Exploring MetaMask: Still the Top Ethereum Wallet?

MetaMask is, for better or worse, the wallet. For Ethereum users, it’s more than just software—it’s infrastructure. Since its launch in 2016, MetaMask has become one of the most widely used wallets in the Ethereum ecosystem, powering everything from DeFi trading to NFT minting to DAO governance. It's the wallet that most people have used, or at least heard of, when interacting with Web3.

Its cultural significance can’t be overstated. During the last major bull cycle, when Ethereum and decentralized applications began hitting mainstream conversation, MetaMask was the default choice for millions of new users. For many, "MetaMask" became synonymous with "crypto wallet." Its browser extension-based UX, while rudimentary by today’s standards, was revolutionary at the time. It struck a balance between accessibility and control, offering just enough abstraction to bring in the masses without compromising on the ethos of self-custody. In a cycle where the ecosystem prioritized function over form, MetaMask got the job done.

But times have changed. Utility has been built, and the attention has shifted to user experience. Concepts like chain abstraction, gas fee abstraction, and cross-chain interoperability are no longer distant ideas—they’re fast becoming expectations. Wallets aren’t just key managers anymore; they’re evolving into full-fledged user portals for a multi-chain world.

MetaMask has undeniably lost some ground to newer, more user-friendly wallets that feel better tailored to this new phase of Web3. But recent updates and roadmap reveals have pushed us to look closer. There’s more going on under the hood than meets the eye—and in this review, we’ll unpack where MetaMask stands today, what’s changing, and whether it still deserves a spot in your Web3 toolkit.

What is MetaMask?

Before we get into the weeds, let’s start with the basics: MetaMask is a self-custodial crypto wallet that allows users to manage digital assets and interact with decentralized applications (DApps). For those unfamiliar with wallets, think of them as secure interfaces that hold your private keys and allow you to sign blockchain transactions.

MetaMask was launched in 2016 by ConsenSys and quickly became the de facto wallet for Ethereum. Its browser extension made it easy for users to connect to DeFi platforms, mint NFTs, and access Web3 services without a complex setup.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what MetaMask offers today:

• Platforms: MetaMask is available as a browser extension on Chrome, Firefox, and Brave, as well as a mobile app on iOS and Android. Both versions are fully functional and widely supported by DApps.
• Custody: MetaMask is self-custodial, which means users—not third parties—hold their private keys. It also supports hierarchical deterministic (HD) wallets, allowing users to generate multiple addresses from a single seed phrase and improving recovery and organization.
• Supported Chains: Originally built for Ethereum, MetaMask has since added support for EVM-compatible chains like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base. Through its Snaps system, it’s expanding to support non-EVM chains like Solana and Bitcoin—expected in 2025.
• Core Features: MetaMask supports standard wallet functions like token transfers, swaps via its built-in aggregator, NFT storage, and DApp connectivity through browser and mobile interfaces.

User Experience and Interface

When MetaMask first launched, its interface was groundbreaking. In an era where most users were still figuring out a private key, MetaMask offered a clean, usable, and relatively intuitive browser extension that opened the door to Web3. It set the standard for how crypto wallets should look and function—and that legacy persists today.

For seasoned blockchain users, MetaMask still feels familiar and functional. Most wouldn’t call it bad UX—just old UX. We have a dedicated Guide on Using MetaMask, a must-read for beginners.

Over time, though, perceptions have shifted. As newer wallets like Rabby, XDEFI, and Phantom began prioritizing modern design and multi-chain convenience, MetaMask’s interface started to feel clunky by comparison. Its UX hasn’t aged poorly; it hasn’t evolved as quickly. Check out our List of Best Wallets for more options.

Account Creation and Key Management

Account creation is still as simple as it gets. New users are asked to save their Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP), set a password, and that’s it. The wallet uses a Hierarchical Deterministic (HD) structure, meaning the same key can be reused across different EVM chains, simplifying account management in the EVM ecosystem.

Browser Extension and Mobile Wallet

While functional, the browser extension does feel dated. MetaMask now includes some popular L2s (like Arbitrum and Optimism) by default, but users often have to add networks manually. Token visibility is another sore spot—tokens from smaller networks usually don’t show up automatically. To clarify: this doesn’t mean the wallet didn’t receive them. MetaMask doesn’t "hold" tokens—it holds keys. The assets are still on-chain, just not displayed due to how MetaMask fetches token metadata.

NFT Quirks

NFTs can be viewed in the mobile app via the NFT tab, which supports ERC-721 and ERC-1155 standards. However, the browser extension doesn’t support NFT display, and detection often misses NFTs unless they are manually added. Visual previews are sometimes inconsistent, especially for lesser-known collections.

