Zallet is a full-node Zcash wallet written in Rust, built for people who want a wallet that works alongside a full Zcash node rather than a lightweight client. It is being developed as a replacement for the older zcashd wallet, so its main audience is existing Zcash users and developers who already work with that ecosystem. The project is open source under the MIT license and free to download.
Zallet is still alpha software, and the latest release is v0.1.0-alpha.4. The developers warn that breaking changes may happen at any time and that you may need to delete and recreate your wallet after an update. The code is actively maintained, with the last update recorded on October 30, 2026, but treat Zallet as a testing tool rather than a daily wallet for significant funds.
What Makes Zallet Different From Older Zcash Wallets
Many Zcash users have relied on the zcashd wallet, which bundled wallet functions with the full node software. Zallet takes a different path by being developed as a dedicated wallet that is meant to replace zcashd over time. That distinction matters because it shifts the focus from a monolithic program to a wallet component with its own release cycle.
For existing users, the practical question is compatibility. Because many JSON-RPC methods have not been carried over yet, a workflow that works with zcashd may need adjustments before it works with Zallet. Anyone running automated tasks or internal tools should test those tasks on a separate setup first.
Zallet also differs from lightweight Zcash wallets such as Zecwallet Lite. A lightweight wallet is designed to stay small and fast by relying on other infrastructure, while a full-node wallet aims to verify more of the network on your own machine. The trade-off is heavier resource use and a longer setup, which suits users who value independence over convenience.
Who Zallet Is For
Zallet fits best with developers, node operators and experienced Zcash users who are comfortable reading documentation and reporting bugs. Someone who wants to test the future Zcash wallet stack before it becomes standard can learn a great deal by running Zallet on a test machine. The project's alpha status makes it a poor first wallet for someone who wants a stable everyday tool.
A realistic scenario is a small team that runs a Zcash node for internal services and wants to evaluate whether Zallet can replace zcashd in its setup. The team would keep a list of the RPC calls it depends on, check which ones are implemented, and run tests after each new release. That kind of careful, tracked evaluation is exactly what an alpha project needs from its early users.
Individual holders who simply want to store ZEC without running infrastructure may find that a more mature wallet suits them better for now. Zallet is worth watching, and it rewards people who are willing to follow its progress closely.
How a Full-Node Wallet Works
A full-node wallet keeps a local copy of the blockchain data it needs and checks transactions against the network's rules on your own machine. Instead of asking a third-party server whether a balance or transaction is valid, it can verify those facts itself. This design gives more independence and transparency, but it also requires more disk space, time to sync and attention to software updates.
The wallet and the node are closely connected, so changes to either can affect the other. That is why alpha releases often come with notes about recreating wallet data. Users should understand that the wallet is not just a password-protected file; it is part of a larger system that must stay in step with the network.
Understanding this model helps explain why Zallet behaves differently from a mobile or browser wallet. A full-node design asks more from the user and rewards that effort with more control over how the wallet interacts with the Zcash network.
Key features
Full-node wallet design
Written in Rust
Gradual replacement of zcashd methods
Fast-moving beta releases
Supported coins
The project documentation names Zcash (ZEC) as the network Zallet supports.
How to install Zallet on Windows
- 1
Check the Windows build
Zallet's project states that it builds for Windows, but the releases page is the place to confirm which Windows files are published for the current alpha. Open the GitHub Releases page at https://github.com/zcash/zallet before you start, and look at the latest version, v0.1.0-alpha.4.
- 2
Download the program
Download the installer or archive from the official Zallet project on GitHub Releases, or from the project's own links. Avoid copies on unfamiliar download sites, since they may be modified.
- 3
Verify the file
Compare the SHA-256 checksum of the downloaded file with the value published on the release page. If the project provides a signature, verify that as well. Do not run the file if the values do not match.
- 4
Install and back up your recovery phrase
Run the installer and follow the prompts. Before you create or import a wallet, write down the recovery phrase on paper and store it offline. Because alpha updates may require recreating the wallet, this backup is what protects your funds.
-
Alternative: run it in Docker
The project also lists Docker among its platforms. If you prefer containers, follow the Docker instructions in the user guide at https://zcash.github.io/zallet/ and confirm the image source and checksum before running it.
