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Crypto · head to head

MetaMask vs Polygonscan

MetaMask logo

MetaMask

Crypto

The crypto wallet for DeFi, Web3 dApps and NFTs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Polygonscan logo

Polygonscan

Crypto

Polygon PoS chain explorer

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; Polygonscan the PolygonScan API page now redirects to Etherscan's unified multichain API pricing, so Polygon data is bought under Etherscan plans rather than a PolygonScan-specific one
  • They diverge on capability: MetaMask covers Wallet Management, Polygonscan covers Block Explorer.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MetaMask and Polygonscan actually diverge.

Attributes where MetaMask and Polygonscan differ
AttributeMetaMaskPolygonscan
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Chrome, FirefoxWeb, Api
Founded20162021

Identical on both: starting price (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
  • Token Swaps
  • Bridge
  • dApp Browser
  • Portfolio View
  • Ethereum
  • EVM chains
  • Hardware wallets

Only in Polygonscan

  • Block Explorer
  • Transaction Tracking
  • Token Tracker
  • Contract Verification
  • Bridge Monitor
  • Polygon PoS
  • ERC-20 tokens
  • Api support

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

MetaMask

  • Walletsnot Polygonscan
  • Web3not Polygonscan
  • Browser Extensionnot Polygonscan

Polygonscan

  • Exploring Polygon transactions, addresses and token transfersnot MetaMask
  • Verifying and reading Polygon smart contract source codenot MetaMask
  • Querying Polygon on-chain data through the explorer APInot 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

Polygonscan

  • The PolygonScan API page now redirects to Etherscan's unified multichain API pricing, so Polygon data is bought under Etherscan plans rather than a PolygonScan-specific one
  • The free API plan is capped at 3 calls per second and 100,000 calls per day and requires attribution
  • API Pro endpoints start at the Standard plan at $199 per month
  • Rate limits top out at 30 calls per second even on the $899 per month Pro Plus plan
  • Metadata CSV export and dedicated support require Metadata Enterprise, which is quoted by contact with no published price

Pricing, plan by plan

MetaMask

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Wallet
    • Swaps
    • Bridge

Polygonscan

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Block explorer
    • 5 API calls/sec
    • Token tracker
  • Pro$199/month
    • Higher rate limits
    • Advanced APIs

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 token swaps.
MetaMask review

Choose Polygonscan if

  • You need block explorer.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want transaction tracking.
Polygonscan review

Questions people ask

Is MetaMask or Polygonscan better?
Neither clearly leads. MetaMask starts at Free and Polygonscan at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MetaMask or Polygonscan?
MetaMask starts at Free and Polygonscan at Free.
Does MetaMask or Polygonscan run on more platforms?
MetaMask runs on Web, Ios, Android, Chrome, Firefox. Polygonscan runs on Web, Api.
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 Polygonscan is typically brought in for.
What can MetaMask do that Polygonscan cannot?
MetaMask covers Wallet Management, Token Swaps, Bridge, dApp Browser. Polygonscan covers Block Explorer, Transaction Tracking, Token Tracker, Contract Verification. Both handle Web 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
Polygonscan: Does Polygonscan have a free API tier?

Yes. Polygonscan redirects to Etherscan's API pricing, which offers a free tier with 3 calls/second limit and up to 100,000 API calls/day on selected chains. Attribution is required for the free tier.

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
Polygonscan: What are the paid API tiers and their costs?

Etherscan offers six paid tiers: Lite ($49/month), Standard ($199), Advanced ($299), Professional ($399), Pro Plus ($899), and Dedicated (custom). All tiers offer discounts for quarterly (10%) or annual (15%) billing.

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
Polygonscan: What request limits apply to each tier?

Lite allows 5 calls/second and 100,000 daily calls. Standard provides 10 calls/second and 200,000 daily calls. Advanced offers 20 calls/second and 500,000 daily calls. Professional allows 30 calls/second and 1,000,000 daily calls. Pro Plus supports 30 calls/second and 1,500,000 daily calls. Dedicated offers unmetered calls.

Source
MetaMask: Is MetaMask Money available globally?

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

Source
Polygonscan: Are subscriptions auto-renewed and can I get a refund?

Stripe billing auto-renews by default unless canceled before the renewal date. Payments are non-refundable and the provider does not issue refunds or credits.

Source
Polygonscan: Is there a minimum contract or can I cancel anytime?

No minimum contract is stated. Users can cancel anytime before renewal, though payments already made are non-refundable.

Source
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