Updated November 6, 2026
Phantom vs MetaMask in comparison
Phantom
Software wallet
Change wallet
MetaMask
Software wallet
Change wallet- Phantom: NoOpen source codeA wallet that is “open source” makes its software code public (e.g. on Github). Either the entire program code or at least significant parts of it are publicly accessible. This has the advantage that many parties can review the code and security gaps or other vulnerabilities are discovered and improved more quickly.MetaMask: Yes
- Phantom: YesiPhone appMetaMask: Yes
- Phantom: YesOpen to US usersMetaMask: Yes
Phantom or MetaMask?
In our view, Phantom is the easier pick for Solana users and newcomers, while MetaMask suits readers who live in Ethereum apps or sign with a hardware wallet. We rate Phantom slightly higher overall and MetaMask much higher for fees and costs.
Choose Phantom if
- You want the easier app
- You are new to crypto
- You want better support
Choose MetaMask if
- You want open source code
- You want more supported coins
- Popular interface for Web3 applications
Ranked lists: all wallets by our score.
Phantom and MetaMask compared
Every value we hold for both, grouped. The cup marks the side that is ahead where the data decides; ties and plain differences have no mark.
| Phantom | What | MetaMask |
|---|---|---|
| Price and type | ||
| Software | Wallet type | Software |
| Best suited for | Advanced | |
| Security and trust | ||
| No | Open source codeA wallet that is “open source” makes its software code public (e.g. on Github). Either the entire program code or at least significant parts of it are publicly accessible. This has the advantage that many parties can review the code and security gaps or other vulnerabilities are discovered and improved more quickly. | Yes |
| Security key (FIDO U2F) | No | |
| You (Non-Custodial) | Who holds the keysThe so-called "private key" is a unique sequence of numbers and characters and the private key that gives you direct access to and control over your cryptocurrencies. The private key is used to sign transactions. In simple terms, it can be seen as a digital fingerprint that proves that you are the owner of the cryptocurrencies. If you store your cryptocurrencies on so-called "custodial wallets" (e.g. crypto exchanges), you are not the owner of your private keys. | You (Non-Custodial) |
| Secret Recovery Phrase, private keys and Secret Recovery PIN…Phrase…Secret Recovery Phrase, private keys and PIN, or a Google or Apple account | BackupIf the hardware wallet or the device with the corresponding software wallet is lost or damaged, there is no need to panic. As long as you have your private key or recovery seed (also called “seed phrase”) in your possession, you can restore your wallet at any time. The recovery seed is a combination of 12-24 words and is the most common backup method for wallets. Important: Keep your recovery words and private keys secret and never share them with other people! | Recovery Seed (12 Recovery Seed words(12…Recovery Seed (12 words |
| Two-factor authenticationTwo-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional measure to improve the protection and security of user accounts: In addition to the password, a second security component must be entered when logging in, e.g. a PIN code. | No | |
| MultisigMultisignature wallets or multisig wallets are wallets that require at least two private keys to sign a transaction. This additional process makes it possible to greatly increase security against unwanted access, for example through personal threats. This security mechanism is particularly useful when storing particularly high assets. | No | |
| AnonymityThe anonymity of “non-custodial wallets” is generally relatively high. However, there are differences between providers when it comes to collecting and storing user data. There can also be differences in the ordering process for hardware wallets as to which user data is stored and for what period of time | High | |
| Apps and coins | ||
| Yes | iPhone app | Yes |
| Yes | Android app | Yes |
| No | Desktop app | No |
| Coins and tokens | 450,000+ | |
| Yes | Buy and sellSome wallets offer an integrated trading function within the wallet to buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly. This functionality is usually made possible by a connection to the web interface of an exchange. The integrated trading function in wallets offers enormous advantages: cryptocurrencies can be bought in the same place where they are to be stored. The manual transfer of cryptocurrencies from an exchange to your own wallet is therefore no longer necessary, which can save time and money. | Yes |
