Coinbase Wallet Review (September 2026)
Verdict: Coinbase customers taking their first step into self-custody on Base.
Coinbase Wallet is Coinbase's self-custody wallet. It was renamed the "Base app" in July 2025 and renamed back to Coinbase Wallet on 2026-09-10. You do not need a Coinbase account to use it.
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Security
- Recovery phrase backup: yes
- PIN protection: yes
- Passphrase (25th word): no
- Secure element chip: no
- Open-source code: no
- Multisig support: no
- Biometric unlock: yes
- Two-factor authentication: no
Features
- Built-in swap / buy: yes
- Staking: no
- NFTs: yes
- DeFi / dApps: yes
- Browser extension: yes
- Mobile app: yes
- Desktop app: no
- Hardware wallet signing: yes
Networks: Ethereum, Base, Bitcoin, Solana, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Avalanche
Ease of use (editorial): 9/10
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy transfers from a Coinbase account
- Bitcoin, Solana and many EVM networks
- Optional encrypted cloud backup of the recovery phrase
Cons
- Cloud backup is convenient but only as safe as your cloud account and password
- Two renames in about a year (Base app, then back) can confuse support searches
- A hot wallet: keys live on an internet-connected device
Coinbase Wallet vs MetaMask
| Feature | Coinbase Wallet | MetaMask |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Software | Software |
| Status | Current | Current |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Assets | Tokens on Bitcoin, Solana and 10+ EVM networks | EVM tokens, plus Bitcoin and Solana |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Secure element | No (software wallet) | No (software wallet) |
| Connectivity | Phone / computer | Phone / computer |
| Screen | Your phone or computer | Your phone or computer |
| Backup | Recovery phrase | Recovery phrase |
| Passphrase support | No | No |
| Multisig | No | No |
| Staking | No | Yes |
| DeFi / dApps | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop app | No | No |
| Browser extension | Yes | Yes |
| Ease of use (editorial) | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Best for | Coinbase customers taking their first step into self-custody on Base. | Using Ethereum and layer-2 DeFi apps, ideally paired with a hardware wallet. |
Shaded rows differ. Read the full MetaMask review.
Coinbase Wallet FAQ
Is Coinbase Wallet safe?
Coinbase Wallet is a software wallet with PIN protection and a recovery-phrase backup. Its code is not fully open source, so you rely more on the company. As a hot wallet it is best for spending money; keep savings on a hardware wallet.
How much does Coinbase Wallet cost?
Coinbase Wallet is free to download. Swaps and purchases inside the app include provider fees or spreads, and network fees apply to every transaction.
Which coins does Coinbase Wallet support?
Tokens on Bitcoin, Solana and 10+ EVM networks, including networks such as Ethereum, Base, Bitcoin, Solana and Polygon. Check the official supported-assets list before sending a coin.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked on against these public pages. Fees and product lineups change often; always confirm on the provider's own site.
Reader reviews
Community reviews are coming soon
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Information only, not financial advice. Facts checked Sep 23, 2026. New to self-custody? Read crypto wallets explained.