Metamask Review
Metamask at a glance
Metamask
Web3 Enabled?
✅ Yes
Browser Extension?
✅ Yes
Mobile?
✅ Yes
Desktop?
❌ No
Supports EVM?
✅ Yes
Supports Bitcoin?
❌ No
Supports IBC?
❌ No
Supports Polkadot?
❌ No
What is Metamask
The Metamask wallet is a free, open-source extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browsers that enables web browser support for Ethereum, a decentralized platform using blockchain technology to build a new kind of internet. It's an extension that allows you to interact with the Ethereum network without running a full node and without any extra configuration (such as installing any software). It is secure by design and is intended to protect you from malicious sites.
Pros & Cons
Before we dive into the full review, lets get into the pros and cons of Metamask.
Pros
- Supports Ethereum and EVM chains.
- Web3 enabled, so you can use DeFi applications, staking tools, NFT marketplaces and more.
- Mobile applications for iOS, Android.
- Browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera.
- Completely free to use/download.
- Open source.
Cons
- Does not support Bitcoin, the Cosmos ecosystem, the Polkadot ecosystem, Tron, Algorand.
- Does not have a standalone desktop application.
Table of Contents
- What chains does Metamask support?
- Is Metamask Web3 enabled?
- Does Metamask support Mobile?
- Does Metamask support Desktop?
- Is Metamask free?
- Is Metamask open source?
- Does Metamask support in-wallet staking?
- Does Metamask support in-wallet swaps?
- Does Metamask require you to run a node?
Full Review
What chains does Metamask support?
Metamask supports Ethereum and EVM chains. Because Metamask supports EVM chains, you get access to a wide range of different chains. Including, but not limited to, Avalanche, Arbitrum, Optimism, Fantom, Gnosis, and many more.
Metamask does not support Bitcoin, the Cosmos ecosystem, the Polkadot ecosystem, Tron, Algorand. This limits the number of coins/tokens that you'll have access to.
Is Metamask Web3 enabled?
Yes, Metamask is Web3 enabled. You can use it to access dApps, DeFi, NFT marketplaces, and more. This enables you to really access what blockchain has to offer, instead of simply storing your coins in your crypto wallet.
Does Metamask support mobile?
Yes, Metamask supports iOS, Android. Which is great if you own a mobile device with the relevant operating system.
Does Metamask support desktop?
No, Metamask is not a standalone desktop application. Therefore, it does not support Windows, MacOS, Linux. Although it isn't a standalone desktop application, there are other means of using Metamask.
Is Metamask free?
Yes, Metamask is completely free. You don't have to pay a cent to get access to it. Although this is awesome, you have to bare in mind that free doesn't always mean it's the best option for your needs.
Is Metamask open source?
Yes, Metamask is open source. You can get access to the code, audit it, and fork it if you wish to. Despite the pros of being open source, it is also a security concern as the code is available for all to see, including hackers.
Does Metamask support in-wallet staking?
No, Metamask does not support in-wallet staking. This means you can't earn passive income from your coins/tokens by using the wallet alone. We suggest using another crypto wallet if you need this. Or, there's always exchanges if you're okay with sacrificing custody of your coins/tokens.
Does Metamask support in-wallet swaps?
No, Metamask does not support in-wallet swaps. This means that you will have to use an exchange to swap your tokens. Not a huge problem though, as crypto wallets often charge for this service.
Does Metamask require you to run a node?
No, Metamask does not require you to run a node. This is great because running a node is often expensive, and requires lots of bandwidth and harddrive space. Running a node means you must download the full blockchain!