Best Merlin Wallets in 2025: Unlocking the Future of Secure Web3 Storage
Key Takeaways
• OneKey App offers seamless integration with Merlin, robust security features, and zero-fee transfers.
• OneKey Classic 1S and OneKey Pro provide superior hardware security with open-source transparency.
• Security and user experience are critical when selecting wallets for the rapidly evolving Merlin ecosystem.
As the Merlin blockchain ecosystem rapidly gains traction in 2025, driven by its robust Layer 2 architecture, lightning-fast transactions, and growing DeFi and NFT integrations, choosing the right wallet to manage Merlin-based assets becomes more critical than ever. Whether you're staking MER tokens, participating in on-chain governance, or simply transacting on Merlin-based dApps, a secure, user-friendly, and feature-rich wallet is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top wallets—both software and hardware—that support the Merlin network in 2025. We’ll weigh their strengths and weaknesses, with a focus on security, multi-chain compatibility, user experience, and unique offerings to help you select the right wallet for your Web3 journey. Spoiler: OneKey stands out as the most robust choice across both categories, trusted by developers, institutions, and individual users alike.
Why Wallets Matter for the Merlin Ecosystem
The Merlin blockchain, designed for scalability and interoperability, is becoming a go-to Layer 2 solution for Ethereum and other EVM-compatible chains. As on-chain volume increases, the responsibility of self-custody and managing wallet security becomes paramount, especially in the wake of ongoing phishing threats, blind signing exploits, and rising concerns over closed-source firmware.
With users increasingly demanding transparency and control, wallets that fully support Merlin while providing advanced protection mechanisms like SignGuard, seamless staking access, and real-time transaction parsing are leading the way.
Software Wallets: Balancing Accessibility and Functionality
Software wallets offer the convenience of mobility and user-friendly interfaces, making them ideal for everyday users. But when it comes to protecting your Merlin-based assets, not all wallets are built equally.
Software Wallet Comparison: Features & User Experience
| Feature | OneKey App | MetaMask | Phantom | Trust Wallet | Ledger Live |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  style:width:260px;margin-top:12px |  style:width:260px;margin-top:12px |  style:width:260px;margin-top:12px |  style:width:260px;margin-top:12px |  style:width:260px;margin-top:12px |
| Supported Platforms | ✅ iOS, Android, Desktop | ✅ Browser extension, Mobile | ✅ Browser extension, Mobile | ✅ Mobile | ✅ Desktop, Mobile |
| Supported Chains & Tokens | ✅ 100+ chains, 30,000+ tokens | ✅ Primarily Ethereum and compatible chains | ✅ Primarily Solana ecosystem, now expanded to multi-chain | ✅ Multi-chain, some require cross-protocol bridging | ⚠️ Mainly relies on Ledger-supported assets |
| Hardware Wallet Support | ✅ Native support for OneKey hardware, works independently | ✅ Connects to multiple hardware brands | ⚠️ Limited support (only Ledger/Trezor via WalletConnect) | ⚠️ Limited hardware support | ✅ Deep integration with Ledger hardware |
| Open Source | ✅ Fully open source | ⚠️ Some components closed-source | ✅ Mostly open source | ❌ Closed-source | ⚠️ Partially open source (hardware firmware not fully open) |
| Fee Reductions | ✅ Zero-fee stablecoin transfers across supported networks | ❌ None | ⚠️ Temporary low-fee/zero-fee promotions for certain assets | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Security Checks (Phishing Protection) | ✅ Integrated with GoPlus & Blockaid | ⚠️ Basic risk alerts | ⚠️ Basic risk alerts | ⚠️ Basic risk alerts | ⚠️ Basic risk alerts |
