Status vs Wallet Labs: EVM Messenger vs 100+ Chains
Status is an open-source, self-custodial wallet and encrypted messaging app built for Ethereum and Layer-2 rollups like Arbitrum, Base, and Optimism. Wallet Labs develops Gem Wallet, an open-source mobile wallet that supports more than 100 blockchains, including Bitcoin, Solana, and TRON. Neither application requires identity verification or account registration to use.
Network scope and platform reach mark the primary differences between the two. Status supports only EVM networks, but it runs across iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome. It pairs on-chain management with peer-to-peer messaging and contactless Keycard hardware integration. Wallet Labs limits Gem Wallet to mobile operating systems, yet it covers non-EVM chains and includes in-app staking. Swapping through Wallet Labs incurs a 0.5% fee across 23 routing providers, whereas Status routes EVM bridge transfers and deducts network expenses directly from the transacted sum.
Quick verdict
The choice between these two self-custodial tools centers on platform flexibility versus chain variety. Status is built for users who want desktop and browser accessibility alongside private communication, but it restricts accounts strictly to Ethereum and its Layer-2 networks. Wallet Labs suits mobile users who manage varied holdings across Bitcoin, Solana, and EVM chains from a single smartphone app.
Status works best for Ethereum specialists. Choose it if you trade exclusively within that ecosystem and want access on desktop or Chrome alongside decentralized messaging, community channels, and contactless Keycard hardware integration without added app fees on swaps.
Choose Wallet Labs if you need a single mobile wallet for non-EVM assets like Bitcoin, Solana, and TRON. It offers built-in staking alongside cross-chain swaps through 23 decentralized providers, though standard trading pairs carry a 0.5% app fee on top of network costs.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.0/5 | 4.6/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Security | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Ease of use | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Chain support | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Features | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Privacy | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Specs | ||
| KYC required | No | No |
| Wallet type | Mobile, Browser extension, Desktop | Mobile |
| Custody | Self-custodial | Self-custodial |
| Chains | Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Other | Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, Base, Polygon, Avalanche, Sui, Aptos, TON, Tron, Hyperliquid, Cosmos, Other |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Chrome, Windows, 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Buy crypto in app | Yes | Yes |
| WalletConnect | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Security features | Keycard hardware wallet integration, Peer-to-peer messaging encryption, Local key storage, Device-level transaction confirmation | Biometric authentication, 12-word seed phrase backup, Apple Keychain integration, Google Tink encryption |
| Recovery without a seed phrase | No | No |
| Built-in dApp browser | Yes | Yes |
| Swap fee | Not disclosed | 0.5% |
| Perpetuals trading | No | Not disclosed |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2017 | 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 | Privacy-focused Ethereum ecosystem users, Traders using EVM Layer 2 networks, Communities using token-gated chat rooms | 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
Does Status support more blockchains than Wallet Labs?
No, Status supports fewer blockchains than Wallet Labs. Status works exclusively with Ethereum and EVM Layer-2 rollups like Arbitrum, Base, and Optimism. Wallet Labs supports over 100 distinct networks, including Bitcoin, Solana, and TRON.
Can you use Status or Wallet Labs on a desktop computer?
Status is available on desktop, whereas Wallet Labs is not. Status provides native clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux alongside a Chrome browser extension. Wallet Labs operates solely as a mobile application for iOS and Android.
Which wallet charges higher swap fees?
Wallet Labs charges higher native swap fees, adding a 0.5% fee on standard trades and 0.25% on stablecoins. Status does not add a percentage-based app swap fee, charging only the underlying network and route bridging costs.
Do Status and Wallet Labs require KYC identity verification?
Neither wallet requires KYC verification or account registration. Both applications store private keys locally on your device, protected by password encryption or biometric device authentication and standard recovery phrases.