Breez vs Phoenix

Updated: January 2026

Quick take

Phoenix is best if you want Lightning‑native operation with an on‑device node and optional connection to your own node, accepting on‑chain channel costs. Breez fits if you prefer a Lightning wallet with point‑of‑sale mode, streaming sats, and cloud‑backed recovery. Compare custody, Lightning behavior, recovery approach, and fee considerations.

Breez vs Phoenix — full comparison (Spend Bitcoin)
Platform	Lightning Node (Mobile) Self-custodial Lightning Wallet
Supported Networks	Lightning only, with on-chain deposits and withdrawals via submarine swaps Lightning only, but you can receive and send on-chain using swaps
Features	Runs a full Lightning node on your phone Built-in POS mode and Podcasting 2.0 streaming Automatic channel setup—no manual work Requires continuous encrypted cloud backups 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 (LSP-backed) Non-custodial (runs Lightning node)
KYC Required	No No
Recovery Method	Encrypted cloud backup + Breez recovery key Seed phrase + static channel backup
Open Source	Yes Yes
User Experience	N/A N/A
Interface	Mobile only Mobile only
App Ratings	iOS: 3.6 Android: 3.5 iOS: 4.2 Android: 4.3
Profile Founder(s)	Roy Sheinfeld Fabrice Drouin & Pierre-Marie Padiou
Company description	Breez is a beginner-friendly Lightning wallet designed to make everyday bitcoin payments effortless on mobile. The app runs a Lightning node behind the scenes, pairing a simple interface with automati... Breez is a beginner-friendly Lightning wallet designed to make everyday bitcoin payments effortless on mobile. The app runs a Lightning node behind the scenes, pairing a simple interface with automatic channel management so anyone can spend or receive sats in seconds. Breez is a beginner-friendly Lightning wallet designed to make everyday bitcoin payments effortless on mobile. The app runs a Lightning node behind the scenes, pairing a simple interface with automatic channel management so anyone can spend or receive sats in seconds. Beyond standard wallet features, Breez adds a merchant-focused Point-of-Sale mode, podcast streaming with bitcoin tips, and one-tap Lightning addresses. Instant channel setups and automatic swaps keep the experience seamless while Breez encrypts your channel data to your cloud account after every payment. Compared with Phoenix's recovery phrase backups or Muun's dual on-chain approach, Breez focuses on automation: it handles all the technical channel work for you, but requires encrypted cloud backups and charges a 0.4% setup fee when new receiving capacity is needed. 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	2018 2019
Website	breez.technology phoenix.acinq.co
Availability	Available globally Available globally

FAQs

Which has lower fees to start?

Both use native Lightning. Costs can include channel creation or resizing events (on-chain) and the Lightning route itself. Phoenix emphasizes a streamlined node on your phone; Breez adds cloud backup conveniences. Actual totals vary with usage patterns, liquidity events, and broader network conditions.

Which is better for merchants?

Breez includes a Point-of-Sale mode and creator tools like podcast streaming, making it attractive for merchant and tipping scenarios. Phoenix centers on a streamlined, on-device node for everyday Lightning payments. Choose based on POS needs versus a focused personal payments experience.

Which is faster or more reliable?

Both aim for quick Lightning payments. Phoenix runs a node on your phone for direct LN; Breez also uses native LN with automated management. Reliability depends on your channels, liquidity, routes, and connectivity. Either can perform well when properly funded and connected.