In the battle of decentralized wallets Metamask and Trust Wallet are the two titans of the industry.
Both wallets pride themselves as the best alternative to centralized exchanges like Coinbase or Binance.
Both Metamask and Trust Wallet pride themselves as being “secure”.
Both claim to be easy to use.
But it is our belief there is a clear winner between these two wallets and we aim to show why.
What is a decentralized exchange?
First let’s talk about why we need a decentralized wallet.
One of the major risks of a central exchange like Coinbase is their ability to suddenly freeze your account.
The easiest way to protect your crypto from something like this is to send it to a software wallet like Metamask or Trust Wallet.
While these apps aren’t as secure as hardware devices, they are safer than entrusting your funds to an exchange.
You own your own keys and are the only in in control of your crypto.
Most software wallets are free! Arguably, two of the “hottest” hot wallets are MetaMask and Trust Wallet.
However, depending on your trading preferences, you may not enjoy using MetaMask vs. Trust Wallet.
If you’re struggling to choose between MetaMask vs. Trust Wallet, then this is the review for you.
MetaMask vs. Trust Wallet — Overview Comparing Both Software Wallets
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- Safety
- Ease of Setup
- User Interface
- Price
- Ease of Access
- Coin and NFT Availability
- DeFi Connectivity
- Passive Income
Safety
MetaMask and Trust Wallet have sterling safety standards—as they should!
After all, the main goal of any crypto wallet is to keep your funds safe.
Both of these wallets are open source, so anyone can review the code online.
Also, these apps have millions of downloads.
You don’t get that many users with shoddy security standards.
Both MetaMask and Trust Wallet are non-custodial, which means you hold the private keys to your crypto.
You’ll also get a backup seed phrase when signing up for MetaMask or Trust Wallet.
Please write this phrase down a few times and keep it in a safe place. This is the only way to recover your funds if something happens to your device.
MetaMask and Trust Wallet also both have gone through legit audits.
While both of these wallets have superb safety standards, it seems like MetaMask is more prone to phishing scams.
Also, since MetaMask works with your browser, some users complain about providers like Google Chrome tracking data.
By contrast, Trust Wallet enjoys the backing of the world’s largest crypto exchange: Binance.
You could also enable advanced biometrics in Trust Wallet’s security features.
For instance, you could use Face ID or Touch ID to access your Trust Wallet account.
Considering all these features, I’m going to give Trust Wallet the edge in terms of security. While MetaMask is still incredibly safe, there are a few extra concerns to consider.
Just remember that both MetaMask and Trust Wallet will never be as secure as a hardware wallet.
Since MetaMask and Trust Wallet are plugged into the Internet, there’s always a chance of a hack.
The only way to avoid hacks is to invest in a hardware device like a Ledger or Trezor wallet.
Winner: Trust Wallet
Ease Of Setup
As for ease of setup, I couldn’t pick a clear winner.
Both of these wallets are super simple to download, even if you don’t have too much crypto experience.
The crucial thing is to double-check you’re on the official website.
Since Trust Wallet and MetaMask are so well-known, it’s easy for scammers to create fake domains.
Please click this link for the official MetaMask page.
If you’re interested in Trust Wallet, follow this link.
Once you’re on the authentic web domain, choose your compatible device and download the app.
Both wallets are non-custodial, so there’s no KYC.
Simply copy your password and seed phrase before installing your wallet.
I can’t stress this enough: Write your passcode and seed phrase on multiple pieces of paper!
If you lose this info, you have no recourse to recover lost funds.
For extra security, you should keep these sheets of paper in a fireproof safe.
Hey, you can’t be too careful!
Winner: Draw
User Interface
I wouldn’t say MetaMask’s interface is “bad,” but it’s not as straightforward as Trust Wallet.
If you’re not familiar with using a browser extension on DApps, MetaMask has a slightly steeper learning curve.
By contrast, I’d argue even a beginner could figure out how to navigate Trust Wallet’s services.
The designers at Trust Wallet put a lot of attention into their app’s aesthetics.
They are significantly easier to use on an iPhone or Android device, and the reviews on both platforms point to users agreeing with this assessment.
Winner: TrustWallet
Price
Just like ease of installation, there’s not much difference in the price for MetaMask vs. Trust Wallet.
In fact, both of these wallets are free to download.
While you still have to pay gas or trading fees, these are standard features in the crypto industry.
Speaking of fees, you’re probably better off buying crypto through centralized exchanges and transferring them to MetaMask or Trust Wallet.
Often, there’s a premium for ordering cryptos directly through a wallet.
Be sure to check the average fees on your favorite exchange and compare them with MetaMask vs. Trust Wallet.
You’d be amazed how much you could save by shopping around before buying your crypto.
There is one spot where I have had issues though.
Winner: Draw
Ease Of Access
Currently, Trust Wallet is only available as a mobile app. As long as you have an iOS or Android smartphone, you can download Trust Wallet.
By contrast, MetaMask is available as both a desktop browser extension and a mobile app.
Currently, MetaMask will work with popular browsers like Chrome, Brave, Firefox, and Edge. You could also download the MetaMask app on your Android or iOS phone.
So, if you’re someone who wants access to your wallet on both desktop and smartphone settings, MetaMask is the clear winner.
However, it’s worth mentioning that MetaMask was first developed as a browser extension.
Judging by the reviews in the Android and App Store, it appears MetaMask has buggy issues with its mobile app.
Still, I have to give this category to MetaMask. There are simply more ways to access this wallet versus Trust Wallet.
Winner: MetaMask
Here’s a complete Metamask tutorial for beginners:
Coin and NFT Availability
This category isn’t even a contest.
