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Lightning native wallets aren’t that different from a ‘normal’ bitcoin wallet, in fact some of the options below offer both, but come with a particular focus on Lightning functionality of small/fast payments. Some achieve on-chain interaction via the use of submarine swaps and others require users to connect to their own Bitcoin and/or Lightning node.

Table of Contents

  1. Alby
  2. Breez
  3. Phoenix
  4. Zap
  5. Zeus

Alby

Alby is a browser extension that adds Lightning to your internet experience. Alby users can interact natively with Lightning on the web without the need to pick the smartphone or directly access their node. Alby can be used custodially or connect to any node based Lightning application such as RaspiBlitz or LNbits.

Notable Features

  • Connect to own node
  • Simple node connection
  • Budget controls
  • Lightning logins

Notable Limitations

  • Desktop only

Available on

  • All modern desktop browsers

Other resources

Breez

Breez is a great option for those wanting to get started with Lightning. It seamlessly supports on-chain send/receive via submarine swaps. Breez solves the inbound liquidity problem by opening channels on demand for a small fee. Breez also supports LN URL withdrawal and comes with a built in marketplace with Bitrefill.

Notable Features

  • Connect to own node
  • Send/Receive on chain via swaps
  • POS app built in
  • Fast onboarding

Notable Limitations

  • Requires Google Play services for 100% functionality

Available on

  • iOS + Android

Other resources

Phoenix

Phoenix is another great starter wallet for users wanting to onboard with Lightning. Much like Breez, Phoenix seamlessly supports on-chain send/receive transactions via submarine swaps and also opens channels on demand for a small fee. These swaps result in a certain level of trust in the entity running the swap service (Acinq) and users should also consider the privacy tradeoffs that come with this setup too.

Notable Features

  • Connect to own node
  • Send/Receive on chain via swaps
  • Tor option

Notable Limitations

  • No iOS option

Available on

  • Android

Other resources

Zap

Zap has multiple implementations, all offering slightly different functionality. Both main release mobile offerings currently do not allow wallet creation and only offer remote Lightning node connection. However, the testflight version on iOS does offer wallet creation functionality. There is a desktop application available on Windows, Mac OS and Linux that allow for remote node connectivity and wallet creation. All Zap offerings come with a simple user interface and support on and off chain transactions.

Notable Features

  • Connect to own node
  • Android supports Tor via Orbot
  • Remotely manage channels from your phone

Notable Limitations

  • No mobile wallet creation on main releases
  • Node requirement a hurdle for newcomers

Available on

  • iOS + Android + Desktop

Other resources

Zeus

Zeus is a remote control app that works by connecting to your own node via local IP address or over the Tor network. Zeus allows the user to send/receive on and off chain transactions, manage channels, view invoices and routing fees from anywhere in the world (VPN or Tor option required). Zeus works with all 3 of the popular Lightning implementations.

Notable Features

  • Connect to own node
  • Works with all 3 Lightning implementations
  • Tor option

Notable Limitations

  • Node requirement a hurdle for newcomers

Available on

  • iOS + Android

Other resources

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