Electrum is a lightweight, easy to use, open source Bitcoin client. It protects users from losing coins in a backup mistake or computer failure, because the wallet can be recovered by entering a secret phrase.
There is no waiting time when you start the client, because it does not download the Bitcoin blockchain.
Electrum’s focus is speed, with low resource usage and simplifying Bitcoin. Startup times are instant because it operates in conjunction with high-performance servers that handle the most complicated parts of the Bitcoin system.
Key Features
- Several user interfaces, that share the same wallet code: Classic (Qt), Lite, Gtk, Android, Text (using curses).
- Uses a 128-bits random seed to generate your private keys.
- Instant on: Your client does not download the blockchain, it uses a remote server.
- Forgiving: Your wallet can be recovered from a secret seed.
- Safe: Private keys are never sent to the server. Information sent by the server is verified using SPV.
- Uses AES-256-CBC to encrypt the seed and private keys in the wallet.
- No downtimes: Several public servers are available, you can switch instantly.
- Ubiquitous: You can use the same wallet on different computers, it will auto-synchronize.
- Cold Storage: You can have secure offline wallets and still safely spend from an online computer.
- Open: You can export your private keys into other Bitcoin clients.
- Supports sending to multisig addresses or P2SH addresses.
- Lets you create and sign raw transactions right from the user interface using a form.
- Offline wallets now work in a way similar to Armory.
- SSL certificate validation.
- Extensible with plugins.
- Coinbase Buyback plugin.
Website: electrum.org
Support: Documentation
Developer: ThomasV and contributors
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
Electrum is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Bitcoin Clients | |
|---|---|
| Electrum | Lightweight, easy to use, open source client |
| Sparrow | Desktop Bitcoin wallet application supporting most hardware wallets |
| Bitpay Wallet | Bitcoin and other crypto currencies wallet platform |
| Specter Desktop | Multisig wallet manager for hardware devices |
| Liana | Recovery-focused wallet with inheritance controls |
| Bitcoin Safe | Self-custody wallet built around vault safeguards |
| Bitcoin Knots | Run your own node on your own wallet |
| Armory | Wallet management with cold storage and multi-signature support |
| Nunchuk Desktop | Collaborative signing wallet for shared custody |
| Blockstream | Secure desktop wallet with Liquid network support |
| Ginger Wallet | Privacy-focused wallet with coin control tools |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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