Coinbase Wallet Review and Update (2025)

As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves rapidly, digital wallets play a crucial role in managing, storing, and securing assets. One of the most widely used options in this space is the Coinbase Wallet—a decentralized crypto wallet developed by Coinbase, Inc., a leading cryptocurrency exchange based in the United States.

Unlike the custodial wallet you might use on the Coinbase exchange, the Coinbase Wallet is non-custodial, meaning users have full control over their private keys and digital assets. This makes it a preferred option for users who prioritize security and autonomy over their crypto holdings.

Overview of Coinbase Wallet

Coinbase Wallet supports a wide range of digital assets, including:

  • Ethereum and Ethereum-based tokens (ERC-20)
  • Bitcoin
  • Solana
  • Avalanche
  • Polygon
  • BNB Chain
  • NFTs
  • And many other EVM-compatible blockchains

It is available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) and as a browser extension, allowing users to interact with decentralized applications (dApps), manage NFTs, and transfer tokens easily across networks.

Key Features

  1. Decentralized Control
     Users control their private keys and can recover their wallets using a 12-word recovery phrase. Unlike centralized exchanges, Coinbase Wallet never holds your crypto for you.
  2. Multi-Chain Support
     The wallet supports multiple blockchains and tokens, allowing for a seamless cross-chain experience.
  3. NFT Integration
     Coinbase Wallet offers built-in NFT support, enabling users to view and manage their NFT collections directly within the app.
  4. DeFi Access
     The wallet makes it easy to interact with DeFi protocols such as Uniswap, Aave, Compound, and others.
  5. Browser Extension
     The Chrome extension allows users to connect with Web3 dApps just like MetaMask, with a simple and intuitive interface.
  6. Secure and Open Source
     The wallet code is open source and has undergone multiple security audits. Users can also enable biometrics and Face ID for additional protection.

Recent Updates (As of Mid-2025)

Coinbase Wallet has seen significant updates and improvements over the past year. Some of the most notable include:

1. Smart Wallet Beta Launch (2025)

Coinbase began rolling out a smart contract wallet solution to provide gasless transactions, easier onboarding, and improved usability. The smart wallet includes:

  • Social login options (Google, Apple ID)
  • Recovery via trusted devices or services
  • Improved gas fee management
  • Batch transactions and automation

This aims to make the wallet more user-friendly for non-technical users, bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3.

2. Enhanced NFT Dashboard

The NFT tab has been updated to support more chains and display metadata and rarity scores. It now includes compatibility with newer NFT marketplaces and real-time floor pricing.

3. Layer 2 Integration

Coinbase Wallet now offers native support for Layer 2 networks like Optimism, Arbitrum, Base (Coinbase’s own Layer 2), and zkSync. Users can bridge assets and interact with dApps with lower fees and faster confirmations.

4. Cross-Chain Swaps

Users can now perform token swaps across chains directly within the app, thanks to integrations with aggregators and bridging protocols like 0x, LI.FI, and Wormhole.

5. dApp Browser Enhancements

The mobile dApp browser has received UI/UX improvements and now offers curated dApp lists, trending projects, and integrated safety scores to protect users from scams.

Pros

  • User-Controlled Security: Private keys stay on your device.
  • Versatile Asset Support: Supports a wide range of tokens and NFTs.
  • Seamless dApp Access: Built-in browser and extension make DeFi and Web3 easy to use.
  • Regular Updates: Active development and security patches.
  • Strong Coinbase Ecosystem Integration: Easy to connect with Coinbase exchange for transfers.

Cons

  • Responsibility on User: Losing your recovery phrase means losing access to your wallet forever.
  • Limited Customer Support: Since it's non-custodial, Coinbase offers minimal assistance in case of errors.
  • Complex for Beginners: While getting better, still has a learning curve for non-technical users.
  • Network Fees: Still subject to blockchain gas fees unless using L2s or the smart wallet.

Who Should Use Coinbase Wallet?

Coinbase Wallet is ideal for users who:

  • Want full control over their crypto assets
  • Engage with DeFi, NFTs, or multiple blockchains
  • Prefer a trusted name like Coinbase but seek decentralized solutions
  • Need a reliable and secure multi-chain wallet with frequent updates

It’s a particularly strong choice for users who already use Coinbase’s exchange and want to expand into more decentralized experiences without switching ecosystems.

Conclusion

Coinbase Wallet continues to evolve as a powerful, secure, and user-friendly option for interacting with the decentralized internet. Its support for multiple blockchains, recent Layer 2 enhancements, and smart wallet beta put it among the leading wallets in the crypto space. While it still requires users to take full responsibility for their keys and security, it strikes a solid balance between ease of use and advanced features.

With ongoing development and a push toward making Web3 more accessible, Coinbase Wallet in 2025 stands as one of the most robust and forward-looking tools for managing your digital assets.