What Are the 10 Best ERC-20 Wallets to Secure and Store Ethereum Tokens? (2025 Guide)

  • Basic
  • 15 min
  • Published on 2025-07-23
  • Last update: 2025-11-07
 
ERC-20 is Ethereum’s dominant token standard, powering fungible assets used across DeFi, payments, governance, gaming, and NFTs. Because every ERC-20 token follows the same interface, tokens plug into wallets, DEXs, lending markets, and dashboards without custom integrations, driving interoperability and developer velocity across Web3.
 
Discover the best ERC-20 wallets of 2025 and learn how to securely store, manage, and trade your Ethereum tokens with practical tips, real data, and beginner-friendly guidance.

What Is an ERC-20 Wallet and How Does It Work?

An ERC-20 wallet is a key-manager for Ethereum that lets you store, send, receive, and connect your ERC-20 tokens to dApps. Think of it as your web banking app for Ethereum tokens: it holds your keys, shows balances, and signs transactions.

What Are the Different Types of ERC-20 Wallets?

• Hardware (cold) wallets — keys stay offline; you confirm every transaction on a device. Example: Ledger Nano X, which can manage thousands of coins/tokens via Ledger Live. Best for long-term security.
 
• Software (hot) wallets — apps/extensions for fast access. Popular picks include MetaMask, which integrates directly with dApps and counts around 30 million MAUs (monthly active users) in 2025; great for DeFi, NFTs, and everyday use. You can pair with a hardware wallet for higher security.
 
• Mobile wallets — on-the-go management with biometrics and push signing; many support WalletConnect and staking from your phone. Examples include MetaMask Mobile, MEW Mobile, Trust Wallet.
 
After the Ethereum Pectra upgrade and the rollout of EIP-7702 in May 2025, regular wallets can temporarily act like smart contracts, enabling one-tap multi-step actions, passkey/social recovery, and gasless flows sponsored by apps, cutting errors and failed transactions for newcomers.

How Popular Is the Ethereum and ERC-20 Ecosystem in 2025?

Ethereum’s on-chain activity remains one of the strongest in crypto: DeFi protocols on Ethereum currently secure over $74 billion in total value locked (TVL), while the Ethereum network itself holds more than $350 billion in total value across staking, bridges, and smart contracts.
 
Ethereum TVL | Source: Token Terminal
 
The blockchain also serves as the base layer for roughly $166 billion worth of stablecoins, which power trading, settlements, and cross-chain liquidity. Ethereum's daily usage remains consistently high, with over 500,000 active addresses every 24 hours and low median gas fees often below a few cents, clear signs of persistent demand and healthy network participation. In addition, the Ethereum layer-2 ecosystem accounts for nearly $47 billion in TVL.

What Are the Best ERC-20 Wallets to Use in 2025?

Which wallets are trusted by millions to manage their ERC-20 tokens in 2025? Here's the top ERC-20 wallets in 2025:

1. MetaMask

MetaMask remains the most widely used Ethereum wallet with 30M+ monthly active users, available on browser and mobile, supporting all ERC-20 tokens and seamless connections to DeFi, NFTs, and hardware wallets. In 2025, MetaMask introduced new features like MetaMask USD (mUSD), a multi-chain stablecoin tradable on Ethereum and Linea, with fee-free swaps into mUSD running until November 17, and continued to fuel speculation of a future MetaMask airdrop tied to active usage and swaps. Users should verify token contracts, keep ETH for gas, and periodically revoke unused dApp permissions, while storing large balances on hardware wallets, especially since a mid-2025 update caused heavy SSD writes for some Chrome users.
 

2. BingX

BingX exchange functions as a secure, beginner-friendly hot wallet that supports all major ERC-20 tokens, letting users buy, deposit, trade, copy trade, and withdraw without switching between separate wallet apps. Funds are held directly inside your trading account, and withdrawals auto-detect the correct network, e.g., ERC-20 for ETH or USDT, to reduce user error.
 
Because the wallet is built into a full trading ecosystem, users can instantly move from storage to spot trading, futures trading, or AI-assisted market insights powered by BingX AI, which scans real-time volatility and liquidity to help users make smarter decisions. BingX is also one of the world’s largest copy-trading platforms, allowing beginners to mirror top traders with one click. Hot wallets are ideal for daily activity, but users holding large ERC-20 balances should still consider cold storage for long-term self-custody.

