The Lightning Network is allowing Bitcoin to finally fulfill the promise of P2P digital cash that can be transacted instantly for extremely low fees. While developers continue to add new features and make this protocol more robust, some are already making impressive software wallets that allow anyone to use Lightning’s features … NOW!
Bitrefill has curated a list of some of our favorite easy-to-use Lightning wallets created by our industry’s most innovative teams. This list is a great starting point for anyone new to the Lightning Network.
Looking to make your first Lightning channel? Bitrefill allows users to request their own “Thor” Lightning channel with Bitrefill’s node at a capacity of 300,000 to 16,000,000 sats. You can read more about the Thor Lightning Channel here.
Bitcoin Lightning Wallet (BLW)
- Available on Android
BLW offers Android users one of the most powerful and well-supported Lightning apps. Users can both send and receive traditional Bitcoin payments as well as Lightning transactions. BLW is also fully-compatible with Bitrefill services like Thor!
Eclair
- Available on Android
Eclair was created by ACINQ, a leader in Bitcoin scalability. It advertises itself as the most popular Lightning wallet and offers Android users the ability to create traditional Bitcoin wallets. With frequent updates, Eclair has a lot to offer any crypto enthusiast.
Zap
- Available on iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux
Unlike Eclair, Zap is available on desktops as well as smartphones, featuring a simple and clear user interface that makes it easy to perform transactions on the Lightning Network.
Tippin.me
- Web browser
- Custodial
Tippin.me gives you a custodial wallet that can be easily accessed on Chrome or Firefox. Bitcoiners are using it to tip Twitter users with Lightning Network technology and add Lightning tip buttons to their own websites.
Bluewallet
- Available on iOS and Android
- Custodial
Bluewallet was created to bring zero-configuration Lightning Network transactions to Android and iOS devices, and it has delivered. With an emphasis on user interface, Bluewallet’s developers intended to make Bitcoin easily accessible for those new to cryptocurrencies or those who prefer the convenience of a well connected 3rd party node to use your petty cash. It features a Marketplace of “Lapps” like Bitrefill, Yalls, Zigzag, Ln Roulette, Pollo feed 🙂 and many others.
Breez
- Available on Android (iOS coming soon)
Breez (the Venmo of Bitcoin) provides instantaneous payments using the Lightning Network, and is one of the first to implement Neutrino. As a non-custodial, open-source wallet, Breez puts emphasis on simple payments between friends, as well as merchant transactions using their NFC-based point-of-sale app.
Wallet of Satoshi
- Available on iOS and Android
- Custodial
Wallet of Satoshi . A fully custodial wallet, Wallet of Satoshi is simple and practical. It has a buy bitcoin option integrated, without leaving the wallet. So easy even your mom could use it.
Casa Node
- Available as hardware
Unlike the other Lightning wallets on this list, Casa Node is a physical device that allows you to affordably run your own Bitcoin & Lightning nodes. Casa Nodes are intended for use in offices and homes and provide a plug-and-play option for users interested in a personal node.
Joule
- Available as a browser plugin
Joule provides users with access to their own node via common browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Brave. As an open source program, its code can be extended and audited at any time. No trackers! and very handy.
Shango- Available on iOS and Android
Exclusively for mobile devices, Shango brands itself as the first Lightning-As-A-Service app. It allows users to launch an ISO-certified secure cloud node, run LND from their device, and control their own LND nodes.
Spark
- Available on Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux (soon iOS)
Spark is a progressive webapp GUI that connects to your c-lightning node on the backend. Its customization features and simple set-up have helped it become one of the most popular Lightning wallets. Tor supported!.
Lightning Peach- Available on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux
Lightning Peach is currently the only Lightning wallet available on all popular desktop and mobile platforms. Some Bitcoiners feel the privacy in this wallet is questionable, but the BitFury team tried to address the concerns in this blog post.
They also serve merchants with Peach Commerce and Terminal.