General UX Responsiveness

Under normal network conditions, MetaMask is responsive, and transactions execute quickly. However, it’s been criticized for high swap fees—MetaMask charges a 0.875% service fee on swaps, notably higher than aggregators like 1inch or platforms like Matcha that offer 0–0.3% fees.

Wallet Connectivity

This is where MetaMask shines. It's supported by virtually every DApp in the Ethereum ecosystem, making it the most plug-and-play wallet for DeFi users.

Upcoming UX Improvements

MetaMask has teased a series of significant UX improvements to bring it up to par with today’s leading wallets:

• UI/UX Overhaul: A new home screen and streamlined interface are on the way, aimed at better asset management across multiple chains.
• Cross-Chain Support: Native integration of Solana (May 2025) and Bitcoin (Q3 2025) marks a big step beyond EVM.
• Gas Fee Abstraction: With the new “Gas Station” feature, users can pay gas fees using the token they’re swapping—or soon, any token they hold.
• Multiple SRP Management: Users can soon manage multiple Secret Recovery Phrases within the same wallet environment.
• Smart Transactions: A new transaction engine boasts a 99.995% success rate, dramatically reducing failed transactions and exposure to MEV attacks.

These updates show that MetaMask is not just patching its UX—it’s rebuilding it for a cross-chain, user-friendly future.

MetaMask Network Support

MetaMask was initially developed as an Ethereum wallet, providing users seamless access to the Ethereum blockchain and DApps. Over time, it has expanded to natively support various Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible Layer-2 networks, such as Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base Chain. This native integration allows users to interact with these networks effortlessly, enhancing scalability and reducing transaction costs.​

Custom RPCs for EVM-Compatible Chains

Beyond its native integrations, MetaMask offers the flexibility to connect to other EVM-compatible networks through custom Remote Procedure Call (RPC) configurations. By manually adding a network's RPC URL, chain ID, and other parameters, users can access a broader range of blockchains within the EVM ecosystem. This feature is particularly significant as it empowers users to explore and interact with emerging networks and decentralized applications that may not yet have native support in MetaMask.​

Expanding Horizons: Solana and Bitcoin Support

Recognizing the longstanding demand for broader blockchain interoperability, MetaMask has announced plans to introduce native support for non-EVM chains, specifically Solana and Bitcoin. Solana integration is expected in May 2025, followed by Bitcoin support in Q3 2025. This development marks a significant milestone, as it will enable users to manage and transact with assets across these prominent blockchains directly within MetaMask, eliminating the need for multiple wallet applications.​

Introducing MetaMask Snaps

MetaMask has introduced Snaps, an open-source system that allows third-party developers to extend the wallet's capabilities to facilitate this cross-chain functionality. Snaps operate as isolated JavaScript programs running in a secure sandboxed environment, ensuring they don't compromise the wallet's security. Users can add support for various blockchain protocols by installing specific Snaps, receiving transaction insights, and accessing additional features. For instance, Interoperability Snaps enable connections to non-EVM networks like Solana and Bitcoin, breaking the EVM barrier and broadening MetaMask's utility.

Token Recognition and Manual Entry

While MetaMask supports many tokens, users may occasionally encounter situations where the wallet doesn't automatically recognize specific tokens. In these cases, manual entry of token contract addresses is required to view and manage these assets. Although this process can be seen as a minor inconvenience, it's a manageable aspect of the user experience and doesn't detract significantly from the wallet's overall functionality.

Additional Features Offered by MetaMask

MetaMask isn’t just a wallet—it’s gradually evolving into a one-stop portal for interacting with the broader Ethereum ecosystem. Beyond basic transfers and DApp access, MetaMask offers several in-app features to simplify the user journey across DeFi, staking, and cross-chain transactions.

In-Wallet Swap

Users can swap tokens directly within MetaMask without visiting a decentralized exchange (DEX). The swap tool aggregates quotes from multiple DEXs to offer the best available price, but it does come with a 0.875% service fee—higher than what you’d pay using a DEX directly.

Bridge Tool

MetaMask also includes a built-in bridge feature that allows users to move assets between EVM-compatible networks, including L2-to-L2 bridging. It’s integrated into the MetaMask Portfolio dashboard and supports tokens across Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Polygon chains.

