Keplr vs Wallet Labs: Browser Reach vs Mobile Multichain
Keplr is a self-custodial wallet launched in 2021 by Chainapsis, built around the Cosmos ecosystem, Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC), and nearly 350 networks. Wallet Labs develops Gem Wallet, an open-source mobile application launched in 2023 that connects to more than 100 blockchains without sign-up.
Platform access and chain coverage set the two apart. Keplr operates as a browser extension across Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, alongside mobile apps, whereas Gem Wallet functions only on iOS and Android. While Keplr specializes in Cosmos chains with governance voting, validator management, and Ledger hardware wallet integration, it omits native support for networks like Solana, Cardano, and XRP. Gem Wallet supports Solana, Cardano, and XRP natively, and aggregates 23 routing providers for cross-chain swaps. Trading costs also vary: Keplr charges a 0.75% markup on in-app swaps, while Gem Wallet charges 0.5% on standard token pairs.
Quick verdict
The primary distinction lies in device availability and specialized network coverage. Keplr provides desktop browser access and dedicated infrastructure for Cosmos app-chains, while Gem Wallet prioritizes mobile-only self-custody with broader non-Cosmos chain support.
Choose Keplr if you manage assets across Cosmos and IBC networks from desktop browsers, need Ledger hardware signing, or run validator and multisig operations. Keplr fits users who want social login options or 24-word recovery seeds, despite paying a 0.75% swap markup.
Choose Wallet Labs if you prefer a mobile-only wallet with an audited codebase from CertiK, direct support for Solana, Cardano, and XRP, and cross-chain swaps at a lower 0.5% fee. Gem Wallet suits smartphone users who want local device encryption through Apple Keychain or Google Tink without creating an account.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.1/5 | 4.6/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Security | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Chain support | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Privacy | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| Specs | ||
| KYC required | Not disclosed | No |
| Wallet type | Mobile, Browser extension, Web | Mobile |
| Custody | Self-custodial | Self-custodial |
| Chains | Ethereum, Bitcoin, BNB Chain, Avalanche, Cosmos, Other | Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Base, Polygon, Avalanche, Sui, Aptos, TON, Tron, Hyperliquid, Cosmos, Other |
| Platforms | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Hardware wallet support | Yes | Not disclosed |
| In-app swaps | Yes | Yes |
| Staking | Yes | Yes |
| NFT support | Yes | Yes |
| Buy crypto in app | Yes | Yes |
| WalletConnect | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Security features | Hardware wallet integration, 24-word seed phrase, Self-custody | Biometric authentication, 12-word seed phrase backup, Apple Keychain integration, Google Tink encryption |
| Recovery without a seed phrase | Not disclosed | No |
| Multisig | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Built-in dApp browser | Yes | Yes |
| Swap fee | 0.75% | 0.5% |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2021 | 2023 |
| Headquarters | — | United Arab Emirates |
| Investors | Binary Builders, Coinbase Ventures | Not disclosed |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best for | Cosmos and IBC users, Multichain staking, DAO treasury teams | 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
Is Keplr cheaper to use for swaps than Wallet Labs?
Wallet Labs is cheaper for token swaps. Gem Wallet charges a 0.5% fee on standard trades and 0.25% on stablecoins, whereas Keplr adds a 0.75% markup on its cross-chain swaps.
Can you use Keplr and Wallet Labs on desktop computers?
Keplr works on desktop computers through browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, as well as a web dashboard. Gem Wallet by Wallet Labs operates exclusively as a mobile application on iOS and Android.
Which wallet supports more non-EVM blockchains?
Gem Wallet supports a wider selection of distinct major layer-1 chains, including Solana, Cardano, TRON, TON, and XRP Ledger. Keplr supports hundreds of Cosmos IBC app-chains, Bitcoin, and Starknet, but lacks native storage for Solana, Cardano, and XRP.
Do either Keplr or Wallet Labs require identity verification?
Neither wallet requires KYC verification or account registration. Both maintain self-custodial architectures where private keys remain directly under user control.