If you want to make transactions using the Lightning Network, you’ll need to send some BTC (for instance from your exchange account or another DeFi wallet) to a Lightning-compatible wallet. There are dozens to choose from. Popular options include both “custodial” and “non-custodial” wallets. Here’s the difference:
- Custodial wallets: Options include Strike, Blue Wallet (my favourite), or Wallet of Satoshi (find merchands and ATM). These tend to be good for beginners, because they simplify the sending and receiving crypto by managing your private keys. If, for instance, you lose your password, you’ll be able to reset it.
- Non-custodial wallets: Options include Muun, Breez (my favourite, designed for easy accept POS type payments, backup on google account), Phoenix, or Zap. These wallets are user-controlled and popular with more experienced traders — nobody but you has your private keys (on local device). If you lose or damage your wallet or forget your password, you could lose access to your funds. So make sure you learn first how to back up or restore whichever wallet you choose.
