Lite Wallet vs Zengo
COMPARISON
Lite Wallet vs Zengo
Two different approaches to key security. Lite Wallet uses a 12-word paper key — the crypto standard. Zengo uses MPC where one key share lives on Zengo's servers. Different tradeoffs, different risk models.
Zengo is a mobile multicoin wallet (iOS, Android) that uses MPC (Multi-Party Computation) instead of a traditional recovery phrase. Zengo splits the private key into two shares: one on the user's device, one on Zengo's servers. Neither alone can spend; both are required to sign. Recovery uses a biometric face-scan plus a 3D face check. Lite Wallet uses the standard BIP-39 12-word paper-key recovery model. These are fundamentally different security architectures — neither is strictly 'better', they optimize for different user risk models.
Two security models
Lite Wallet: paper-key self-custody
The 12-word paper key derives your private keys entirely on your device. You write it down, you store it, you restore from it. No third party is ever involved. Risk profile: low adversarial risk (no central target), high user-responsibility risk (lose the paper key = lose the coins).
Zengo: MPC with provider co-signing
Zengo's servers hold one of two key shares. Without Zengo's cooperation, you cannot sign. Without your device cooperation, Zengo cannot sign. Risk profile: lower user-responsibility risk (forgot paper key? biometric recovery works), higher dependency risk (if Zengo disappeared, recovery becomes complicated; trust in Zengo's infrastructure required).
Which is right for you
Prefer paper-key self-custody if you want full control and no third-party dependency, and you trust yourself to safeguard a recovery phrase. Prefer MPC if you're worried about losing a paper key and are comfortable with Zengo's provider role in signing and recovery. Both are legitimate; the choice is about your personal risk model.
Side-by-side.
| Feature | Lite Wallet | Zengo |
|---|---|---|
| Security model | BIP-39 paper key (self-only) | MPC (user + Zengo shares) |
| Desktop apps | Windows, macOS, Linux | |
| iOS / Android | ✓ / ✓ | ✓ / ✓ |
| MWEB privacy | ✓ every platform | |
| Ledger / Trezor | ✓ / ✓ | |
| Non-custodial | ✓ (full) | ✓ (MPC — keys distributed) |
| Recovery method | 12-word paper key | Biometric face-scan |
| Provider dependency for signing | None | Zengo servers required |
| Litecoin-specific features | MWEB, LitVM, LTC-20, Ordinals | Standard LTC |
| Primary audience | Self-custody users | Users wanting recovery convenience |
Security model
Desktop apps
iOS / Android
MWEB privacy
Ledger / Trezor
Non-custodial
Recovery method
Provider dependency for signing
Litecoin-specific features
Primary audience