Pros Explained

• Easy setup process: MetaMask provides a user-friendly and hassle-free setup process. Users can download either the browser extension or app and set it up by following simple instructions, or simply import it using the 12-word seed phrase.
• Earn rewards via staking and holding: Users have the opportunity to earn additional tokens through airdrops and staking on MetaMask. Staking involves locking up tokens in a vault for a specific period, allowing users to generate profits represented in APY (annual percentage yield).
• Supports a broad range of Ethereum-based tokens: MetaMask supports diverse crypto assets built on the Ethereum network. This includes popular tokens such as Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), and various others, ensuring users can easily manage and interact with their preferred assets.
• Central hub for dApps: MetaMask serves as a hub for decentralized applications (dApps), catering to builders, NFT enthusiasts, and Web 3 enthusiasts alike. With MetaMask, users gain access to a broad range of dApps, facilitating seamless interaction and exploration of the decentralized ecosystem.

Cons Explained

• Limited customer support: While MetaMask may be good for the majority of its services, customer support is not one of its strengths. Given its technical nature, the absence of human support options is a drawback. There are only help pages, community, and a chatbot. In the best cases, a support agent may contact you via email after interacting with the chatbot.

Features

MetaMask stands out with its strong emphasis on security, privacy, and decentralization, making it a go-to wallet in the crypto industry. Users can effortlessly download and install the wallet software or browser extension without disclosing personal data, ensuring anonymity while safeguarding user information.

The decentralized nature of MetaMask ensures transparent transactions visible to connected nodes, preventing a single entity from gaining control over the entire wallet system. In contrast, platforms like the bankrupt FTX protocol experienced unauthorized access from core team members, resulting in the theft of approximately $600 million in crypto funds.

Furthermore, MetaMask offers versatility by supporting a wide range of tokens on the ERC-20 protocol and storing non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which can be seamlessly connected to popular marketplaces like OpenSea. The wallet is also compatible with multiple blockchains, including the Binance Smart Chain (BNB), Polygon, Avalanche, and more.

Despite boasting over 30 million active monthly users, MetaMask does have limitations. It does not support Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, and lacks live customer support. Consequently, it may not be the most suitable choice for new crypto investors seeking comprehensive assistance.

Security

MetaMask prioritizes user security by emphasizing anonymity and entrusting private keys solely to users. It does not store users' personal information, ensuring that accounts are safeguarded by user-generated passwords during the installation and setup process. If you lose access to the device in the event of damage or theft, the wallet can be recovered using a 12-word mnemonic phrase. This seed phrase must be securely stored as it serves as the key to accessing the wallet's private keys.

However, it's important to note that MetaMask's single-wallet recovery method across multiple devices can introduce potential vulnerabilities. This exposes the wallet to risks such as hacks, malware attacks, and various crypto scams. One example is the Banking Trojan, which targets MetaMask wallet users. Additionally, social engineering attacks and phishing scams pose significant threats. Users may encounter fraudulent websites that deceive them into revealing their seed phrases, or they may inadvertently download and install fake versions of the wallet extension, enabling hackers to gain control over the wallet and steal users' assets.

Privacy and Anonymity

As emphasized earlier, MetaMask provides anonymity, which sets it apart from wallets and exchanges that impose KYC requirements. However, it's important to note that MetaMask doesn't guarantee complete anonymity. It classifies transactions as pseudonymous since they are recorded on the public blockchain.

It's also worth mentioning that MetaMask does not support Bitcoin, which means that CoinJoin transactions are not available. CoinJoin is a privacy-enhancing technique where multiple users mix their coins together before sending them to recipients, effectively obfuscating the connection between senders and recipients. 

Setup  

Getting started with MetaMask is a straightforward process. Start by downloading the MetaMask mobile app, available for both Android and iOS, or the browser extension, compatible with popular browsers. 