| Yes | StakingInterest can be earned through "staking" by "freezing" a certain number of cryptocurrencies for a defined period of time. The interest is generated from the consensus algorithm (e.g. "proof of stake"), which is used to validate and secure the network. | Yes |
| NFTsSupport for managing and sending non-fungible tokens (NFTs). | Yes | |
| Cash account with the CASH stablecoin on Cash Solanaaccount…Cash account with the CASH stablecoin on Solana; Kalshi prediction markets in the US; Sign-in with a Google or Apple account | Special features | Access to Web3 apps; Browser Access to Web3 extensionappsAccess to Web3 apps; Browser extension; Connection to hardware wallets |
| US availability | ||
| Yes | Open to US users | Yes |
| Company | ||
| Phantom Technologies, Inc.Phantom…Phantom Technologies, Inc. | Company | Metamask (Mother: ConsenSys Inc.)MetamaskMetamask (Mother: ConsenSys Inc.) |
| Headquarters | USA | |
| 2021 | Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Aaron Davis, Dan Aaron Davis, FinlayDan…Aaron Davis, Dan Finlay | |
| Company size | Small | |
| Followers on X | 1.29 million followers | |
Show all 24 rows+6 moreShow fewer
Checked November 4, 2026
Phantom 7.5, MetaMask 7.2: six criteria
Our editors set every score out of 10, the same scores as in the two reviews. The method is on How we rate.
Operation
Our pick: Phantom.
PhantomMetaMaskRead more
Phantom
In our view, Phantom asks very little of a new user: you create a wallet, fund it and buy a token in a few taps. The app shows fees and price impact before you confirm. We think the trading features sit close to your savings, so we would keep long-term coins in a separate account.
MetaMaskUsers rate MetaMask as very user-friendly. Most people report that it is integrated seamlessly into browsers. According to reviews, they find it easy to use. As some reviews suggest, there are downsides to the mobile version compared to the browser extension. occasionally, this version of MetaMask can impede use.
Functions & Scope
Level on this one.
PhantomMetaMaskRead more
Phantom
Phantom supports 9 networks. It offers swaps, cross-chain swaps through bridge providers, a Cash account, a prepaid debit card in the US outside New York, perpetual futures outside the US and SOL staking from 1 SOL. In our view the range is broad for a wallet.
MetaMaskMetaMask is celebrated for its Ethereum browser and DApp compatibility, but users hope for added capabilities, especially for managing accounts and tracing transactions.
Supported Assets
Our pick: MetaMask.
PhantomMetaMaskRead more
Phantom
Phantom charges 0.85% on most swaps. Sending costs only the network fee, which Phantom says it does not receive. Adding money to the Cash account costs 1.75% by debit card, 3.50% by credit card and 0.30% by direct deposit from a US bank account.
MetaMaskMetaMask allows access to the Ethereum ecosystem with the support of ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens. Moreover, MetaMask now supports the Binance Smart Chain and other EVM-compatible networks. These improvements make the wallet more flexible and user-friendly. However, some users with MetaMask want more blockchain ecosystems.
Security & Trust
Level on this one.
PhantomMetaMaskRead more
Phantom
Phantom flags malicious transactions, shows what you sign and blocks known phishing sites. Its bug bounty pays up to $50,000. Only the phishing blocklist is open source. We consider the closed wallet code a minus.
MetaMaskUsers emphasize how secure it is, due to perfect control over private keys, as MetaMask is an uncustodian wallet. Here, users may express concern about the possibility of phishing attacks and the need to be careful. When reviewed by security experts, many point out that MetaMask saves the encrypted seeds always in the same location on a computer, some experts would like to see a more sophisticated mechanism of saving the encrypted keyfile.
Beginner friendliness
Our pick: Phantom.
PhantomMetaMaskRead more
Phantom
We think Phantom is one of the easier wallets to start with. You can sign in with a Google or Apple account, but Phantom says it cannot recover your credentials. We would export the recovery phrase on day one and store it offline.
MetaMaskWhile some users see MetaMask as a great place to start using apps and things like that that are based on Ethereum, others find that it's not for beginners since it is so different to what they where using had become familiar with prior to starting to work with Ethereum resources.
Support
Our pick: Phantom.