3. Ledger Nano X

The Ledger Nano X is one of the most widely adopted hardware wallets on the market, with over 6 million devices sold globally by early 2025 and CC EAL5+ certified secure-chip protection to keep private keys permanently offline. Paired with the Ledger Wallet™, formerly Ledger Live, app, it supports thousands of assets, including all ERC-20 tokens, and enables secure staking, cross-chain swaps, dApp connections, and Bluetooth or USB-C use across desktop and mobile.
 
Best practice includes writing your seed phrase on paper or metal and storing it offline, connecting Ledger to MetaMask for DeFi signing, and keeping the signer in a safe location. While it’s ideal for long-term storage and large ERC-20 balances, everyday traders often combine Ledger with a hot wallet for faster transfers and on-chain activity.
 

4. MyEtherWallet (MEW) + Enkrypt

MyEtherWallet (MEW) is one of the longest-running Ethereum wallets, launched in 2015 and now trusted by millions of users globally, with its Enkrypt browser wallet surpassing 145,000+ installs and the MEW Mobile App earning 13,000+ public ratings across iOS/Android. Fully open-source and independently audited, MEW stores private keys locally and integrates with major hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor, supporting ETH and all ERC-20 tokens, plus NFT management.
 
Through MEW’s staking partners, users can earn up to 4% APR on ETH, liquid or 32-ETH validator options, and Enkrypt offers cross-chain swaps, bridging, and access to top EVM networks like Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, and Base. For security, users should back up recovery phrases offline and verify website URLs, while those managing many non-EVM tokens may prefer a dedicated multi-chain wallet.

5. Exodus

Exodus is a beginner-friendly, self-custody wallet trusted by users since 2015, now supporting 1,000,000+ assets across 50+ blockchains, including all major ERC-20 tokens, with desktop, mobile, and browser versions. The wallet has processed billions of dollars in swap volume globally, offers in-app crypto buying via cards, bank transfers, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, and provides staking features for earning passive rewards.
 
You can secure your holdings with device-based passkeys and enhance protection by connecting Trezor or Ledger hardware wallets. While Exodus is great for everyday storage, swaps, and first-time crypto buyers entering Ethereum or ERC-20 ecosystems, long-term or high-value holdings are safer on dedicated cold storage.

6. Trust Wallet

Trust Wallet crossed 200 million total downloads by March 2025 and accounts for 35%+ of global crypto wallet installs, making it one of the most widely adopted self-custody wallets on mobile and browser. It supports 10M+ assets, 600M+ NFTs, and 100+ blockchains including Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, Solana, Optimism, Polygon, and more.
 
Users can buy crypto with cards or bank transfer, deposit directly from exchanges like BingX, stake assets for rewards, and access thousands of Web3 dApps through the built-in browser. For safety, Trust Wallet offers encrypted cloud backups, risky-transaction alerts, and full key ownership (no user tracking), but as a hot wallet it’s best for daily transactions; large ERC-20 balances should still be stored in hardware wallets for maximum security.

7. Trezor Model T

The Trezor Model T is a premium open-source hardware wallet trusted by 2M+ users worldwide, supporting 1,000+ cryptocurrencies across major chains including Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, and all ERC-20 tokens. Its 1.54″ color touchscreen, USB-C connection, and on-device PIN/passphrase entry ensure that private keys never leave the device, while Shamir Backup (SLIP-39) and 2FA/U2F authentication provide advanced recovery and security controls.
 
Users manage assets through Trezor Suite, where they can buy, stake, trade, or connect to 70,000+ dApps. Best practices include storing recovery seeds offline in a fire-safe location and adding a passphrase for multiple isolated accounts. Although the Model T provides one of the strongest security standards in self-custody, it costs more than software wallets and is less convenient for frequent day-to-day transfers, which is why many holders pair it with a hot wallet for regular activity while keeping long-term assets cold.
 

8. Base App

Base App (formerly Coinbase Wallet) is a non-custodial, self-custody wallet used by tens of millions of Coinbase customers as a secure bridge from centralized trading into on-chain ownership, giving users full control of their ETH, ERC-20 tokens, NFTs, and Base-chain assets. Because it’s separate from the main Coinbase exchange account, private keys and recovery phrases stay with the user, not the exchange, while the app supports millions of on-chain assets, encrypted messaging, and access to Web3 mini-apps on Base.
 
