As native Bitcoin assets gain popularity and the need for secure, self-custody applications increases, Xverse has become one of the top choices for any individual seeking total access to Bitcoin DeFi, such as trading native assets, minting, staking, and safe storage of assets.  

We will examine Xverse's features, its positives and negatives, as well as compare it to Coinbase in this thorough review. 

What you need to know  

  • Xverse is an easy-to-use Bitcoin Web3 wallet that serves as an entry point to everything Bitcoin, from Bitcoin-native assests such as Ordinals and Runes to non-custodial BTC Staking and Bitcoin DeFi on layer 2.   
  • A more than merely a wallet, Xverse is transforming into a Bitcoin super-app, incorporating NFTs, DeFi, staking, and Layer 2 in one app. 

What Is Xverse? 


Xverse is the bridge to Web3 based on the Bitcoin blockchain. The industry-leading non-custodial wallet and browser-based platform allows users to engage with Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin-native NFTs (Ordinals), and Bitcoin-native assets on Layer 1 and Layer 2. 

The Xverse wallet is open-source, audited for security, and Ledger and Keystone hardware wallet-supported. The focus is on ease of access without endangering security through features such as biometric login capabilities and encrypted backups. 

As per the official Xverse website, it's on iOS, Android, and as a Chrome plugin. Xverse also provides a web app that lets you easily connect your wallet to discover DeFi yield-generating possibilities, track your portfolio, and create tokens.


Key Features and Strengths of Xverse


Let's now see some of the most thrilling features that Xverse has to offer. 


Bitcoin-Native Web3 Support


Xverse is designed specifically for Bitcoin-native Web3 environments. It facilitates smooth interaction with new, Bitcoin-based assets not yet supported by most mainstream wallets. 

Xverse enables users to display, send, and receive Ordinals natively without having to deal with third-party marketplaces or bridges. It also allows users to mint, hold, and move Bitcoin tokens, including Runes and BRC-20, making it an important infrastructure player in the Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem. 


STX Stacking & BTC Staking for BTC Rewards


A highlight of Xverse is its native STX stacking capability, enabling one to be rewarded in native Bitcoin. STX is the Stacks native token. By sacrificing STX through the process of Stacking (not staking), users help support the network’s Proof of Transfer (PoX) consensus system. Participants are rewarded BTC payouts directly to their wallet for each cycle (approximately every two weeks). 

In addition, Xverse allows you to stake native BTC in Bitcoin DeFi staking protocols within its Earn platform, offering an alternative to earn yield on BTC. 


Layer 2 Ecosystem Access  


Xverse works smoothly with wallets like Magic Eden, ALEX, and Liquidium for easy access and use. Traders can swap assets on Bitcoin Layer 2 DEXs, access lending and yield farming protocols, and engage with Bitcoin DeFi without exiting the wallet. 

By bringing these integrations natively onboard, Xverse reduces friction. With this "all-in-one" model, it is an authentic operating hub for Bitcoin DeFi and NFTs. 


User Experience and Design 


One of the largest advantages of Xverse is that it succeeds in combining robust Bitcoin Web3 capabilities with an intuitive interface that is even accessible to new users. 

The minimalistic, uncluttered UI of the wallet is specifically intended to make complicated actions such as minting Ordinals, stacking STX, or using Bitcoin dApps feel as simple as sending ordinary BTC. 


Security 


Xverse has a multi-layered security approach so that users have complete self-custody of their assets. For the extra protection seeker, it is fully compatible with Ledger and Keystone hardware wallets, where transactions can be signed offline to provide maximum security. 

On mobile, there is the option of enabling biometric log-in, like fingerprint or face unlock, for fast but secure entry to their money. Behind it all is open-source code, which is regularly security-audited, making everything transparent, trustworthy, and having any vulnerabilities patched in a timely manner. 


Limitations of Xverse 


Though Xverse is an amazing crypto app for its extensive list of Bitcoin-focused features, it isn't without limitations: 

Doesn't support fiat off-ramping: You can buy BTC (and other holdings) in-app using a third-party partner, but can't withdraw directly to a bank account. 

Doesn't provide an advanced trading platform: Though it does facilitate cross-chain and on-chain exchanges, it doesn't provide sophisticated features like limit or stop orders and margin trading. 


Xverse vs. Coinbase: How They Stack Up



Let's now examine how Coinbase and Xverse stack up side by side. 


Focus on Assets  

  • Bitcoin-native ecosystems, BTC, Ordinals, BRC-20 tokens, Runes, and Layer 2 assets on networks like Stacks, Starknet, and Mezo are the main focus of Xverse.  
  • With support for thousands of tokens on Ethereum, Polygon, Base, Solana, and other platforms, Coinbase is multi-chain and EVM-focused. 

DeFi & dApp Access 

  • Bitcoin dApps like Liquidium, which allow you to trade, lend, and interact with Bitcoin DeFi without bridging to another chain, are directly connected to Xverse. 
  • The Coinbase application does not integrate harmoniously with the DeFi market. To access DeFi, users of Coinbase must install a different application called Coinbase Wallet, which offers DeFi access to EVM chains. 

Trading Features 

  • Xverse allows swaps of Bitcoin-native tokens but has no sophisticated order types and margin trading. 
  • Coinbase does support advanced order types and margin trading, and these functions primarily serve professional traders. Unlike Xverse, Coinbase does not directly provide access to Bitcoin native assets like Ordinals or BRC-20 tokens. 

Yield Opportunities 

  • Xverse supports STX stacking to get BTC rewards directly and Bitcoin staking to gain yield on BTC. 
  • Coinbase provides staking for tokens such as ETH and other Proof of Stake tokens but does not provide native Bitcoin yield opportunities. The rewards are under the custodial model of Coinbase, so users have to depend on the central entity instead of keeping assets under complete self-custody. 

Who Should Use Xverse?


Xverse is perfect for users who are already in deep in the Bitcoin universe or want to get in for the first time. It's not a multi-purpose crypto wallet attempting to do it all for everyone. Rather, it's specifically built for Bitcoin-native experiences, and that specialization is its greatest strength. 

If you’re exploring the world of Ordinals, BRC-20 tokens, Rare Sats, or Runes, or if you’re interested in stacking STX to earn BTC or staking BTC via non-custodial Bitcoin-native DeFi protocols, Xverse is purpose-built to support you. Developers and early adopters working on Bitcoin Layer 2 protocols like Stacks, Starknet, or Mezo will appreciate how easily Xverse connects to dApps in the ecosystem.  

NFT collectors looking for a secure, native way to mint and store Ordinals without using Ethereum-based tools will find the wallet refreshingly frictionless. And security-minded users who want open-source transparency, hardware wallet compatibility, and full control over their assets will find peace of mind in Xverse’s approach to non-custodial design. It also appeals to a growing segment of users who want exposure to DeFi; but on Bitcoin, not Ethereum.  

By combining native Bitcoin interactions with access to Bitcoin DeFi platforms like ALEX and Liquidium, Xverse gives users meaningful financial tools that go beyond simple holding or trading BTC. 


Final Thoughts


Xverse marks a new phase in the development of cryptocurrency apps: one that is Web3-native, Bitcoin-firs,t and utility-focused. 

Its deep integration into the growing Bitcoin DeFi and NFT ecosystems more than make up for the lack of fiat off-ramping and sophisticated trading features like margin or limit orders.  


Disclaimer: This article aims to provide information to users, don’t consider it as financial, trading, and investment advice. As cryptocurrency investment carries high risks, readers need to conduct proper research and consult with a seasoned financial professional before making any decision.