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Wallet of Satoshi vs Alby: catalog facts
Wallet of Satoshi	Alby
Best for: Newcomers who want to make small Lightning payments from a phone	Best for: Bitcoin users who want a Lightning wallet they can host themselves
Free Free to download from the app stores; transaction and purchase fees are not described in the research.	Free + paid options Self-hosting Alby Hub is free; Alby Cloud is a paid subscription.
Android, iOS	Web, Self-hosted
Very simple interface for everyday payments Pays both Lightning invoices and on-chain addresses All 4 strengths for Wallet of Satoshi Very simple interface for everyday payments Pays both Lightning invoices and on-chain addresses Detects the payment type from a scanned QR code In-app bitcoin purchase in some regions	Alby Hub can be self-hosted Managed hosting available for those who do not want to run a node All 3 strengths for Alby Alby Hub can be self-hosted Managed hosting available for those who do not want to run a node Open-source wallets and tools
Mobile only, with no desktop version In-app purchase depends on your region	Only handles Bitcoin and Lightning Running your own node takes some technical effort All 3 limitations for Alby Only handles Bitcoin and Lightning Running your own node takes some technical effort Hosted option costs a subscription
Downloadable app	Self-hosted, Hosted service
Not open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Needs internet	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Wallet of Satoshi walletofsatoshi.com Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Alby getalby.com Catalog checked October 2, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.