Electrum Review
Electrum is one of the oldest and most respected Bitcoin wallets, active since 2011. It's lightweight, fast, open-source, and supports multisig, hardware wallets, Lightning, and connection to your own Electrum server.
Editorial information, not financial advice. Always buy hardware wallets from the manufacturer's official website or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices.
What Electrum offers
Detailed rating
- Veteran, proven since 2011
- Very lightweight and fast
- Multisig and Lightning support
- −Outdated interface
- −Bitcoin only
About Electrum
Electrum is a Desktop software (Bitcoin-only) wallet launched in 2011. It supports 1 cryptocurrencies and integrates with the Windows, macOS, Linux, Android platforms.
As with any wallet, security is the user's responsibility: store your seed phrase on paper or metal, never in the cloud, and never enter it on websites or apps other than the manufacturer's official one.
In-depth analysis
Electrum, al ser un software de escritorio y móvil, opera de forma descentralizada sin un emisor centralizado o una empresa con ánimo de lucro detrás en el sentido tradicional. Su desarrollo es impulsado por la comunidad de código abierto, lo que implica que no está sujeta a la misma supervisión regulatoria que una entidad de custodia o una plataforma de intercambio. Esto la hace ideal para usuarios que valoran la autonomía y el control total sobre sus claves privadas, siendo una opción robusta para perfiles técnicos o quienes buscan una gestión de Bitcoin autosuficiente, lejos de servicios centralizados.
La característica 'Gratis' de Electrum se refiere a que el software no tiene costo de descarga ni de uso, aunque las transacciones enviadas a través de ella incurrirán en las tarifas de red de Bitcoin estándar. Al no ofrecer servicios de intercambio integrados ni funciones bancarias, Electrum mantiene una experiencia de usuario enfocada exclusivamente en la gestión de Bitcoin. Su interfaz, aunque funcional, puede parecer básica o anticuada para usuarios acostumbrados a aplicaciones más modernas. El riesgo principal reside en la propia seguridad del dispositivo del usuario, ya que al ser sin custodia, la responsabilidad recae completamente en el individuo.
How to receive and send cryptocurrencies
With Electrum you receive funds by generating an address from the wallet itself and verifying it on its screen. To send, connect the device, enter the recipient and confirm the transaction physically on the wallet.
Network fees depend on the blockchain you operate on, not the wallet. The wallet never custodies your funds: if you lose it, you recover everything with your seed phrase.
Security
Electrum offers Non-custodial · multisig and hardware compatible. Remember to enable PIN, optional passphrase and always verify addresses on the device screen before signing.
Mobile experience and support
Compatible with mobile apps that let you check balances and sign transactions conveniently from your phone while keeping the keys on the device.
How to set up Electrum step by step
A quick guide to start using Electrum securely in under 15 minutes.
- 1
Buy the wallet from the official site
Only purchase Electrum from the manufacturer's official website or an authorized reseller. Never buy second-hand hardware wallets.
- 2
Initialize the device
Verify the seal, connect the device and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new wallet (do not restore an existing one the first time).
- 3
Write down your seed phrase on paper or metal
Write the 12 or 24 words by hand, in order, on a physical medium. Never photograph it, type it on the computer or save it in the cloud.
- 4
Set a secure PIN
Set a PIN that only you know. If someone tries to guess it several times, the device automatically wipes itself.
- 5
Send a small first test
Before moving large amounts, send a small transaction to Electrum and verify you receive it correctly.
Our verdict
Electrum receives an editorial score of 4.3/5. It is an interesting option with room for improvement. Recommended for users who value its differentiating proposition versus larger brands.
Other recommended wallets
The Ledger Nano X is the world's most popular hardware wallet. It combines Bluetooth mobile connectivity, support for over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, and the industry's most widely used certified security chip.
Trezor Safe 5 is the favorite choice for bitcoiners who demand complete transparency. Its firmware is fully open source, it has a color touchscreen, and a verifiable EAL6+ secure element.
Tangem reinvents the hardware wallet in a credit card format. No cables or batteries: just tap the card to your mobile via NFC to sign. Designed for beginners who want hassle-free self-custody.