Argent

Argent showed up in 2018 when most of us were still writing seed phrases on paper and hoping we would not lose them. The team had a different idea: what if your wallet was actually a smart contract with programmable security? I remember being skeptical at first. A wallet without a seed phrase felt wrong somehow. But after using it, the logic makes sense. Your wallet lives on-chain as a contract, and you control it through your phone. The clever part is the guardian system. You pick trusted people or devices - I use my brother, a close friend, and my Ledger Nano - and they can vote to recover your wallet if you get locked out. None of them can touch your funds alone. They just confirm that you are really you. When I tested recovery after getting a new phone, my three guardians approved the request within a day, and after the 48-hour security delay, I had full access again. No seed phrase panic. No calling customer support. Just math and social trust working together.

Security is where Argent either earns or loses my trust, and I have spent a good amount of time testing how well it actually protects crypto assets. You can stack all the features you want into a wallet, but if someone can drain your funds because of a security flaw, none of that matters. Here is my honest breakdown of every security layer Argent provides.

One of the defining characteristics of Argent is its departure from traditional seed phrase backup. Most wallets hand you 12 or 24 random words and tell you to guard them with your life. Argent takes a different path, using an alternative recovery mechanism that removes what I consider the single biggest failure point in crypto self-custody. Whether this approach is better depends on your perspective - you trade the familiarity of seed phrases for a more structured recovery process. In my experience, eliminating the seed phrase risk is a net positive for the majority of users.

The codebase behind Argent is open source, and that is a meaningful trust signal. Open source means independent security researchers can examine every line of code on GitHub. Bugs get found faster because thousands of developers can review the code rather than just an internal team. The practical benefit is transparency - you do not have to take the developer's word for it that your keys are handled safely. I always give extra points to wallets that open their code to public scrutiny.

For day-to-day device security, Argent offers biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) and PIN code protection. These layers prevent someone who picks up your unlocked phone or steals your device from immediately accessing your funds. During my testing, the authentication process added maybe one second to each interaction - barely noticeable but meaningful for protection. I recommend enabling every available security option, even if it adds slight friction.

Independent security audits add another layer of confidence. Argent has been reviewed by Trail of Bits (2022) and OpenZeppelin (2021). These audits check for vulnerabilities, logic errors, and attack vectors that could lead to fund loss. No audit guarantees perfect security - new vulnerabilities emerge constantly - but having reputable firms examine the code is significantly better than no external review.

Multi-signature support is available, requiring multiple approvals before funds can move. This is particularly valuable for larger holdings where you want an additional check before any transaction goes through. Social recovery lets you designate trusted contacts who can collectively help you regain wallet access. No individual guardian can touch your funds - recovering requires approval from a majority of your chosen guardians.

As of early 2026, Argent has maintained a clean security record with no known breaches or exploits. In an industry where exchange hacks and wallet vulnerabilities make headlines regularly, a proven track record matters. The combination of active security measures and real-world reliability gives me reasonable confidence in using Argent for meaningful amounts.

The range of supported blockchains determines what you can actually do with Argent, and this is where many wallets differ dramatically. Some try to support everything, others focus on a specific ecosystem. Here is exactly what Argent covers.

Argent currently supports Ethereum, zkSync Era and Starknet. That gives you access to roughly 10 native coins and 500+ tokens across these networks. Whether that is enough depends entirely on what you hold and what you plan to do.

With 3 supported networks, Argent covers a focused set of chains rather than trying to support everything. In practice, this means the experience on each supported chain tends to be more polished. Chain switching works smoothly, and I have not run into compatibility issues when moving between networks. The trade-off is that niche chains and newer networks might not be available yet.

Supported chains at a glance:

NFT support is included, which means you can view, send, and receive NFTs directly within Argent. The NFT gallery shows your collection with previews, and sending NFTs works just like sending tokens. If you are active in the NFT space, having this built into your primary wallet saves you from needing a separate app.

One thing I always check is how well a wallet handles new token additions. With Argent, recognized tokens on supported chains appear automatically in your balance. For lesser-known tokens, you can add them manually using the contract address. The process is painless, though it would be nice if the token database was more comprehensive out of the box.

Cross-chain considerations are increasingly important in 2026. If you hold assets across multiple ecosystems, you need a wallet that either supports all of them or plays well with bridges. Argent's chain coverage dictates your options here. For assets on unsupported chains, you will need a secondary wallet, which adds complexity to your setup but is a reality for most multi-chain users. The ideal solution is to pick a primary wallet for your main holdings and use chain-specific wallets for smaller positions on niche networks.

