Muun vs Phoenix

Updated: October 2025

Quick take

Phoenix is best if you want a fully self-custodied Lightning wallet with on-device keys and predictable LN send fees. Muun fits if you prefer one on-chain balance that seamlessly bridges to Lightning with easy recovery. Compare custody, Lightning behavior, backups, and typical fees below.

Muun vs Phoenix — full comparison (Spend Bitcoin)
Platform	Hot Wallet Hot Wallet
Supported Networks	Bitcoin + Lightning Lightning only, but you can receive and send on-chain using swaps
Features	Auto chooses Lighting or on-chain Simple user interface Emergency kit for recovery Not lightning native: higher fees No Lightning address support Email required for backup 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	Emergency kit with email and recovery code 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 iOS: 4.2 Android: 4.3
Profile Founder(s)	Dario Sneidermanis Fabrice Drouin & Pierre-Marie Padiou
Company description	Muun is a non-custodial Bitcoin and Lightning wallet focused on giving users full control with minimal complexity. It separates itself from other wallets through its unique security and backup model: ... Muun is a non-custodial Bitcoin and Lightning wallet focused on giving users full control with minimal complexity. It separates itself from other wallets through its unique security and backup model: users recover access using an email, password, and encrypted recovery code—removing the need to manage a traditional 12-word seed phrase. This makes onboarding easier for beginners without compromising self-custody. Muun is a non-custodial Bitcoin and Lightning wallet focused on giving users full control with minimal complexity. It separates itself from other wallets through its unique security and backup model: users recover access using an email, password, and encrypted recovery code—removing the need to manage a traditional 12-word seed phrase. This makes onboarding easier for beginners without compromising self-custody. Muun's key differentiator is how it handles both Lightning and on-chain Bitcoin in one seamless balance. Users don't have to manage channels or worry about liquidity—Muun automates that behind the scenes. You can send or receive Bitcoin however you want, and the wallet figures out whether to use Lightning or regular Bitcoin based on speed, cost, and availability. This hybrid approach appeals to users who want convenience but still own their funds. Users praise Muun for its simple design, clear recovery process, and solid privacy. It's especially recommended for first-time users who want a secure but low-friction experience. However, some note that Muun doesn't support Lightning addresses and that Lightning transactions may route via on-chain swaps. This means unpredictable fees, especially when onchain activity rises. Muun's mission is to provide a simple, secure way to use Bitcoin daily without needing technical knowledge. It prioritizes non-custodial access, user control, and cross-platform consistency, helping new users enter Bitcoin while retaining ownership from day one. 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	2019 2019
Website	muun.com phoenix.acinq.co
Availability	Available globally Available globally

FAQs

Is Muun a “real” Lightning wallet?

Muun is non-custodial with one on-chain balance and routes many Lightning payments via swaps. You don’t manage channels, which is simpler, but Lightning fees can be less predictable than native LN wallets.

How does Phoenix handle Lightning—and is it self-custody?

Phoenix runs a Lightning node on your phone for native LN sends and receives. It’s self-custodial and may use on-chain transactions when channels are created or resized, aiming for a seamless everyday payments experience.

Can I recover funds if the app/vendor goes down?

Phoenix restores with a 12-word seed and peer-backed channel state. Muun’s Emergency Kit (keys + descriptors) with a recovery code is designed to let you spend independently if the app is unavailable.