In this comparison
Overview
Phantom and MetaMask are the two wallets most AI users have installed. They take different approaches to the same goal: giving you a secure, non-custodial way to interact with blockchains.
MetaMask is the veteran. Launched in 2016 by ConsenSys, it became the default gateway to Ethereum. Every dApp in the EVM ecosystem supports MetaMask. Over 30 million monthly users rely on it. It is open source, widely audited, and works with the broadest range of hardware wallets.
Phantom is the newcomer that people actually enjoy using. It launched on Solana in 2021 and won users over with a gorgeous interface, auto-token detection, spam filtering, and built-in features that MetaMask requires external dApps for. Phantom has since added Ethereum, Polygon, Base, and Bitcoin support.
The choice comes down to ecosystem and experience. Phantom feels modern and handles multi-chain elegantly. MetaMask gives you maximum EVM flexibility and open-source transparency.
Phantom vs MetaMask: Side-by-Side
| Category | Phantom | MetaMask |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2021 | 2016 |
| Primary Chains | Solana, ETH, Polygon, Base, BTC | All EVM chains |
| Monthly Users | 7M+ | 30M+ |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Built-in Swap | Yes (0.85% fee) | Yes (0.875% fee) |
| Built-in Staking | Yes (SOL) | No |
| NFT Gallery | Rich, organized | Basic |
| Token Auto-detection | Automatic | Manual/partial |
| Spam Protection | Built in (burn spam NFTs) | Limited |
| Hardware Wallet Support | Ledger | Ledger, Trezor, Lattice |
User Experience
Phantom is simply more pleasant to use day-to-day. Tokens appear automatically. Dollar values display without extra setup. The NFT gallery organizes collections cleanly. Swapping, staking, and browsing history all happen within the wallet without juggling external apps.
MetaMask is functional but utilitarian. You often need to manually add tokens, configure network RPCs for new chains, and navigate to external sites for features like staking. The MetaMask Portfolio web app adds some of these features, but they live outside the extension.
For someone installing their first AI wallet, Phantom takes about 60 seconds to set up and immediately shows all your assets. MetaMask takes more configuration to reach the same state.
Chain Support
MetaMask supports every EVM-compatible chain. Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Polygon, BSC, Avalanche, Fantom, and hundreds more. You can manually add any chain by entering RPC details. This makes MetaMask the Swiss Army knife for EVM users.
Phantom supports Solana, Ethereum, Polygon, Base, and Bitcoin. Fewer chains, but they cover what most people actually use. Each chain integration is polished and works natively. You can not add arbitrary chains like you can with MetaMask.
If you interact with niche EVM chains or testnets, MetaMask is the only option. If you split your time between Solana and Ethereum's main networks, Phantom handles both in one wallet without any configuration.
Security
MetaMask is open source. The code is on GitHub. Security researchers and the broader community can review and audit it. This transparency is a genuine security advantage. MetaMask also supports more hardware wallets: Ledger, Trezor, and Lattice.
Phantom is closed source. You trust that their internal security practices are solid without being able to verify the code yourself. They do undergo professional audits, and no major security incident has occurred. Phantom supports Ledger but not Trezor or Lattice.
Phantom compensates with better built-in safety features. Transaction previews warn you about suspicious approvals. Spam NFT filtering protects against airdrop scams. These UX-level protections prevent common attack vectors that MetaMask leaves users to navigate on their own.
For maximum verifiability, MetaMask wins. For practical day-to-day safety against common scams, Phantom's built-in warnings are more helpful for average users.
dApp Compatibility
MetaMask is the industry standard for EVM dApps. Every Ethereum protocol has a "Connect MetaMask" button. Some dApps only support MetaMask and WalletConnect, making it the safest bet for maximum compatibility.
Phantom is the standard wallet for Solana dApps. Jupiter, Raydium, Magic Eden, Marinade, and virtually every Solana protocol supports Phantom natively. As Phantom added Ethereum support, many EVM dApps now detect it too, but a few older or smaller protocols still only recognize MetaMask.
If you exclusively use Ethereum and its L2s and need guaranteed compatibility with every dApp, MetaMask is safer. If you use Solana plus Ethereum mainstream dApps, Phantom handles both without issues.
Fees
Both wallets are free to download and use. You only pay blockchain gas fees for transactions.
Phantom charges 0.85% on built-in swaps. MetaMask charges 0.875%. The difference is negligible. Both fees can be avoided entirely by going to a DEX directly through the wallet. The built-in swaps are a convenience feature, not a cost-saving one.
On Solana, Phantom's swap routes through Jupiter under the hood, so execution is competitive. MetaMask's swap aggregator works well on Ethereum and L2s. Neither wallet is trying to rip you off on swaps, but direct DEX usage will always be slightly cheaper.
Mobile Experience
Phantom's mobile app is one of the best in AI. The interface is responsive, the dApp browser is smooth, and managing multiple chains from your phone works well. SOL staking directly from the app is a nice touch.
MetaMask's mobile app has improved but still feels busier than Phantom. The dApp browser works but navigation can be clunky. Adding custom networks on mobile requires more taps. Portfolio viewing through the app is functional but not as clean.
For mobile-first users, Phantom provides a noticeably better experience. MetaMask's strength is more on the desktop browser extension side.
The Verdict
Phantom is the better wallet for most people in 2026. It covers the chains most users care about, has a superior UX, and includes features like staking and spam protection that MetaMask pushes to external apps. MetaMask remains essential for EVM power users who need every chain, maximum dApp compatibility, and open-source verifiability. If you operate primarily on Solana, Phantom is the clear pick. If you live on obscure EVM chains and value open-source code, MetaMask is still your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both Phantom and MetaMask?
Yes. Many people install both. Phantom for Solana and mainstream chains. MetaMask for niche EVM chains and dApps that only support it. They do not conflict with each other as browser extensions.
Is Phantom safe even though it is not open source?
Phantom undergoes professional security audits and has had no major security incidents. It is closed source, which means you trust their team. For users who want verifiable code, MetaMask is the safer choice. For practical daily use, Phantom has strong built-in protections.
Does Phantom work on Ethereum?
Yes. Phantom supports Ethereum, Polygon, Base, and Bitcoin in addition to Solana. You can use Phantom to interact with most major Ethereum dApps, swap tokens on Ethereum, and manage ERC-20 tokens.