Overview

MetaMask is the most widely-used crypto wallet, available as a browser extension and mobile app. It's your identity and key manager for Ethereum and all EVM-compatible chains. Connects to virtually every dApp in existence and supports hardware wallet integration for maximum security.

Pricing

Free tierCompletely free — earns from optional in-app swap fees
Paid plans0.875% fee on in-app swaps (this feature is optional)

✅ When to use

  • Connecting to any Ethereum/EVM dApp: Uniswap, Aave, OpenSea, and thousands more
  • Managing assets across multiple EVM chains from one interface
  • Pairing with a hardware wallet (Ledger/Trezor) for daily use with hardware-level security
  • When a dApp explicitly requires MetaMask — still the most compatible wallet

❌ When NOT to use

  • Primary Solana wallet — use Phantom instead, it has much better Solana support
  • Long-term cold storage of significant assets — use a hardware wallet without browser exposure
  • Complete beginners who need hand-holding — Coinbase Wallet has a friendlier onboarding flow

💡 Personal Tips

MetaMask is unavoidable in Web3 — every dApp eventually asks for it. The seed phrase is everything: back it up physically (write it on paper, store in a safe), never digitally, never in a screenshot or cloud note. Smart workflow: create separate accounts for different purposes — one for DeFi, one for NFT minting, one read-only for browsing risky sites. Connect your Ledger to MetaMask for the best of both worlds: hardware security with browser convenience. The Portfolio page at portfolio.metamask.io is surprisingly useful for tracking positions across chains.

Alternatives