Top 5 Cardano Wallets to Store and Stake ADA in 2025

Introduction:

Cardano is not just another name; it is also one of the most ambitious projects and has come a long way. The project has started as a research-based blockchain project, uses an energy-efficient Proof of Stake system, and has a clear plan for the future.

Founder Charles Hoskinson recently called Cardano “one of the greatest technical achievements in human history,” and even claimed it “dwarfs Bitcoin.” With the recent Chang hard fork and a growing global user base, he describes Cardano as an “unstoppable governance virus”— a self-sustaining system that can’t be shut down.

Due to Cardano’s growth, many people believe in ADA, which has become a go-to choice for investors, builders, and everyday users alike. So, for users, the need for a reliable and secure wallet becomes even more priority.

Are you thinking about an ADA wallet? Whether you’ve been stacking ADA for a while or just fell into a YouTube rabbit hole and landed in the world of Cardano, one thing is clear—you need a wallet that does more than just look good. In this article, we’ll walk through wallets that actually work for beginners, seasoned pros, and everyone in between.

Not all wallets are the same. Some are simple and easy for beginners, and others offer full control and advanced features. And if you care most about security, there are options for that, too. The right wallet can let you do more than just HODL. It can help you stake your ADA, vote in governance proposals, collect NFTs, or explore the dApp universe.

After all, your wallet is more than just a vault—it’s your gateway to everything Cardano has to offer.

What Are Cardano Wallets?

A Cardano wallet is a digital app or tool that helps you store, send, receive, and earn rewards with ADA — the cryptocurrency used on the Cardano network. But not all wallets are the same. A real Cardano wallet does more than just hold ADA; it lets you take part in Cardano activities like staking ADA, creating and collecting NFTs, using Cardano apps (called dApps), and managing special tokens.

Some wallets download the full blockchain, giving you full control, while others connect quickly without downloading everything. Think of hot wallets like your checking account—easy and online—and cold wallets like your savings account—offline and very safe.

The Cardano Foundation doesn’t pick one wallet; many options depend on what you want to do.

Types of Cardano Wallets

• Full-Node Wallets download the entire blockchain to your device, offering high control and security but requiring more storage space and processing power.
• Light Wallets connect to the blockchain through trusted servers, making them faster and easier to use with minimal space requirements.
• Mobile Wallets are designed for smartphones, allowing you to manage your ADA conveniently while on the move.
• Web Wallets run directly in your browser, requiring no downloads and offering easy access from any device.
• Hardware Wallets are physical devices that store your private keys offline, providing maximum protection against hacks and malware.
• Paper Wallets are physical printouts or handwritten versions of your keys, which are secure if stored safely but can be risky if lost or damaged.

Also Read: Cardano Celebrates 7th Anniversary: Let’s Find Out Why Its a Top Blockchain

Top Cardano Wallet in 2025

With Cardano’s growing ecosystem in 2025—staking, NFTs, DeFi, and governance—your wallet is more than just storage. It’s your access point to everything ADA has to offer. A good wallet keeps your assets safe, helps you earn rewards, and connects you to dApps and voting features.

Whether you’re here to HODL or fully explore Cardano, choosing the right wallet makes all the difference. Now, let’s dive into the details of all the wallets.

1. Daedalus Wallet 

If you’re 100% committed to Cardano and want the most direct access to the network, Daedalus could be the wallet for you. Daedalus, created in 2017 by Cardano’s main development team, IOHK (now IOG), is more than just a wallet. It runs on the full-node desktop client that downloads and verifies the whole Cardano blockchain on your PC. This wallet is suitable for those who want the most secure, transparent, and decentralized experience possible.

This architecture removes any reliance on third-party servers, allowing the wallet to independently verify every block, transaction, and staking reward in real time. Daedalus provides unparalleled transparency, trustworthiness, and protocol-level control by being a full peer within the network.

Powerful features:

• Complete blockchain verification for maximum trustlessness
• Live staking dashboard with detailed pool statistics
• Ledger and Trezor hardware wallet integration
• Multi-account recovery and full desktop support (Windows, macOS, Linux)

But heads-up: Daedalus asks more of your machine, taking plenty of storage, RAM, and time to sync the entire Cardano blockchain. It’s for desktop only and will be best used by advanced users, not novice users on the hunt for something speedy and mobile-friendly.

Ideal for: Cardano enthusiasts, technical owners, and engaged stakeholders who prioritize security and control over speed and convenience.

2. Lace Wallet 

For the Cardano ecosystem, Input Output Global (IOG) developed Lace Wallet, a simple and lightweight Web3 wallet.  Lace is a lightweight hot wallet that runs entirely in your web browser and doesn’t require you to download the entire blockchain, which sets it apart from full-node wallets.

It gives complete access to core Cardano functionality like ADA staking, NFT ownership, and dApp interaction, all within a simple and uncluttered UI. Lace also accommodates hardware wallets such as Ledger hardware for added security, and has a built-in fiat on-ramp with Banxa backing, enabling users to purchase ADA directly without ever having to leave the wallet.

It finds the perfect balance between convenience and control, providing you with a robust instrument to navigate the Cardano universe, without burdening your device.

Powerful Features

• Web-based wallet with no full blockchain download needed
• Integrated fiat on-ramp for seamless ADA buys
• Special NFT gallery for dealing with Cardano NFTs
• Direct connection with Cardano dApps through a DApp connector
• Native support for Ledger hardware wallets to store assets

But heads-up: Lace is Cardano-only, so it does not work with other blockchains. The mobile app isn’t ready yet, so no wallet on the go for now. While it has many excellent features, it might not have some of the more advanced tools that advanced users anticipate from older wallets.

