An Ethereum address is a unique identifier for your Ethereum wallet. It allows you to receive and send Ethereum and other ERC-20 tokens and serves as the destination for your crypto transactions. Ethereum addresses typically start with the letters '0x' and are composed of 40 hexadecimal characters. Every unique Ethereum address is created by applying a cryptographic hash function to a public key, which is generated from a corresponding private key.

An Ethereum account is a way to store and manage digital assets like Ether and other ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum blockchain network. Unlike a bank account, an Ethereum account is controlled solely by its owner, who has full control over the private key, which is used to access the account. Ethereum accounts are used to access DApps, make transactions, and send or receive Ether and other tokens. 

Ether (ETH) is the native token of the Ethereum blockchain network. It is used as a means of payment within the network and to fuel transactions and execute smart contracts. With Ethereum's recent transition to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, network participants can now contribute to the network's operation and security by staking ETH. Ethereum users can buy, sell, trade, and store it on any Ethereum wallet.

What you consider the best Ethereum wallet depends on your personal needs. However, some qualities are crucial to most wallets, so here are a few things to keep an eye on to get the most of the Ethereum ecosystem.

First and foremost, security is crucial. Look for Ethereum wallets with solid security measures, such as hardware wallet integration and audits from reputable firms.

Ease of use and compatibility are essential, especially if you are new to crypto. Choose a wallet that is intuitive and easy to navigate, and make sure that the wallet you choose is compatible with the devices you use. A self-custodial crypto wallet is just an interface to access your crypto living on the chain. This means that you can use the same keys on multiple crypto wallets, one on both mobile and desktop, or even more. So, it's always a good idea to use both a mobile and a desktop wallet, because you might not access all DApps easily with a mobile wallet, but it can help you complete some tasks on the go.

Consider the supported assets of the wallet. Not all wallets support Ethereum, so look for wallets that do. A proper Ethereum wallet will allow you to hold, send and receive any ERC20 tokens.

Check the fees. Ethereum wallets charge fees for some features like swaps or bridges, so it's always a good idea to compare the fees of different wallets to get the best deal.

Research and read reviews from other users. An App marketplace, such as Chrome Web Store, is a good start to look for unbiased feedback to help you choose the best Ethereum wallet for your specific needs.

Choosing the best hardware wallet ultimately comes down to personal preference and your specific needs. Keystone, Ledger, and Trezor are among the trusted companies offering hardware wallets for storing crypto, including Ethereum, so here's a brief overview of some hardware wallet offerings.

Trezor is a well-established company that offers several hardware wallet options, including the Trezor Model T and Trezor Model One. Both support major blockchains and add a strong level of protection to your crypto. You can also add another layer of security with advanced features like passphrase protection, making it a solid option if you're looking for the highest level of security and willing to compromise some convenience.

Ledger is one of the most prominent players in the cryptocurrency wallet space, offering several hardware wallet options, including the Ledger Nano X, Ledger Nano S Plus, and brand-new Ledger Stax. They all support major blockchains, including Ethereum, and their superb reputation means you won't miss out on security. Finally, Ledger's constant stream of innovation makes their offerings one of the best all-around options in the space.

Keystone is a less-recognized brand, but that doesn't take from their attention to user security, privacy, and convenience. Both Keystone Essential and Keystone Pro are QR-based air-gapped wallets, which offer even more security and privacy for your digital assets. The air gap separates it from the internet, reducing the risk of getting hacked. The QR code enables secure offline transactions and private key storage for full control and confidentiality.

These three companies offer high-quality hardware wallets that are an excellent choice for storing Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies. Always do your own research and consider multiple options before coming to a decision.

Ethereum wallets can be broadly categorized into two main types: self-custodial and custodial. Self-custodial (also known as non-custodial) wallets are those where the user holds private keys and has control over their funds. Custodial wallets, on the other hand, are managed by a third party, meaning the user doesn't have control over their private keys. Within the self-custodial category, there are software and hardware wallets.

Software wallets, also known as hot wallets, are stored on personal devices and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. These Ethereum wallets come in different forms - broadly desktop wallets and mobile wallets. While mobile wallets are more convenient to use on the go, mobile devices still lag behind on Web3 support, so it might be harder to navigate DApps. So, you will most likely need a desktop wallet to unlock the full potential of Web3. Essentially, any self-custodial wallet is a tool to access your cryptocurrency stored on the blockchain. This means that you can use the same private keys across multiple wallets, including both mobile and desktop devices, and even more, so you don't have to make any compromises and use both.

Hardware wallets, or cold wallets, are physical devices that store your private keys offline, providing an extra layer of security. They are less prone to hacking and malware attacks but also less convenient as you must carry your wallet around to sign any transactions. Plus, if you want to access any DApps, you will still need a software wallet, which you can connect to your hardware device.

The world of Ethereum wallets is large and diverse so choosing the right type of wallet will depend on your needs and preferences. A hardware wallet is the best choice if you're looking for maximum security. However, a software wallet is a must if you want to access Ethereum DApps. Ultimately, combining the two types of Ethereum wallets can give you the best of both worlds, providing maximum protection and access to the Ethereum ecosystem.

The difference between desktop and mobile Ethereum wallets ultimately boils down to the device they are stored on. You will be using a desktop wallet on your computer and a mobile wallet on your mobile device. Although you can easily send, receive, and store Ethereum on both platforms, it might be harder to navigate DApps on mobile. For this reason, a desktop Ethereum wallet is usually recommended to unlock the full potential of Web3. However, a mobile wallet is more convenient for managing crypto assets on the go. Your private keys can be used across multiple Ethereum wallets, including both desktop and mobile, so you don't have to compromise on one type of wallet . For example, you can use a browser wallet together with a mobile app and still access the same crypto assets.

There are a few options for where to hold your Ethereum and other tokens. More advanced users most often choose self-custody, which means storing tokens in a personal Ethereum wallet that they fully control. This can be a hardware wallet, a browser wallet, or else. The advantage of self-custody is that you have full control over your tokens and your private keys. This means you don't have to trust a third party with your funds, which can be more secure. However, it also means that you are 100% responsible for your crypto wallet and keeping your private keys safe, which has a slight learning curve.

You can also store your tokens on a centralized exchange, but then you count on a third party to safely hold your crypto for you. The main advantage of centralized exchanges is convenience. Buying, selling, or holding your Ethereum tokens or other crypto is as easy as it gets, but this doesn't come without risks. The exchange could be hacked or go out of business, putting all your crypto assets at risk. There've been multiple events when users lost their funds. The demise of the Mt Gox exchange or the recent collapse of FTX come to mind as some major cataclysmic events where users lost all their crypto. Both caught most of their users by surprise as they could not withdraw their funds. This could never happen with a self-custodial Ethereum wallet, as you always have complete control of your crypto as long as you retain control of your private keys.