotesRating
PricePhoenix is a free app though there is a normal cost for opening Lightning channels.
SecurityWith Phoenix you control your keys. But as a mobile app and hot wallet it is best used for smaller amounts.
UsabilityThere is a small learning curve to non-custodial Lightning wallets, but Phoenix makes it easy.

More Phoenix Features

  • Cheap and instant transactions
  • True non-custodial Lightning
  • Bitcoin and Lightning
  • Automatic channel creation
  • Eliminates Lightning complexity
  • Open source

Conclusion

“Come what may, I am equipped to meet it.” −Sherlock Holmes

Remember, the best Bitcoin wallet for you is one that you are comfortable with, that meets your individual needs. You can start with a simple Bitcoin wallet like BlueWallet or Green before moving to a more secure hardware wallet like Jade or COLDCARD MK4.

You can also have more than one Bitcoin wallet. For example, you might secure your longterm Bitcoin savings on a hardware wallet, but still use a mobile wallet to teach your family and friends about Bitcoin, for sending bitcoin as a gift, or making payments.

Whatever you choose, the Bitcoin wallets reviewed here are all excellent choices for their combination of price, security and usability.

In addition, they are all Bitcoin-only and open source or verifiable source. These two factors are commonly overlooked but are important when selecting a Bitcoin wallet for security, with the latter greatly reducing the likelihood of back doors.

Bitcoin wallet brands Trezor and Ledger both fail to meet our standard here as neither company are Bitcoin-only and Ledger’s firmware is not entirely open source. These are not petty grievances and likely represent some combination of a lack of focus, misplaced priorities or misaligned incentives at these companies.

Lastly, as of updating this page in February 2025, both Blockstream and COLDCARD have released Bitcoin wallets that so far appear to be greatly improved versions of their already excellent wallets. These wallets are theJade Plus andCOLDCARD Q. Although they both present a higher price point than their predecessors they have both already firmly established themselves in the market with many happy customers and positive reviews.

Final note: Once your Bitcoin wallet is ready, consider filling it with coins by making a bitcoin purchase fromBeaver. With Beaver you can buy bitcoin via Interac e-Transfer or make larger bitcoin purchases via bill payment or wire transfer, with guidance from our team. The bitcoin you purchase from Beaver is delivered directly to your Bitcoin wallet.

Thank you for reading our guide on the best Bitcoin wallets for Canadians in 2025.

Stay humble.

Bitcoin Wallet Glossary

Backup phrase: (seed phrase, recovery phrase, mnemonic seed): 12 or 24 words representing your private key that can be used to restore your Bitcoin wallet.

Bitcoin wallet: a tool used to secure, send and receive bitcoin.

Cold wallet: a Bitcoin wallet that holds your private keys offline.

Counter-party risk: the possibility that the custodial entity holding your Bitcoin (like an exchange or a custodial wallet service) might fail, be hacked, rehypothecate your coins, or refuse to honour withdrawal requests, potentially resulting in loss of funds.

Custodial: a Bitcoin wallet or exchange that holds your private keys for you. Generally not recommended.

Fee control: granular control over the fee you pay for your Bitcoin transaction based on how soon or long you are willing to wait.

Hardware wallet: a physical Bitcoin wallet that holds your private keys offline.

Hot wallet: a Bitcoin wallet that is connected to the internet allowing for quick and easy transactions. Private keys are typically stored (encrypted) on the device itself (mobile phone, computer), unless the wallet is custodial.

Lightning: a layer 2 scaling solution that allows for very cheap and fast Bitcoin transactions, built on top of Bitcoin.

NFC: stands for Near Field Communication. It allows for two electronic devices to communicate when within a few centimetres of each other e.g, secure transaction signing for air-gapped wallets.

Non-custodial: A Bitcoin wallet or exchange that does not hold your private keys, putting you in full control of your bitcoin.

Open source: a type of software where the source code is made available to the public, allowing anyone to freely view, use, modify, and distribute the code.

Paper wallet: a physical document that contains your Bitcoin public and private keys, often in the form of QR codes, for offline storage.

Passphrase: an additional word or phrase used to enhance the security of a Bitcoin wallet by adding another layer of encryption to the seed phrase or private keys. A passphrase is not part of your 12 or 24 words.

Private key: a secret, unique code used to authorize and sign Bitcoin transactions, providing access to your funds.

Public key: a cryptographic code derived from your private key, used to generate Bitcoin addresses for receiving Bitcoin transactions to your wallet.

