MetaMask vs Trust Wallet: 2023 Comparison

metamask vs trust wallet

TL;DR

  • MetaMask and Trust Wallet are very similar. Both are non-custodial, Web3 hot wallets. You can buy, send, receive, and swap cryptos with both wallets. Both connect with dApps and allow for staking and storing NFTs. Both are available via desktop browser extension and mobile.
  • The major difference between the two relates to blockchain and crypto compatibility. MetaMask only works with EVM-compatible blockchains and cryptos. But Trust Wallet works with both EVM-compatible and non-EVM-compatible blockchains and cryptos. For example, you can store bitcoin on Trust Wallet, but not on MetaMask.
  • MetaMask is likely the best choice if you’re deep into ERC-20 coins and dApps because the wallet will give you more and better Ethereum-based integrations.
  • Trust Wallet is a better choice if you’re new to crypto because you can store all your coins in one place and due to the wallet’s clean and simple user-interface (UI).

If you’re reading this, then you’re probably trying to figure out whether MetaMask or Trust Wallet is the right crypto wallet for you. Well, you’ve come to the right place, fren.

Below is a no BS comparison between two of the most popular crypto wallets on the market. The good, the bad, and the ugly. All white meat. No fat. This is MetaMask vs Trust Wallet in 2023.

Let’s dive in.

MetaMaskTrust Wallet
Strengths– The OG Web3 wallet pioneer.
– King of Ethereum dApp integrations.
– EVM & non-EVM compatible. Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc., etc.
– Clean UI.
– Great for beginners.
Weaknesses– EVM-compatible blockchains & cryptos only. No bitcoin. *Honestly not finding any major weaknesses here folks.
Wallet Category Non-Custodial, Hot WalletNon-Custodial, Hot Wallet
PlatformsDesktop Browser Extension & Mobile (iOS & Android) Desktop Browser Extension & Mobile (iOS & Android)
Supported Blockchains / Cryptos / dApps / NFTsOnly EVM-Compatible blockchains, cryptos, dApps, NFTsEVM & non-EVM-Compatible blockchains, cryptos, dApps, NFTs
UsesBuy, Send, Receive, Swap, dApps, Stake, NFTsBuy, Sell, Send, Receive, Swap, dApps, Stake, dApps, NFTs
Security Password, Secret 12 Word Recovery PhrasePassword, PIN (mobile), Secret 12 Word Recovery Phrase
Additional FeaturesdApp browser, “Portfolio” PagedApp browser, “Discover” Tab
Fees, Fiat On & Off Ramps*See below* See below

MetaMask vs Trust Wallet: Macro Comparison

Don’t miss the forest for the trees. Here’s how MetaMask and Trust Wallet compare in macro terms.

Similarities

MetaMask and Trust Wallet are both non-custodial, Web3 hot wallets. They are non-custodial because you – as the wallet owner – take custody of your crypto, and no other party has access to your coins. They are hot wallets because they’re connected to the internet.

When it comes to use-cases, both MetaMask and Trust Wallet are effectively the same. Both allow you to buy, send, receive, and swap cryptocurrencies. Both have crypto exchanges built into their platforms. Both connect with smart-contract powered dApps across their respective, applicable blockchains (i.e. this is what makes them Web3 wallets). And finally, both allow you to stake various cryptocurrencies on the wallets themselves, and receive, send, and store NFTs.

In terms of accessibility, both wallets are available as desktop browser-extensions and as mobile apps on iOS and Android.

Differences

The most significant difference between these two wallets relates to blockchain and crypto compatibility.

MetaMask only works with EVM-compatible blockchains, cryptos, and dApps. This means MetaMask works with Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Avalanche, major Ethereum layer-2s like Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism, and other smaller EVM-compatible blockchains. You can store ETH, ERC-20 tokens, and ERC-721 tokens (NFTs) with MetaMask. But if the crypto is not an ERC-20, then MetaMask can’t take it. So no Bitcoin (BTC), Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), Litecoin (LTC), etc. or any dApps or NFTs associated with these networks.

Trust Wallet works with everything that MetaMask works with, plus a bunch of other non-EVM blockchains, cryptos, and dApps. So Bitcoin, Cardano, Solana, Litecoin and many other non-EVM blockchains, dApps, and NFTs work with Trust Wallet.

MetaMask vs Trust Wallet: Micro Comparison

Now let’s examine the leaves. Here’s your micro.

Security

Fundamentally, the security guardrails on MetaMask and Trust Wallet are the same.

If you really want to understand what makes these wallets secure – and what are your biggest security vulnerabilities (hint: it’s you) – then you need to familiarize yourself with concepts relating to crypto self-custody and secret 12 word recovery phrases.