| Clear Signing Support | ✅ SignGuard dual parsing via App & Hardware | ⚠️ Limited display, high blind-signing risk | ✅ Supports transaction preview | ⚠️ Incomplete information | ✅ Requires Ledger hardware for Clear Signing |
| Spam Token Filtering | ✅ Built-in filtering mechanism | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| PIN Lock | ✅ App-level PIN encryption | ⚠️ App password + optional biometric unlock | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Transfer Whitelist | ✅ Supported | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Tron Energy Rental | ✅ Supported, reduces fees by an additional 20% | ❌ None | ❌ None | ✅ Supports TRX staking for fee reduction | ❌ None |
| Passphrase Hidden Wallet | ✅ Supported (Attach to PIN) | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Trading Features (Buy/Sell/Swap) | ✅ Built-in multi-chain Swap & on-ramp | ✅ Strong Swap functionality | ✅ Built-in Swap | ✅ Built-in Swap | ✅ Swap (via Ledger Live) |
| Markets & Charts | ✅ Built-in market data & portfolio tracking | ❌ None | ⚠️ Limited market data | ✅ Built-in market | ✅ Built-in market & price tracking |
| DeFi & Staking | ✅ Integrated multi-chain DeFi & staking entry | ⚠️ Relies on third-party dApps | ⚠️ Mainly Solana staking, partial multi-chain DeFi | ✅ Built-in staking options | ⚠️ Limited, requires Ledger hardware |
Among software wallets, OneKey App leads with its seamless integration of Merlin chain, unparalleled cross-chain coverage, and robust security infrastructure. Its standout feature, SignGuard, acts as a dual-layer defense by parsing and displaying transaction details clearly before signature, effectively avoiding blind signing and phishing scams—critical in today's exploit-prone DeFi landscape.
In contrast, wallets like MetaMask or Ledger Live often offer incomplete transaction previews or rely heavily on third-party integrations, increasing risks for unsuspecting users.
Hardware Wallets: The Ultimate Fortress for Protecting Merlin Assets
When holding large amounts of assets or interacting heavily with DeFi protocols on Merlin, hardware wallets are a must-have. They store private keys offline, reducing online attack surfaces. However, not all hardware wallets deliver the same level of usability, transparency, or open-source reliability.
Hardware Wallet Comparison: The Ultimate Fortress for Protecting Merlin Assets
| Feature | OneKey Classic 1S | OneKey Pro | Ledger Stax | Trezor Safe 5 | Ellipal Titan 2.0 | BitBox 02 | Tangem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  style:width:260px;margin-top:12px |  style:width:260px;margin-top:12px |  style:width:260px;margin-top:12px |  style:width:260px;margin-top:12px |  style:width:260px;margin-top:12px |  style:width:260px;margin-top:12px |  style:width:260px;margin-top:12px |
| Secure Element | ✅ EAL 6+ secure element | ✅ Four EAL 6+ (bank/passport-grade) secure elements | ✅ EAL6+ secure element | ✅ EAL 6+ secure element | ⚠️ EAL 5+ secure element, closed-source | ⚠️ Dual-chip (incl. ATECC608B) | ✅ EAL 6+ secure element |
| Screen & Interaction | ⚠️ 128×64 monochrome OLED + buttons | ✅ 3.5″ HD color touchscreen + camera scanning + Bluetooth + NFC | ✅ 3.7″ curved E-Ink touchscreen | ✅ 1.54″ color touchscreen (240×240) + haptics | ✅ 4.0″ color IPS full touchscreen | ⚠️ 128×64 monochrome OLED + capacitive touch | ❌ No screen, card-based only |
| Connectivity | ✅ Bluetooth / USB-C | ✅ Air-gap scanning + Bluetooth + USB-C | ✅ USB-C + Bluetooth | ⚠️ USB-C only | ✅ Fully air-gapped, QR-based | ⚠️ USB-C (no wireless) | ✅ NFC with smartphone |
| Wireless Charging | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Qi wireless charging supported | ✅ Qi wireless charging supported | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported |
| Backup Methods | ✅ Manual record / Keytag backup | ✅ Manual record / Lite card backup | ⚠️ Manual seed / Ledger Recovery Key (cloud) | ✅ Manual seed | ✅ Manual seed | ⚠️ microSD instant backup | ⚠️ Multi-card backup |