Ideal for: Cardano fans looking for a quick wallet that supports dApp interaction, NFTs, and staking and operates in the browser.  It’s perfect for novices, infrequent users, and anyone who values speed and convenience without sacrificing security.

3. Eternl Wallet

Eternl is a robust, community-oriented wallet designed exclusively for the Cardano blockchain.

Originally called CCVault, Eternl is a light wallet, so you don’t have to download the whole blockchain in order to use it. You can run it in your browser or on your mobile and retain complete control of your private keys—making it secure, fast, and convenient.

Eternl is popular among active Cardano users because it goes far beyond just storing ADA. It lets you interact with Cardano-based DeFi apps, stake across multiple pools, track tokens, and manage NFTs—all in one interface. It also integrates smoothly with hardware wallets like Ledger, Trezor, and Keystone for added security.

Powerful Features

• Executes quickly without downloading the entire Cardano blockchain.
• Allows you to handle multiple wallets in one location.
• Pockets directly into Cardano dApps for DeFi, NFTs, and governance.
• Works with hardware wallets to store your private keys safely.
• Provides a simple dashboard to track ADA, tokens, NFTs, and staking.

But heads-up: Eternl isn’t a full-node wallet and relies on external servers for some data. Its advanced features may take beginners some time to learn. The mobile version is still in development, with more features coming soon.

Ideal for: Cardano users who wish to use dApps, manipulate multiple wallets, or do more than just hold ADA without compromising usability or speed. Excellent for daily use, with strong community support.

4. Nami Wallet

If you mainly use Cardano through your browser and focus on NFTs, DeFi, and dApps, Nami is a top choice. Launched in 2021 by Alessandro Konrad, Nami is a lightweight browser extension wallet designed specifically for smooth interaction with Cardano smart contracts and decentralized apps, with no third-party hassle.

Nami simplifies staking ADA, entering DeFi farms, token swapping, NFT minting, and hardware wallet integrations like Ledge, all in your web browser. It is a favorite among NFT artists, developers, and DeFi enthusiasts because it streams so nicely with Cardano’s Web3 tools.

Nami supports Cardano dApps via the CIP-30 standard for quick, secure access to NFTs, DeFi, and governance. It uses a single-address model with multiple sub-accounts from one seed phrase, balancing privacy and flexibility. The wallet is simple, fast, and secure, especially with hardware wallet integration.

Powerful Features

• Lightweight browser extension for fast access
• Native support for Cardano dApps via CIP-30
• Single address with multiple sub-accounts
• Hardware wallet integration (Ledger support)
• Direct NFT minting, DeFi, staking, and token swaps

But heads-up: Nami has limited compatibility outside Lace, which may affect asset display. Its single-address model may not suit users wanting multiple addresses. As a browser extension, it can be more vulnerable to security risks than standalone or hardware wallets.

Ideal for: Web3 adventurers, Cardano NFT enthusiasts, DeFi users, and developers who need seamless dApp interaction from their browser.

5. Yoroi Wallet

Yoroi is an accessible, user-friendly wallet that is appropriate for both novice and expert users. It was released in 2018 by Emurgo, one of Cardano’s founding firms. Without downloading the complete blockchain, it allows you to securely store and manage your ADA and Cardano native assets.

Yoroi directly connects to the Cardano network through trusted servers, making it simple to set up and access quickly. Both a browser extension and mobile application, it supports sending ADA, staking, and interacting within the Cardano network. Additionally, it has integration with hardware wallets such as Ledger and Trezor for further security.

Powerful Features:

• Lightweight and quick setup with low storage
• Simplistic interface to suit all experience levels
• Native Cardano asset and staking support
• Hardware wallet support (Ledger, Trezor)
• Browser and mobile are available

But heads-up: Yoroi is server-dependent, so it’s not as secure as full-node wallets. It has fewer sophisticated features than Daedalus, and a few users find that network congestion makes the wallet hard to connect with.

Ideal for: Cardano users who want a lightweight, simple, and safe wallet for daily ADA administration and staking without requiring big downloads.

Also Read: 6 Best Pi Network Wallets for Every Pioneer in 2025

How to Set Up a Cardano Wallet 

Let’s now walk through how to set up a Cardano wallet using Yoroi as an example. Here’s how to set up the Yoroi Wallet, one of the most popular light wallets for Cardano:

1. Download the app or browser extension: Visit yoroi-wallet.com and download the Chrome/Firefox extension or mobile app for Android/iOS. Always make sure the URL is correct to avoid fake versions.
2. Choose your setup: Click “Create Wallet” > “Cardano” > “Create Wallet”.
3. Name your wallet & set a password: Give your wallet a name and create a strong spending password for sending transactions.
4. Save your recovery phrase: You’ll receive a 15-word phrase. Write it down and keep it safe. You’ll need this to recover your wallet if you lose access.
5. Confirm the recovery phrase: Yoroi will ask you to confirm the phrase to make sure you saved it correctly.
6. Start using your wallet: Your wallet is ready! You can now receive ADA, send it, stake it, or connect to Cardano dApps.

Setting up Yoroi takes just a few minutes and gives you quick, secure access to the Cardano ecosystem.

To help you choose the best Cardano wallet based on your specific needs, here’s a recommendation matrix. Whether you’re focused on staking, NFTs, DeFi, or just want a secure place to store ADA, this quick guide highlights the best wallet for each use case. Consider what matters most—security, speed, features, or convenience—and use this matrix to make the smart choice for your Cardano journey.

Also Read: Beyond MetaMask: The Top Web3 Wallet Alternatives for 2025