MetaMask vs Trust Wallet: Fees, chains and security
MetaMask and Trust Wallet are self-custodial wallets for storing assets, using dApps, swapping tokens and staking. While MetaMask runs as a browser extension and mobile app, Trust Wallet is available on iOS, Android and Chrome.
Network breadth marks the main distinction between the two. The former supports Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana and Tron along with major EVM networks, whereas Trust Wallet covers more than 100 blockchains and over 10 million digital assets. MetaMask charges a 0.875% swap service fee. In contrast, Trust Wallet lists $0 fees for staking, buying and transfers, though swaps can incur provider and network costs.
Both options leave private keys under user control. MetaMask adds Google or Apple recovery for an encrypted wallet, while Trust Wallet relies on a 12-word seed phrase with encrypted cloud backup. Security records also differ: Trust Wallet's Chrome extension suffered approximately $7 million in theft in December 2025, and MetaMask experienced an infrastructure incident in October 2026 that led to precautionary validator exits.
Quick verdict
The deciding difference is breadth versus swap pricing and security history. Trust Wallet covers more than 100 blockchains, over 10 million assets and more than 300 perpetual futures pairs. MetaMask supports fewer stated networks but combines Ethereum dApp access with Bitcoin and Solana accounts, hardware-wallet support and perps on more than 150 assets. MetaMask charges 0.875% for swaps. Trust Wallet lists $0 for staking, buying, sending and receiving, while its swap costs can come from providers or networks. Both are self-custodial, so private-key control also brings seed-phrase responsibility.
Choose MetaMask if Ethereum dApps, Ledger or Trezor support, Google or Apple recovery, or its multichain account system matters more than the 0.875% swap fee. Its perps are unavailable in the USA, UK, Ontario and Belgium, and the wallet had an October 2026 infrastructure incident that led to precautionary validator exits.
Choose Trust Wallet if access to more than 100 blockchains, 10 million digital assets, mobile storage, WalletConnect or more than 300 perps pairs is the priority. Its Wallet Core key-management library is open source, but the Chrome extension suffered approximately $7 million in theft in December 2025, and seed-phrase recovery remains central to access.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Security | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Chain support | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Features | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Privacy | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Specs | ||
| KYC required | No | No |
| Wallet type | Mobile, Browser extension | Mobile, Browser extension |
| Custody | Self-custodial | Self-custodial |
| Chains | Ethereum | BNB Chain |
| Platforms | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Chrome |
| Open source | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Hardware wallet support | Yes | Not disclosed |
| In-app swaps | Yes | Yes |
| Staking | Yes | Yes |
| NFT support | Yes | Yes |
| Buy crypto in app | Yes | Yes |
| WalletConnect | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Security features | Phishing detection, Transaction protection, Secret Recovery Phrase, MetaMask Snaps | Biometric protection, PIN lock, Built-in Security Scanner, Encrypted cloud backup |
| Recovery without a seed phrase | Yes | No |
| Built-in dApp browser | Yes | Yes |
| Swap fee | 0.88% | Not disclosed |
| Perpetuals trading | Yes | Yes |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2016 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Investors | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best for | Multichain self-custody, Ethereum dApp users, Hardware wallet users | Multi-chain self-custody, Mobile crypto storage, In-app swaps and staking |
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 MetaMask cheaper than Trust Wallet?
Trust Wallet lists $0 fees for staking, buying, sending and receiving, while MetaMask charges a 0.875% swap service fee. Trust Wallet swaps can still include provider or network costs.
Are MetaMask and Trust Wallet self-custodial?
Yes, both are self-custodial wallets in which users control the private keys. MetaMask also supports encrypted recovery through Google or Apple, while Trust Wallet uses a 12-word seed phrase with encrypted cloud backup.
Which wallet supports more blockchains?
Trust Wallet supports more than 100 blockchains and over 10 million digital assets. MetaMask supports Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, Tron and major EVM networks including Arbitrum, Optimism and Base.
Which wallet has the stronger security record?
MetaMask has the higher editorial security rating, at 4 versus 3.5 for Trust Wallet. Trust Wallet's Chrome extension suffered approximately $7 million in theft in December 2025, while MetaMask had an infrastructure incident in October 2026 that led to precautionary validator exits.
Are MetaMask perpetuals available in the USA?
No, MetaMask perpetuals are unavailable in the USA, UK, Ontario and Belgium. Trust Wallet offers more than 300 perpetual futures pairs through integrated providers, with regional access depending on the provider.