In this article, we introduce you to the best and most secure wallets for the NEO token. There are many different NEO wallets. However, hardware wallets provide the highest level of security among all options. The only downside? They come with a price. That’s why we also present you with free NEO desktop wallets and mobile NEO wallets, which also offer strong protection and an intuitive user interface.
Before diving into the best wallets, it’s essential to understand the basics of cryptocurrency storage. That’s why we provide a brief technical introduction, ensuring you not only know how to use a wallet but also grasp the underlying technology.
A cryptocurrency wallet acts like a digital wallet, but instead of storing physical money, it safeguards the access keys to your NEO tokens. The key component is the “private key,” which determines ownership and access to your assets. Depending on how the private key is stored, wallets fall into two main categories:
- Cold wallets
- Hot wallets
The distinction between a cold wallet and a hot wallet is based on internet connectivity. Cold wallets keep your private keys offline, ensuring they are never exposed to online threats. Since they remain disconnected from the internet, hackers cannot steal your private keys, making them the safest option for storing NEO.
On the other hand, hot wallets store private keys on devices connected to the internet, making them vulnerable to hacking attempts, phishing scams, or malware attacks.
Many large corporations and institutional investors keep the majority of their cryptocurrency holdings in cold storage to prevent unauthorized access. You can store your private keys offline by purchasing a NEO hardware wallet. Alternatively, if you don’t want to invest in a hardware wallet, you can create a NEO paper wallet, which is a viable option for long-term storage.
Hot wallets can be further divided into several subcategories:
- NEO desktop wallets
- NEO mobile wallets
- NEO web wallets
Cryptocurrencies use asymmetric cryptography to secure transactions. This method relies on a key pair consisting of a private key and a public key.
The private key is a secret key that grants ownership and control over the cryptocurrency. The public key, derived from the private key, is used to generate a wallet address.
While the public wallet address can be shared to receive NEO tokens, the private key must never be disclosed to anyone. Anyone with access to the private key can control the associated NEO tokens and conduct transactions.
The best NEO hardware wallets put to the test
Hardware wallets offer you the best protection for your NEO. They have the highest security standards and start at a price of only 60 euros. Due to their technical architecture, private keys are stored in a partition of the wallet that never comes into contact with the Internet. This effectively protects your private keys from hackers and phishing attacks.
Another secure method to store your NEO is using a NEO Paper Wallet. This means printing your NEO address, private key, and other essential details on a piece of paper and keeping it in a safe place. This option is ideal for long-term storage if you do not plan to access your NEO frequently.
Hardware wallets, however, are more practical as they not only protect against cyber threats but also against physical theft. Every NEO hardware wallet we recommend below offers features such as password protection, PIN security, and two-factor authentication. These security measures make hardware wallets significantly more secure than paper wallets in case of theft.
We strongly believe that every crypto investor should use a hardware wallet to safeguard their NEO investment. Below, we summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of hardware wallets.
✅ Private keys are stored offline
✅ Ledger and Trezor support over 1,100 cryptocurrencies, including NEO
✅ Each transaction requires manual confirmation
✅ Reputable manufacturers provide regular security updates
✅ Dedicated customer support is available
❌ Unlike NEO brokers like eToro, investments are not insured
1. Best Overall: Ledger Nano X
We have tested more than eight hardware wallets and found the Ledger Nano X to be the best. Released in May 2019 as a successor to the Nano S, it features Bluetooth functionality, allowing it to function as a mobile wallet with hardware wallet security.
Additionally, Ledger has integrated a new security chip, enhancing safety. The display has also been enlarged, enabling full address visibility without scrolling, making transaction approvals easier.
Bottom Line: Currently, the Ledger Nano X is the best NEO hardware wallet available. Its new features and competitive pricing make it our top choice.
2. Budget Pick: Ledger Nano S
The Ledger Nano S is one of the most popular hardware wallets, with over 1.3 million units sold. Its reputation is built on reliability and security.
Since the release of the Nano X, the price of the Nano S has dropped to just 59€. If you don’t need the Nano X’s additional features, the Nano S provides an excellent cost-effective NEO hardware wallet solution.
3. Premium Choice: Trezor Model T
The Trezor Model T, launched in May 2019, competes with the Ledger Nano X. It builds upon the success of the Trezor One, incorporating new security features.
Its key innovations include:
- Touchscreen: Secure PIN entry and transaction confirmation.
- Firmware Upgrade: Enhanced security features.
- Faster Processor: Improved performance.
- Micro SD Card Slot: For additional encryption.
- USB-C Port: Modernized connectivity.
Bottom Line: The Trezor Model T is a premium NEO hardware wallet with advanced security features, making it highly secure.
The best NEO desktop and mobile wallets
Desktop as well as mobile NEO wallets belong to the category of hot wallets because the private keys are stored on the respective device. Since your PC and smartphone are connected to the Internet at least temporarily, they are considered less secure than hardware wallets. Hackers have a potential point of attack over the Internet connection that can be exploited to steal your private keys or password.
