MetaMask review

This MetaMask review looks at the most widely used self-custody wallet for Ethereum and EVM networks as it stands in October 2026. Built by the US software company Consensys and in use since 2016, MetaMask is free to download, but its built-in swaps carry a 0.875% fee. We checked its security model, networks, fees and recent incidents against official documentation.

What is MetaMask?

MetaMask is a non-custodial hot wallet available as a browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge) and as a mobile app for iOS and Android. It started as the default gateway to Ethereum apps and has grown into a multichain trading app: swaps and bridges, perpetual futures, prediction markets, tokenized assets and a payment card. MetaMask says it has passed 100 million downloads across app stores.

The wallet is free. MetaMask earns money from fees on swaps, bridges and trading features, plus optional paid services such as Transaction Shield. If you are new to wallets, start with our guide to how crypto wallets work.

Security model: self-custody and the recovery phrase

MetaMask generates your keys on your device and encrypts them with your password. Nobody at Consensys can see or reset them: the 12-word Secret Recovery Phrase is the only backup. Lose it and the funds are gone; share it and they can be stolen. Our seed phrase security guide explains how to store it offline.

Because the keys live on an internet-connected computer or phone, MetaMask is a hot wallet. For larger amounts, it can act as an interface for a hardware wallet. The extension connects over USB to Ledger, Trezor and Lattice devices and by QR code to air-gapped wallets such as Keystone, NGRAVE ZERO or OneKey; the mobile app works with Ledger, Keystone and NGRAVE ZERO. Pairing it with a device such as the Ledger Nano X keeps the keys offline while you use the familiar interface.

Built-in protections include security alerts that simulate transactions and flag malicious requests before you sign. MetaMask also sells Transaction Shield, a subscription (USD 9.99 per month or USD 99 per year, in early access on the extension) that reimburses losses on eligible transactions up to USD 10,000 per month. It is useful insurance, not a substitute for careful signing.

The source code of the extension and mobile app is public on GitHub, but under a Consensys source-available licence that limits commercial reuse, so it is not open source in the strict sense.

Features and fees

Swaps and bridges

MetaMask Swaps compares quotes from aggregators and market makers. Per the official support page, each quote combines the exchange rate, the network fee and a MetaMask fee of 0.875%. Gasless swaps, where the network fee is deducted from the tokens you swap, work on Ethereum, BNB Chain, Linea, Arbitrum and Base (Base on the extension only).

On a USD 1,000 swap, the MetaMask fee alone is USD 8.75. Frequent traders often get better prices by connecting MetaMask to a decentralized exchange or aggregator directly.

Trading, earning and spending

• Perpetual futures (up to 50x leverage according to MetaMask) and prediction markets through a Polymarket integration: high-risk products, not available everywhere.
• Tokenized stocks, funds and commodities in supported regions.
• A Money Account advertised with a variable yield (up to 4% at the time of writing, not guaranteed) and the MetaMask Card, with up to 3% back on spending.
• Snaps, plug-ins that extend the wallet to extra networks and features.

Rewards and the MetaMask token

MetaMask Rewards is an official points program: swaps, perps and referrals earn points, and Season 1 distributed more than USD 30 million in LINEA tokens. It requires the mobile app, excludes hardware wallet accounts and is not available in the UK. Consensys CEO Joseph Lubin said in September 2025 that a MetaMask token is coming, but as of October 2026 no launch date or claim had been officially announced. Ignore any “MASK claim” site: see our guide on avoiding crypto scams.

Supported networks

MetaMask supports Ethereum and a long list of EVM networks, including Linea, Base, Arbitrum, OP, Polygon, BNB Chain, Avalanche, zkSync Era, Monad, Sei and HyperEVM. Solana support arrived in 2025 and native Bitcoin (SegWit addresses) in December 2025. Tron also appears among the swap networks listed by MetaMask in October 2026. You can add any other EVM network manually.

Incidents and risks

The main losses suffered by MetaMask users come from phishing: fake websites, fake extensions in browser stores, fake support agents asking for the recovery phrase, and malicious signature requests that drain wallets. MetaMask staff will never ask for your phrase. Install the extension only from the official link on metamask.io and review token approvals regularly.

Who is MetaMask for?

MetaMask suits users who interact with Ethereum DeFi, NFTs and layer 2 networks and want the widest app compatibility. It is less ideal for occasional buyers who mostly hold Bitcoin, or for users who swap often and are sensitive to fees.

Alternatives

Phantom is smoother for Solana users, Trust Wallet covers more chains on mobile, and Exodus is simpler for a desktop portfolio. For long-term savings, a hardware wallet remains the safer choice.

Verdict

MetaMask remains the reference wallet for EVM DeFi, with broad hardware wallet support and a public codebase. Its swap fee is high, and its shift toward trading products adds complexity. Use it with a hardware wallet for any meaningful balance.