Coinbase Wallet/Base App
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coinbase
- Coinbase Exchange was founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam. The company launched its Coinbase Wallet in 2018.
- Coinbase aims to make cryptocurrency mainstream. It has had an instrumental role in adoption worldwide.
- Coinbase (both the Exchange and Wallet) has millions of users across the globe.
- In July 2025, Coinbase unveiled a major rebrand of its wallet, renaming it Base App. The rebrand was more than aesthetic, as Coinbase is adding social features to one of the world’s most popular crypto wallets, causing some to hail it as an “everything app.”
- Non-Custodial Wallet: 5.0 ⭐ 100%
- Robust Security Features: 4.0 ⭐ 80%
- Multi-Asset Support: 4.0 ⭐ 80%
- Web3 and dApp Integration: 5.0 ⭐ 100%
- User-Friendly Interface: 5.0 ⭐ 100%
- Additional Functionalities 4.0 ⭐ 80%
- Mobile, Web & Browser Wallet Extension
- Non-Custodial.
- Android & iOS apps, Windows, Chrome (browser extension)
Official links to download the the Base App and browser extensions are here.
Coinbase Wallet
Crypto hot wallets are essential tools for anyone who holds or trades crypto. They allow you to hold or move your assets, as well as other benefits like staking and dApp (decentralized app) integration. While there is debate over the benefits of hot wallets vs. cold wallets, it is always recommended to get your crypto off exchanges. One such option is the Coinbase Wallet. It is a popular wallet with deep integration with the Coinbase Exchange, but it isn’t the only option for Coinbase users.
Our comprehensive Coinbase Wallet review will give you all you need to know about this hugely popular hot wallet while also comparing it to other wallets available to crypto users. See where the Coinbase Wallet ranks in terms of fees, security, UX, types of tokens you can hold, and more.
Key Features & Functionalities
Non-Custodial Wallet
The Coinbase Wallet is a non-custodial wallet, meaning users have full control over their private keys, which are stored locally on their devices rather than on Coinbase’s servers.
Security Features
The wallet employs end-to-end encryption, stores private keys locally, supports biometric authentication (e.g., Face ID on compatible devices), and offers optional two-factor authentication (2FA) through a connected Coinbase account.
Multi-Asset Support
It supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, Avalanche, and BNB Chain, as well as all tokens available on the Coinbase Exchange. Users can also manually add custom tokens on supported networks, such as Coinbase’s Base chain.
Web3 & dApp Integration
The wallet features a built-in dApp browser and seamlessly connects to popular decentralized applications (dApps) like Uniswap, OpenSea, and Compound, with full support for DeFi apps and NFT management following a 2023 revamp.
User-Friendly Interface
It offers a clean, modern user interface (UI) with quick setup options (create or import wallets) and intuitive navigation, available as a mobile app (Android and iOS) and Chrome browser extension.
Additional Functionalities
The wallet supports staking and rewards (e.g., for holding USDC), built-in decentralized token swapping, and cross-chain functionality across blockchains like Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana. It also allows adjustable gas fees and cheaper transactions via Base.
Pros and Cons of Base App
Pros:
A Wallet Built for Coinbase Users. Connect seamlessly to the Coinbase Exchange and Coinbase’s wider ecosystem
Security and Compliance. Base App has numerous additional security features, such as biometrics.
Multi-Asset Support. Host Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and millions of ERC-20 tokens. You can even launch your own tokens on Base.
Web3 capabilities. Coinbase Wallet is growing into more than a simple crypto wallet, with a wide range of decentralized tools and features.
Smart Wallet Option. Coinbase has a Smart Wallet option, which allows users to send and receive crypto without seed phrases, etc.
Cons:
Closed-Source. While Coinbase is a trusted brand, the wallet’s (partially) closed-source status means it lacks transparency.
No Desktop App. Base App is Available only as a mobile app or browser extension (and Smart Wallet via web).
Swap Fees. The 1% standard fee on swaps is high compared to some decentralized exchanges.
