Electrum vs. Armory

[xcsler]

Questions from a Bitcoin newbie with little tech knowledge:
Electrum seems a much more elegant and simple solution to keeping bitcoins safe compared to Armory.
However, does this elegance/simplicity mean that Electrum is less safe than Armory?
I have no idea how to read code so how can I trust the developers of either client?
Thoughts?

[WorldOfBitcoin]

Apples or oranges, both are safe. Armory is feature full and allows everything from fool proof paper wallet to off line transactions. Electrum is meant to be simple for people who don’t need to any features except to send bitcoin. I recommend using the original client. Throw a password on that wallet if you’re interested in added safety.

[Lethos]

Questions from a Bitcoin newbie with little tech knowledge:
Electrum seems a much more elegant and simple solution to keeping bitcoins safe compared to Armory.
However, does this elegance/simplicity mean that Electrum is less safe than Armory?
I have no idea how to read code so how can I trust the developers of either client?
Thoughts?

- Electrum is simple and runs without the need for a local blockchain, which is good in scenarios like running off a USB drive.
- Armory is ideal for those who like lots of features with a wallet, very flexible. It still requires the original client actively.

I use both. They both have their place.

I believe both developers can be trusted, but if it bothers you that much, go with Armory, at least it's easier to port your address out to another client and you aren't reliant on an outside source for you blockchain. I don't think either are unsafe, it's safety and security is governed more by yourself than the client itself. So password strength and being sensible with backups is more upto you to make sure it's good enough.

[Monkey1]

I would also recommend Armory.  It seems a little complex at first but it is really simple once you have had a play with it.  If unsure, transfer a BTC or two and playa round until you are happy, then move the rest of your balance.

[xcsler]

Questions from a Bitcoin newbie with little tech knowledge:
Electrum seems a much more elegant and simple solution to keeping bitcoins safe compared to Armory.
However, does this elegance/simplicity mean that Electrum is less safe than Armory?
I have no idea how to read code so how can I trust the developers of either client?
Thoughts?

- Electrum is simple and runs without the need for a local blockchain, which is good in scenarios like running off a USB drive.
- Armory is ideal for those who like lots of features with a wallet, very flexible. It still requires the original client actively.

I use both. They both have their place.

I believe both developers can be trusted, but if it bothers you that much, go with Armory, at least it's easier to port your address out to another client and you aren't reliant on an outside source for you blockchain. I don't think either are unsafe, it's safety and security is governed more by yourself than the client itself. So password strength and being sensible with backups is more upto you to make sure it's good enough.

I'm not 100% sure what you mean by "port your address out to another client". Can you explain this. I assume Electrum can do it 'cause you said "easier". If I have access to my private keys in Electrum can't I use them with any client?

Also, what does "reliant on an outside source for your blockchain" mean. If worse comes to worst I assume I can import my private keys from Electrum into Bitcoin-Qt or some other client?

I assume that as long as I know my private keys, and no one else does, then my bitcoins are safe and can only be spent by me.
I am also assuming that if the client I am using fails that I can recover my bitcoins as long as I know my private keys. I plan on backing up my private keys on paper and other media protected by TrueCrypt.

Are my assumptions correct?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[SSSSer]

my thought armory is best.

[Werner]

I have used the electrum since it had release, and it has not been bad very much...

[puck2]

What's wring with Bitcoin-QT, and why not build these security features into it if they are so vital. 

[Mustello LLC]

What's wring with Bitcoin-QT, and why not build these security features into it if they are so vital. 

I believe the other clients don't have to download the whole block list. Bitcoin-QT takes a very long time for a first start up. It took me a few hours to get updated.

[sudukibiras]

Electrum is better I think.

[Lethos]

Questions from a Bitcoin newbie with little tech knowledge:
Electrum seems a much more elegant and simple solution to keeping bitcoins safe compared to Armory.
However, does this elegance/simplicity mean that Electrum is less safe than Armory?
I have no idea how to read code so how can I trust the developers of either client?
Thoughts?

- Electrum is simple and runs without the need for a local blockchain, which is good in scenarios like running off a USB drive.
- Armory is ideal for those who like lots of features with a wallet, very flexible. It still requires the original client actively.

I use both. They both have their place.

I believe both developers can be trusted, but if it bothers you that much, go with Armory, at least it's easier to port your address out to another client and you aren't reliant on an outside source for you blockchain. I don't think either are unsafe, it's safety and security is governed more by yourself than the client itself. So password strength and being sensible with backups is more upto you to make sure it's good enough.

I'm not 100% sure what you mean by "port your address out to another client". Can you explain this. I assume Electrum can do it 'cause you said "easier". If I have access to my private keys in Electrum can't I use them with any client?

Also, what does "reliant on an outside source for your blockchain" mean. If worse comes to worst I assume I can import my private keys from Electrum into Bitcoin-Qt or some other client?

I assume that as long as I know my private keys, and no one else does, then my bitcoins are safe and can only be spent by me.
I am also assuming that if the client I am using fails that I can recover my bitcoins as long as I know my private keys. I plan on backing up my private keys on paper and other media protected by TrueCrypt.

Are my assumptions correct?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Both Electrum and Armory have their own ways of backing up the wallet and storing it safely. Armory gives a few more options and makes it a little easier to use it's wider array of options to move to another client if you wanted. Electrum has less options, it's enough it's just limiting.

Electrum doesn't need to download the blockchain or have anyother local program do it for you (official client for example). It instead talks to one of a few servers which does have the blockchain and reports to you the information you need and helps facilitate the functions you need.

Armory itself does not download the blockchain how ever you do need to have the official client running somewhere locally, so you do still end up downloading it.

Making sure your private keys are safe and secure is vital, which method is up to personal choice. I presume you've already researched your options if you've choose those methods. Backups are a double edged sword at times, if they are found by someone else, depending on what form they are in, might make it that much easier to steal your wallet.

[Ryland R. Taylor-Almanza]

I like Armory because it's full of awesome features that most other clients don't have. However, I don't think most other people would use these features, so I'd recommend Electrum for the average user.

[BobbyJo]

Armory is excellent.  the fact you can make an offline wallet, create a paper back up, import addresses and create a watching online wallet where you can keep a track of all offline balances I find brilliant.

[Werner]

i say again i know arm is best now.

[Monkey1]

Agreed.  Armory is the deluxe version!!