Setting up Argent is something I have done multiple times across different devices, so I can walk you through exactly what to expect. The wallet is available on iOS and Android, and the setup process is similar across all of them.

Step 1: Download the app. Get Argent from the official App Store or Google Play Store. Make sure you are downloading the legitimate app - check the developer name and review count. Fake wallet apps are a real threat.

Step 2: Create a new wallet. Open the app and select 'Create New Wallet'. The app will walk you through the initial setup, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Secure your backup. You will be asked to back up your wallet. Follow the instructions carefully and store your backup information securely offline.

Step 4: Enable security features. Turn on biometric authentication, set a strong PIN, and enable any additional security options the wallet offers. Do this before sending any crypto to the wallet.

Step 5: Fund your wallet. You can receive crypto by sharing your wallet address or QR code. Double-check the address on your first transaction - send a small test amount before transferring larger sums.

A nice bonus: Argent supports buying crypto with fiat currency directly in the app through Ramp and MoonPay. This means you can go from zero to funded without needing to use an external exchange first. Fees for fiat purchases are typically 1-3% depending on the provider and payment method, which is standard for this kind of service.

The entire setup process took me about 5-10 minutes on my first try. If you have set up a crypto wallet before, you will breeze through it even faster. The important thing is to not rush the backup step - that is the one part where a mistake can cost you money later.

DeFi access is becoming a baseline expectation for modern wallets, and Argent has its own approach to decentralized finance features. Here is what you can actually do from within the wallet without needing external tools.

Token swaps are handled through Paraswap, 1inch. You can swap tokens directly inside Argent without visiting a separate DEX. In my testing, the swap interface was clean and showed estimated fees upfront. Slippage tolerance is adjustable, which matters for larger trades or volatile tokens. The swap rates were competitive with what I got on standalone DEX interfaces - not always the absolute best price, but close enough that the convenience is worth it.

Staking is available directly within the wallet including ETH. You can stake your tokens to earn passive rewards without moving them to a separate platform. The staking interface shows current APY rates and lock-up periods clearly. I have been staking through Argent for several months and rewards have been consistent with what the displayed rates promised. Unstaking periods vary by network, so check before committing.

dApp access is built in, letting you interact with decentralized applications directly. This includes DEXs, lending protocols, yield farming platforms, and more. The built-in dApp browser handles the connection seamlessly - you do not need to manually copy addresses or switch between apps.

WalletConnect support means you can connect Argent to virtually any dApp that supports the protocol. Scan the QR code, approve the connection, and you are in. I use this regularly for protocols that do not have a native integration with Argent, and the experience is smooth. Transaction signing happens in the wallet with clear details about what you are approving.

The portfolio tracker gives you a consolidated view of your holdings, showing total value, individual token balances, and price changes. It is not as detailed as a dedicated portfolio app, but it handles the basics well. For most users, having this built into the wallet eliminates the need for a separate tracking tool.

Fiat on-ramps let you buy crypto with a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer without leaving the wallet. The fees are typical for this kind of service (1-3%), and the purchased tokens land directly in your wallet. This is convenient for new users who do not have crypto yet and want a simple path from fiat to tokens.

DeFi security considerations are worth noting. Every time you interact with a smart contract through Argent, you are granting that contract certain permissions. Always review what you are approving before signing transactions. Unlimited token approvals are convenient but give the contract access to your entire token balance. Where possible, set specific spending limits for each approval. Some wallets make this easy to manage, others require manual effort.

The DeFi experience in Argent is practical rather than flashy. It covers the features that most users need on a daily basis without overwhelming you with options. Power users who want every possible DeFi integration might want a specialized DeFi wallet, but for the average crypto holder, this covers the important bases. The key advantage is having everything in one place - you do not need to jump between multiple apps to manage your DeFi positions.

Understanding the real cost of using Argent requires looking beyond the sticker price. Some wallets are free to download but expensive to use, while others charge upfront but save you money on transactions. Here is the full cost picture.

Argent is free to download and use. There is no subscription fee, no monthly charge, and no premium tier you need to unlock. The wallet makes money through other means - typically a small spread on in-app swaps or partnerships with fiat on-ramp providers.

Swap fees are where most wallets generate revenue, and Argent is no exception. When you swap tokens inside the wallet, there is typically a small fee built into the exchange rate on top of the network gas fees. This markup is usually 0.5-1%, which is reasonable for the convenience. If you want the absolute best rates, you can always connect to a DEX directly, but for everyday swaps, the built-in option saves time.