Crypto Wallet Security Meme

So, the security backbones for both wallets are their 12 word recovery phrases and access passwords. A password is required for accessing either across any platform (desktop or mobile) with the exception to Trust Wallet’s mobile application. For that, only a 6 digit PIN is required. Both wallets have adjustable auto-lock settings, and on mobile, both can be unlocked with Face ID.

Both wallets are open source, so anyone can inspect the code for either. For additional security, both can be connected to external hardware wallets. MetaMask connects with Ledger, Trezor, AirGap Vault, Keystone, and Lattice. Trust Wallet connects with Ledger.

Ease of Access & Use

With regards to ease of access, both are a breeze. Wallet setup is essentially the same – quick and easy. You can be up and running with either wallet in less than 10 minutes.

With regards to wallet use, both functionally operate in the same manner. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Both UIs feature four main action icons: buy, receive, send, and swap.
  • Both have large tabs for switching between cryptos and NFTs, and from the wallet to “browser”.
  • Both feature drop-down menus for switching between blockchains.

The UIs are so similar, you’d think the same person designed both. But what’s really happening is both development teams are converging on the most intuitive and convenient UI for this type of product.

Regarding “browsers”, both feature in-app web browsers that allow you to search, pull-up, and connect to dApps. Very convenient.

Regarding relevant differences, on desktop, MetaMask has a new “Portfolio” UI feature that looks really nice.

MetaMask Portfolio

Essentially, your MetaMask connects to a personal portfolio web-page which expands your wallet details across a full screen. The UI is clean, orderly, and intuitive. Alternatively, Trust Wallet has a “discover” tab on the mobile app that curates trending crypto news, staking and DeFi APRs, and top dApps. This gives Trust Wallet’s mobile app a more all-in-one feeling.

Fees & Fiat On-Ramps & Off-Ramps

The super nitty gritty. Fees and fiat on and off ramps.

MetaMaskTrust Wallet
Fees0.875% additional swap fee1% additional fee when buying crypto
Fiat On-Ramps– Apple Pay
– Banxa
– Binance Connect
– Mercuryo
– MoonPay
– PayPal (ETH only)
– Sardine
– Transak
– Binance Connect
– Binance P2P
– Mercuryo
– MoonPay
– Ramp
– Simplex
– Transak
Fiat Off-RampsNone. – MoonPay
– Ramp

Regarding fees, understand that both wallets are free to download and use. Generally, the only fees you’ll incur are the normal blockchain transaction fees when moving crypto in or out of your wallet. Side note: know that you can adjust the transaction priority with both wallets (high priority = higher fee; low priority = lower fee).

When using the built-in exchange, MetaMask does charge an additional 0.875% swap fee. And when purchasing crypto, Trust Wallet charges an additional 1% fee. But this fee can be avoided by holding a minimum of 100 Trust Wallet tokens (TWT).

Now, most people use these wallets as crypto-in and crypto-out. But it’s always nice to have a few fiat on and off ramps, especially if you’re new to crypto. Note that all options listed above are through third party payment providers.

Aesthetic Experience

After looking at the mobile apps and desktop browser extensions for both wallets, I think Trust Wallet has a cleaner, more modern, and simpler UI.

MetaMask vs Trust Wallet User-Interfaces

Trust Wallet just does a better job cutting the out the extraneous detail and focusing on the main features in a way that’s easy on the eyes.

Development History

This one’s for the history geeks.

MetaMask was created in 2016 by the software company ConsenSys. MetaMask started out only as a desktop browser extension, and then expanded to a mobile app in late 2020.

Trust Wallet did the reverse. A guy named Viktor Radchenko developed Trust Wallet in 2017 as a mobile app. Binance acquired the product in 2018 and made it the exchange’s official Web3 wallet. Trust Wallet’s desktop browser extension was then launched in late 2022.

Which it Choose & Final Thoughts

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either wallet. Both are fantastic products and very similar in design and use-case.

If you’re brand new to crypto, then I do recommend Trust Wallet. The main reason is because you’ll be able to store bitcoin and most other non-EVM-compatible coins along with your ETH and other ERC-20 coins. There can be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to crypto, so keeping everything under one roof when you’re starting out keeps things simple.

If you’re super into Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens, and Ethereum’s huge dApp universe, then I’d probably recommend MetaMask. Trust Wallet can hang in this department, but there’s more Ethereum-based optionality and integrations with MetaMask at the end of the day.

Now, stop overanalyzing everything and dive in. That’s the fastest way to learn.

MetaMask vs Trust Wallet: 2023 Comparison - - 2024

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MetaMask vs Trust Wallet: 2023 Comparison - - 2024
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