ElectrumSV is a free, open-source wallet for Bitcoin SV aimed at people who want a lightweight desktop program rather than a full node. It suits users who hold Bitcoin SV, want to control their own keys, and are comfortable managing a seed phrase and a few basic security habits.
The project is published under the MIT license and builds for Windows, macOS and Linux. Its latest listed version is a beta, sv-1.4.0b1, and the most recent code update dates from March 2024. That makes it worth checking the project's activity before you rely on it for significant amounts, and treating the program as a tool that may see limited new development.
What Is ElectrumSV and How Does It Fit Into Bitcoin SV?
ElectrumSV is a wallet program, meaning it manages the keys that let you send and receive funds. It is not an exchange and does not hold your coins for you. The keys are generated and stored on your own device, which is what people mean when they call a wallet non-custodial.
The project is focused on Bitcoin SV. Its documentation also refers to Bitcoin (BTC), so readers who work with several Bitcoin variants should confirm which network a given address belongs to before sending funds.
Who Is ElectrumSV For?
ElectrumSV fits people who want a simple desktop wallet for a single Bitcoin family network. A typical user might receive payments for a small business, keep a modest balance for everyday transfers, or simply prefer a program that does not require syncing a full node.
It is less suited to users who need many assets in one place, since it is a single-network wallet. Developers who want to study a readable Python wallet may also find it useful as a reference, even if they never move significant funds through it.
How Lightweight Wallets Work
Full nodes download and verify every block, which takes significant disk space and time. Lightweight wallets take a different approach: they rely on remote servers to supply the transaction data needed to display balances and history. This is why they start quickly and use little storage.
The trade-off is that a lightweight wallet depends more on the servers it connects to, and it verifies less independently than a full node does. Understanding this trade-off helps you decide whether ElectrumSV matches your privacy and trust expectations.
Key features
Lightweight design
Open-source code under MIT
Python codebase
Supported coins
The project's documentation names Bitcoin (BTC) and the wallet is built around Bitcoin SV. The mining algorithm listed for this network is SHA-256, the proof-of-work method used by the blockchain. Check the current documentation to confirm which networks the release you download supports.
How to install ElectrumSV on Windows
- 1
Get the program from an official source
Download only from the official website at electrumsv.io or from the GitHub Releases page at github.com/electrumsv/electrumsv. Avoid mirrors, forum links and file-sharing sites, since they are a common way to distribute modified wallet software.
- 2
Verify the file before running it
Compare the SHA-256 checksum of the downloaded file with the value published alongside the release. If a signature is provided, check it as well. Do not run the file if the values do not match.
-
Install and create a wallet
Run the installer, launch ElectrumSV, and follow the on-screen prompts to create a new wallet. Write down the seed phrase on paper and store it offline before you receive any funds.
How to use ElectrumSV
ElectrumSV is straightforward once the wallet is set up, but the early steps matter most.
- Create a new wallet and write down the seed phrase on paper.
- Set a strong password to protect the wallet file on your computer.
- Open the receive tab to copy an address, and confirm it matches the network you expect.
- Send a small test amount first to check the fee and the recipient address.
- Review the transaction history and keep a backup of the wallet file after each major change.
Keeping a small test transaction in your routine is a simple habit that catches many mistakes early.
Pros & cons
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Lightweight, so it needs little disk space
- Builds for Windows, macOS and Linux
- Readable Python code that developers can review
- The most recent code update dates from March 2024
- The latest listed version is a beta release
- Focused on a single network family rather than many assets
- Windows builds should be confirmed on the releases page
Is ElectrumSV safe?
ElectrumSV handles private keys, so treat it with the same care as any wallet. Download the program only from the official website or the GitHub Releases page, and check the SHA-256 checksum or signature before installing. Never enter your seed phrase on a third-party website, in a chat, or in an email, and never share it with anyone who asks for it. Because the last code update dates from March 2024 and the release is a beta, keep your funds in amounts you can afford to lose and check the latest version on the official website before updating.
- Official source only. Download from electrumsv.io. Ignore ads and lookalike domains.
- Check the SHA-256. Compare the installer hash with the value the developer publishes before running it.
- Never share your seed phrase. No developer, support agent or website — including CryptApps — will ever ask for it.
Alternatives
Electrum is the closest relative of this program and supports Bitcoin with Lightning and multisignature setups, so it offers more features. Electron Cash follows the same lightweight model but is designed for Bitcoin Cash rather than Bitcoin SV. Sparrow Wallet targets advanced Bitcoin users who need coin control and detailed multisignature tools. Armory is built around cold storage on a dedicated machine. ElectrumSV is the choice when you want a light, open-source desktop wallet for Bitcoin SV and are willing to accept a project with less recent development.
Specifications
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Open source
- License
- MIT
- Latest version
- sv-1.4.0b1
- Last update
- 13 Mar 2024
- Windows support
- Likely (builds for Windows; check releases)
- Official site
- electrumsv.io
- Source code
- github.com/electrumsv/electrumsv
Frequently asked questions
ElectrumSV is open source, so its code can be reviewed, but safety also depends on how you use it. Download it only from the official website or GitHub Releases, verify the checksum, and keep your seed phrase offline. Never type it into a website or app you did not install yourself.
Yes, ElectrumSV is free to download and use. It is released under the MIT license, which allows the code to be viewed, built and modified. Network transaction fees are separate and are paid to the Bitcoin SV network when you send funds.
The project lists Windows among its platforms, and it builds for Windows. Check the GitHub Releases page to find the Windows files for the version you want, then verify the checksum before installing.
ElectrumSV is built for Bitcoin SV, and its documentation also refers to Bitcoin (BTC). It is a single-network wallet, so it is not designed to hold many different coins in one place. Confirm the supported networks in the current documentation.
The most recent code update in the project's repository dates from March 2024, and the latest listed version is a beta. Check the GitHub repository for recent activity before relying on the program for significant amounts.
Both are lightweight wallets with a similar design, but Electrum targets Bitcoin and offers Lightning support and more multisignature options. ElectrumSV is focused on Bitcoin SV. If your funds are on Bitcoin SV, ElectrumSV is the program built for that network.
Verdict
ElectrumSV suits people who hold Bitcoin SV and want a lightweight, open-source desktop wallet with full control of their keys. Developers who want to study a readable Python wallet will also find it useful. It is less suitable for users who need many assets or the latest features, given the project's limited recent development. Take the safety steps seriously, and check the project's activity before you commit larger sums.