The main difference between a Bitcoin wallet and a Lightning wallet is that a Bitcoin wallet stores Bitcoin on the Bitcoin blockchain, while a Lightning wallet stores Bitcoin in payment channels on the Lightning Network.
Bitcoin wallets are the most common type of Bitcoin wallet. They allow users to store, send, and receive Bitcoin. Bitcoin wallets can be either custodial or non-custodial. Custodial wallets hold the user's Bitcoin keys on their behalf, while non-custodial wallets allow the user to hold their own keys.
Lightning wallets are a newer type of Bitcoin wallet that allow users to send and receive Bitcoin payments quickly and cheaply. Lightning wallets use the Lightning Network, which is a second-layer payment protocol that sits on top of the Bitcoin blockchain. The Lightning Network allows Bitcoin payments to be routed through a network of nodes, which makes payments much faster and cheaper than sending them directly on the Bitcoin blockchain.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between Bitcoin wallets and Lightning wallets:
Feature Bitcoin wallet Lightning wallet
Stores Bitcoin On the Bitcoin blockchain In payment channels on the Lightning Network
Speed Transactions can take minutes or hours to confirm Transactions are confirmed instantly
Cost Transactions can be expensive Transactions are very cheap
Security Custodial wallets are less secure than non-custodial wallets Lightning wallets are as secure as Bitcoin wallets
It is important to note that there is no such thing as a "Lightning wallet" in the traditional sense. A Lightning wallet is simply a Bitcoin wallet that has been configured to use the Lightning Network. Therefore, any Bitcoin wallet that supports the Lightning Network can be considered a Lightning wallet.
Here are some examples of Bitcoin wallets that support the Lightning Network:
BlueWallet
Muun
Breez
Zap
Wallet of Satoshi
Ultimately, the best type of Bitcoin wallet for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need to store large amounts of Bitcoin and need the highest level of security, then a non-custodial Bitcoin wallet is a good option. If you need to send and receive Bitcoin payments quickly and cheaply, then a Lightning wallet is a good option.