Network fees (gas) are unavoidable with any wallet - these go to the blockchain validators, not to Argent. Gas costs vary wildly depending on the network and current congestion. Ethereum mainnet transactions can cost anywhere from a dollar to over fifty dollars during peak times. Layer 2 networks like Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism typically cost pennies. If Argent supports L2 chains, using them for everyday transactions is the smart move financially.

Hidden costs to watch for:

1. Token approval transactions cost gas even though they do not move funds
2. Failed transactions still consume gas - double-check details before confirming
3. Bridging between chains incurs fees from both the bridge protocol and gas on two networks
4. Some in-app features like premium analytics or advanced charts might have separate costs

Compared to using a centralized exchange, Argent trading costs are typically higher for frequent traders because DEX swap fees plus gas exceed the 0.1% fee you would pay on a major exchange. But the trade-off is that you maintain full custody of your assets at all times. For buy-and-hold users who swap occasionally, the cost difference is negligible, and the security benefit of self-custody is worth the premium.

Annual cost estimate for a typical user: If you make about 10 transactions per month with Argent, your total annual cost in fees (gas + swap spreads) would be somewhere between 50 and 300 dollars depending on the networks you use and the size of your transactions. Ethereum mainnet pushes you toward the higher end while Layer 2 networks keep costs minimal. Factoring this into your wallet choice makes sense if you are cost-conscious.

Not every wallet is right for every person, and Argent is no exception. After testing it extensively, I have a clear picture of who will love it and who should look elsewhere.

Argent is a strong choice for:

1. Ethereum and L2 focused users
2. DeFi enthusiasts wanting one-tap access
3. Users who prefer social recovery
4. Those wanting cheap L2 transactions

Argent is probably not ideal for:

1. Bitcoin holders
2. Multi-chain users
3. Desktop-first users
4. Those wanting traditional seed phrase backup

As a mobile wallet, Argent is designed for accessibility and daily use. It works well for people who want quick access to their funds and interact with crypto regularly. For very large holdings, consider pairing it with a hardware wallet - keep your spending money in Argent and your savings in cold storage.

With an overall rating of 8.5/10 in my testing, Argent is a solid choice within its target market. It is not trying to be everything for everyone, and that focused approach means it does what it does well. Match your needs to its strengths, and you will have a good experience.

My general recommendation: try Argent with a small amount first. Spend a week or two getting familiar with the interface, testing the features that matter to you, and seeing how it fits into your workflow. Crypto wallets are personal tools - what works perfectly for me might not click for you, and the only way to know is to actually use it.

Switching from another wallet? Moving your crypto to Argent is straightforward - just send assets to your new wallet address. But think carefully before moving everything at once. Import one chain or a small amount first, confirm everything works as expected, and then gradually move the rest. I have seen too many people rush the migration process and make costly mistakes, like sending tokens on the wrong network. Take it slow, double-check every address, and use test transactions for anything significant. The few minutes of extra caution can save you thousands.

Customer support is often overlooked when choosing a wallet, but it matters the moment something goes wrong. A stuck transaction, a display glitch, or an authentication problem can become stressful fast when your money is on the line. Here is what to expect from Argent's support options.

Most self-custody wallets, Argent included, operate with leaner support teams than centralized exchanges. This is partly by design - a self-custody wallet handles fewer things server-side, so there are fewer things that can go wrong on their end. But when you do need help, the available channels matter.

Typical support channels:

1. Documentation and help center - the first place to check for common issues
2. Email support - for specific account or technical problems
3. Community forums and Discord - peer help from other users
4. Social media - sometimes the fastest way to get attention on an issue
5. In-app help - guides and FAQs accessible within the wallet itself

In my experience, response times for email support average 24-48 hours for most wallet providers. Community channels like Discord or Telegram can provide faster answers for common questions since other users are often willing to help. However, be extremely cautious in community channels - scammers frequently impersonate support staff and try to get you to share your seed phrase or connect your wallet to malicious sites. Legitimate support will never ask for your private keys or seed phrase.

Troubleshooting tips before contacting support:

1. Check the help center for your specific issue
2. Clear the app cache or reinstall (your funds are safe on-chain)
3. Try connecting on a different network (WiFi vs mobile data)
4. Check the project's status page for known outages
5. Search community forums - someone has likely faced the same issue