Nevertheless, both offer a good basic protection. In addition, they offer the advantage that you can install and use them for free. However, you should make sure that you only install wallets from reputable providers. In the past, some seemingly legitimate wallets have turned out to be scams. Therefore, we introduce you to the best and most secure NEO desktop and mobile wallets. Some of them have the advantage of supporting multiple cryptocurrencies in addition to NEO.
✅ Free use and setup
✅ Higher security than with online wallets
✅ Mobile wallets provide access to your NEO anywhere with an Internet connection.
✅ Multi-coin wallets support over 100 cryptocurrencies
❌ Updates must be installed regularly
❌ No deposit insurance, as with eToro
Below we introduce you to the best free NEO desktop and mobile wallets:
- NEON Wallet (Windows, MacOS, Linux)
- O3 Wallet (Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS)
- Atomic Wallet (Windows, MacOS, Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Android, iOS)
- Exodus Wallet (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android)
1. NEON Wallet
The NEON Wallet is a community-developed desktop wallet that supports NEO, GAS, and NEP-5 tokens. It is one of the most widely used NEO wallets and has undergone multiple security audits.
It supports the automatic claiming of GAS rewards, allowing users to earn GAS by simply holding NEO. The NEON Wallet is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, but there is no mobile version yet.
You can download the wallet from the official website (click here!).
2. O3 Wallet
O3 Wallet is available for both desktop and mobile (Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS). It supports NEO, GAS, ONT, and ONG. The wallet offers a built-in trading feature via its integration with Switcheo Exchange, allowing direct token swaps.
You can download the wallet from the official website (click here!).
3. Atomic Wallet
Atomic Wallet is a multi-coin wallet supporting over 300 cryptocurrencies, including NEO. It allows users to swap cryptocurrencies via Atomic Swaps and integrates with ShapeShift and Changelly.
Download the Atomic Wallet from the official website (click here!).
4. Exodus Wallet
Exodus Wallet is a multi-asset wallet that supports over 100 cryptocurrencies. It features an integrated portfolio tracker and built-in exchange via ShapeShift.
Download the Exodus Wallet from the official website (click here!).
The best NEO online wallets in comparison
NEO Online wallets are especially suitable for beginners because the setup is very easy and fast. In most cases, registering an account on a website or exchange is sufficient. The latter has the advantage that you can trade your NEO directly on the platform. Additionally, most online wallets do not charge fees for storage.
The major disadvantage of exchange wallets, however, is that you transfer control of your private keys to the exchange. This means you must trust the exchange to protect your NEO assets. Cryptocurrency exchanges have often been the target of hacker attacks in the past, with millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrencies being stolen. Therefore, you should only use exchange wallets as long as you actively trade NEO.
The table below outlines the advantages and disadvantages of NEO online wallets:
✅ Exchange wallets allow direct trading
✅ Easy setup with simple account registration
✅ Ability to set maximum payout limits per transaction
✅ Intuitive and user-friendly interface
✅ Customer support available via email, Twitter, or ticket system
❌ No control over your private keys
❌ Beware of fraudulent wallet providers
- NEO Tracker Web Wallet
- NEO Online Wallet
- Binance Exchange Wallet
1.NEO Tracker Web Wallet
The NEO Tracker Web Wallet is a well-known provider that has been active since 2017. Users can quickly create a wallet by entering a password. After this step, they can download a keystore file that contains their private key. It is crucial to store this file in a secure location and not leave it on an internet-connected computer. Hackers can exploit keyloggers to steal private keys.
To enhance security, it is recommended to use an up-to-date antivirus program. The NEO Tracker wallet is ideal for beginners looking for a simple setup, but NEO desktop and mobile wallets offer better security.
You can set up the wallet on this page.
2.NEO Online Wallet
The “neowallet.cn” is another popular NEO web wallet developed by the NEO community. However, it stores private keys online, meaning users have no direct control over them. Despite encryption and anonymous data transmission, users must trust the platform.
The wallet supports NEO, GAS, and various NEP-5 tokens, allowing users to claim GAS rewards.
Access the wallet here: this link.
3.Binance Wallet
Binance is one of the largest and most reputable cryptocurrency exchanges, offering a web wallet for NEO and over 150 other cryptocurrencies. Users benefit from easy registration and the ability to trade NEO directly.
However, Binance holds user private keys, meaning security depends on the exchange’s protection measures. While Binance is highly secure, it has been hacked before (May 2019, with 7,000 BTC stolen). Users should only store NEO on Binance if they are actively trading.
Binance provides added security features like 2-factor authentication and SMS login alerts.
Register for a Binance account via this link*.
Further information about the NEO wallet test
We compiled this information based on our expertise, experience, and extensive research. However, you should explore different wallets to find the best one for you.
If you have any questions or suggestions about our NEO wallet test report, leave us a comment.