MetaMask vs. Phantom: Entry-level non-custodial wallets
Sep 23, 2025・7 min read
Digital wallets can certainly hold your cryptocurrencies like any other wallet, but they have many other applications. They also let you send and receive tokens, hold onto non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and design with decentralized apps (dApps). Digital wallets with linked platforms are also easy entry points into Web3, where you can test out decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms.
MetaMask and Phantom are two of the most popular digital wallets right now. MetaMask has been around since 2016 and built its reputation as the go-to wallet for Ethereum (ETH). Phantom came a bit later in 2021 with Solana (SOL), but it has quickly expanded into multiple blockchains with a focus on NFTs. But both offer excellent user experiences, giving users control over their wallets with plenty of safety nets.
In this article, we’ll compare MetaMask versus Phantom wallets to see what makes them different and how they work. Most importantly, you’ll leave with a clearer idea of which wallet may fit your needs best.
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What are the differences between MetaMask and Phantom?
MetaMask and Phantom both keep your crypto safe, but they work in completely different ways. Each wallet brings its own strengths, from supported blockchains to the way it feels when you use it.
Here’s a table that summarizes the main differences between MetaMask and Phantom.
Features and functionalities
MetaMask is one of the most widely used crypto wallet platforms, with more than five billion transactions since 2021. For many new users, this is one of the first wallets they encounter upon stepping into Ethereum and Web3. You can use MetaMask for staking, storing tokens, and swapping coins, but a big part of MetaMask’s draw is its ability to connect to an enormous range of dApps.
Phantom came along in 2021 with a focus on Solana, where speed and low fees matter more. Phantom Wallet quickly became a favorite for trading and NFTs. It offers a smooth user experience with an intuitive interface that feels lighter and less crowded, including transaction histories and no transaction limits. This platform isn’t the right fit for developers, as there are currently no creation tools available.
Supported cryptocurrencies
MetaMask is strongest in the Ethereum and EVM systems with ERC-20 compatibility. You aren’t limited to Ethereum, as it also supports Solana and Solana-based coins, as well as stablecoins and native tokens.
Phantom began in Solana and still feels the most comfortable there, but it has grown into a multi-chain wallet over time. It also supports Ethereum (ETH), Polygon, and Bitcoin (BTC), making it more useful across several blockchains.
Security and supported hardware wallets
Both MetaMask and Phantom wallets are fully digital and self-custodial (also known as non-custodial), meaning your wallet only exists online and your private key stays with you. Custodial wallets hold onto your private key, but it means you’re much less likely to lose access entirely or accidentally expose your private key to bad actors.
MetaMask uses secret recovery phrases as a backup in case you lose your browser data or forget your password, and stores the recovery phrase, private keys, and password with strong encryption on the devices where you’ve installed your wallet. It runs live security surveillance and adds an extra layer of anti-phishing security to every transaction.
Phantom, on the other hand, doesn’t track any of your personal data and independently audits its platform regularly to check for security gaps. And if you’re a white hat hacker, Phantom will pay up to $50,000 USD if you find and report a potential security risk that could hurt other users.
Ultimately, MetaMask has slightly broader hardware wallet support. MetaMask works with hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor, which adds an extra layer of protection in case you’d like to store your digital assets on your desk. (Note that not every hardware wallet MetaMask supports is also usable in MetaMask’s mobile app.) Phantom supports Ledger, though the platform brings its own built-in protections like scam detection and NFT spam filtering.
User experience
For beginners debating Phantom versus MetaMask, the kind of user experience you prefer will likely make the decision for you.
MetaMask is powerful, but can feel overwhelming because it assumes you’re familiar with some complex crypto terms. It’s a jump straight into Web3, which is great for intermediate or experienced users, but it offers 24/7 support for any questions you may have. MetaMask is available as a Chrome browser extension and a mobile app for iOS and Android, but you can also get a MetaMask debit card and spend the cryptocurrency in your MetaMask wallet anywhere you can use a Mastercard or Apple Pay. Currently, their card supports payments with wETH, EURe, GBPe, aUSDC, USDC, and USDT.