PhantomMetaMaskRead more
Phantom
Phantom offers a chatbot and support tickets around the clock, with replies by email, and says it has no support phone number or public email address. We would treat anyone who calls you as Phantom support as a scammer.
MetaMaskMetaMask support opinions can be just so-so. Some people say they give good service quickly when it's needed, while others complain it takes too long to get an email back and the problem doesn't get solved.
What we like and what we don't
From our two reviews, side by side.
Phantom
What we like
- Self-custody: you keep control of your private keys
- 9 networks, led by Solana and Ethereum
- Scam detection and a preview of what you sign
- Works with a Ledger
- Bug bounty of up to $50,000
What we don't
- 0.85% fee on most swaps
- Wallet code is not open source
- Perps, World prediction markets and tokenized stocks are not offered in the US
- Trading features sit close to your savings
MetaMask
What we like
- Popular interface for Web3 applications
- Compatible with hardware wallets
- Ability to purchase cryptocurrencies within the app
What we don't
- Slightly complicated for beginners
- User interface could be more intuitive
- Does not support Bitcoin storage
- Only supports EVM blockchains
- Some tokens need to be added manually
What readers say
Reviews from our readers on each review page. We publish them after a check for spam.
Phantom vs MetaMask: Solana or Ethereum, Swap Fees, Hardware Wallets and Extras
Phantom and MetaMask are free self-custody wallets with a phone app and a browser extension, and neither company can recover your funds for you. Phantom started on Solana and keeps a short list of networks behind a polished app. MetaMask grew out of Ethereum, reaches hundreds of networks and pairs with far more hardware wallets. In our view, Phantom is the easier pick for Solana users and newcomers, while MetaMask suits readers who live in Ethereum apps or sign with a hardware wallet. We rate Phantom slightly higher overall and MetaMask much higher for fees and costs.
Networks and platforms
Phantom is compatible with 9 networks, including Solana, Ethereum, Bitcoin, Base, Polygon, BNB Chain, HyperEVM, Robinhood Chain, and Arc. It does not accommodate Arbitrum, Optimism, or Avalanche. Users can access its extension in Chrome, Brave, and Edge, and it also offers apps for iOS and Android.
MetaMask says it supports 700+ networks. It focuses on Ethereum and other EVM chains, while Bitcoin and Solana operate natively. Additional networks are accessible through Snaps, which are typically not developed by MetaMask. Its extension is available on Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, and Opera.
Backup and keys
Both wallets provide a Secret Recovery Phrase, with an option to log in using a Google or Apple account. MetaMask also accepts Telegram for login and distributes the phrase as encrypted shards across five servers. Access requires that account along with your MetaMask password. Phantom features a PIN code, erasing the encrypted backup on the device after seven incorrect PIN attempts.
Swap fees and costs
Phantom imposes 0.85% fees on most swaps, automatically choosing the most cost-effective route across bridges like LI.FI, Relay, and deBridge. MetaMask applies a standard 0.875% fee on swaps and bridging, which is included in the quote. In both wallets, sending transactions only incur the network fee. Phantom's cash account charges 1.75% for debit card funding and 3.50% for credit card funding. We rate MetaMask much higher for fees and costs.
Extras beyond the wallet
MetaMask provides access to perpetual futures on 270+ assets with up to 50x leverage through Hyperliquid, along with staking and Transaction Shield, a subscription service costing $9.99 per month covering up to $10,000 monthly in eligible transactions via the extension.
Phantom offers native SOL staking from 1 SOL in the extension plus liquid staking, a cash account in a USD stablecoin, a virtual Visa debit card in the US except New York, and prediction markets through Kalshi in the US, except Michigan, Nevada and Washington. Its perps are not available in the US or the UK. We rate the two the same for range of functions.
Security and code
Phantom works only with Ledger as a hardware wallet. MetaMask's extension connects to Ledger, Trezor and Lattice directly and to QR-code wallets such as Keystone, NGRAVE ZERO and OneKey. Phantom shows a preview of each transaction, flags known scams and keeps an open-source blocklist against phishing; its bug bounty pays up to $50,000. Its wallet code is not open source. MetaMask's code is public on GitHub, but ConsenSys owns it and licenses it only for non-commercial use. We rate the two the same for security and trust.