For first-time withdrawals, send a small $1–$5 test transaction before transferring larger amounts, and enable PIN + biometric lock to reduce unauthorized access risk. However, the Base App remains a hot wallet, meaning it’s connected to the internet; users holding large balances should eventually upgrade to a hardware wallet like Trezor or Ledger for offline, cold-storage protection.

9. SafePal

SafePal is a fast-growing, non-custodial wallet ecosystem designed for both beginners and advanced users, offering mobile, hardware, and browser-extension wallets to store and manage BTC, ETH, ERC-20 tokens, and thousands of other assets. With 20 million+ users across 190+ countries, SafePal supports 100+ blockchains, integrates built-in swaps, staking, NFTs, DApp browsing, and even CeDeFi tools like debit cards and yield programs.
 
The hardware lineup, S1 (air-gapped, offline) and X1 (open-source Bluetooth), adds cold-storage security for long-term holdings, while the app remains ideal for daily trading and on-the-go management. Whether users are buying crypto, earning passive rewards, exploring gaming, or jumping into DeFi, SafePal provides an intuitive, secure path to self-custody with full ownership of private keys.

10. TokenPocket

TokenPocket is a secure, non-custodial multi-chain wallet used by 30+ million people across 200+ countries, allowing users to safely buy, store, send, and swap crypto and collect NFTs from a single interface. Private keys are generated and stored locally on the user’s device, with optional hardware wallets and MultiSig features for extra protection.
 
TokenPocket supports major chains, including Ethereum and all ERC-20 tokens, and offers in-app swaps, cross-chain transfers, a crypto-buy feature with cards, and a built-in DApp store for exploring DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 games. Ideal for everyday use, it combines convenience with strong security, making blockchain access simple for beginners and power users alike.

How to Choose the Right ERC-20 Wallet

Choosing the right ERC-20 wallet matters for both security and convenience. Start by picking a self-custodial wallet, where you control the private keys (not an exchange). Look for security features like biometric login, passphrases, 2FA, and optional hardware-wallet pairing. Hardware wallets such as Ledger or Trezor offer the highest protection by storing keys offline, while hot wallets like MetaMask, Base App, Trust Wallet, BingX Wallet, or Exodus are faster for everyday use.
 
Make sure the wallet supports the wider Ethereum ecosystem:
 
• ERC-20 tokens and NFTs
• DeFi apps for staking, lending, swaps, yield farming
• Layer-2 networks, such as Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Linea, and Polygon
• Portfolio tracking and backup tools
 
In early 2025, more than 70% of Ethereum-based users interacted with DeFi or NFT apps directly through a wallet, meaning dApp compatibility is now a must-have feature, not a bonus. Also check for built-in recovery options, like cloud backups (with encryption) or seed-phrase restoration, which prevent permanent loss if your phone or laptop is damaged.
 
If you store small or medium amounts and use Web3 daily, hot wallets are convenient. For long-term storage or large balances, a hardware wallet is the best practice to reduce hacking and phishing risks.

How to Fund Your ERC-20 Wallet

To interact with DeFi apps, trade NFTs, or send tokens on Ethereum, you’ll need ETH in your wallet to cover both the asset value and gas fees. The simplest way to buy ETH is through a trusted exchange like BingX, which offers bank-grade custody protection, 24/7 real-time risk monitoring, deep liquidity, and low trading fees. BingX AI also helps users execute purchases at competitive market prices, making funding your wallet fast and beginner-friendly.

Buy ETH on BingX and Send to Your ERC-20 Wallet: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create a free BingX account and complete quick identity verification.
 
2. Deposit funds using local payment options (UPI, bank transfer, debit/credit card, or P2P).
 
3. Search for ETH/USDT, USDT/INR, POL/USDT, or other ERC-20 tokens and buy instantly at real-time prices.
 
4. Open your wallet (MetaMask, Base App, Trust Wallet, etc.) and copy your ETH address.
 
5. Go to BingX → Withdraw → ETH, paste the address, select ERC-20 network, and send.
 
Most ERC-20 transfers arrive within 1–3 minutes, depending on network activity.
 
Pro tip: Always send a small test transfer first before moving larger balances.
 

