Wallet directory
Phoenix
Best for: Everyday Lightning spending, self-custody
Self-custodial Lightning wallet by ACINQ — channels are managed for you, keys stay yours. The reference for everyday Lightning payments.
Phoenix is a self-custodial Lightning wallet from ACINQ, the team behind much of Lightning’s core software. It hides the hardest part of Lightning — channel and liquidity management — behind an experience that feels like a normal payments app, while your keys stay on your device.
It is the go-to recommendation for someone who wants real self-custody and everyday Lightning that just works, without becoming a node operator. The trade-off is that automatic channel management means on-chain fees can apply behind the scenes; for pure spending at small-to-medium size, few wallets are smoother.
Other self-custody wallets
Aqua
Cheap everyday balances via Liquid + Lightning
BitBox02
Bitcoin-only hardware, simple setup
Bitkey
Beginners who want self-custody with recovery built in
Blockstream App (Green)
One wallet from mobile starter to Jade-paired cold storage
Blockstream Jade
Open-source hardware on a budget
BlueWallet
Simple on-chain mobile + watch-only
Quick answers
- Is Phoenix custodial or self-custody?
- Phoenix is self-custodial — you hold the keys, and no company can freeze or move your bitcoin.
- Does Phoenix require KYC?
- No — Phoenix requires no identity verification to use.
- Does Phoenix support Lightning?
- Yes — Phoenix supports Lightning natively.
- Is Phoenix open source?
- Yes — Phoenix's client source code is published for review.
- What platforms does Phoenix run on?
- Phoenix runs on iOS, Android.
Facts describe the core product and can change — always verify on the official site before moving significant sats. Got it set up? Find places that take Bitcoin near you or check your country's Bitcoin tax rules.