Software wallet: a Bitcoin wallet that operates as an application on a computer or mobile device. Private keys are typically stored (encrypted) on the device itself (mobile phone, computer), unless the wallet is custodial.

Verifiable source: a type of software where the source code is made available to the public for review and reproduction though is not necessarily licensed for free commercial use or modification.

Web wallet: a Bitcoin wallet that is accessible through a web browser. Typically web wallets are custodial and/or run by a third party service e.g, the wallet you'd have on a custodial exchange.

Bitcoin Wallet FAQs

What is a Bitcoin wallet?

A Bitcoin wallet is a tool for securing, sending and receiving bitcoin. Your Bitcoin wallet securely manages the private keys necessary for accessing and managing your bitcoin on the Bitcoin blockchain.

What types of Bitcoin wallets exist?

There are several types of Bitcoin wallets: hardware wallets (physical devices for offline storage), software wallets (applications on your computer or mobile device), paper wallets (physical copies of your public and private keys), and web wallets (online sites where your keys are managed by a third party).

How do Bitcoin wallets work?

Bitcoin wallets work by storing the private keys needed to access and manage your Bitcoin. When you want to spend your Bitcoin, your wallet signs a transaction with your private key to prove ownership, and then broadcasts this transaction to the Bitcoin network for verification and inclusion in the blockchain.

What is the difference between a hot and a cold wallet?

A hot wallet is connected to the internet, allowing for quick and easy transactions but with higher vulnerability to online threats. A cold wallet, conversely, is offline, offering greater security for storing Bitcoin long-term by keeping private keys completely isolated from internet access.

Can a Bitcoin wallet be hacked?

While the encryption used in Bitcoin wallets is theoretically unbreakable within the known limits of mathematics and computing, “hacking” often involves targeting vulnerabilities elsewhere.

A Bitcoin wallet can be “hacked” if the wallet software contains a vulnerability or if your personal security setup is poor (eg, storing your private keys in your Notes app on your phone).

Never share your private keys, watch out for phishing scams, be mindful of malware and use a passphrase to enhance your security setup.

Are Bitcoin wallets safe?

Bitcoin wallets are safe if managed properly. Hardware and cold storage wallets offer higher security by keeping your keys offline, while hot wallets are more convenient but more vulnerable to online threats. Always use strong security practices, like enabling two-factor authentication and safeguarding your private keys.

How do I create a Bitcoin wallet?

  • Choose your wallet type (software or hardware) based on your individual needs.
  • Download your software wallet or purchase your hardware wallet from official sources.
  • Follow the instructions for setting up your Bitcoin wallet and secure your seed phrase.
  • That's it. Now use your Bitcoin wallet address to receive some Bitcoin!

Create your first Bitcoin walletusing BlueWallet following along with our handy guide.

What is a private key and public key?

A private key is a secret number that allows you to spend the Bitcoin associated with your wallet. It's like a password that you should never share with anyone. A public key is derived from the private key and is used to generate receiving addresses for your Bitcoin wallet. Public keys also play an important role in verifying Bitcoin transactions.

How do I backup my Bitcoin wallet?

The time to backup your Bitcoin wallet occurs during your initial wallet setup when you are presented with your 12 or 24 word backup phrase. This represents your private key and must be written down and stored in a safe place. For long term storage we recommend asteel backup solutionfor your seed phrase, for protection from the elements.

What is a seed phrase and why is it important?

A seed phrase is a list of words that serves as a backup for your Bitcoin wallet. It's crucial because it allows you to restore your wallet and access your funds on any compatible wallet software or hardware if you lose your device or need to switch wallets. Keeping your seed phrase secure is vital as anyone with access to it can control your Bitcoin.

Seed phrase can also be called: recovery phrase, backup phrase or mnemonic key.

What is the difference between custodial and non-custodial wallets?

Custodial wallets involve a third party managing your private keys, offering convenience but less control and security. Non-custodial wallets give you full control over your keys, enhancing security and autonomy but requiring you to secure them yourself. Remember, not your keys, not your coins.

Should I use a hardware wallet?

If you plan on holding a significant amount of Bitcoin or are prioritizing security, a hardware wallet is highly recommended. It keeps your private keys offline, making it much more secure than a software wallet. However, if you're dealing with small amounts or frequent transactions, the convenience of a software wallet might outweigh the security benefits for you.

What are some of the best Bitcoin wallets?

The best Bitcoin wallets must meet the basic criteria of being Bitcoin-only and be open source or verifiable source, for both software and hardware. Beyond that, the “best” Bitcoin wallet for you depends on your individual needs. BlueWallet is great for starting out, while Jade and COLDCARD MK4 are our recommended hardware wallets for more security.

