Cake Wallet vs Wallet Labs: Privacy Tools vs 100+ Chains
Cake Wallet and Wallet Labs develop open-source, non-custodial cryptocurrency software that eliminates account registration and identity verification. Cake Wallet launched in 2018 as a Monero wallet on iOS and now runs on mobile and desktop systems, supporting 16 networks including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Zcash. Gem Wallet by Wallet Labs launched in 2023 as a mobile-only application for iOS and Android, connecting to over 100 blockchains.
The products diverge on privacy infrastructure and chain breadth. Cake Wallet integrates native Tor routing, Bitcoin Silent Payments, and hardware signing through devices like Ledger, Trezor, and COLDCARD. It handles cross-chain transfers through third-party services and a dedicated USDT bridge across three networks. Gem Wallet concentrates on ecosystem access and decentralized trading. Its cross-chain aggregator queries 23 routing providers, charging a 0.5% fee on standard pairs, alongside native asset staking and an in-app Web3 browser.
Quick verdict
The core differences involve privacy, platform support, and chain access. Cake Wallet prioritizes network-level privacy. It masks IP addresses through integrated Tor nodes and allows offline transaction signing using hardware devices or secondary mobile phones. In contrast, Gem Wallet runs exclusively on mobile devices, offering access to over 100 chains, built-in staking, and an integrated Web3 browser.
Cake Wallet fits desktop users. It runs on macOS and Linux, supports privacy assets like Monero and Zcash, and lets users route traffic through Tor. The app also works with hardware signers like Trezor and BitBox while providing coin control and Replace-by-Fee on Bitcoin.
Wallet Labs suits mobile multi-chain traders. It operates on iOS and Android devices without desktop support. Its 23-provider swap engine charges a 0.5% fee to automate routing across networks like Solana, TON, and Cosmos without external bridge portals.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Security | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Chain support | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Features | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Privacy | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Specs | ||
| KYC required | No | No |
| Wallet type | Mobile, Desktop | Mobile |
| Custody | Self-custodial | Self-custodial |
| Chains | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Arbitrum, Base, Polygon, BNB Chain, Tron, Other | Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Base, Polygon, Avalanche, Sui, Aptos, TON, Tron, Hyperliquid, Cosmos, Other |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, macOS, Linux | iOS, Android |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Hardware wallet support | Yes | Not disclosed |
| In-app swaps | Yes | Yes |
| Staking | Not disclosed | Yes |
| NFT support | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Buy crypto in app | Yes | Yes |
| Security features | PIN protection, Encrypted backups, Tor routing, Bitcoin Silent Payments, Coin control, Replace-by-Fee | Biometric authentication, 12-word seed phrase backup, Apple Keychain integration, Google Tink encryption |
| Recovery without a seed phrase | No | No |
| Built-in dApp browser | No | Yes |
| Swap fee | Not disclosed | 0.5% |
| Perpetuals trading | No | Not disclosed |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2018 | 2023 |
| Headquarters | — | United Arab Emirates |
| Investors | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best for | Monero and privacy-focused asset holders, Users routing transactions through Tor, Mobile users pairing hardware wallets | Mobile multichain crypto management, Privacy-focused self-custody, Direct cross-chain swaps without exchanges |
Highlighted cells show the stronger value in each row. Data comes from each provider's site and public sources; check details before you sign up.
FAQ
Which wallet supports more blockchains?
Gem Wallet by Wallet Labs supports over 100 blockchains, including TON, XRP Ledger, Solana, and Cosmos. Cake Wallet supports 16 networks, focusing on Bitcoin, Monero, Litecoin, and EVM chains.
Can you use Cake Wallet and Wallet Labs on a computer?
Cake Wallet provides desktop versions for macOS and Linux in addition to mobile apps. Wallet Labs offers Gem Wallet exclusively on iOS and Android without desktop or browser extension options.
How do swap fees compare between Cake Wallet and Wallet Labs?
Wallet Labs charges a 0.5% fee on standard trades through its built-in DEX aggregator, dropping to 0.25% on stablecoins. Cake Wallet does not impose an added platform swap fee on its USDT0 bridge, but standard trades rely on third-party swap services that set their own exchange rates.
Does either wallet support hardware signers?
Cake Wallet connects directly to hardware devices from Ledger, Trezor, BitBox, and COLDCARD, and supports air-gapped phone signing through Cupcake. Gem Wallet operates strictly with local device encryption and does not connect to external hardware signers.