| Signing Method | ✅ Physical button confirmation | ✅ Fingerprint recognition | ✅ Touchscreen signing | ✅ Physical button confirmation | ✅ QR-based signing | ✅ Touch confirmation | ⚠️ NFC tap confirmation |
| Transaction Parsing & Alerts | ✅ SignGuard dual App + hardware parsing with alerts | ✅ SignGuard dual App + hardware parsing with alerts | ⚠️ Limited parsing, no alerts | ⚠️ Basic transaction info only | ⚠️ Limited display | ⚠️ Basic info only | ❌ None |
| Open Source Status | ✅ Fully open source | ✅ Fully open source | ❌ Firmware closed-source, partial SDK open | ✅ Firmware and software open-source | ❌ Closed-source | ✅ Fully open source | ❌ Closed-source |
| Multi-Chain Support | ✅ 100+ chains, 30,000+ tokens | ✅ Even broader | ✅ 5,500+ tokens via Ledger Live | ✅ BTC / ETH / Multi-chain | ⚠️ Limited coverage | ⚠️ BTC / ETH / some ERC-20 | ⚠️ Mainly ETH / TON |
| Privacy | ✅ Open-source transparency + Web2 keys | ✅ Open-source transparency + Web2 keys | ⚠️ Dependent on Ledger Live, data concerns | ✅ Open-source transparency | ❌ No special privacy features | ⚠️ Basic privacy functions | ✅ IP69K water & dust resistant |
| Web2 Login (FIDO) | ✅ Supports WebAuthn | ✅ Supports WebAuthn | ❌ Not supported | ⚠️ Partial FIDO2 support | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported |
| Hidden Wallets | ✅ Supported | ✅ Supported | ✅ Supported | ✅ Supported | ✅ Supported | ✅ Supported | ❌ Not supported |
| Attach to PIN | ✅ Supported | ✅ Supported | ✅ Supported | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported | ❌ Not supported |
| Multisig Compatibility | ✅ Mainstream multisig protocols | ✅ Same as left | ⚠️ Requires App plugins | ✅ Electrum / Sparrow supported | ⚠️ Poor | ⚠️ Limited Electrum multisig | ❌ Not supported |
| Packaging & Firmware Security | ✅ Tamper-proof packaging + firmware verification | ✅ Same as left | ⚠️ Closed-source firmware signing | ✅ Firmware signature verification | ⚠️ No open verification | ⚠️ Basic sealing | ❌ No firmware verification |
| WalletScrutiny Verification | ✅ Passed all 10 checks | ✅ Passed all 10 checks | ❌ Not passed | ✅ Passed | ❌ Not passed | ⚠️ Partial pass | ❌ Not passed |
| Industry Backing | ✅ Backed by Coinbase & YZi Labs | ✅ Backed by Coinbase & YZi Labs | ✅ Backed by a16z, Samsung | ✅ Supported by community & security researchers | ⚠️ None | ⚠️ No notable backers | ⚠️ None |
| Price Range | 💰 $79–$99 | 💰 $278 | 💰 $399 | 💰 $169 | 💰 $169 | 💰 $149.99 | 💰 $60–$90 (3-pack) |
Both OneKey Classic 1S and OneKey Pro hardware wallets outperform competitors in critical categories like transaction parsing (via SignGuard), air-gapped connectivity, and open-source trustworthiness. While many other wallets claim security, their closed-source firmware, lack of robust transaction alerts, or reliance on minimal parsing weaken their claims.
Final Verdict: OneKey is the Best Wallet for Merlin in 2025
In a fast-evolving crypto landscape where user security and on-chain transparency are paramount, OneKey sets a new standard for Merlin-compatible wallets. Whether you're a crypto newcomer or an institutional investor:
- OneKey App provides a seamless user experience on mobile and desktop with real-time transaction parsing, DeFi integrations, and zero-fee stablecoin transfers.
- OneKey Classic 1S and OneKey Pro offer best-in-class hardware security with fully open-source code, FIDO2 login, and SignGuard technology to prevent blind signing.
With growing Merlin adoption and the rise of malicious Web3 threats, choosing a wallet that prioritizes your safety, privacy, and on-chain power isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Ready to protect your assets and unlock the full power of the Merlin ecosystem?
Explore the full OneKey wallet suite now at onekey.so.