Other Ways to Fund an ERC-20 Wallet

You don’t need to rely solely on exchanges to fund an ERC-20 wallet, several on-chain options work too. Many wallets let you buy crypto directly through partners using cards, bank transfers, Apple Pay, or UPI, so funds arrive instantly in self-custody.
 
If you already hold assets on Ethereum, you can swap them into ETH or ERC-20 tokens using DEXs like Uniswap, PancakeSwap, or 1inch. For funds on other chains, such as BSC, Solana, Polygon, Base, etc., a multi-chain bridge allows you to transfer value to Ethereum and convert it into tokens used across the ERC-20 ecosystem.

How to Secure Your ERC-20 Wallet and Assets: Top Tips

Protecting your ERC-20 wallet is essential as crypto phishing, malware, and wallet-drain exploits remain among the most common attack vectors in Web3. A few practical steps dramatically increase safety:
 
1. Use strong, unique passwords + biometrics: Password reuse remains a leading cause of wallet compromise. Use password managers, avoid storing keys on cloud drives, and enable fingerprint/FaceID lock on mobile wallets.
 
2. Enable multi-factor security (2FA or passphrase): Hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor allow passphrase-protected “hidden” accounts, a powerful layer if your device is ever stolen. Exchanges like BingX offer 2FA, withdrawal whitelists, and anti-phishing codes for extra protection.
 
3. Store recovery phrases offline, in duplicate, and fire-safe: According to Ledger and Trezor security guidelines, recovery phrases should never be saved as screenshots or text files. Write them down, store off-device, and consider using a metal backup to resist damage from fire or water.
 
4. Verify URLs and smart contracts before signing: In 2025, wallet-drainer malware and fake dApps remain the #1 source of Web3 losses. Always double-check domain spelling, avoid clicking links from Telegram or X (Twitter), and disconnect unused dApps regularly.
 
5. Update wallet software and extensions: Whether using MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Base App, or MEW, updated apps include the latest phishing filters, scam warnings, and malware patches.
 
6. Use hardware wallets for large holdings: For long-term storage, cold wallets such as Ledger Nano X or Trezor Model T keep private keys completely offline. Over the past decade, zero remote hacks have occurred on a properly stored hardware wallet, making them the safest way to store high-value portfolios.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Ethereum wallet depends on how you use crypto: hot wallets like Trust Wallet, MetaMask, Base App, and BingX’s built-in wallet are ideal for daily transfers, NFTs, and DeFi, while hardware wallets offer the strongest offline protection for long-term, high-value storage. As of 2025, Ethereum secures more than $550 billion in ERC-20 value and averages over 1.3 million active addresses per day, showing rapid growth across DeFi, gaming, and tokenized assets, making wallet safety more important than ever.
 
Using a regulated platform like BingX to fund your wallet adds another layer of protection with bank-grade custody, 24/7 monitoring, withdrawal whitelists, and BingX AI for market-smart execution. Crypto still carries risk, but following simple best practices, such as offline seed storage, careful dApp approvals, software updates, and hardware wallets for large holdings, makes ERC-20 management safer and easier for beginners and advanced users alike.

FAQs on ERC-20 Wallets and Storing Ethereum Tokens

1. Which wallet is best for ERC-20 tokens?

MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Base App, and BingX hot wallets are popular for daily use, while Ledger and Trezor hardware wallets offer the highest security for large balances.

2. Do I need ETH to use my ERC-20 wallet?

Yes. You need ETH to pay gas fees for transfers, swaps, DeFi apps, and NFT transactions on Ethereum.

3. How do I fund my ERC-20 wallet?

Buy ETH on BingX, then withdraw it to your wallet address. You can also buy inside some wallets, swap on a DEX, or bridge assets from other chains.

4. How do I keep my Ethereum wallet safe?

Store your recovery phrase offline, enable biometrics/2FA, verify URLs before connecting to dApps, and use hardware wallets for long-term storage.

5. What happens if I lose my wallet or phone?

You can recover all funds using your 12- or 24-word seed phrase. Without the seed phrase, no one, including the wallet provider, can restore access.

6. Is BingX a safe place to buy Ethereum?

Yes. BingX uses bank-grade custody, 24/7 risk monitoring, withdrawal protection, and BingX AI for secure, market-smart execution when buying ETH.