Specter
Swiss non-profit's MIT-licensed Bitcoin desktop app for multisig with your own node
Quick Overview
| Company | Specter Association |
|---|---|
| Category | Crypto Wallets |
| Headquarters | Neuchâtel, Switzerland |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Switzerland (European, outside the EU) |
| Data Location | Runs on your own computer and Bitcoin node |
| Open Source | MIT licence (Specter Desktop) |
| GDPR Compliant | Swiss non-profit; imprint published |
| Self-Hosting | Yes - uses your own Bitcoin Core node |
| Main Features | Bitcoin Core integration, multisig and single-sig wallets, PSBT signing by QR code, SD card or USB, coin control, support for BitBox, Trezor, Keystone, Coldcard, Jade, Ledger and others |
| Pricing | Free; funded by donations |
| Best For | Bitcoin users who run a node and want multisig with hardware wallets |
| Replaces | Bitcoin use of MetaMask |
Detailed Review
Specter Association is a Swiss non-profit organisation that develops, distributes and promotes the Specter open-source project. Its imprint lists an address in Neuchâtel and describes it as based in Switzerland.
Specter Desktop is described as free and open source under the MIT licence. It acts as a coordinator rather than a key store, so it pairs a Bitcoin Core node with the hardware wallets you already own.
What does Specter Desktop do?
Specter Desktop lets users create single-signature and multisig Bitcoin wallets, then create, sign and broadcast transactions through Bitcoin Core. It lists coin control and address verification across the app and the signing device.
The site names BitBox, Trezor, Keystone, Coldcard, Jade, Ledger, KeepKey, Specter DIY and SeedSigner as supported devices.
How is signing handled?
Specter supports PSBT (Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions) signed air-gapped through QR codes or SD cards, or directly on USB-connected devices.
Because verification runs against your own node, the app does not depend on a third-party server for chain data.
Is there a hardware option too?
The Specter site also lists a Specter hardware wallet running open-source firmware, with a build guide for DIY builders. It points to vendors for finished devices.
Support is organised through documentation and a contact form, and the project asks for donations.
Limitations to Consider
Specter is Bitcoin only and expects the user to operate Bitcoin Core. It is a project run by a non-profit rather than a company with a service desk, so support depends on documentation and the contact form. The imprint mentions both Neuchâtel and Zurich, which we could not reconcile. See Electrum for a lighter Bitcoin option.
Who Should Use Specter
Technical Bitcoin users who run a node and want multisig across several hardware wallets.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- MIT-licensed open source
- Runs on your own node
- Supports many hardware wallets
- Multisig and single-sig wallets
- Free of charge
Cons
- Bitcoin only
- Requires running Bitcoin Core
- Support through documentation and a form
- Imprint cities differ (Neuchâtel, Zurich)
Alternatives to Specter
Other European crypto wallets worth comparing before you decide:
See all European crypto wallets or compare them directly against Bitcoin use of MetaMask on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Specter Association, a Swiss non-profit, develops and distributes the Specter open-source project according to its imprint.
Specter Desktop is built around Bitcoin Core, so it relies on your own node for verification.
The site lists BitBox, Trezor, Keystone, Coldcard, Jade, Ledger, KeepKey, Specter DIY and SeedSigner, and says the list keeps growing.