Learn · 04
2 min read
Choosing a wallet
What to look for — and why shielded-by-default matters more than features.
The most important feature is that a wallet is shielded by default: it keeps your balance in a shielded pool, sends shielded unless you choose otherwise, and prompts you to shield transparent funds that arrive.
Popular options include Zodl (formerly Zashi, from the team that created Zcash), Ywallet and Zingo. For larger amounts, a hardware signer such as Keystone keeps keys offline and signs over QR codes with a compatible wallet app.
Wallets change. Some once-popular apps are no longer maintained, and features move fast. Before installing, check the project's current status and get it from its official site or app store listing — never from a link in a DM.
Also look for: open-source code, unified address support, a seed phrase you can back up, and a way to export viewing keys.