One of the most important elements of owning cryptocurrencies is storing them securely. This can be done in a number of ways, but in any case, you will also need a wallet. There are hundreds to choose from, and whilst some are free to create others require a purchase.
There are numerous debates about which type of crypto wallet is best. Whilst security is a priority, in many cases, so is the ease of use. As the debate goes on, another one is born. Between Android vs iOS, which is best?
The truth is, it very much depends on the individual user. Naturally, Android wallets will only work on Android OS and iOS will only work on Apple products.
Safety Between Android vs iOS Crypto Wallets
In the Android vs iOS crypto wallet debate, it is impossible to pick a clear winner. Due to their popularity across the globe, most wallets are designed to work on both operating systems. As a result, they share almost-identical security features. These include two-factor authentications (2FA) or, in some cases, adaptive authentication.
Both iOS and Android cryptocurrency wallets are, with a few exceptions, hot wallets. This means that they are connected to the Internet for most of the day, and this makes them susceptible to cyberattacks. This is why you should never store large amounts of funds in such wallets. Instead, you should use hardware wallets for valuable figures.
The Android operating system is open-source whereas iOS is more limited in scope. Whilst this provides some benefits, including added customisation and a broader range of add-ons, it also carries additional risk. Anyone, including hackers, can access Android’s code to identify and take advantage of vulnerabilities. This is significantly harder to do on iOS.
Availability of Crypto Wallets
Most reputable mobile wallets offer a free app for iOS and Android, however, there are some exceptions. Since the number of Android users far exceeds that of iPhone and iPad owners, crypto wallet developers are more likely to create a product for the larger market.
Similarly, there is an increased likelihood that new additions or updates are released in beta across Android initially. This is due, in part, to the OS’s friendliness for developers.
Operating System Privacy
Data has become one of the most valuable commodities of the Internet. It influences everything from advertising strategies to product design and risk factors. In recent years, data privacy has become a major concern amongst smartphone users. This has fuelled a growth in solutions that block or limit the personal information that is transmitted, oftentimes unknowingly, to the operating system owners.
Some Android users may not realise that their operating system is owned by Google. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this OS has been found to transmit around 20 times more data than what iOS transmits to Apple. This might be of concern to those who use their cryptocurrency wallets often and wish for their transactions and actions to remain as anonymous as possible.
Power Comparison
Many Android smartphone and tablet manufacturers include a sizable battery that provides longer periods between charging. Apple devices tend to have smaller batteries, though these are normally more efficient. Nevertheless, Android devices tend to win this battle.
You’re unlikely to pick an operating system based solely on this feature. However, if you’re the kind of person that lets your device run dry before charging it, you might benefit from an Android device. This might give you the extra juice you need to make that urgent Bitcoin transfer or carry out a last-minute crypto trade.
Overall Better Experience
If you had the opportunity to own both an Android and an iOS crypto wallet you would likely choose the latter for the overall experience. It can be difficult to describe the exact reason, but the Apple operating system provides a superior experience to its users. This may be due to the general specs of your device or the straightforward user experience.
Android vs iOS: Conclusion
Both iOS and Android crypto wallets provide a robust and reliable way to store cryptocurrencies. However, mobile wallets remain less secure than other types of crypto wallets since they are constantly connected to the Internet. As a result, it is much easier for cybercriminals to access your funds.
To overcome this issue, you could opt for a cold storage device. This is a handheld device that is only connected to the Internet during a transaction. However, it is not as convenient as a mobile, or hot wallet. Fortunately, there are solutions.
Certain cold storage devices provide an Android and iOS app that you can use to connect the crypto wallet during a transfer and disconnect it at all other times. In this “best of both worlds” solution, you can benefit from the convenience of your mobile wallet and the enhanced security provided by your hardware wallet.
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