Electrum

Electrum: a lightweight Bitcoin wallet since 2011

Electrum is a free, open-source Bitcoin wallet for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It has been developed since 2011, which makes it one of the oldest Bitcoin wallets still in active use. It is known for fast startup, strong hardware wallet support, multisig, and built-in Lightning. The latest stable release is Electrum 4.8.2, published on September 11, 2026 as a security update.

What it is

Electrum is a light client. Instead of downloading the whole Bitcoin blockchain, it connects to Electrum servers that index the chain and verifies your transactions using Simplified Payment Verification (SPV). Your private keys are generated and stored on your device, encrypted with your password. Electrum servers never see your keys.

Electrum supports Bitcoin only. It does not hold Vaulta (A), Ethereum, or other assets.

Key features

• Fast startup: no full blockchain download, so the wallet is usable within seconds.
• Seed phrase backup: restore your wallet on any device from your Electrum seed.
• Hardware wallets: plugins for Trezor, Ledger (including the Nano Gen5), BitBox02, Coldcard, Jade, KeepKey, and others. Some older devices, such as BitBox01 and Safe-T, now show deprecation warnings.
• Multisig: create wallets that need several keys to spend, for example 2 of 3.
• Watch-only and cold storage: keep keys on an offline machine and use a watch-only wallet to create unsigned transactions.
• Lightning Network: open channels, make fast low-fee payments, and use submarine swaps and watchtowers.
• Fee control: set custom fees and bump stuck transactions with Replace-By-Fee.
• Two-factor option: the TrustedCoin plugin offers a 2-of-3 wallet where a third-party service co-signs after a one-time code. It is optional.
• Plugins: add features such as Nostr Wallet Connect.

Wallet types

When you create a wallet, Electrum asks which kind you want:

• Standard wallet: a single seed phrase controls the wallet. This suits most users.
• Wallet with two-factor authentication: a 2-of-3 setup with the TrustedCoin co-signing service. It adds protection against a compromised computer, but the service charges a fee and you depend on it for routine spending.
• Multi-signature wallet: you choose how many cosigners exist and how many must approve each payment. Each cosigner can be a hardware wallet.
• Import addresses or keys: create a watch-only wallet from public addresses, or sweep existing private keys into a new wallet.

Security

• Download only from electrum.org: fake Electrum builds have been used to steal coins. Verify the GPG signatures that come with each release.
• Keep it updated: every release since 4.6.2 is marked as a security update. Version 4.8.2 fixed Lightning channel backups for some channel types, and affected users should export new backups.
• Beware of fake server messages: attackers have run malicious servers that showed fake "update" pop-ups. Real updates come only from electrum.org.
• No private support: the Electrum developers do not offer private support. Anyone who contacts you offering help is an impostor.
• Back up your seed offline: anyone with the seed can spend your coins.

How to get started

• Download Electrum from electrum.org, or install the Android app from Google Play or F-Droid. Android 8.0 or later is required.
• Verify the download signature, following the Electrum documentation.
• Create a new standard wallet, write down the seed phrase on paper, and set a strong password.
• Optionally connect a hardware wallet or set up multisig.
• Use the Receive tab to get a fresh address, and the Send tab to pay, adjusting the fee as needed.

Running Electrum from source requires Python 3.10 or later. Most users should use the packaged releases.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Long track record and active development.
• Excellent hardware wallet and multisig support.
• Built-in Lightning.
• Free and open source.

Cons

• Bitcoin only.
• The interface is technical for beginners.
• No iOS app.
• Relies on Electrum servers, which can learn which addresses you query unless you run your own.

FAQ

What is the latest version?

Electrum 4.8.2, released September 11, 2026.

Is Electrum custodial?

No. Keys stay on your device.

Does Electrum support Vaulta or Ethereum?

No. It supports Bitcoin only.

Can I use Electrum with a hardware wallet?

Yes. Connect a supported device such as a Trezor, Ledger, BitBox02, Coldcard, or Jade when you create the wallet, and keys stay on the device.

This listing is informational and is not financial advice. Please exercise caution. BlockzHub does not assume responsibility for any problems, damages, or losses that may result from using the services described here.