The Best Bitcoin Lightning Network Wallet – 2024 Review

Finding the best Bitcoin Lightning Network wallet in 2024 can seem like a hard task. There is no one-size-fits-all wallet option and what works for you, could be the exact opposite of what another investor requires. Luckily, a little research goes a long way when discussing Lightning Network options.

The Lightning Network provides Bitcoinists with an alternative when the blockchain becomes congested. Ever since Bitcoin began to experience scalability issues, the community has dealt with transaction delays and absorbent fees. Today, Bitcoiners have the Lightning Network to keep their transaction speedy and avoid high fees.

Many in the crypto community have cited the difficulties in finding a reliable and flexible wallet solution as one of the main factors behind delayed Lightning Network adoption. Thankfully, there are now lots of options in the crypto space to consider.

Know Your Trading Style

The first step in finding a good crypto wallet is understanding your trading strategy. Do you need access to your crypto every day, every so often, or are you HODLing your precious Satoshis? The answers to these questions can help you determine what type of wallet fits your criteria. Below are the different types of wallets available.

PC Wallet

PC wallets are the original way in which crypto was stored. GitHub is an awesome place to find solid PC wallets for your crypto. Most developers release a native wallet with their crypto. The Lightning Network mainnet wallet is available here. PC wallets are considered medium security because they are connected to the internet.

Mobile Wallets

Mobile wallets are the most popular form of crypto wallet in the space. These portable crypto wallets are great for storing small amounts of crypto. If you trade often, this style of wallet keeps your crypto at your fingertips. Mobile wallets utilize your cellular network to access the internet. Because of these multiple layers, mobile wallets are considered low-medium security.

Hard Wallet

Hard wallets allow you to store your cryptocurrency in cold storage. Cold storage is when your crypto is offline. Hard wallets are the most expensive type of crypto wallet available. On average, a solid hardware wallet sells for $100 USD. This type of wallet is ideal for large crypto investors because its the most secure. If you wish to learn more please visit this Best Hardware Wallets article.

Ledger and Trezor Hardware Wallet

Paper Wallet

Paper wallets allow you to utilize cold storage without paying for a hardware wallet. These printouts include your private key, public key, and a 3d barcode. The barcode lets you send and receive crypto directly from the wallet. The downside of paper wallets is the fact that you lose your crypto when you lose your paper wallet. Your crypto can be stolen, burnt up in a house fire, swallowed by a tsunami, accidentally thrown out….you get the point.

The Best Lightning Network Wallets

Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of wallet options, let's narrow the list down to specific reputable Lightning Network wallets. In the past, Lightning Network users didn't have many hardware wallet options. However, the last 3 years have seen a steady increase in LN-compatible wallet options.

Zap

The Zap wallet entered the market on October 10, 2017. The developer behind this Lightning Network interface, Jack Mallers, wanted to create an open-source wallet that was dedicated to providing Bitcoiners with a pure crypto experience. The wallet features a clean user interface and the installation is simple. Zap comes in both mobile and desktop versions to fit your needs.

Electrum

Electrum has been a strong supporter of the Lightning Network for years. In October 2021,  Electrum integrated SegWit functionality which opened the door for LN integration. Electrum differs from most online wallets because the platform can also integrate with Ledger Nano S, Keep Key, and Trezor. This integration opens the door for more hardware wallet options in the future.

LND Thin Wallet

The LND mobile wallet provides users with a friendly user interface and advanced security features. Users can send and receive Lightning Network payments directly from their mobile devices with this platform. The wallet allows users to send, receive, and view transaction details. There is even a section where you can monitor the Lightning Network node count. The LND Thin wallet is available for Apple iOS devices.

Shango

The Shango wallet app is a flexible alternative worth considering. The wallet allows you to control your own LND node or launch an ISO-certified cloud node. This Lapp has received heavy media coverage for its integration of Amazon Web Services. Shango features the ability to load, send, receive, and monitor the Lightning Network from your Google or Apple smart device. Additionally, the wallet allows for no-fee micro-transactions.

Spark

Spark utilizes c-lightning to bring users an unparalleled experience. The platform permits users to run a fully validating Bitcoin node, a c-lightning node, and a Spark GUI simultaneously. The wallet is among the most popular in the space because of its near-zero configuration process and personalized themes. Users can download the app for their Google smart device and start receiving Lightning Network payments in minutes.

Spark Wallet Release Via Twitter

Bitcoin Beach Wallet

The Bitcoin Beach Wallet comes from the minds behind El Salvador's Chavo wallet. This wallet was issued to every citizen upon the recognition of Bitcoin as legal tender. The Chavo wallet is only for El Salvadoreans, but he Bitcoin Beach Wallet is the international version of the popular Dapp. You can support the movement and keep your Bitcoin safe using this option.

The Best Lightning Network Wallets

Now that you have a safe way to store your Bitcoin on the Lightning Network, you can browse a list of vendors that accept the second layer protocol here. The Lightning Network represents the evolution of Bitcoin. Bitcoinist have long awaited a return to low fees, micro-payments, and instant transactions. The Lightning Network provides all of these services and more.