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From Noob to Power User: The Best Lightning Wallets for Bitcoin

Discover the pros and cons of custodial vs non-custodial Lightning options, how U.S. regulations are shaping the landscape, and which wallet is right for you.

Author

Hector Alvero
July 15, 2025

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Featured Article

As Lightning adoption grows, choosing the right wallet is more important than ever. With options ranging from beginner-friendly apps to developer-focused tools, the best choice depends on your needs and skill level.

This article breaks down the Lightning Network, wallet types, U.S. regulatory challenges, and the top wallets for every user.

Bitcoin Lightning Network: An Overview

The Lightning Network is a second-layer solution on top of Bitcoin, enabling fast, low-cost transactions by operating off-chain. It uses a network of nodes and payment channels between users, so transactions don’t need to be recorded on the main blockchain.

To send a payment, an invoice is generated and routed through the network, often via multiple nodes. This boosts Bitcoin’s scalability, cuts fees and wait times, and makes it ideal for everyday use.

Best User-Friendly Wallets for Beginners

For newcomers to Bitcoin and Lightning, ease of use is essential. These beginner-friendly wallets make getting started simple:

Wallet of Satoshi: A highly intuitive custodial wallet that handles all the technical details of Lightning payments. Ideal for first-time users.

Cash App: A user-friendly, custodial wallet that lets you send and receive Bitcoin over Lightning with low fees. Great for everyday transactions.

Strike: Another beginner-friendly custodial option, Strike enables fast, low-cost Bitcoin payments and fiat conversion, making it well-suited for remittances and cross-border use.

Best Wallets for Each User 

Wallets for Advanced Users and Developers

For experienced users and developers, these wallets offer greater control and advanced features for navigating the Lightning Network:

Phoenix: A non-custodial wallet that automates many technical tasks while giving users full control of their funds. It’s popular for its balance of usability and advanced functionality. The main drawback is its 0.4% fee on outgoing transactions, which can be higher than typical on-chain fees.

Ride the Lightning (RTL): A web-based interface for managing your own Lightning node. RTL lets users open channels, send payments, and manage liquidity with ease. Unlike Phoenix, it requires you to run your own node.

Zeus: Built for users running their own Bitcoin and Lightning nodes, Zeus provides mobile access to full node control and payment routing. Ideal for developers or anyone needing advanced node access on the go.

Curious to learn more about the differences between custodial and non-custodial wallets? Read the full post here to find out more.

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