Lightning Wallets

Instant, nearly-free Bitcoin transactions. Lightning is how you actually use bitcoin for everyday payments. Non-custodial wallets mean you keep control of your sats.

Non-CustodialRecommended

You hold your keys. Your bitcoin, your control. This is the way.

4 wallets →

CustodialUse with caution

They hold your keys. Convenient, but not your bitcoin. Exchange risk.

3 wallets →

What is the Lightning Network?

Lightning is a second layer built on top of Bitcoin that enables instant, cheap transactions. Instead of waiting for block confirmations, Lightning channels allow you to send and receive bitcoin instantly. Perfect for coffee purchases, tipping, subscriptions, and everyday spending. Your on-chain bitcoin stays secure on your hardware wallet; Lightning is for the bitcoin you actually want to spend.

Non-Custodial Lightning Wallets

Recommended

Phoenix

Open Source+ On-Chain

Non-CustodialMobileBeginnerOpen Source

·LSP: ACINQ

Rating

9.6

Get Wallet

Pros

Best self-custodial Lightning experience
Single dynamic channel with splicing (no liquidity fragmentation)
Automatic channel management with trampoline payments

Cons

Removed from US app stores (2024)
Requires minimum ~10,000 sats for initial setup
Fees can be significant during high-fee environments

Top Lightning Wallet

Phoenix offers the best self-custodial Lightning experience. Automatic channel management means you don't need to understand the technical details. Just scan and pay.

Zeus

Open Source+ On-Chain

Non-CustodialMobileFull NodePower UserOpen Source

·LSP: Olympus LSP

Rating

9.4

Get Wallet

Pros

Full Lightning node on your phone
Self-custodial Lightning addresses
Connect to remote node OR use embedded node

Cons

Embedded node uses battery/storage
Steeper learning curve than Phoenix
Channel management required for advanced features

Breez

Open Source

Non-CustodialMobilePOSPodcastingOpen Source

·LSP: Breez LSP

Rating

9.2

Get Wallet

Pros

Built-in Point of Sale features
Podcast streaming payments
Non-custodial Lightning

Cons

Still in beta
Lightning-only (no on-chain)
Requires Breez LSP

Blixt Wallet

Open Source+ On-Chain

Non-CustodialMobileFull NodePower UserOpen Source

·LSP: Blixt LSP

Rating

8.9

Get Wallet

Pros

Full LND node on mobile
Complete control over channels
On-chain + Lightning

Cons

Resource intensive
Steep learning curve
Channel management complexity

Custodial Lightning Wallets

Custodial means someone else holds your bitcoin. These wallets are easier to use but come with counterparty risk. Not your keys, not your bitcoin. Only keep small amounts for spending.