I'm working on a post for the hispanic audience about mobile full lightning node wallets. On my list I've the following wallets:
  • Eclair
  • Breez
  • Phoenix
  • SBW
  • Blixt
Did I miss any? Which is your favorite?
I'm not considering node interfaces like Zeus or Spark nor custodial solutions.
Very interesting topic indeed. Me personally I do not have a favorite wallet app. In the last 10 years, I think I used almost all wallet apps were out. I learned a lot about them and I like to know them all. I tend to use BTC/LN wallets based on my own criteria:
  • there's no "best wallet"
  • each wallet have its own features, good or bad, new, innovative or old boring
  • each wallet will have its use in a specific moment, when user will decide that the wallet is good for that specific payment. Because each app will react or not in its own way.
  • having in use multiple wallet apps, is giving to the user more flexibility. We are still early with this technology, apps are still in early phase so errors can happen, network can clog or whatever other many reasons will come. Being prepared for a bad situation doesn't cost too much.
  • as I tried to explain in this guide, based on my 10+ years experience with BTC, is good to have your BTC stash split in many parts. Not only for security, but also for practicality.
From that list (nice list) you post, I would say this:
  • from those 5 apps, there are apps more suitable for noobs and also for more pro-users, that have more knowledge about how LN works and stuff. Takes time until users will understand all the features an app have and how to use them.
  • all those are great apps and I would recommend them to any bitcoiner, at least to test them and see which one is more comfortable for its own use.
  • don¡'t stick with only one. Have at least 2 from that list in your mobile device. If one fail in some situation, for sure the other one will succeed. There are many aspects why one app will fail and one not.
  • I do not see them as competing each others. All are using LN and that's why we will have progress. Users have to start using them and using LN as daily basis. ONLY LIKE THAT WE CAN WIN THIS BATTLE AGAINST BANKSTERS.
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What an answer Darth! Thank you much. As you know, I'm planning a show on that and all your answer gave me a good feedback on how to prepare it.
I agree with you 💯
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You are missing Muun (it depends a bit what do you consider "full lightning node" wallet)
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Muun Lacks LN Auth sadly
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I just recorded a podcast with Dario and he says Muun can be considered an onchain wallet. Thats why I kept it out
if by full lightning node wallets, you mean a wallet that is non-custodial, i recommend Zeus. iOS and Android apps available. Android app isnt on playstore need to download the apk from their GitHub
TOR built in, on chain balance coin control lots of other expected features of a lightning wallet
edit: realized after post this is not what you are referring too. still highly recommend zeus
i use phoenix and muun for any lightning custodial needs.
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I use Zeus too! It is great as an interface for my routing node, but I consider Zeus, Fullynoded or Spark in another cathegory of wallets, in the node-interface-side.
So I believe there are 3 types of LN native wallets:
  • Custodial: WoS, Bitcoin Beach etc
  • Lightning wallet nodes: Breez, Phoenix, Blixt
  • Node interfaces: Zeus, Spark
Muun would be in a non LN native wallet cathegory. LN friendly? Something like that
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