Aqua vs Breez

Q: Is Aqua a Lightning wallet?

Aqua is a non-custodial wallet focused on Bitcoin and Liquid. Lightning payments are supported via non-custodial Boltz swaps rather than native channels. That enables Liquid features and privacy benefits, with Lightning executed through swap transactions instead of on-device channel management.

Q: Is Breez custodial?

No. Breez is a self-custodial Lightning wallet. It automates channel management behind the scenes and uses a cloud backup to restore wallet and Lightning state. Some users appreciate the convenience; funds remain in your control with seed-based recovery and automated infrastructure support.

Q: Which has lower fees for small payments?

For pure Lightning, Breez’s native LN avoids swap steps. Aqua’s Lightning sends use Boltz swaps, which can add swap and on-chain components at times. Actual costs vary with network conditions and usage. Compare features, custody model, and recovery approach in the table.

Updated: October 2025

Quick take

Breez is best if you want a Lightning‑first wallet with point‑of‑sale mode and streaming sats, using a cloud backup for recovery. Aqua fits if you prefer multi‑network flexibility (Bitcoin, Lightning, and Liquid) with privacy benefits on Liquid and a 12‑word seed backup. Compare custody, Lightning behavior, recovery, and mobile features below.

Aqua vs Breez — full comparison (Spend Bitcoin)
Platform	Hot Wallet Hot Wallet
Supported Networks	Bitcoin + Lightning + Liquid Bitcoin + Lightning
Features	Bitcoin, Lightning & Liquid wallet Privacy benefits with confidential transactions on Liquid Built-in swap between on-chain and Liquid Higher Lightning fees Relies on Boltz for Lightning swaps Self-custodial Podcast player with streaming sats Point-of-Sale mode for merchants In beta Cloud backup required for recovery Not ideal for micro payments (<100 sats)
Custody & Control	Non-custodial Non-custodial: you hold your own keys
KYC Required	No No
Recovery Method	12-word seed + optional passphrase Seed phrase + cloud backup
Open Source	Yes Yes
User Experience	0.0 out of 5 rate (0) 0.0 out of 5 rate (0)
Interface	Mobile only Mobile only
App Ratings	iOS: 4.3 Android: 4.4 iOS: 3.7 Android: N/A
Profile Founder(s)	Samson Mow Roy Sheinfeld
Company description	Aqua Wallet, originally launched by Blockstream, later taken over by Jan3, is a mobile app designed for easy saving and spending in Bitcoin. It's a non-custodial, open-source wallet using a 12-word se... Aqua Wallet, originally launched by Blockstream, later taken over by Jan3, is a mobile app designed for easy saving and spending in Bitcoin. It's a non-custodial, open-source wallet using a 12-word seed phrase for user control, and a unified balance across on-chain Bitcoin, Lightning, and Liquid Network transactions, defaulting to Liquid for low-fee, private payments. It offers sending, receiving, and swapping Bitcoin (on-chain to Liquid or vice versa) but for Lightning payments they rely on Boltz, a third party which can occur higher swap fees. This might affect daily usability for some users. Aqua Wallet, originally launched by Blockstream, later taken over by Jan3, is a mobile app designed for easy saving and spending in Bitcoin. It's a non-custodial, open-source wallet using a 12-word seed phrase for user control, and a unified balance across on-chain Bitcoin, Lightning, and Liquid Network transactions, defaulting to Liquid for low-fee, private payments. It offers sending, receiving, and swapping Bitcoin (on-chain to Liquid or vice versa) but for Lightning payments they rely on Boltz, a third party which can occur higher swap fees. This might affect daily usability for some users. The app has an intuitive interface - although the design could use some work - and offers seamless swaps between on-chain Bitcoin and Lightning or Liquid. JAN3's mission is to onboard billions to Bitcoin, with a vision to expand Aqua with debit card integration, credit/loans, and global on/off-ramps. Beginners love its simple setup and versatility, but some find stablecoin options and swap fees confusing. Breez (Misty Breez) focuses on making Lightning Network payments fast and easy. It stands out with its non-custodial mobile app, letting users control their Bitcoin, and a unique Point-of-Sale mode fo... Breez (Misty Breez) focuses on making Lightning Network payments fast and easy. It stands out with its non-custodial mobile app, letting users control their Bitcoin, and a unique Point-of-Sale mode for merchants to accept instant payments. It offers sending, receiving, and storing Bitcoin via Lightning, plus a podcast player to support creators with Bitcoin tips. Breez (Misty Breez) focuses on making Lightning Network payments fast and easy. It stands out with its non-custodial mobile app, letting users control their Bitcoin, and a unique Point-of-Sale mode for merchants to accept instant payments. It offers sending, receiving, and storing Bitcoin via Lightning, plus a podcast player to support creators with Bitcoin tips. The app has a simple interface and no-setup payments, though some users report issues with cloud backups and wallet restoration. Breez's mission is to drive Bitcoin adoption for everyday use, with a vision to expand Lightning payments across apps using its Breez SDK, a free developer tool. The app currently suits everyday payments rather than very small transactions. Beginners love its ease and merchant tools, but some find technical issues frustrating.
Founded in	2024 2018
Website	aqua.net breez.technology
Availability	Available globally Available globally

FAQs

Is Aqua a Lightning wallet?

Aqua is a non-custodial wallet focused on Bitcoin and Liquid. Lightning payments are supported via non-custodial Boltz swaps rather than native channels. That enables Liquid features and privacy benefits, with Lightning executed through swap transactions instead of on-device channel management.

Is Breez custodial?

No. Breez is a self-custodial Lightning wallet. It automates channel management behind the scenes and uses a cloud backup to restore wallet and Lightning state. Some users appreciate the convenience; funds remain in your control with seed-based recovery and automated infrastructure support.

Which has lower fees for small payments?

For pure Lightning, Breez’s native LN avoids swap steps. Aqua’s Lightning sends use Boltz swaps, which can add swap and on-chain components at times. Actual costs vary with network conditions and usage. Compare features, custody model, and recovery approach in the table.