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Crypto · head to head

MetaMask vs Phantom

MetaMask logo

MetaMask

Crypto

The crypto wallet for DeFi, Web3 dApps and NFTs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Phantom logo

Phantom

Crypto

The friendly crypto wallet for Solana and beyond

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 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; Phantom age requirement of 18 or older to apply for debit card
  • They diverge on capability: MetaMask covers Wallet Management, Phantom covers Wallet.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MetaMask and Phantom actually diverge.

Attributes where MetaMask and Phantom differ
AttributeMetaMaskPhantom
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Chrome, FirefoxChrome, Firefox, Ios, Android
Founded20162021

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

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 MetaMask

  • Wallet Management
  • Bridge
  • Portfolio View
  • EVM chains
  • Hardware wallets
  • Web support

Only in Phantom

  • Wallet
  • NFT Gallery
  • Staking
  • Solana
  • Polygon

Both cover

  • Token Swaps
  • dApp Browser
  • Ethereum
  • Ios support
  • Android support
  • Chrome support
  • Firefox support

What people use each for

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

MetaMask

  • Walletsnot Phantom
  • Web3not Phantom
  • Browser Extensionnot Phantom

Phantom

  • Cryptocurrency trading including spot and perpetual futuresnot MetaMask
  • Prediction markets for trading on cultural and global eventsnot MetaMask
  • Quick money movement between accounts and payment card usagenot MetaMask
  • Advanced terminal access for power tradersnot MetaMask

Where each one falls short

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

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

Phantom

  • Age requirement of 18 or older to apply for debit card
  • Visa debit card fees may apply but specific amounts not disclosed
  • Debit card limited to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Visa acceptance
  • Platform operates as fintech, not a bank, with limited banking protections
  • No disclosed transaction limits or commission rates for trading features
  • Technical specifications and supported blockchains lack documentation

Pricing, plan by plan

MetaMask

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Wallet
    • Swaps
    • Bridge

Phantom

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Multi-chain wallet
    • NFT gallery
    • Swaps

Which should you pick?

Choose MetaMask if

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

Choose Phantom if

  • You need wallet.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Chrome, Firefox, Ios, Android.
  • You also want nft gallery.
Phantom review

Questions people ask

Is MetaMask or Phantom better?
Neither clearly leads. MetaMask starts at Free and Phantom at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MetaMask or Phantom?
MetaMask starts at Free and Phantom at Free.
Does MetaMask or Phantom run on more platforms?
MetaMask runs on Web, Ios, Android, Chrome, Firefox. Phantom runs on Chrome, Firefox, Ios, Android.
Can I use MetaMask for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is MetaMask best used for?
MetaMask is most often used for wallets, web3, browser extension. Of those, wallets and web3 are not what Phantom is typically brought in for.
What can MetaMask do that Phantom cannot?
MetaMask covers Wallet Management, Bridge, Portfolio View, EVM chains. Phantom covers Wallet, NFT Gallery, Staking, Solana. Both handle Token Swaps, dApp Browser, Ethereum, Ios support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Phantom: Does Phantom have access to my cryptocurrency funds?

No. Phantom operates on a self-custodial model where you control your funds. The company explicitly states they never have access to your assets.

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
Phantom: What security features does Phantom provide?

Phantom includes scam detection that flags malicious transactions instantly, Ledger hardware wallet integration, transaction transparency so you always know what you're signing, and an open-source blocklist to prevent phishing attacks.

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
Phantom: Does Phantom track my personal information?

No. Phantom prioritizes privacy and states they never track any personally identifiable information or asset balances.

Source
MetaMask: Is MetaMask Money available globally?

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

Source
Phantom: What security vulnerabilities qualify for Phantom's bug bounty program?

Phantom offers bug bounty rewards up to $50,000 for discovering vulnerabilities that could result in user fund loss.

Source
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