Ease of use and support
Phantom's narrow network list keeps the app tidy, while MetaMask asks newcomers to handle networks and accounts themselves. We rate Phantom much higher for operation and for beginner friendliness.
Neither offers a phone line. Phantom runs a chatbot and tickets with answers by email; MetaMask has help articles, a community forum and a live chat that starts with its Fin bot. We rate Phantom slightly higher for support.
Our verdict by criterion
In our view, Phantom is the better wallet for Solana and for people new to self-custody, and we rate it slightly higher overall. MetaMask, in our view, remains the pick for Ethereum apps, many networks and hardware wallet users.
- Operation: Phantom, which we rate much higher
- Range of functions: rated the same
- Fees and costs: MetaMask, which we rate much higher
- Security and trust: rated the same
- Beginner friendliness: Phantom, which we rate much higher
- Support: Phantom, which we rate slightly higher
Which one fits you
- If you mostly hold SOL and Solana tokens: Phantom.
- If you use Arbitrum, Optimism, or other EVM networks: MetaMask.
- If you sign with a Trezor or QR-code hardware wallet: MetaMask.
- If you want a dollar balance and a debit card in the same wallet: Phantom.
Our Phantom review and MetaMask review cover each wallet in full. Related pages include Trust Wallet vs MetaMask, Exodus vs MetaMask, Trezor Model T vs Ledger Nano X for hardware wallets and our wallet overview.
Questions about Phantom and MetaMask
Is Phantom better than MetaMask?
We think so for Solana users and beginners, and we rate Phantom slightly higher overall. In our view, MetaMask is the better fit if you use many EVM networks or a hardware wallet other than Ledger.
Does MetaMask support Solana?
Yes, MetaMask natively supports Bitcoin and Solana alongside Ethereum and other EVM networks.
Which wallet has lower swap fees?
Phantom indicates 0.85% fees on most swaps, compared to MetaMask's 0.875%. Both charge only the network fee for sending transactions.
Wallets to compare with both
Open to US users first, then by our score. Scores from our data.
Read the reviews
Phantom and MetaMask in fullOther pairs to compare
With Phantom or MetaMask
Compare another pair
Pick any twoWho wrote this comparison
Sources, how we rate and our process
Sources
- consensys.io, for MetaMask founders, checked October 1, 2026
- exchangeflow.co/wallets/review/metamask, for MetaMask wallet type, MetaMask best suited for, MetaMask open source code, MetaMask security key (FIDO U2F), MetaMask who holds the keys, MetaMask backup, MetaMask two-factor authentication, MetaMask multisig, MetaMask anonymity, MetaMask iPhone app, MetaMask Android app, MetaMask desktop app, MetaMask coins and tokens, MetaMask buy and sell, MetaMask staking, MetaMask nFTs, MetaMask special features, MetaMask open to US users, MetaMask company, MetaMask headquarters, MetaMask founded, MetaMask company size, MetaMask followers on X and MetaMask our scores, checked August 6, 2024
- exchangeflow.co/wallets/review/phantom, for Phantom backup and Phantom our scores, checked November 4, 2026
- help.phantom.com, for Phantom buy and sell, Phantom staking, Phantom special features and Phantom open to US users, checked November 4, 2026
- phantom.com, for Phantom wallet type, Phantom open source code, Phantom who holds the keys, Phantom iPhone app, Phantom Android app, Phantom desktop app, Phantom company and Phantom founded, checked November 4, 2026
How we rate
We score every wallet from 1 to 10 on six criteria: operation, functions and scope, supported assets, security and trust, beginner friendliness and support. Our editors set each score; this page uses the same scores as the two reviews. How we rate
Our process
We take fees, availability, licenses and coin counts from primary sources: Phantom and MetaMask's own fee schedules, terms and help pages, and the public registers kept by regulators. Every value carries the date we last checked it. The values on this page were checked between August 6, 2024 and November 4, 2026.