Aqua vs Phoenix

Updated: January 2026

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	Mobile Wallet (Layer 2) Self-custodial Lightning Wallet
Supported Networks	Bitcoin, Lightning, and Liquid with USDt swaps via partners Lightning only, but you can receive and send on-chain using swaps
Features	Bitcoin, Lightning, and Liquid in one balance Confidential Liquid transactions for added privacy Direct peg-in turns on-chain BTC into L-BTC without extra steps Lightning depends on Boltz swaps Swaps can cost more than native Lightning wallets 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 (keys stored on your device) Non-custodial (runs Lightning node)
KYC Required	No No
Recovery Method	12-word seed created in-app (optional passphrase) Seed phrase + static channel backup
Open Source	Core wallet is open source; marketplace modules are closed Yes
User Experience	N/A N/A
Interface	Mobile only Mobile only
App Ratings	iOS: 4.2 Android: 4.5 iOS: 4.2 Android: 4.3
Profile Founder(s)	Samson Mow Fabrice Drouin & Pierre-Marie Padiou
Company description	Aqua is JAN3's mobile wallet that keeps Bitcoin, Liquid, and Lightning funds in one place. The app is self-custodial, so you write down a 12-word seed and control every transaction. Aqua is JAN3's mobile wallet that keeps Bitcoin, Liquid, and Lightning funds in one place. The app is self-custodial, so you write down a 12-word seed and control every transaction. Aqua is JAN3's mobile wallet that keeps Bitcoin, Liquid, and Lightning funds in one place. The app is self-custodial, so you write down a 12-word seed and control every transaction. Aqua leans on Liquid for privacy and low fees, while Boltz swaps unlock Lightning spending without running your own channels. You can peg-in on-chain BTC, hold USDt on Liquid, and bridge to other networks when required. Optional extras such as the Dolphin Card and future marketplace services build on the same wallet, so newcomers can start with simple payments and grow into more advanced features as they get comfortable. 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	aquawallet.io 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.