In 2025, crypto lives on your phone. If you can’t buy Bitcoin while waiting for your coffee, you’re already behind. We tested five mobile wallets — Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet, Zerion, Exodus, and EMCD Wallet — to find out how well they actually perform when it comes to buying crypto from your phone. We focused on speed, safety, and overall user experience In 2025, crypto lives on your phone. If you can’t buy Bitcoin while waiting for your coffee, you’re already behind. In 2025, crypto lives on your phone. If you can’t buy Bitcoin while waiting for your coffee, you’re already behind. We tested five mobile wallets — Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet, Zerion, Exodus, and EMCD Wallet — to find out how well they actually perform when it comes to buying crypto from your phone. We focused on speed, safety, and overall user experience We tested five mobile wallets — Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet, Zerion, Exodus, and EMCD Wallet — to find out how well they actually perform when it comes to buying crypto from your phone. We focused on speed, safety, and overall user experience Mobile is now the most common entry point for new crypto users. Wallet apps often serve as the first tool for purchasing crypto, particularly in countries where centralized exchanges require lengthy KYC or face local regulatory hurdles. Global smartphone-based wallet usage is booming: digital wallets processed more than $9 trln in 2023 and are expected to exceed $16 trln by 2028. Cryptocurrency ownership is rising steadily. In countries like the US, UK, France, and Singapore, the share of adults holding crypto grew from 21% in 2024 to 24% in 2025. That means nearly one in four people in those markets now hold digital assets — most of them starting on mobile. How We Tested How We Tested To keep the results consistent, all tests were performed on the same iPhone 15 Pro using a stable Wi-Fi connection. We started from a fresh install of each app, with no prior login or account data. The timer began the moment the app was opened and stopped at the confirmation of a completed crypto purchase. Purchases were made in USD using a bank card or Apple Pay when available. We also noted whether identity verification (KYC) was required and how long it added to the process. Trust Wallet Trust Wallet Trust Wallet, officially supported by Binance, is built with power users in mind. It supports over 10 million assets across more than 100 blockchains, with built-in token swaps and a browser for accessing DeFi apps. The purchase experience is fast and flexible thanks to integrations with MoonPay, Ramp, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. However, fees are on the higher side, typically between 3.5% and 5%, unless you hold the TWT token, which reduces costs by about 1%. Security is fully non-custodial, meaning you control your private keys. However, there is no two-factor authentication, which may be a drawback for some users. The app is best suited for those who are already comfortable navigating crypto tools and prefer full control. P.S. Fee rates also depend on your location and which fiat on-ramp provider you select (e.g., MoonPay, Ramp). Regional differences in card processing fees or local KYC rules can impact both speed and cost. Coinbase Wallet Coinbase Wallet Coinbase Wallet combines the simplicity of a fintech app with access to advanced Web3 features. It supports major EVM-compatible blockchains and Solana, offers NFT management, and enables crypto purchases through Stripe or by linking to a verified Coinbase account. The interface is clean and intuitive, especially for users already familiar with Coinbase. The wallet includes biometric login and real-time security alerts for token approvals. Swapping and bridging assets is possible directly within the app. Fees range from 1% to 5%, depending on the provider and payment method. Linking a Coinbase account streamlines both identity verification and transaction speed. The main limitation is the lack of native Bitcoin support — only wrapped BTC is available. Still, for users already in the Coinbase ecosystem, this wallet provides a natural bridge to self-custody. Zerion Zerion Originally a DeFi portfolio tracker, Zerion has evolved into a full-featured smart wallet. It supports over 14 blockchains, including Solana, and offers built-in swaps, real-time portfolio tracking, and fiat on-ramps through Transak. Zerion has recently launched its own Layer 2 network (ZER⊘), offering gasless transactions and occasional zero-fee promotions. The wallet is open-source, regularly audited, and designed with flexibility in mind. It includes support for WalletConnect and hardware wallets for advanced security. While the interface is polished and responsive, it may feel complex for users new to crypto. The wallet is best suited for experienced DeFi users who value control, transparency, and access to Layer 2 innovations. Exodus Exodus Exodus is known for its strong design and simplicity. One of its key advantages is seamless syncing between desktop and mobile platforms. Crypto