Pebble Wallet review
A well-designed open-source mobile wallet with excellent transaction previews, let down by pricey in-app swaps and missing desktop support.
What we liked
- Open-source code with two published independent audits
- Plain-language transaction simulation before every signature
- Pairs with major hardware wallets over Bluetooth and USB
What we did not
- In-app swaps add a 0.85 percent fee on top of network and liquidity costs
- No desktop app or browser extension
- Optional cloud backup is convenient but weakens the security model if misused
Overview
Pebble Wallet is a self-custody mobile wallet for Bitcoin, Ethereum and the main Ethereum layer 2 networks. Keys are generated and stored on the phone, and the company has no access to funds. We used it daily for a month on both iOS and Android.
Security
Set-up produces a 12-word seed phrase and requires the user to confirm it before the wallet can receive funds, which we like. Keys are kept in the phone's secure hardware and unlocked with biometrics. The code is open source and two audit reports are published in full, including the findings that were fixed.
Pebble offers an optional encrypted cloud backup of the seed phrase, protected by a separate password. It reduces the risk of loss and introduces a new one: a weak password plus a compromised cloud account would expose the wallet. We would keep larger balances on a hardware wallet, which Pebble supports well.
Experience
The standout feature is transaction simulation. Before anything is signed, Pebble shows in plain language what will leave the wallet, what will arrive and which contract is being granted permissions, and it warns about unlimited token approvals and addresses flagged for phishing. It also has a screen for reviewing and revoking old approvals. For people who use decentralised applications, this prevents the most common and costly mistakes.
Network switching is handled automatically, and fee settings are sensible by default with manual control available.
Fees
Sending and receiving cost only the network fee. The built-in swap feature routes through third-party aggregators and adds Pebble's own 0.85 percent fee, which is shown but easy to miss. Swapping through a decentralised exchange directly, using the in-app browser, is cheaper.
Verdict
One of the safer hot wallets we have tested, mainly because it explains what you are about to sign. Avoid the swap button for larger amounts, and treat cloud backup with care.