What is the difference between a Bitcoin and a Lightning wallet? (2024)

TL;DR: Bitcoin and Lightning wallets send and receive bitcoin but do so in different ways. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Bitcoin wallets send transactions through the Bitcoin mainchain, which can take minutes to a few hours for consensus acceptance. On the other hand, Lightning wallets use the Lightning Network, which is a near-instant and cheaper option that involves a network of payment channels. Lightning is more suitable for small payments. However, it requires a constant online presence and an upfront Bitcoin commitment for channel liquidity, which makes the onboarding and management process more complex.

Bitcoin wallets and Lightning wallets both send and receive bitcoin but do so in different ways.

A Bitcoin wallet broadcasts transactions (with a fee) via the Bitcoin network to all participants, awaiting the transaction's acceptance through the consensus mechanism, which involves the inclusion of the transaction into a mined block. This process can take several minutes to even days but averages around 10 minutes.

On the other hand, a Lightning wallet uses the Lightning Network, a web of peer-to-peer payment channels, to exchange and transact bitcoin. This approach is significantly faster (near instant) and less costly, making Lightning increasingly popular for small payments.

However, there are some notable differences between the two types of wallets. A Lightning wallet must be online to send or receive payments, while a Bitcoin wallet can passively receive payments when the sender transfers bitcoin to an address the wallet controls. Lightning also presents more complexity in its setup, as it requires the commitment of a specific amount of bitcoin upfront to create channel liquidity, which can then be spent.

For these reasons, many Lightning wallets, especially those used by less sophisticated users, are managed by a custodian. This custodian, who is proficient and online 24/7, processes payments on behalf of the user. An example of this service is the Wallet of Satoshi app.

Users typically initiate incoming and outgoing payments by creating or paying a Lightning invoice through a mobile app. This Lightning invoice, similar to a Bitcoin address, is a unique piece of data usually displayed as a string or QR code. However, it operates exclusively within the Lightning Network, and unlike a Bitcoin address, it cannot be reused.

Recommended Lightning wallets: Phoenix, Muun, Blockstream Green

What is the difference between a Bitcoin and a Lightning wallet? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a Bitcoin and a Lightning wallet? ›

However, there are some notable differences between the two types of wallets. A Lightning wallet must be online to send or receive payments, while a Bitcoin wallet can passively receive payments when the sender transfers bitcoin to an address the wallet controls.

What is the difference between Lightning wallet and Bitcoin wallet? ›

Using the Bitcoin Network is relatively straightforward, with many user-friendly wallets available. However, users need to wait for confirmations and manage fees. Using a Lightning Network wallet requires some additional setup and understanding. However, once set up, transactions are faster and cheaper.

What is a Bitcoin lightning wallet? ›

The Lightning Network serves as a second layer for Bitcoin (BTC), employing micropayment channels to enhance the blockchain's scalability and process transactions more efficiently and cheaply. A Lightning wallet is significantly faster, scalable, and more efficient than traditional on-chain transactions.

Is Lightning address the same as Bitcoin address? ›

Reusability: Unlike Bitcoin addresses, which are best used only once for security and privacy reasons, a Lightning address can be used repeatedly. Each use will generate a new invoice, maintaining the same level of security and privacy, while offering added convenience.

Is Coinbase wallet a lightning wallet? ›

Coinbase, the largest crypto exchange in the United States, just added support to the Lightning Network, a payments and routing solution that makes transacting in bitcoin cheaper and faster. Despite being around since 2017, Coinbase took the time to add this improvement to its platform.

Is Lightning the same as Bitcoin? ›

Bitcoin wallets send transactions through the Bitcoin mainchain, which can take minutes to a few hours for consensus acceptance. On the other hand, Lightning wallets use the Lightning Network, which is a near-instant and cheaper option that involves a network of payment channels.

What type of wallet is best for Bitcoin? ›

Best Bitcoin Wallets
  • Exodus: Best Overall.
  • BitBox02: Best for Bitcoin-Only Storage.
  • Electrum: Best for Desktop.
  • BlueWallet: Best for Mobile.
  • Crypto.com Wallet: Best DeFi Wallet.
  • Coinbase Wallet: Best for Beginners.
Aug 28, 2024

What is the best Lightning wallet for beginners? ›

Wallet of Satoshi

One of the core benefits of this wallet is it's simple to use. It allows users to make Bitcoin payments with negligible transaction fees. This wallet stores BTC for you and manages opening and closing payment channels. Wallet of Satoshi is ideal for beginners looking to try out the Lightning network.

How much is the Lightning fee compared to Bitcoin? ›

Lightning Network fees are negligible. The base fee is just 1 Satoshi (0.00000001 BTC), which is roughly equal to 4 cents. Unlike Bitcoin's mainchain, fees on Lightning remain low and constant due to its high throughput. Scalability.

How do I withdraw bitcoins from my Lightning wallet? ›

Lightning network transactions are final and irreversible. To make a withdrawal, log into your account, go to the Assets drop down in the upper right and click on Withdrawal, or go to My Assets and click on Withdrawal. On the Withdrawal page, select BTC as the currency.

Can you send regular bitcoin to a Lightning wallet? ›

To send bitcoin on the Lightning Network your Kraken account must be verified to an Intermediate or Pro level account. You will also need a Lightning wallet app to send to/from. Your wallet address will start with LN.

What is the best type of Bitcoin address? ›

SegWit (P2SH)

By separating signature data from transaction data, SegWit addresses offer many benefits, including higher transaction throughput and lower fees. This format increases the overall effectiveness of the Bitcoin network and makes it possible to integrate advanced features like the Lightning Network.

How do I open a Lightning wallet? ›

To create a Lightning wallet on your MyNode, first, click on the "Lightning Wallet" button on the main MyNode page. Next click "Create Wallet" and you will be given a seed phrase. This phrase is critical and anyone with this phrase has access to your wallet.

How much is 1 Bitcoin Lightning? ›

Lightning Bitcoin Price Live Data

The live Lightning Bitcoin price today is $0.215517 USD with a 24-hour trading volume of $6,221.34 USD.

How do Lightning wallets work? ›

A Lightning wallet works similarly to a Bitcoin wallet. There is also a send and receive function, and you often have the opportunity to swap between on-chain Bitcoin and Satoshis in the Lightning Network. Where they differentiate each other is on the receiving site.

Which wallet has Bitcoin Lightning? ›

An LN wallet is a wallet that supports the using the Lightning Network for making cheap and near-instant payments over the Bitcoin network. Depending on what kind of crypto you hold, popular ones include Metamask, Exodus, and Coinbase Wallet to name a few.

Can I send Bitcoin Lightning to Bitcoin wallet? ›

You can send bitcoin to Strike users or to Bitcoin or Lightning wallets from your Bitcoin screen.

Can you sell Bitcoin on Lightning wallet? ›

Sell Bitcoin from Lightning the easy way. Cash out sats directly from your Lightning wallet and withdraw funds in 19 fiat currencies on your bank account in 171 countries. Low & transparent fees.

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