Ethereum Staking Options

MetaMask now offers three ways to stake ETH:

• Pooled staking: Stake any amount, earn daily rewards, and withdraw anytime. Great for casual users but less capital efficient.
• Validator staking: Deposit 32 ETH, and MetaMask will manage the validator setup for you—ideal for those who want solo staking without running hardware.
• Liquid staking: MetaMask integrates with Lido and Rocket Pool, allowing users to receive liquid staking tokens (like stETH or rETH) directly through the wallet.

Smart Transactions

MetaMask’s Smart Transactions infrastructure is designed to improve transaction reliability and cost-efficiency. It routes transactions through an off-chain simulation engine to reduce failure rates and protect users from MEV attacks. According to MetaMask, the failure rate for swaps is now up to 20,000x lower than competing solutions.

MetaMask Card

The MetaMask Card is a Mastercard-linked debit card that allows users to spend crypto directly at supported merchants. It supports real-time conversions and comes with 1% cashback in USDC on eligible purchases. Initially available in regions like the EU, Brazil, and parts of the US (excluding New York and Vermont), full US rollout is expected in April 2025.

Smart Accounts

As Ethereum evolves toward account abstraction, MetaMask prepares support for Smart Accounts. These accounts will introduce permissioned access, delayed transactions, and programmable rules—aligned with Ethereum’s upcoming Pectra upgrade (EIPs 7702, 7710, and 7715).

MetaMask Portfolio

MetaMask offers a dashboard that consolidates your assets across chains, tracks NFTs, supports staking and bridging, and offers a clean, modern UI. It’s a far more intuitive way to manage assets than using the wallet interface alone.

MetaMask deserves credit for packing all these tools into one place. The convenience of swapping, bridging, or staking without leaving the wallet is definitely a plus. But where possible, it’s still worth going the extra step:

• Swapping directly on a DEX usually offers better rates and lower fees.
• Specialized bridges may have better cross-chain rates.
• Liquid staking tends to be more flexible than pooled staking, and platforms like Lido or Rocket Pool offer better transparency and control when used directly.

MetaMask is building a well-rounded wallet, but experienced users should always optimize for cost and control when convenient.

Security Analysis

MetaMask’s security model is built around self-custody. This means that users are in complete control of their funds and entirely responsible for securing them. While the wallet includes several protections against common attack vectors, some gaps are still worth noting. Read our MetaMask Security Analysis for deeper insights!

Seed Phrase Encryption and Wallet Protection

MetaMask encrypts the user’s Secret Recovery Phrase (SRP) locally and only decrypts it when needed. On desktop, access to the wallet is gated by a password, while the mobile app adds an extra layer with biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition) where supported. This ensures that even if someone gains physical access to the device, they can’t access the wallet without authentication.

Phishing and Malware Protection

MetaMask has implemented several tools to protect users from phishing and malicious DApps. These include warning banners for suspicious sites and transaction simulations to help users spot unusual activity. Still, these protections aren’t perfect—malware, spoofed websites, and scam tokens continue to be common threats in the Web3 space, and MetaMask users remain a frequent target.

No Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

A significant limitation is the lack of 2FA support. MetaMask does not support email, SMS, or app-based two-factor authentication, which remains one of the most effective ways to protect user accounts against unauthorized access.

Hardware Wallet Compatibility

On the plus side, MetaMask supports pairing with popular hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor. This adds a strong layer of protection by keeping the user’s private keys stored offline.

Verdict

MetaMask offers solid protection against most common vulnerabilities, especially when paired with a hardware wallet. However, the absence of native 2FA is a notable gap, especially in a landscape where wallet exploits and scams are still rampant. Users should treat their seed phrase like gold, enable biometric locks on mobile, and strongly consider using MetaMask with a hardware wallet for added security.

Final Verdict

MetaMask remains the go-to wallet for most users in the Ethereum ecosystem—for good reason. It’s widely supported, endlessly customizable, and deeply integrated into the core infrastructure of Web3. With native support for Solana and Bitcoin on the horizon, it’s also evolving into a more capable cross-chain wallet, narrowing a longstanding gap in its offering.

Introducing smart accounts, gas abstraction, and a much-needed UI overhaul signals that MetaMask isn’t just keeping up—it’s adapting to meet the expectations of a multi-chain future. These changes bring it closer in line with the more modern UX approaches taken by newer wallets, while still preserving the flexibility that power users rely on.

Sure, some wallets today feel more beginner-friendly out of the box. However, MetaMask offers a strong foundation for users who want to understand the mechanics of DeFi, smart contracts, and on-chain operations. And with its upcoming improvements, it’s making the learning curve a little less steep.

If you’re looking for a wallet that balances usability with control—and you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty—MetaMask is still a reliable place to start.