purchases are fast thanks to XO Pay (powered by Coinme), with support for card payments and Apple Pay. Fees are typically between 2% and 3%. The purchase process is smooth and straightforward, with minimal friction. The wallet is non-custodial, so users are responsible for their seed phrase, but it lacks built-in two-factor authentication. Despite that, the user experience is highly accessible, with built-in swaps and 24/7 human customer support — a rare feature among crypto wallets. Exodus is an ideal starting point for beginners or anyone who values a clean, consistent interface across devices. P.S. As with other wallets, actual fees can differ by region, especially when purchasing through third-party services integrated into the app. EMCD Wallet EMCD Wallet Developed by the top-10 BTC mining pool, the app focuses on making crypto usable without requiring users to manage complex keys or seed phrases. top-10 app The wallet uses a semi-custodial model. Accounts are password-free and tied to an email address, while private key management is handled behind the scenes. This abstraction removes the need for a traditional seed phrase, making onboarding nearly instant. Recovery is secured through two-factor authentication, and EMCD reports zero security breaches over more than seven years of operation. Users can buy, exchange, store, and withdraw BTC, ETH, USDT, and more than 30 other cryptocurrencies, with new assets added regularly. For some types of transactions, EMCD even covers network fees on behalf of the user. The wallet supports internal transfers between EMCD users via email without any fees. Crypto can be exchanged directly within the app — either instantly or through a built-in trading interface linked to EMCD’s internal exchange. Withdrawals are available either directly to a bank card or through the built-in P2P marketplace, which supports all major local payment methods. No commission is charged to the buyer; fees are paid by sellers. A Coinhold feature allows users to earn passive income on held crypto, with yields of up to 14% APY depending on the asset and term. For miners, the wallet integrates directly into the EMCD ecosystem. It includes a dashboard for managing mining activity, a profitability calculator, and access to key settings such as payout thresholds and withdrawal options. Users can also enable automatic transfers of mining rewards into Coinhold to generate additional income from mined assets. Managing the entire process is especially convenient through the EMCD mobile app, available on both iOS and Android. A referral program lets users earn rewards by bringing in new miners and Coinhold participants. This wallet is well-suited for people who want crypto to “just work” — whether they’re new to the space or simply prefer a minimal setup with a focus on speed and ease of use. This wallet is well-suited for people who want crypto to “just work” — whether they’re new to the space or simply prefer a minimal setup with a focus on speed and ease of use. wallet Speed, Fees, KYC: Head-to-Head P.S. Note that fees can vary significantly based on your region, payment method, and chosen provider. For example, using a debit card in the U.S. via Stripe may result in lower fees than using a third-party processor in another country. Note that fees can vary significantly based on your region, payment method, and chosen provider. For example, using a debit card in the U.S. via Stripe may result in lower fees than using a third-party processor in another country. Final Verdict Final Verdict For those just getting started in crypto, Exodus offers a clean design, intuitive navigation, and helpful customer support. EMCD Wallet is also an excellent option if you want fast, hassle-free access with zero technical overhead. If you’re exploring Web3 or actively using dApps, Zerion provides the most depth and flexibility. Coinbase Wallet offers a smoother entry point, especially for users already verified on Coinbase. For users who frequently swap or stake tokens across various blockchains, Trust Wallet delivers powerful tools and broad asset coverage. If minimizing costs is your priority, EMCD Wallet’s zero-fee P2P buying is a standout option, especially in local currency markets. EMCD Wallet’s Beyond the Big Five Beyond the Big Five Other wallets worth exploring include Rainbow Wallet, known for its Ethereum-focused UX; Ledger Live Mobile, ideal for users pairing with a hardware wallet; and Kraken Wallet, which is gaining traction for its integrated mobile experience. Your Turn Your Turn What’s your go-to crypto wallet on mobile in 2025? Did we miss one that deserves a closer look? Let us know which wallet you’d like to see reviewed next — we’re always testing the tools real users rely on. Want more reviews like this? Subscribe to my HackerNoon to get future wallet deep-dives, crypto usability tests, and product comparisons delivered straight to your inbox. ***This article was published via HackerNoon’s business blogging program. *** ***This article was published via HackerNoon’s business blogging program. *** business blogging program