How to use Zallet
Zallet is a command-line-oriented wallet during its alpha stage, so plan to read the user guide before you start. The steps below cover a careful first session on a test machine.
- Read the user guide at https://zcash.github.io/zallet/ and note the version you are using.
- Set up the wallet and write down the recovery phrase before adding any meaningful balance.
- Let the wallet and its Zcash node finish their initial setup. Full-node wallets can take time on first run, so avoid interrupting the process.
- Check which JSON-RPC methods you need against the list of implemented methods before you build any scripts.
- Make a small test transaction on the Zcash network to confirm the wallet behaves as you expect.
- Before each update, read the release notes, back up the recovery phrase again and record the version you are running.
Keeping a simple log of versions, test results and any errors will make troubleshooting much easier when the project changes quickly.
Pros & cons
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Full-node design for users who want more independence
- Written in Rust
- Designed as a replacement for the older zcashd wallet
- Active development with recent code updates
- Alpha software, so breaking changes may occur at any time
- Many JSON-RPC methods from zcashd are not implemented yet
- Frequent changes in beta releases can disrupt workflows
- Full-node setup demands more time and resources than lightweight wallets
- Not suited for everyday storage of significant funds
Is Zallet safe?
Zallet handles keys and funds, so treat installation with care. Download only from the project's GitHub repository or the official user guide, and verify the SHA-256 checksum or signature before running the file. Never enter your recovery phrase on a third-party website, in a chat or in an email, and never share it with anyone who claims to offer support.
Because Zallet is alpha software, the main risk is not only malicious downloads but also updates that change how the wallet stores data. Keep a current backup of the recovery phrase before every update. Check the latest version on the official website before installing, since alpha builds change quickly.
- Official source only. Download from github.com/zcash/zallet. 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
Zallet is a full-node Zcash wallet, while Zecwallet Lite is a lightweight Zcash wallet, so the two suit different priorities. Zallet asks more of your machine and your patience, but it aims to give you more independence from third-party infrastructure. Zecwallet Lite is listed as unsupported, which makes Zallet the more forward-looking choice for Zcash development, though it is still alpha.
Multi-asset programs such as Coinomi, Exodus and Atomic Wallet are built for holding many coins in one interface. Zallet focuses on Zcash alone, which keeps its scope narrow. Electron Cash serves Bitcoin Cash rather than Zcash, so it is not a direct substitute.
Specifications
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Open source
- License
- MIT
- Latest version
- v0.1.0-alpha.4
- Last update
- 30 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- Likely (builds for Windows; check releases)
- Source code
- github.com/zcash/zallet
Frequently asked questions
The project states that it builds for Windows, but Windows support should be confirmed on the GitHub Releases page. Check the latest alpha release for Windows files before you plan your setup, and follow the install steps on this page to verify the download.
Zallet can be used safely if you download it from the official GitHub repository, verify the SHA-256 checksum or signature, and keep your recovery phrase offline. Because it is alpha software with breaking changes, it is better suited to testing than to storing large amounts of ZEC.
Yes, Zallet is free and open source under the MIT license. You can download, use and study the code without paying a license fee. Keep in mind that running a full node requires your own computer resources and time.
Zallet is used as a full-node wallet for Zcash, with the goal of replacing the older zcashd wallet. Developers and node operators use it to test the future Zcash wallet stack, check which RPC methods work, and prepare for the transition away from zcashd.
No, the project documentation names Zcash (ZEC) as its network. If you need a multi-asset wallet, look at programs such as Coinomi or Exodus instead, but remember that Zallet's focus is narrower and its feature set is still being built.
Zallet is alpha software, and the project warns that breaking changes may happen at any time. Some updates may require you to delete and recreate your wallet, so a verified recovery phrase backup is essential before each update.
Zallet is being developed as a separate wallet to replace the wallet function that zcashd has provided. Many zcashd JSON-RPC methods have not been ported yet, so existing scripts may need changes before they work with Zallet.
Verdict
Zallet is a promising project for developers, node operators and experienced Zcash users who want to prepare for a wallet built around a full node. It is free, open source under the MIT license and written in Rust, and it is actively developed. However, it is alpha software with breaking changes and missing RPC methods, so it is not a good first wallet or a place to store large balances. If you are comfortable testing and reading release notes, try it on a separate machine and follow the project as it matures.