- Embedded Wallet: User-controlled, app-specific wallet. Broad network and Auth method support.
- Server Wallet: Developer-controlled wallet for app backends, onchain automation, and onchain agents.
Choosing the right wallet
| Use Case | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| Giving each user a wallet tied to your app with web2-style auth methods | Embedded Wallet |
| Onboarding non-crypto users without requiring wallet setup | Embedded Wallet |
| Running onchain AI agents or trading bots with programmatic control | Server Wallet |
| Managing app-wide funds like fees, rewards, or treasury | Server Wallet |
Wallet feature comparison
| Feature | Embedded Wallet | Server Wallet |
|---|---|---|
| Custody | End user | Developer |
| Network support | All EVM networks + Solana | All EVM networks + Solana |
| Wallet types | EVM EOA and Smart accounts + Solana accounts | EOA and Smart Accounts (4337) for EVM; Solana accounts |
| Authentication | User Auth (email OTP, more methods coming soon) | Developer-held Wallet Secret (single secret for all accounts) |
| Private key management | Private keys secured in Coinbase systems | Private keys secured in Coinbase systems |
| Transaction signing | User-initiated signing via SDK (security details) | Developer-initiated signing via API (security details) |
| viem compatibility | ✅ | ✅ Guide |
Looking for a portable, user-owned wallet that your users can connect to any app?Check out Base Accounts, formerly known as Coinbase Smart Wallet.
What to read next
- Embedded Wallet: Quickstart
- Server Wallet: Quickstart | Security | Smart Accounts