You have my attention, what else can you tell me about Bitcoin wallets?!

The term ‘Bitcoin wallet’ is a helpful metaphor for people new to Bitcoin however it has its limitations and a more technically accurate term is “signing device”. This is because bitcoins only exists on the Bitcoin blockchain and your “wallet” (aka signing device) is what allows you to access them. There isn’t actually any Bitcoin “in” your wallet, ever!

Why you need a Bitcoin wallet

To own bitcoin you must secure your bitcoin in a Bitcoin wallet only you control.

Without a Bitcoin wallet of your own, you are left buying bitcoin through a custodial exchange and trusting them with your private keys.

By holding your bitcoin for you, these platforms expose you to significant counter-party risk andcan lend out or steal your bitcoin without your permission, become hacked,or restrict or freeze your fundsunder force of law.

They can alsochargehefty fees.

When you are buying bitcoin, it is highly recommended that you buy bitcoin from a non-custodial, Bitcoin-only platform likeBeaver, that delivers bitcoin directly to your personal Bitcoin wallet.

How to choose the right Bitcoin wallet

Canadians are fortunate to have many Bitcoin wallet options to choose from, but this can also make the process of choosing a Bitcoin wallet difficult. At the very least, your Bitcoin wallet should be Bitcoin-only and have open source or verifiable source software and hardware.

To find the best Bitcoin wallet for your specific needs – consider the following:

Type: Software wallets are free to download as apps for your mobile phone and desktop computer, and are great for beginners and lower values of bitcoin. Hardware wallets are much more secure, better for larger amounts of bitcoin and longterm saving, but are less convenient for frequent transacting.

Transparency: Whether you are buying a hardware wallet or downloading an app, look for Bitcoin wallets where the code, firmware, and hardware, when applicable, are open source or have verifiable source. This transparency ensures the code is public for review, reducing the risk of backdoors.

Cost: Most Bitcoin software wallets are free to download, while Bitcoin hardware wallets can cost $150+ and likely require shipping.

Operating System: Some Bitcoin wallet apps are mobile-only, or desktop-only, while others support both.

User Experience: Pick a Bitcoin wallet with a user experience that matches your individual needs and experience level. You can always upgrade your wallet setup in the future.

Security: As the value of your bitcoin grows, so will your security needs. The wallet you start with today may not be right for you two or three years from now, and that's ok. You can always transfer your bitcoin to a more secure Bitcoin wallet setup.

Payments: Bitcoin transactions will become more expensive as adoption increases over time. Even today, affordable payment technology is paramount for day-to-day bitcoin spenders and frequent bitcoin savers (eg, a weekly Bitcoin DCA). Consider a Bitcoin wallet that supports Lightning.

How to keep your Bitcoin safe

A free Bitcoin software wallet, like BlueWallet, is sufficient for getting started and securing smaller amounts of Bitcoin, though we recommend buying a Bitcoin hardware wallet when you're ready. Using a Bitcoin hardware wallet is your best option for keeping your bitcoin safe once it becomes a significant portion of your overall wealth.

Bitcoin hardware wallets allow you to sign Bitcoin transactions while keeping your private keys disconnected from the internet. By contrast, standalone Bitcoin software wallets on a mobile device or desktop computer that are internet connected are more vulnerable to hacking attempts and possible theft.

For longterm Bitcoin savings or larger amounts of bitcoin, we recommend using a Bitcoin hardware wallet like the Blockstream Jade or COLDCARD MK4 by Coinkite. These Bitcoin wallets offer the best in Bitcoin security and the source code is publicly verifiable for both.

More Bitcoin wallet security tips:

  • Consider using a passphrase to remove single points of failure from your Bitcoin security setup.
  • Avoid traveling with your hardware wallet to not risk losing it. Keep it at home and out of site.
  • Keep your written backup phrase safe, but don't overcomplicate it. That said,a steel seed plateis a great idea to protect your backup phrase from the elements incase of fire or flood.

How to buy Bitcoin in Canada

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to buy bitcoin in Canada is withBeaver Bitcoinvia Interac E-transfer. Once received, Beaver exchanges your funds to bitcoin then delivers your bitcoin immediately to your personal Bitcoin wallet.

Read more abouthow to buy bitcoin in Canadawith Beaver.

With Beaver you can also:

  • Make larger bitcoin purchases through our personal service offering,Beaver Plaid, tailored for both individuals and businesses.
  • Set up arecurring bitcoin purchasefrom your bank account - also known as Bitcoin dollar cost averaging.
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