Upon installation, users are presented with the choice to either import an existing wallet using the 12-word seed phrase or create a new wallet from scratch. New users can select "Create a Wallet" to initiate the process, accompanied by either rejecting or accepting the request for permission to collect anonymous usage data aimed at enhancing the product.

After granting permission, users can proceed to set up their wallet by creating a password of at least eight characters. It is crucial to safeguard this password along with the 12-word seed phrase provided during the setup process. Losing access to the seed phrase could result in permanent loss of wallet access. Once the seed phrase is confirmed, users can start making transactions, including sending funds, purchasing cryptocurrencies, swapping tokens, and participating in staking activities.

Usability

MetaMask offers a versatile and user-friendly experience for users to seamlessly access their wallets across various devices. In addition to its core functionality, MetaMask can be easily integrated with popular web 3.0 platforms like OpenSea, Uniswap, and QuickSwap, enabling users to engage in diverse decentralized finance activities.

Desktop

The MetaMask wallet browser extension app empowers desktop users by facilitating seamless cryptocurrency transactions with other wallets or smart contracts, provided that the chosen blockchain is supported. Furthermore, users have the option to purchase coins directly through trusted providers integrated into the platform, such as MoonPay and Transak. 

Moreover, MetaMask is compatible with hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor, allowing users to transfer their cryptocurrencies and NFTs from a software-based hot wallet to a more secure hardware-based cold wallet for safe storage.

Mobile App

The MetaMask mobile app, available on Google Play for Android and the Apple App Store for iOS devices, provides users with the flexibility to manage their wallets on the go. With a solid 4.5-star rating on Google Play, the mobile app delivers a seamless experience for sending and receiving tokens and NFTs on supported blockchains. 

Additionally, the app offers the convenience of purchasing Ether directly through Transak, supporting bank transfers, credit cards, and other payment methods.

Customer Service

While MetaMask stands out as one of the most popular Ethereum wallets, live support is not available. Users need to find help through MetaMask's self-help center, community message board, and chatbot. After using the chatbot, it's possible to be contacted by email. These resources may be enough for advanced users. However, those who are new to crypto might desire live support.

Cost & Fees 

Transaction fees when using cryptocurrencies on MetaMask or any other wallet depend upon the blockchain and the congestion of the network. These fees primarily consist of gas fees, which are paid to the blockchain network to process transactions. When purchasing cryptocurrencies, users may encounter processing fees, base fees, and gas limits.

Users also have the flexibility to adjust their gas fees based on their desired processing speed. Opting for high-priority fees, which are higher than standard fees, incentivizes miners to prioritize and expedite transactions.

Final Verdict

MetaMask is a decentralized cryptocurrency wallet that prioritizes user security and anonymity. With an easy setup process and support for various Ethereum-based tokens and NFTs, it offers versatility and accessibility. The wallet's compatibility with multiple platforms and integration with popular dApps make it a convenient choice for crypto enthusiasts. 

However, the absence of live customer support and the lack of Bitcoin support may be drawbacks for some users, especially beginners and Bitcoin enthusiasts. Nonetheless, MetaMask empowers users with secure and efficient Ethereum-based transactions, making it a valuable wallet in the crypto space.

Methodology

One of the most important things to consider before you transact in and store cryptocurrencies is that you have a suitable crypto wallet in place. To help determine the wallet that works best for you, we conducted a comprehensive review process of the top cryptocurrency software wallets. 

Our review process is built around a quantitative ratings model that weighs key factors like security, costs, privacy, usability, customer support, and features according to their importance. Our team of researchers gathered over 40 data points and conducted extensive research for each of the 19 companies we reviewed. Our team of writers, who are experts in this field, then test drove each wallet to lend their qualitative point of view.

Our model gave preference to companies with the strongest security measures and reputations. Companies with rich features, such as supporting a large number of crypto assets, giving users the ability to sync with hardware wallets, and allowing for fee customization, also ranked highly.

Read our full methodology.