MetaMask vs Trust Wallet

MetaMask vs Trust Wallet is one of the most searched wallet matchups: both are free, non-custodial and hugely popular, but they aim at different users. This MetaMask vs Trust Wallet review compares chains, features, fees and security to help you decide whether to use MetaMask or Trust Wallet.

MetaMask vs Trust Wallet at a glance

Key differences

• Chains: MetaMask is EVM-only; Trust Wallet is multichain, covering Bitcoin, Solana and dozens of networks out of the box.
• Platform: Trust Wallet is mobile-first; MetaMask is strongest as a desktop browser extension.
• Staking: Trust Wallet stakes many coins in-app; MetaMask stakes through third-party dApps.
• Hardware: MetaMask supports Ledger and Trezor; Trust Wallet supports Ledger.
• Ecosystem: MetaMask has the deepest EVM dApp support; Trust Wallet is backed by Binance.

Chains and reach

Trust Wallet is multichain and mobile-first, supporting a very wide range of networks including Bitcoin, Solana and dozens of EVM chains out of the box, which makes it a natural one-app-for-everything wallet on a phone. MetaMask is EVM-first, built around Ethereum and its layer-2s such as Polygon and Base, with the deepest dApp compatibility on those networks. If you hold assets across many chains, Trust Wallet reaches more of them; if you live in Ethereum DeFi, MetaMask connects to almost everything there. Our MetaMask review and Trust Wallet review detail the supported chains.

Platforms, browser extension and dApps

Platform is a real dividing line. MetaMask is strongest as a desktop browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Brave, and it is the default wallet for most Ethereum and EVM Web3 dApps and NFT marketplaces, with more than two-thirds of Ethereum dApps optimized for it. Trust Wallet is mobile-first, with a built-in dApp browser on mobile, and it added a browser extension in 2023 to catch up on desktop. If your Web3 activity is desktop-heavy, MetaMask's extension is the smoother path; if you live on your phone, Trust Wallet's mobile app and dApp browser feel more natural.

NFTs, staking and multichain reach

Both wallets go beyond storage. Trust Wallet leads with a polished mobile app, an NFT gallery across chains, native in-app staking for many proof-of-stake coins such as BNB, and support for over 100 blockchains and networks out of the box, and it is owned by Binance, which shapes its onramp and token coverage. MetaMask shows NFTs in a more basic view but lets developers mint in-app, stakes Ethereum through integrations like Lido and Rocket Pool, and reaches EVM networks plus Bitcoin and Solana via Snaps. Both run in-app swaps and add a fee on top of network gas, so compare the quote before trading. Token auto-detection and phishing warnings are built into both.

Security, custody and hardware

Both are self-custodial, non-custodial wallets, so your seed phrase and keys stay on your device and neither company can touch your funds. For larger balances, MetaMask connects to Ledger and Trezor hardware wallets while Trust Wallet supports Ledger, so either can pair with cold storage. The real risk with either is phishing and malicious approvals, not a flaw in the app, so only install from official links and revoke stale approvals. For serious holdings, see our best crypto wallets and best cold storage guides.

MetaMask or Trust Wallet: which should you buy?

For a MetaMask or Trust Wallet decision, choose Trust Wallet for a mobile-first, multichain wallet that handles Bitcoin, Solana and EVM chains with in-app staking, and MetaMask for the deepest Ethereum and EVM DeFi support, especially on desktop. Many users run both.

Choose the MetaMask if you:

• Are an Ethereum or EVM DeFi user who wants maximum dApp support
• Work mainly on desktop with a browser extension
• Want open-source software and Trezor support

Choose the Trust Wallet if you:

• Want a mobile-first wallet spanning Bitcoin, Solana and EVM chains
• Want in-app staking for many coins
• Prefer a single app for a wide range of networks

Want the detail behind the scores? Read our full MetaMask review and Trust Wallet review. You may also want to compare MetaMask vs Phantom, Exodus vs MetaMask, the best crypto wallets.