Choosing your first Solana wallet
CoreStream Base sessions support two wallets: Phantom and Solflare. Both are non-custodial — meaning only you hold the seed phrase — and both support devnet switching. Here is how we help participants choose.
Start with your device
Phantom and Solflare both offer iOS, Android, and browser extension versions. If you primarily use a phone, install the mobile app from the official store listing linked on each project's website. If you prefer a laptop, the browser extension integrates with websites that offer a "Connect wallet" button.
Phantom: familiar layout for first-timers
Phantom's interface uses large buttons and plain labels like "Receive" and "Send." Devnet mode hides under Settings → Developer Settings → Testnet mode. In our sessions, roughly sixty percent of participants choose Phantom, often because a friend already uses it.
Solflare: strong multi-account support
Solflare handles multiple accounts cleanly and exposes network selection in a more visible menu. Participants who expect to manage separate accounts — personal and small-business expenses, for example — sometimes prefer it. The trade-off we hear: more options on screen can feel busy on a first visit.
What we do not recommend for absolute beginners
Browser-only wallets without mobile backup, exchange custodial wallets where you do not control the phrase, and newly released apps without a public security history. Stick to established options until you are comfortable with backup and recovery.
Decide before your session
We ask booking form respondents which app they prefer so we can prepare the right guide sheet. You can change your mind when you arrive, but downloading one app — not both — keeps the ninety minutes focused.