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Crypto · head to head

MetaMask vs Rainbow

MetaMask logo

MetaMask

Crypto

The crypto wallet for DeFi, Web3 dApps and NFTs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Rainbow logo

Rainbow

Crypto

The fun, simple, and secure Ethereum wallet

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; Rainbow free instant deposits and fee auto-compounding are gated behind the paid Rainbow Black tier; the vendor's own site states "Upgrade to Rainbow Black for free instant deposits, bigger rewards, and up to 100% of your trading fees auto-compounded", implying standard accounts pay deposit and trading fees
  • They diverge on capability: MetaMask covers Wallet Management, Rainbow covers Ethereum Wallet.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MetaMask and Rainbow actually diverge.

Attributes where MetaMask and Rainbow differ
AttributeMetaMaskRainbow
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, Chrome, FirefoxIos, Android, Chrome
Founded20162019

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

Only in Rainbow

  • Ethereum Wallet
  • NFT Gallery
  • ENS Integration
  • Layer 2 Support
  • Swaps
  • Optimism
  • Arbitrum
  • Base

Both cover

  • Ethereum
  • Ios support
  • Android support
  • Chrome support

What people use each for

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

MetaMask

  • Wallets
  • Web3not Rainbow
  • Browser Extensionnot Rainbow

Rainbow

  • Wallets
  • Ethereumnot MetaMask
  • Mobilenot MetaMask

Both are used for wallets, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

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

Rainbow

  • Free instant deposits and fee auto-compounding are gated behind the paid Rainbow Black tier; the vendor's own site states "Upgrade to Rainbow Black for free instant deposits, bigger rewards, and up to 100% of your trading fees auto-compounded", implying standard accounts pay deposit and trading fees

Pricing, plan by plan

MetaMask

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Wallet
    • Swaps
    • Bridge

Rainbow

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Ethereum wallet
    • NFTs
    • ENS

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 Rainbow if

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

Questions people ask

Is MetaMask or Rainbow better?
Neither clearly leads. MetaMask starts at Free and Rainbow at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MetaMask or Rainbow?
MetaMask starts at Free and Rainbow at Free.
Does MetaMask or Rainbow run on more platforms?
MetaMask runs on Web, Ios, Android, Chrome, Firefox. Rainbow runs on Ios, Android, Chrome.
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, web3 and browser extension are not what Rainbow is typically brought in for.
What can MetaMask do that Rainbow cannot?
MetaMask covers Wallet Management, Token Swaps, Bridge, dApp Browser. Rainbow covers Ethereum Wallet, NFT Gallery, ENS Integration, Layer 2 Support. Both handle Ethereum, Ios support, Android support, Chrome 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
Rainbow: Is there a premium tier available on Rainbow wallet?

Yes, Rainbow Black is a premium upgrade that offers free instant deposits, bigger rewards, and up to 100% of your trading fees auto-compounded. The specific cost of Rainbow Black is not disclosed on the homepage.

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
Rainbow: Does Rainbow offer a rewards program?

Yes, every trade on Rainbow earns RNBW tokens as rewards. However, the homepage does not specify conversion rates or redemption value for the RNBW token.

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
Rainbow: What is the cost of using the base Rainbow wallet?

The Rainbow wallet app appears to be free to use, with a premium Rainbow Black tier available for additional features. Specific pricing for Rainbow Black is not published on the homepage.

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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