Aqua vs Phoenix

Updated: October 2025

Quick take

Phoenix is best if you want a Lightning‑native wallet running a node on‑device, with native channels and the option to connect your own node, accepting on‑chain costs for channel setup. Aqua fits if you prefer Liquid support and swap‑based Lightning with a seed backup. Compare networks, recovery, node options, and fee trade‑offs.

Aqua vs Phoenix — full comparison (Spend Bitcoin)
Platform	Hot Wallet Hot Wallet
Supported Networks	Bitcoin + Lightning + Liquid Lightning only, but you can receive and send on-chain using swaps
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 Seamless Lightning experience Runs Lightning node on device Option to connect your own node High on-chain fees for channel creation
Custody & Control	Non-custodial Non-custodial (runs Lightning node)
KYC Required	No No
Recovery Method	12-word seed + optional passphrase Seed phrase + static channel 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: 4.2 Android: 4.3
Profile Founder(s)	Samson Mow Fabrice Drouin & Pierre-Marie Padiou
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. Phoenix is designed to provide a simple, self-custodial experience for fast, low-cost Lightning transactions directly on mobile devices, emphasizing ease of use for beginners. Phoenix is designed to provide a simple, self-custodial experience for fast, low-cost Lightning transactions directly on mobile devices, emphasizing ease of use for beginners. Phoenix is designed to provide a simple, self-custodial experience for fast, low-cost Lightning transactions directly on mobile devices, emphasizing ease of use for beginners. Phoenix runs a native Lightning node on the user's device, connecting to ACINQ's node for automated channel management, eliminating the need for swaps and reducing fees for direct Lightning payments. Additionally, Phoenix allows connections to a user's own Bitcoin node for enhanced privacy. For beginners, Phoenix's intuitive UI, low-cost Lightning transactions, and self-custodial design make it ideal for those starting with Bitcoin, though channel size limitations may require occasional fee adjustments for frequent receivers. Compared to Breez's merchant-centric features or Aqua's Liquid-focused versatility, Phoenix excels in delivering a straightforward, cost-effective Lightning experience with robust privacy options.
Founded in	2024 2019
Website	aqua.net phoenix.acinq.co
Availability	Available globally Available globally

FAQs

Is Aqua a “Lightning wallet”?

Aqua is primarily a Bitcoin and Liquid wallet, with Lightning supported through non-custodial Boltz swaps. It is open source and mobile-first, emphasizing Liquid privacy and asset features while enabling Lightning when needed via swaps rather than maintaining native Lightning channels.

How does Phoenix handle fees?

Phoenix runs a Lightning node on-device for native Lightning payments. Opening or resizing channels can incur on-chain fees, while sends are standard LN payments. Exact fees depend on network conditions, liquidity events, and routing, aiming for a seamless everyday experience without manual channel management.

Which is better for USDT?

If you need USDT on Liquid, Aqua supports Liquid assets, including stablecoins, within the app. Phoenix focuses on native Lightning payments and does not target Liquid assets like USDT. Choose based on whether Liquid features or purely Lightning payments are more important for you.