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Crypto · head to head

Infura vs MetaMask

Infura logo

Infura

Crypto

Ethereum and IPFS APIs for developers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MetaMask logo

MetaMask

Crypto

The crypto wallet for DeFi, Web3 dApps and NFTs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Infura the free plan is capped at 3 million credits a day, 500 credits per second and a single API key; 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: Infura covers Ethereum APIs, MetaMask covers Wallet Management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Infura and MetaMask actually diverge.

Attributes where Infura and MetaMask differ
AttributeInfuraMetaMask
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
PlatformsApiWeb, Ios, Android, Chrome, Firefox

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Crypto), founded (2016).

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 Infura

  • Ethereum APIs
  • IPFS Gateway
  • Archive Data
  • WebSocket Support
  • Transaction Pool
  • IPFS
  • Polygon
  • Optimism

Only in MetaMask

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

Both cover

  • Ethereum

What people use each for

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

Infura

  • Hosted Ethereum and multi-chain node access across 40+ networksnot MetaMask
  • Archive data queries without running an archive nodenot MetaMask
  • Backing a production dapp with managed RPC endpointsnot MetaMask
  • Debug and trace calls for contract development on paid tiersnot MetaMask

MetaMask

  • Walletsnot Infura
  • Web3not Infura
  • Browser Extensionnot Infura

Where each one falls short

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

Infura

  • The free plan is capped at 3 million credits a day, 500 credits per second and a single API key
  • The Debug and Trace APIs are withheld from the free plan and need Developer at $50 a month
  • Support on the free tier is community forums only
  • Unlimited API keys require the Team plan at $225 a month
  • Auto-scaling and an enhanced SLA are Enterprise only

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

Infura

Free
  • CoreFree
    • 3 million daily credits
    • 500 credits/second throughput
    • 1 API key
  • Developer$50/month
    • 15 million daily credits
    • 4,000 credits/second throughput
    • 5 API keys
  • Team$225/month
    • 75 million daily credits
    • 40,000 credits/second throughput
    • unlimited API keys
  • Enterprise$null/custom
    • custom daily credits
    • custom throughput
    • unlimited API keys

MetaMask

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Wallet
    • Swaps
    • Bridge

Which should you pick?

Choose Infura if

  • You need ethereum apis.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Api.
  • You also want ipfs gateway.
Infura 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 Infura or MetaMask better?
Neither clearly leads. Infura 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, Infura or MetaMask?
Infura starts at Free and MetaMask at Free.
Does Infura or MetaMask run on more platforms?
Infura runs on Api. MetaMask runs on Web, Ios, Android, Chrome, Firefox.
Can I use Infura for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Infura best used for?
Infura is most often used for hosted ethereum and multi-chain node access across 40+ networks, archive data queries without running an archive node, backing a production dapp with managed rpc endpoints, debug and trace calls for contract development on paid tiers. Of those, hosted ethereum and multi-chain node access across 40+ networks and archive data queries without running an archive node are not what MetaMask is typically brought in for.
What can Infura do that MetaMask cannot?
Infura covers Ethereum APIs, IPFS Gateway, Archive Data, WebSocket Support. MetaMask covers Wallet Management, Token Swaps, Bridge, dApp Browser. Both handle Ethereum.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Infura: How much does Infura cost?

Infura offers a free Core plan with 3 million daily credits. Paid plans include Developer at $50/month for 15 million credits, Team at $225/month for 75 million credits, and Enterprise plans with custom pricing. Additional credits cost $200 per month for 55 million extra credits.

Source
MetaMask: What is the APY rate for MetaMask's Money account?

The Money account offers up to 6% variable APY through September 30, 2024, then up to 4% variable APY after the promotional period. Rates are variable and not guaranteed, fluctuating based on market conditions.

Source
Infura: Is there a free version of Infura?

Yes, Infura Core is completely free and includes 3 million daily credits, 500 credits/second guaranteed throughput, 1 API key, access to 40+ supported networks, Gas API, and full archive data with community forum support.

Source
MetaMask: Are there fees to open or maintain a MetaMask Money account?

No, account opening and account maintenance are free. Stablecoin to mUSD conversion happens at 1:1 parity with no conversion fees, though other conversions and additional services may have fees.

Source
Infura: Can I upgrade or downgrade Infura plans anytime?

Yes, upgrades and downgrades are available anytime. Upgrades take effect immediately while request visibility requires 24 to 30 days depending on the plan tier.

Source
MetaMask: Can I withdraw funds from MetaMask Money without penalties?

Yes, there are no withdrawal fees from MetaMask, no lockups, no notice periods, and no penalties for withdrawal. However, users are responsible for gas fees and applicable taxes.

Source
MetaMask: Is MetaMask Money available globally?

MetaMask Money is available globally except in the UK and countries on the USA sanctions list.

Source
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