Phantom Wallet feels more beginner-friendly from the start, and stays that way even if you use it for more complex tasks. One of Phantom’s major distinctions from other crypto platforms is its social media framework. In 2025, their team debuted personalized features like usernames and profiles in an attempt to make trading more social and creative. It doesn’t go as deep into social media as other trading platforms – check out eToro for a trading experience that feels more like scrolling LinkedIn – but its user interfaces are bright, simple, and easy to navigate.
NFT management
Phantom established its reputation with Solana NFTs, where it offered a smooth, built-in NFT trading experience right from the start. Phantom even has a tab in its wallet just for NFTs so you can quickly access and admire your art. However, you aren’t limited to Solana NFTs and can also transact with them through Ethereum.
NFTs aren’t MetaMask’s top priority, but it still has a step up on Phantom: If you’re interested in creating them yourself, MetaMask’s dApp integrations mean you can build smart contracts and mint them in-app. You can purchase them through both Solana and Ethereum.
Trading and fees
Both MetaMask and Phantom’s wallets allow in-app swaps, but MetaMask adds a service fee on top of gas fees. Phantom swap prices are based on the standard underlying DEX fees, so you’re more likely to pay less money – depending on the blockchain you use. Generally, MetaMask’s swap fee is about 0.875% of your total transaction. When it comes to MetaMask versus Phantom, fees are almost always lower with Phantom if you pay attention to your timing.
Despite MetaMask’s more complex platform, Phantom offers advanced trading tools like perpetual futures that MetaMask doesn’t have. However, you can stake your crypto on MetaMask to capitalize on blockchain rewards.
Which wallet should you choose?
MetaMask and Phantom are both excellent wallet platforms, and you won’t go wrong choosing either. To get the most out of your experience, however, consider how interested you are in development, Web3, and NFTs. The wallets also run on different primary blockchains, so users with crypto experience should also take Solana versus Ethereum into account.
If most of your activity is on Ethereum, MetaMask will probably feel like a better fit. It connects to more dApps, works with hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor, and gives you plenty of advanced options. You can purchase things offline with a MetaMask digital card and build smart contracts in-app. So, it’s flexible and quite powerful, but will be slightly more accessible for users who have some background knowledge in crypto (or want a platform that will grow with them).
Phantom is a solid choice if you want something quick and easy to use. It’s still one of the best wallets for NFTs and DeFi. Phantom Wallet (both the browser version and mobile app) is intuitive, transparent, and beginner-friendly. And with added support for Ethereum, Polygon, and Bitcoin, you can transact across more blockchains with detailed transaction histories. People only interested in trading or NFT collection may prefer Phantom.
Keep your wallet organized with CoinTracker
Whichever wallets you use, keeping your crypto organized means more awareness of your gains and losses. CoinTracker lets you connect MetaMask and Phantom (and other major platforms) to track all transactions in one dashboard and get a clear view of your portfolio. Come tax season, CoinTracker can consolidate your year into tax forms for the IRS so you can spend less time tracking and more time trading.
Want a clear view of your assets at all times? With CoinTracker, link your wallets and exchanges to monitor your portfolio’s performance in real time. Create a free account and see why crypto investors trust us.
Disclaimer: This post is informational only and is not intended as tax advice. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.
FAQ
Is Phantom a good crypto wallet?
Yes. Phantom is easy to use with robust security features and a user-forward design.
Which blockchains does MetaMask support?
MetaMask supports Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains, as well as Solana. It’s ERC-20 compatible, so any coin that runs on that blockchain will work in MetaMask.
What blockchain is Phantom specifically designed for?
The Phantom wallet was built for Solana and still runs very well on its blockchain.
Which wallet has a more user-friendly design?
Phantom is known for its user-friendly design and is generally considered more approachable than MetaMask. Its social media-like usernames and profiles keeps trading fun and community-focused. Phantom Wallet also tracks your transactions for easier tax reconciliation.
What security features do MetaMask and Phantom have in common?
Both wallets are self-custodial, where, unlike custodial wallets, you have control over private keys. They both run more security checks than required for a safer transacting experience, and apply anti-spam filters to NFT purchases.