Choose Magic when
- You want the simplest possible email-link onboarding on EVM chains.
- You prefer a mature, long-established provider for a straightforward wallet requirement.
- You need a broad set of prebuilt login methods with minimal configuration.
Magic vs Cavos: comparison, pricing, and custody
For a multi-vendor shortlist, see Magic alternatives. Magic offers embedded wallets and passwordless authentication, historically known for email magic-link login and a delegated key management model backed by hardware security modules.
Magic pioneered invisible wallet onboarding and remains a strong choice for simple, email-first flows on EVM chains. Cavos pursues the same invisible UX with a different custody model: the key is created and used on the user’s device rather than delegated to provider-operated infrastructure.
For the category itself (custody, key models, and what the SDK actually does) start with embedded wallets and the embedded wallet SDK. The embedded wallet guide is that page. The named-vendor table is embedded wallet providers. Platform parts and pricing models are in wallet-as-a-service. The method-level surface is the embedded wallet API. The React install is how to add an embedded wallet.
| Capability | Cavos | Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Signing authority | Self-custodial. A non-exportable device key is the signing authority; Cavos holds no key that can move user funds and uses no MPC shares. | Delegated key management backed by hardware security modules operated by the provider. |
| Onboarding | Sign in with an identity you already own; the account is resolved registry-first. | Email magic link and social login. |
| Chain coverage | One SDK with chain-native adapters. Starknet, Solana, and Stellar available today. | EVM-focused with additional chain support. |
| Account model | Audited OpenZeppelin account contract (AccountUpgradeable v3.0.0) on Starknet, native Ed25519 system account on Solana, classic G-account on Stellar. | Primarily EOA-style wallets. |
| Gas sponsorship | Gas Sponsorship in Any Token. Chain-specific: Starknet paymaster, Solana relayer as fee payer, Stellar sponsored reserves and fee bumps. | Available through account abstraction integrations. |
| Recovery | Passkey restore on a new device and opt-in hardware-isolated social recovery, both non-custodial. | Tied to the authentication factor and provider-side key infrastructure. |
| Pricing | Free up to 1,000 wallets. Essential $59/mo. Complete $139/mo. | Free 1,000 monthly active wallets and 50K signatures. $99/mo includes 2,500 MAWs. |
Choose Cavos when
- You want the signing key to be device-bound and non-exportable rather than provider-delegated.
- You need Starknet, Solana, or Stellar with native account and execution semantics.
- You need documented, non-custodial recovery and passkey restore on new devices.
Frequently asked
What is Magic vs Cavos?
Magic vs Cavos is a one-to-one comparison of two embedded wallet products. Magic is strongest for simple email-first onboarding on EVM chains, with delegated key management backed by provider-operated HSMs. Cavos is device-native on Starknet, Solana, and Stellar: a non-exportable device key signs, and Cavos holds no key that can move funds. They are not drop-in replacements.
Is email-link login enough for self-custody?
It depends on what backs the key. If access to the email account grants the provider the ability to sign, the security of the wallet reduces to the security of that email account. Cavos separates the two: identity selects which account you are, but a device factor is required to sign.
Does Cavos support email login?
Yes. Cavos supports hosted login including email, or you can bring your own auth and pass an identity directly. In both cases signing still requires an enrolled device.
How does Cavos pricing compare to Magic?
Cavos is free up to 1,000 wallets, then Essential at $59/mo and Complete at $139/mo. Magic’s public Developer plan includes 1,000 monthly active wallets and 50K signatures; $99/mo includes 2,500 MAWs.
Which chains does each support?
Cavos ships one SDK with chain-native adapters for Starknet, Solana, and Stellar. Magic is EVM-focused with additional chain support.
Other comparisons
Evaluate it against your own requirements.
Start with the quickstart and reach a sponsored transaction on your target chain.