Security Features
Encryption Standards
End-to-end encryption. Private keys are stored locally on users’ devices.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Support
2FA is available via the connected Coinbase account but not directly in the wallet).
Biometrics
The Nano X requires a 4–8 digit PIN code for physical access to the device.
Multi-Signature Support
Not currently supported by Coinbase Wallet.
Private Key Management
Full self-custody with a 12-word recovery phrase. Your private keys are stored locally on your device.
Partially Open Source
Base App is built on open-source software architecture, but the wallet is primarily closed-source.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Major Coins
Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, Polygon, Avalanche, BNB Chain – all tokens available from the Coinbase Exchange. Base App does not support XRP.
Custom Token Support
Users can manually add custom tokens on supported networks, including Base.
User Experience (UX)
Setup
Quick setup with options to create or import tokens from exchanges or other wallets.
Interface Design
Clean, modern UI with mobile-first and extension-based navigation.
Customer Support
Available through email but limited. Lacking compared to Coinbase (exchange) customer support.
Social Features
New news and social features have been added with the rebranding to Base App, with Coinbase expected to add chat and social-media-style feeds soon.
Integration & Compatibility
Exchanges & dApps
The wallet connects seamlessly with Uniswap, OpenSea, Compound, and others. It also has a built-in dApp browser.
DeFi & NFTs
A revamp of the wallet in 2023 gave full support for DeFi apps and NFT management.
API/Integrations
There is no open public API, but dApp integrations are supported via WalletConnect.
Transaction Features
Fees
Adjustable gas fees for Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains. Users can avail of cheaper fees using Coinbase’s Ethereum L2 chain, Base.
Speed
Depends on network conditions but is generally responsive. Users can use Base for faster transactions on Ethereum-linked tokens.
History
Complete transaction history within the app and browser extension.
Security & Risks Assessment
Coinbase is one of the biggest crypto brands, offering multiple products beyond its exchange and crypto wallet. It has a strong reputation for security and innovation in security. However, its high profile means that its users are often the target of sophisticated phishing campaigns. Thus, the onus is on users to take steps to secure their non-custodial Coinbase Wallet/Base App by using the security tools Coinbase provides and educating themselves on crypto scams.
Coinbase has multiple security features, ranging from biometric logins to keys secured on local devices. The wallet has had numerous upgrades in recent years. Coinbase has responded to security incidents – particularly phishing campaigns – with increased security measures and education campaigns.
User Reviews & Community Feedback
Trustpilot Ratings & Reviews
Coinbase gets a score of 3.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot (16k reviews), although this is a mix of feedback on the Exchange and Wallet. Reviewers of Coinbase Wallet tend to praise its innovative features, such as the web3 browser. Coinbase actively engages with users’ concerns on Trustpilot.
Reddit & Crypto Community Discussions
The crypto community on Reddit tends to hold a positive view of Coinbase Wallet on the whole, with the caveat that most users believe that storing your crypto in a cold wallet is much safer. Redditors have praised Coinbase’s commitment to mainstream adoption of crypto.
Coinbase Wallet has over 330k followers on X. Note that it has sub-accounts for different regions. It is highly engaged with the crypto community on X, sharing security tips and promoting Coinbase’s features.
The rebrand to the Base App has been widely welcomed by the crypto community, with many enthused by the prospect of features like encrypted chat. However, some on Reddit question the broadness of the app’s features, comparing it to a social media app, with less focus on security.
Expert Reviews & Endorsements
Forbes Advisor listed Coinbase Wallet as one of its best crypto wallets of 2025. It also gleaned highly positive reviews from Money.com.
Cointelegraph covered the rebrand to Base App in July 2025, hailing it as an everything app or super app, noting how Coinbase planned to bring many new features to evolve the platform.
App Store & Google Play Reviews
Coinbase Wallet has a score of 4.6 out of 5 on the Apple App Store (145K reviews). Many users have praised its ease of use and NFT functionality.
The Google Play Store has a user rating of 4.1 out of 5 for Coinbase Wallet (121k reviews). Once again, users were keen to praise the UX and how easy it was to get started with Coinbase Wallet.
