The Best Internet Computer Wallets: Where to Safely Store Your ICP

As the Internet Computer ecosystem grows, the Best Internet Computer wallets are continuing to emerge. Some early ICP wallets experienced very little integration and lost support, while there are also new wallets (like Bitfinity Wallet) that offer incredible integration opportunities. There are also ICP wallets like Stoic wallet, which has significantly expanded its capabilities.

So let’s make an Internet Computer Wallet comparison, so you can see which wallets are best for NFTs, DeFi, web3 social dApps, and more! Plus, we’ll consider security because you don’t want anyone to take your precious ICP, NFTs, or other tokens.

The Network Nervous System (NNS)

The NNS is far more than just a wallet. It is also the network governance dApp of the Internet Computer ecosystem. The login for NNS is performed through Internet Identity. This makes it extremely safe. In fact, it is so safe that you need to be sure you don’t lock yourself out by losing your device. It is recommended to always have at least two devices connected to your Internet Identity in case one breaks or is lost or stolen and can’t be recovered (don’t worry – if a device is stolen, you can disconnect it from your Internet Identity remotely using another connected device).

As a result, this is where most people will store their primary supply of ICP, whether they choose to leave it in their wallet or stake it for governance and rewards. Keep in mind that the NNS is also compatible with Ledger if you want to gain another layer of security by means of a cold wallet.

Stoic Wallet: The OG ICP Wallet Gets a Makeover with Volt

Stoic wallet has to be listed among the most trusted wallets on the IC. It was the one I first used when I entered the ecosystem. It was developed and is maintained by Toniq Labs, who (among other things) is also responsible for the Entrepot NFT marketplace. Being first has its advantages. So how does Stoic wallet stack up when it comes to integration? Here is a small sampling of the dApps you can connect your Stoic wallet to as well as the compatible token standards.

· NFT Marketplaces – Entrepot, Yumi, Memecake, CCC

· DeFi – ICPSwap

· Social Networks – DSCVR, Taggr

· GameFi – ICDinos, ICMoji Origins, Cubetopia

· Token Standards – EXT, DAB tokens

However, the big news for Stoic wallet is the addition of Volt. This is a smart wallet that utilizes Entrepot to provide additional actions. For example, with your ICP in Volt wallet, you can make binding offers on NFTs at Entrepot, and it also allows you to bid on auctions. These are features the community had been waiting on for a long time.

To me, however, the thing that sets Stoic wallet apart is the ease of use on mobile devices. Whether I need to send ICP or don’t want to miss a mint, I can grab my phone anytime, anywhere, and connect my Stoic wallet to the dApps I need.

Bitfinity Wallet: InfinitySwap’s Highly Integrated Wallet

Bitfinity Wallet (formerly known as Infinity Wallet) is the newcomer when it comes to Internet Computer wallets, but they have been quick to integrate their wallet with as many other dApps as possible. Here is a small selection:

· NFT Marketplaces – Entrepot, Yumi, Memecake, CCC, Gigaverse

· DeFi – InfinitySwap, ICPSwap

· Social Networks – DSCVR, Taggr

· GameFi – Plethora

· Token Standards – ICRC-1, IS20, EXT

One of the most important elements of Bitfinity Wallet is its security features. For example, with browser-based wallets, you usually stay logged in until you close the browser. This can be a security risk, especially if you need to check your wallet in public. The good news is that Bitfinity Wallet allows you to set a lock timer. So even if you walk away from a public computer and forget to log out, it will lock after the time you set and require your password.

Plug Wallet: Who Will Take Over This Legacy Wallet?

With Psychedelic leaving the ICP ecosystem to pursue a project of theirs that received VC funding, some have wondered if Plug wallet will survive. The good news is that it is a fairly simple process to port your Plug wallet to another wallet if support is ever completely ended. For example, the InfinitySwap team posted a step-by-step guide for migrating a Plug wallet to a Bitfinity wallet.

In the meantime, this wallet is still connected to many apps in the ecosystem. For example:

· NFT Marketplaces – Entrepot, Yumi, Memecake, CCC, Gigaverse

· DeFi – ICPSwap, ICLighthouse

· Social Networks – DSCVR, Taggr

· GameFi – Plethora, Cubetopia

· Token Standards – DIP-20

The Psychedelic team announced that their existing projects would be taken over by other reputable projects in the ecosystem. For example, Rocklabs is taking over the ICNS project. While it hasn’t been announced yet which team will take over Plug wallet, there was a new update to the wallet as recent as 9 December.

Which Is the Best Internet Computer Wallet for You?

To some degree, this will depend on the level of security you are looking for, the dApps you want to connect to, and the device you will be using. Stoic has proven to be the best on a mobile device for most users. Bitfinity wallet is primed and ready for DeFi thanks to the many token standards it has integrated as well as the added security features. Meanwhile, an NNS wallet is a must if you wish to stake your ICP and participate in governance to receive rewards. Plus, there are still some dApps on the IC that are only integrated with Plug, such as ICLighthouse.

Personally, I look for integration, dApp compatibility, security, and mobile use. As a result, I use all of the wallets listed above. Hopefully, this article has given you a starting point for your search so that you can choose the best Internet Computer wallets that meet your needs. Remember to do your own research and focus on development teams that will provide the best ongoing support, so you can use your favorite wallet for many years to come.