A desktop wallet is a type of software wallet that is installed on a personal computer, offering a balance between security and convenience. Unlike mobile wallets, which are apps on your smartphone, desktop wallets provide more robust security features because they are less likely to be lost or stolen than mobile devices. Compared to web wallets, which run on cloud servers and can be accessed from any device with internet access, desktop wallets give users more control over their private keys, reducing the risk of online theft but requiring proper backup practices.