In this comparison
Overview
MetaMask and Phantom are the two most popular browser extension wallets in AI. MetaMask launched in 2016 as the gateway to Ethereum and its ecosystem. Phantom launched in 2021 as the go-to wallet for Solana. Both have since expanded to support multiple chains, but their roots shape the experience.
MetaMask is the veteran. With over 30 million monthly active users, it's the default wallet for interacting with Ethereum dApps, DeFi protocols, and NFT marketplaces. Almost every Ethereum-based project is designed to work with MetaMask first.
Phantom is the newcomer that won users over with a sleek interface, built-in features, and a "just works" philosophy. It started on Solana but has added Ethereum, Polygon, and Bitcoin support, making it a genuine multi-chain wallet. Both are free, non-custodial, and available as browser extensions and mobile apps.
MetaMask vs Phantom: Side-by-Side
| Category | MetaMask | Phantom |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2016 | 2021 |
| Primary Chain | Ethereum + EVMs | Solana (+ Ethereum, Polygon, Bitcoin) |
| Monthly Active Users | 30M+ | 7M+ |
| Built-in Swap | Yes (MetaMask Swaps) | Yes (native swap) |
| Built-in Staking | No (use external apps) | Yes (SOL staking built in) |
| NFT Gallery | Basic | Rich gallery with collections |
| Hardware Wallet Support | Ledger, Trezor, Lattice | Ledger |
| Open Source | Yes | No (closed source) |
| Token Auto-detection | Manual or import needed | Automatic |
| Spam Protection | Limited | Built-in spam NFT burning |
User Experience
Phantom's UX is noticeably more polished. Token balances, NFT galleries, transaction history, and swap functionality are all integrated smoothly. It auto-detects new tokens, shows dollar values, and makes common actions intuitive. Setting up takes about 60 seconds.
MetaMask feels more utilitarian. The interface has improved over the years but still requires more manual setup. You often need to add tokens manually, import network configurations, and navigate more screens to complete actions. It's functional but not beautiful.
For someone brand new to AI, Phantom's onboarding is smoother. For an experienced Ethereum user who has used MetaMask for years, switching has a learning curve but most people find Phantom's UX refreshing.
Chain Support
MetaMask supports Ethereum and any EVM-compatible network. That includes Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, BSC, Avalanche C-Chain, and hundreds more. You can add any EVM chain by entering the RPC details. This makes MetaMask the most versatile wallet for EVM users.
Phantom supports Solana, Ethereum, Polygon, and Bitcoin. It's more limited in total chain support but covers the networks most people actually use. Adding new chains isn't as simple as entering RPC details since Phantom only supports chains they've explicitly integrated.
If you primarily use Ethereum and its L2s, MetaMask gives you the most flexibility. If you use Solana plus Ethereum, Phantom handles both elegantly. If you need obscure EVM chains, MetaMask is the only option.
Security
Both wallets are non-custodial, meaning you control your private keys. Your seed phrase is stored locally on your device, encrypted by your password. Neither MetaMask nor Phantom can access your funds.
MetaMask is open source, which means anyone can audit the code. Security researchers regularly review it. This transparency is a significant advantage for security-conscious users. It also supports more hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor, and Lattice).
Phantom is closed source. You're trusting that their code is secure without being able to verify it yourself. They undergo security audits, but the code isn't publicly reviewable. On the plus side, Phantom has built-in spam protection that warns about suspicious transactions and lets you burn spam NFTs.
For maximum security, both wallets should be used with a hardware wallet like Ledger. MetaMask has broader hardware wallet support, but Phantom's Ledger integration works well for its supported chains.
Built-in Features
Phantom comes with more features out of the box. Native token swaps work seamlessly on Solana and Ethereum. SOL staking is built right in. The NFT gallery organizes collections beautifully. You can even burn spam NFTs to reclaim rent (a Solana-specific feature).
MetaMask has built-in swaps powered by DEX aggregators, but staking, detailed NFT viewing, and other features require external dApps. MetaMask Portfolio (a separate web app) adds some of these features, but they're not integrated into the extension itself.
MetaMask does have Snaps, a plugin system that lets developers extend functionality. This could give MetaMask an edge long-term as the ecosystem develops. But today, Phantom ships more useful features natively.
Fees
Both wallets are free to download and use. You only pay blockchain network fees (gas) when transacting.
MetaMask Swaps charges a service fee of 0.875% on top of the best available DEX price. This is how MetaMask (ConsenSys) makes money. You can avoid this fee by going directly to a DEX like Uniswap, but the convenience comes at a cost.
Phantom's built-in swap also charges a fee, typically 0.85% on Solana swaps. Similar to MetaMask, you can avoid this by using a DEX directly. The fees are comparable between the two wallets.
For regular token transfers and dApp interactions, there are no wallet fees. You just pay the underlying network gas fee, which is determined by the blockchain, not the wallet.
Developer and dApp Ecosystem
MetaMask is the industry standard for Ethereum dApps. If you build on Ethereum, you support MetaMask. Practically every DeFi protocol, NFT marketplace, and dApp has a "Connect MetaMask" button. This ubiquity is MetaMask's biggest advantage.
Phantom is the standard wallet for Solana. Major Solana dApps like Jupiter, Raydium, Magic Eden, and Marinade all support Phantom natively. As Phantom added Ethereum support, many Ethereum dApps now recognize it too, though MetaMask still has broader compatibility.
If you frequently use Ethereum-only dApps, MetaMask guarantees compatibility. If you split time between Solana and Ethereum, Phantom handles both without needing two wallets. The gap in dApp compatibility is narrowing as more projects support both wallets.
The Verdict
If you live in the Ethereum ecosystem and need maximum chain flexibility, MetaMask is the safe choice. It's open source, works with everything, and supports the most hardware wallets. If you value user experience, use Solana, and want a wallet that "just works" across your main chains, Phantom is hard to beat. For users who operate on both Solana and Ethereum, Phantom's multi-chain support in a single wallet is genuinely convenient. Both are solid choices. The best wallet is the one that supports your chains and feels right when you use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MetaMask or Phantom more secure?
Both are non-custodial wallets where you control your keys. MetaMask has the advantage of being open source, so its code can be publicly audited. Phantom is closed source but undergoes professional security audits. For maximum security with either wallet, pair it with a hardware wallet like Ledger.
Can Phantom replace MetaMask?
For many users, yes. Phantom now supports Ethereum and Polygon in addition to Solana and Bitcoin. If your dApps work with Phantom, you may not need MetaMask. However, MetaMask supports more EVM chains and has broader dApp compatibility, so power users on obscure networks may still need it.
Do MetaMask and Phantom charge fees?
Both wallets are free to use. You pay blockchain gas fees for transactions regardless of which wallet you use. Both charge a small fee (around 0.85-0.875%) on their built-in swap features. You can avoid swap fees by using a DEX directly through the wallet.