Trust Wallet offers users way more cryptocurrencies versus MetaMask.
How many?
Well, current estimates suggest you could store 160,000 different coins including:
By contrast, MetaMask mainly supports Ethereum-based currencies.
While you could make MetaMask interact with blockchains like the Binance Smart Chain, it’s not as seamless as using Trust Wallet.
Don’t forget that Binance owns Trust Wallet!
So, although you could use MetaMask on the Binance Smart Chain, it’s way easier to integrate with Trust Wallet.
Most significantly, you can’t store some of the biggest cryptos in a MetaMask wallet.
Not even Bitcoin.
A few other significant cryptos that aren’t available on MetaMask include:
- Litecoin
- Bitcoin Cash
- Solana
- Cardano
- Polkadot
Basically, if it’s not Ethereum-related, there’s a good chance you can’t store it on MetaMask.
Trust Wallet also gives users the ability to buy any of these tokens through its in-built exchange.
You could even use your credit card via Trust Wallet to buy crypto.
While you can buy some cryptos through MetaMask, you’re limited to Ethereum-based tokens.
Indeed, the only coin you’ll probably buy via MetaMask is Ether.
To be fair, you can connect a Coinbase account and Coinbase Wallet with MetaMask. However, you can only transfer Ethereum-based tokens between these platforms.
By the way, if you need to download a Coinbase account, please click this link .
If you’re into collecting NFTs, Trust Wallet is also the clear winner.
You can store Ethereum-based ERC721 and ERC1155 or Binance BEP721 and BEP1155 NFTs in Trust Wallet.
MetaMask only supports Ethereum NFTs.
So when comparing Metamask vs Trust Wallet in terms of access to cryptos, Trust Wallet wins by such a strong margin it makes almost every other section insignificant.
Winner: Trust Wallet
DeFi Connectivity
Interacting with Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is where MetaMask shines.
Since MetaMask is a browser extension, connecting with popular Ethereum DApps like Uniswap is simple.
But that doesn’t mean Trust Wallet is a slouch in this category.
Indeed, Trust Wallet boasts a Web3 “DApp browser.” This makes it easy to connect Trust Wallet to DApps on Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain.
In fact, you could argue Trust Wallet is better if you’re most interested in BSC.
Since Binance acquired Trust Wallet in 2018, it’s easy to plug into popular BSC DApps like Pancake Swap.
The main issue with Trust Wallet is that it’s not available as a browser extension.
If you don’t mind interacting with DeFi on your phone, this may not be an issue.
However, most people prefer the seamless experience of using MetaMask on their desktop.
Also, don’t forget that MetaMask is available as a browser extension and a mobile app.
Winner: MetaMask
Passive Income
One feature I love about cryptocurrencies is that anyone can easily generate passive income.
Sometimes, you could rake in sweet staking rewards through your crypto wallet.
For instance, Trust Wallet has a dedicated “Earn” feature.
Here you’ll find a few hot crypto projects that offer in-app rewards.
Unsurprisingly, thanks to Trust Wallet’s relationship with Binance, you can collect interest by holding BNB coins.
A few other projects offering rewards via Trust Wallet’s earn include:
- Tezos
- Cosmos
- Terra
- Tron
- VChain
- Algorand
- Kava
Trust Wallet even has a “staking calculator” where you could get a rough estimate of your yearly returns.
As for MetaMask, you can’t earn passive income directly through the wallet.
You could, however, send coins to reputable staking pools via your MetaMask wallet.
Remember that MetaMask supports fewer tokens, so lending coins to staking pools isn’t as straightforward.
For beginners, it’s easier and safer to earn passive income with the Trust Wallet app.
I’d only recommend staking with MetaMask to seasoned crypto investors.
Winner: Trust Wallet
MetaMask vs. Trust Wallet Pros & Cons
MetaMask Pros
- Available as a browser extension and app.
- Seamless integration with DeFi on Ethereum.
- One of the most respected Ethereum-based wallets.
- Easy to import data with Coinbase Wallet.
MetaMask Cons
- Primarily focused on Ethereum-based tokens.
- Not as beginner-friendly.
- More prone to phishing attacks.
- Mobile app has poor reviews.
Trust Wallet Pros
- Compatible with thousands of cryptocurrencies.
- Beginner-friendly interface.
- Owned by globally-respected exchange Binance.
- Easy to integrate with Web3 DApps on Ethereum and Binance.
Trust Wallet Cons
- No browser extension.
- More tailored towards new crypto users.
- High fees for in-app crypto purchases.
- No built-in integrations with exchanges, besides Binance.
MetaMask vs. Trust Wallet — Which Is The Better Crypto Wallet?
If I was forced to choose between MetaMask vs. Trust Wallet, I’d have to go with Trust Wallet.
As long as you don’t mind storing crypto on your phone, Trust Wallet gives you access to way more cryptos than MetaMask.
But it’s not just Trust Wallet’s coin availability that sets it apart.
Thanks to its Web3 browser, it’s easy to access Ethereum and Binance DApps with the flick of a button.
And let’s not forget about that juicy “Earn” feature!
Trust Wallet’s user interface is far easier for new crypto investors to navigate.
However, I could see how some crypto fans would enjoy using MetaMask’s browser extension.
If you’re an active DeFi trader, a MetaMask browser extension can make your life a whole lot easier.
However, since MetaMask was designed with Ethereum in mind, you’ll be limited in the number of coins you could store.
While both of these software wallets are fantastic options, I’d recommend Trust Wallet for most crypto investors and traders. Unless you’re deeply involved in Ethereum’s ecosystem, you could probably get by without a MetaMask wallet.
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