The blockchain ecosystem is ever-evolving. Its evolution always comes with newer innovations that are helping to revolutionize various sectors, especially the crypto space. The BRC-20 token standard is one of the latest innovations in the blockchain space that introduces new possibilities, such as the minting and transfer of fungible tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain.
With the rising notability of such tokens, there’s a need to have a conversation about the best wallets that support tokens using the BRC-20 standard. In this guide, we’ll look at the top three BRC-20 token wallets you can consider in 2024.
What Are BRC-20 Tokens?
A BRC-20 token is a fungible digital asset built on the Bitcoin blockchain. BRC-20 is an experimental token standard – similar to the ERC-20 standard on Ethereum – that gives users the ability to create, exchange, and transfer tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain.
A token standard is a collection of guidelines and rules that must be adhered to when creating and interacting with tokens within a particular blockchain network.
Although the BRC-20 token standard shares certain similarities with Ethereum’s ERC-20 token standard, they aren’t interchangeable. The BRC-20 standard comes with its own distinct functions and mechanics and does not support smart contracts. It’s also native to the Bitcoin blockchain, just as the ERC-20 standard is native to the Ethereum network.
The token standard was created in March 2023 by Domo, a pseudonymous programmer. Domo’s curiosity was fuelled by what it would look like to create fungible tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain following the launch of the Bitcoin Ordinals protocol in January of the same year. Simply put, the Ordinals protocol facilitated the creation of BRC-20 tokens.
The Ordinals protocol empowers users to record data on the Bitcoin blockchain efficiently and safely. The metadata of every newly minted BRC-20 token is then protected through an Ordinal Inscription, which captures the token’s name, owner, total supply, and emblem. In addition, users can also transfer BRC-20 tokens amongst themselves on the Bitcoin blockchain.
Although BRC-20 tokens are still in their cradle, they can revolutionize the exchange and creation of tokens on the Bitcoin network by streamlining the creation and utilization of tokens, which can further promote the adoption of Bitcoin and elevate its utility as a launch pad for decentralized applications (dApps).
Top 3 BRC-20 Tokens in 2024
Although BRC-20 tokens haven’t been around for long, they have been gaining momentum since their inception in March 2023. While storing BRC-20 tokens is a pretty straightforward process that’s similar to any other crypto token, the main difference is that they exist on the Bitcoin network.
Fundamentally, BRC-20 tokens can be stored in any crypto wallet that supports Bitcoin Taproot addresses. However, not all crypto wallets that provide this functionality can showcase the Ordinals scripts, ergo, be able to display or send the BRC-20 tokens. It’s, therefore, advisable to find a wallet that you can successfully use to manage, store, and send your BRC-20 tokens.
Let’s take a look at our top three BRC-20 token wallets that you can consider.
Orange Wallet
The Orange Wallet is the first of its kind, a pioneering browser-based BRC-20 token wallet that integrates with AI technology. As a non-custodial, decentralized wallet, it offers unparalleled access to crypto insights through the Orange Assistant AI, simplifying your journey into digital finance.
The Orange Wallet browser extension seamlessly integrates with your web experience, focusing on a simple and user-friendly interface to provide a convenient gateway to the world of cryptocurrencies. Its multi-protocol support extends beyond BRC-20 tokens, encompassing Bitcoin, Stacks, and Ordinals NFTs, making it a versatile choice for a diverse range of digital assets.
In an increasingly AI world, one of the standout features of the Orange Wallet is its soon-to-launch integration with artificial intelligence technology. Confused about a new DeFi protocol? The Orange Assistant, a powerful AI-driven chatbot, is here to help you navigate the complexities of the crypto world. It offers quick access to information and insights regarding the entire crypto industry, streamlining your journey through the complex world of digital finance. Representing a significant leap in enhancing user experiences within the crypto space, this cutting-edge AI integration aims to make the world of digital assets more accessible and user-friendly. As part of a larger DeFi ecosystem, which includes features like Orange Swap and Orange Marketcap, enhancing its utility and appeal to users looking for a comprehensive crypto management solution.
The Orange Wallet takes security seriously. It adheres to industry-leading standards, including the BIP39 standard for mnemonic phrases and robust password requirements. It has undergone comprehensive security audits and penetration testing, giving users peace of mind that their funds and personal information are always protected.
However, the Orange Wallet is currently only available as a browser extension, which may limit its accessibility for users who prefer mobile or desktop applications. This could be seen as a drawback for those who value cross-platform compatibility.
Xverse
The Xverse BRC-20 wallet is a favorite, non-custodial BRC-20 token wallet for many Bitcoin enthusiasts. The wallet was specifically created for Web3 applications, and despite having advanced features, it’s very user-friendly.
It’s especially ideal for individuals interested in exploring decentralized finance (DeFi) and dApps within the Bitcoin network, as it supports BRC-20 tokens, Bitcoin Ordinals, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The Xverse wallet features a stacking pool that allows users to earn BTC, safely store their BTC digital assets, and connect to Web3 dApps powered by Stacks on the Bitcoin network.
As a non-custodial wallet that’s available as an app for both Android and iOS, users have full control over their Xverse wallet, keys, and digital assets. Users can also utilize the biometric authentication option for added security. Despite its long list of features and benefits, a drawback of Xverse may be that its advanced features may be somewhat challenging for novice users.
Ordinals
Ordinals Wallet is considered a niche wallet for Bitcoin Ordinals and BRC-20 tokens. As a self-custody wallet, users can use their Ordinals wallet to receive, store, and transfer their BRC-20 tokens.
As a community-funded project, the Ordinals wallet also features a user-friendly interface that has made it gain positive remarks amongst many users. As a web-based wallet, users can access their Ordinals wallet from any device as long as they have an internet connection. Similar to UniSat, it has an open-source code, which means that its code can be verifiable by anyone while still offering a secure way for users to hold and manage their BRC-20 tokens.
On the downside, however, the Ordinals wallet isn’t app-based and is less versatile in comparison to other BRC-20 token wallets like Xverse.
The Bottom Line
The BRC-20 token standard is still in its infancy. The ability to understand and maneuver this new innovation can highly boost your digital currency experience.
Being able to navigate the BRC-20 standard starts with choosing a wallet that fully supports BRC-20 tokens. While the wallets supporting BRC-20 tokens might currently be limited, as the technology continues to evolve, we can expect that the tools around it will also evolve.