Pricing & Cost Analysis
Base App is free to download and install on your device. You can hold crypto on the wallet without paying any charges. There are no additional fees for sending/receiving crypto outside of the network fee (e.g., the fee charged by the Ethereum network).
The Wallet has ways to mitigate Ethereum fees, i.e., by using Base or Polygon when available. Coinbase imposes a 1% charge to facilitate token swaps. But again, there are times when these can be waived, including a Gasless Mode, which eliminates swap fees (select swaps only). There are no additional fees for hardware integration.
Final Verdict & Recommendations
Coinbase Wallet, or as we now call it, Base App, should perhaps be viewed in a few different lights. It is a popular wallet for beginners due to its ease of setup and compatibility with the Coinbase Exchange. Yet, it also has numerous advanced features, including its web3 browser and NFT support, making it a good choice for those wishing to explore Ethereum and Ethereum L2 products like dApps, NFTs, and DeFi.
Base App, therefore, operates in a dual space of being a smart choice for beginners and advanced crypto users. On the downside, it might be somewhat too focused on Ethereum-centric features, including those available on Base, for some users. For instance, if your interest lies in Solana tokens and NFTs, Phantom Wallet might be a better option.
Nonetheless, Base App remains one of the world’s most popular hot wallets for a reason. A top hot wallet that gives instant access to Coinbase’s growing ecosystem. Our Rating: 4.5/5.
Our Rating
4.5 ⭐
⭐ 4.5 | Coinbase Wallet/Base App
FAQs
Is Base App a safe wallet?
Base App is considered one of the safest hot wallet choices, with the caveat that all hot wallets carry some element of risk due to being connected to the internet. While cold wallets are a better option for security-conscious holders, Coinbase Wallet/Base App has a range of security features, including biometrics, encryption, and security alerts. There is also a cold wallet integration option (Coinbase Wallet browser extension) with Ledger cryptocurrency hardware wallets.
Can I store multiple cryptocurrencies in this wallet?
Yes. Base App supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and all EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) compatible chains. The latter means you can hold millions of different tokens across the Ethereum L2 spectrum, including tokens launched on Coinbase’s proprietary L2 chain, Base.
How does Base App compare to Binance Wallet?
Both crypto hot wallets have similarities in that they have been built to support their respective exchange users. Binance Wallet is arguably a superior choice for crypto traders due to its seamless integration with the Binance Exchange and related trading products. Base App , on the other hand, is more feature-rich, especially for those who want to explore Ethereum-focused web3 products and dApps through the Base blockchain.
Does Base App support hardware wallet integration?
Yes. Coinbase has a partnership with top cold wallet provider Ledger. This is done through the Coinbase Web Browser Extension, allowing you to connect your Ledger hardware wallet and manage your assets stored in the cold wallet through the Coinbase Wallet extension. It offers enhanced security as your private keys (the gateway to managing your crypto) remain stored securely offline.
How can I recover my wallet if I lose access?
On activation, Coinbase will provide you with a 12-word seed phrase. This is a string of random words that acts as a backup password to restore access to your wallet should you, for example, lose the device the wallet is hosted on. The seed phrase is an essential piece of crypto security. It should always be stored offline, preferably in a secure place like a safe. You can also consider making multiple copies of your seed phrase. Should you lose access to the wallet and the seed phrase, there is a chance that you will never recover your crypto.
Best Security Practices for Crypto Cold Wallets
Our crypto wallet reviews and rankings will pinpoint the most secure hot wallets. Base App has a strong reputation for security, yet there is always a risk when your cryptoassets are stored online. Every crypto hot wallet user should follow the basic principles of crypto online security, including these steps:
- Beware of crypto phishing scams, such as fake Coinbase extensions.
- Download your wallet from the official Coinbase platform or App Stores.
- Use additional security measures – biometrics, 2FA, etc. – provided by your chosen crypto wallet.
- Ensure your device, such as your smartphone, is updated with the latest security architecture.
- Never share your password or seed phrase with anyone.
- Keep your seed phrase stored offline.