Keplr vs MetaMask: Cosmos IBC or EVM and Solana
Keplr and MetaMask are self-custodial crypto wallets built for distinct parts of the decentralized ecosystem. Keplr launched in 2021 through Chainapsis, focusing on Cosmos app-chains, Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) routing, and validator governance across almost 350 networks. MetaMask launched in 2016 under ConsenSys. It serves more than 100 million users across Ethereum, layer-2 networks, Bitcoin, and Solana.
The primary differences center on ecosystem integration, supported assets, and trading overhead. Keplr includes native IBC bridging, validator delegation tools, and beta multisig management, charging a 0.75% swap fee. MetaMask provides broader hardware wallet options like Trezor alongside Ledger, as well as perpetual futures trading with up to 50x leverage. Its swap markup is higher at 0.875%, and its perpetuals feature excludes users in regions such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Quick verdict
The choice between these wallets depends on whether your daily activity centers on Cosmos app-chains or EVM networks. Keplr builds its features around Cosmos governance, validator tooling, and IBC transfers, keeping swap fees at 0.75%. MetaMask centers on the broader Ethereum and Solana environments, backing thousands of decentralized applications and offering perpetual contracts alongside a 0.875% swap fee.
Choose Keplr if you trade across the Cosmos ecosystem, stake with chain validators, participate in on-chain governance votes, or manage shared accounts with beta multisig tools. It gives direct access to IBC transfers without manual network configuration, though it lacks native storage for Solana.
Choose MetaMask if you want an account that connects to Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin under one recovery phrase, or if you use hardware signers like Trezor alongside Ledger. It also suits traders who want integrated perpetual futures with isolated margin, provided they reside outside excluded regions like the United States, the United Kingdom, Ontario, and Belgium.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.1/5 | 4.0/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Security | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Chain support | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Privacy | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Specs | ||
| KYC required | Not disclosed | No |
| Wallet type | Mobile, Browser extension, Web | Mobile, Browser extension |
| Custody | Self-custodial | Self-custodial |
| Chains | Ethereum, Bitcoin, BNB Chain, Avalanche, Cosmos, Other | Ethereum |
| Platforms | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, iOS, Android | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, iOS, Android |
| Open source | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Hardware wallet support | Yes | Yes |
| In-app swaps | Yes | Yes |
| Staking | Yes | Yes |
| NFT support | Yes | Yes |
| Buy crypto in app | Yes | Yes |
| WalletConnect | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Security features | Hardware wallet integration, 24-word seed phrase, Self-custody | Phishing detection, Transaction protection, Secret Recovery Phrase, MetaMask Snaps |
| Recovery without a seed phrase | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Multisig | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Built-in dApp browser | Yes | Yes |
| Swap fee | 0.75% | 0.88% |
| Perpetuals trading | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2021 | 2016 |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Investors | Binary Builders, Coinbase Ventures | Not disclosed |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best for | Cosmos and IBC users, Multichain staking, DAO treasury teams | Multichain self-custody, Ethereum dApp users, Hardware wallet users |
Highlighted cells show the stronger value in each row. Data comes from each provider's site and public sources; check details before you sign up.
FAQ
Is Keplr cheaper to use for token swaps than MetaMask?
Yes, Keplr charges a lower built-in swap markup. Keplr adds a 0.75% fee to swap transactions, whereas MetaMask Swaps charges a 0.875% service fee on aggregated routes.
Can MetaMask connect to the Cosmos ecosystem?
MetaMask does not offer native Cosmos IBC support out of the box. Keplr provides direct connectivity to almost 350 Cosmos and EVM networks, including IBC token transfers.
Does Keplr support Solana?
No, Keplr lacks native support for Solana, Cardano, and XRP. MetaMask supports Solana addresses alongside EVM networks and Bitcoin under its Multichain Accounts feature.
Which hardware wallets work with both apps?
Both wallets support Ledger hardware devices. MetaMask adds broader support for Trezor, Lattice, Keystone, and AirGap Vault on its browser extension, while Keplr connects to Ledger Nano X.