Electrum
Electrum: A free Bitcoin wallet with multisig, cold-storage options and hardware-wallet plugins. Ranked #11 of 27 in Cryptocurrency Wallets Software by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for bitcoin users needing multisig or cold storage.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forBitcoin users needing multisig or cold storage
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Custody modelSelf-custody
- Founded2011 · Berlin, Germany
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports watching-only, offline cold-storage and multisignature wallets.
- Verifies transaction history with SPV and keeps encrypted keys on the user’s computer.
- Offers plugins for Ledger, Trezor, KeepKey, BitBox02, Coldcard and Jade.
Where it doesn't
- Supports Bitcoin only, so it does not serve users seeking a multi-asset wallet.
- Its listed platforms are Windows, macOS, Linux and Android.
- Support channels are community and documentation.
Our verdict on Electrum
Electrum is a free, open-source, self-custody Bitcoin wallet for people and businesses who want control of their private keys. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, with command-line operation as another way to access the wallet. The range of wallet types makes it relevant to solo users as well as organizations that need watching-only, offline cold-storage or multisignature setups. Its focus is deliberately narrow: Electrum supports Bitcoin only, rather than serving as a wallet for multiple assets.
Its security and custody options are central to the product. Private keys are encrypted on the user’s computer, while simplified payment verification checks transaction history. Users can recover wallets with a seed phrase or export private keys. Electrum also offers a two-factor authentication wallet option, and hardware-wallet integrations are available through plugins for Ledger, Trezor, KeepKey, BitBox02, Coldcard, Jade, Digital Bitbox and Safe-T mini. This combination suits Bitcoin holders looking for layered control, though it also means prospective users should be comfortable managing a self-custody wallet and its recovery material.
Electrum is distributed at no cost, and its software is open source. Its plugin architecture and command-line interface add flexibility for users who want more than a basic wallet workflow, while the range of supported desktop systems and Android provides options across devices. The trade-off is asset breadth: people who want one wallet for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies should look elsewhere. Support is through community channels and documentation, so buyers seeking a dedicated support channel may also prefer another option. Electrum is a focused fit for Bitcoin users who value multisig, cold storage or hardware-wallet compatibility; it is not designed as a general-purpose multi-asset wallet.
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Electrum pricing
Electrum fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Custody model | Self-custody |
| Supported assets | 1 |
| Multi-signature support | Yes |
| Hardware wallet support | Yes |
| Available platforms | windows, macos, linux, android |
| In-app fiat purchase | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 8 integrations: Ledger, Trezor, KeepKey, BitBox02, Coldcard, Jade … See all → |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | electrum.org |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Electrum integrations
Electrum lists 8 integrations on its own site.
- Ledger
- Trezor
- KeepKey
- BitBox02
- Coldcard
- Jade
- Digital Bitbox
- Safe-T mini
See all Electrum integrations →
Alternatives to Electrum
- Coinbase WalletA free, multi-platform self-custody wallet with broad network support and dApp access.9.3
- Trust WalletA free wallet for managing crypto and Web3 activity across mobile and browser extension.9.1
- MetaMaskManage Ethereum, Solana and Bitcoin, connect to dApps, and choose optional card services.9.0
See all Electrum alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Electrum is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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