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Software · head to head

Compound vs MetaMask

Compound logo

Compound

Software

Autonomous interest rate protocol

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MetaMask logo

MetaMask

Software

The crypto wallet for DeFi, Web3 dApps and NFTs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Compound compound is a decentralized, non-custodial protocol governed by COMP token holders rather than a company; interest rates on supplied and borrowed assets are set algorithmically by pool utilization rather than published as a price list, so there is no vendor pricing page to compare against; MetaMask metaMask's source code is publicly viewable on GitHub but is covered by a proprietary ConsenSys license that prohibits redistribution, modification, merging, or reverse engineering; it is not open source
  • They diverge on capability: Compound covers Lending, MetaMask covers Wallet Management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Compound and MetaMask actually diverge.

Attributes where Compound and MetaMask differ
AttributeCompoundMetaMask
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsEthereumWeb, Ios, Android, Chrome, Firefox
Founded20172016

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Compound

  • Lending
  • Borrowing
  • cTokens
  • Governance
  • COMP Token

Only in MetaMask

  • Wallet Management
  • Token Swaps
  • Bridge
  • dApp Browser
  • Portfolio View
  • EVM chains
  • Hardware wallets
  • Ios support

Both cover

  • Ethereum
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Compound

  • Decentralised finance (DeFi) lending and borrowing protocol on Ethereumnot MetaMask
  • Cryptocurrency collateral management for USDC borrowingnot MetaMask
  • Interest earning through crypto asset supplynot MetaMask
  • Algorithmic interest rate determination based on supply and demandnot MetaMask

MetaMask

  • Walletsnot Compound
  • Web3not Compound
  • Browser Extensionnot Compound

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Compound

  • Compound is a decentralized, non-custodial protocol governed by COMP token holders rather than a company; interest rates on supplied and borrowed assets are set algorithmically by pool utilization rather than published as a price list, so there is no vendor pricing page to compare against

MetaMask

  • MetaMask's source code is publicly viewable on GitHub but is covered by a proprietary ConsenSys license that prohibits redistribution, modification, merging, or reverse engineering; it is not open source

Pricing, plan by plan

Compound

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Compound review.

MetaMask

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Wallet
    • Swaps
    • Bridge

Which should you pick?

Choose Compound if

  • You need lending.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ethereum.
  • You also want borrowing.
Compound review

Choose MetaMask if

  • You need wallet management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
  • You also want token swaps.
MetaMask review

Questions people ask

Is Compound or MetaMask better?
Neither clearly leads. Compound starts at Free and MetaMask at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Compound or MetaMask?
Compound starts at Free and MetaMask at Free.
Does Compound or MetaMask run on more platforms?
Compound runs on Ethereum. MetaMask runs on Web, Ios, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
Can I use Compound for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Compound best used for?
Compound is most often used for decentralised finance (defi) lending and borrowing protocol on ethereum, cryptocurrency collateral management for usdc borrowing, interest earning through crypto asset supply, algorithmic interest rate determination based on supply and demand. Of those, decentralised finance (defi) lending and borrowing protocol on ethereum and cryptocurrency collateral management for usdc borrowing are not what MetaMask is typically brought in for.
What can Compound do that MetaMask cannot?
Compound covers Lending, Borrowing, cTokens, Governance. MetaMask covers Wallet Management, Token Swaps, Bridge, dApp Browser. Both handle Ethereum, Web support.
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