Atomic Wallet vs MetaMask | Why MetaMask Is The Safer Wallet
Jack Moreau
Apr 2024
8 min read
Fact checked
Introduction: Finding the perfect crypto wallet is vital for safeguarding your digital riches. Dive into our comprehensive review comparing Atomic Walletvs MetaMask, exploring key aspects like blockchain and cryptocurrency support, features, security, and more!
Atomic Wallet was founded in 2017 by Konstantin Gladych, the former CTO of Changelly. This decentralized multi-asset wallet is based in Tallinn, Estonia and has 35 employees worldwide.
Atomic Wallet prides itself on being a non-custodial wallet, meaning that users have full control over their funds without the need for a third party intermediary. This also means that there is no Know Your Customer (KYC) process, ensuring anonymity and security for users.
Currently, Atomic Wallet is available on both desktop and mobile platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Users can store, manage, and exchange over 300 coins and tokens, including popular ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The wallet has over 1 million downloads across Android and iOS, with a high rating of 4.4 out of 5 from over 70,000 reviews.
One standout feature of Atomic Wallet is its staking capabilities and exchange services, as well as a cashback program tied to its native AWC token.
MetaMask, released in 2016 by ConsenSys, is currently the most popular non-custodial software wallet in the world, with over 30 million monthly active users.
The parent company, ConsenSys, has raised over $450 million in venture capital to support the growth of its products, and the MetaMask team has expanded to over 60 employees.
MetaMask is available as a mobile app on both Android and iOS, as well as a browser extension. The wallet allows users to securely store, send, and receive ETH and other ERC20 tokens, while also seamlessly interacting with decentralized applications (DApps) directly from their browser.
MetaMask supports various blockchains, including Ethereum, Avalanche, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, Fantom, and others. With over 10 million downloads of its browser extension and mobile app, MetaMask has established itself as a trusted and widely used wallet within the crypto community.
The wallet has received positive ratings, with the mobile app boasting a 4.7-star rating based on 250,000 reviews, while the browser extension has earned a 3.25-star rating based on 3,000 reviews.
Additionally, the MetaMask mobile app supports NFTs, providing users with comprehensive functionality for digital asset management.
Atomic Wallet vs MetaMask User Experience
Atomic Wallet is a straightforward and easy-to-use wallet that is designed with a simple interface, making it ideal for beginners. One of the main advantages of the Atomic Wallet is that it is non-custodial, meaning that users have full control over their private keys, which enhances the security of their crypto assets.
However, it is important to note that the Atomic Wallet has had multiple security issues in the past. Additionally, it does not currently offer support for browser extensions, which limits its functionality.
In terms of compatibility, the Atomic Wallet can be downloaded and used on various operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It is also available on Android and iOS, where it has received solid reviews of over 4.5 stars.
Whether users are using the mobile wallet or the desktop version, they have access to the same functionality, which includes exchanging tokens, buying cryptocurrencies with cards, displaying NFTs, and staking for a selection of blockchains.
MetaMask is another popular wallet that offers a seamless user experience. To get started with MetaMask, users need to download the mobile or browser wallet and create or import a wallet.
The wallet has made significant improvements in usability and design, with a more visually appealing and user-friendly interface. It now also integrates many more features, such as lending, trades, and buys, right within the app for added convenience.
MetaMask is compatible with various browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Opera. The wallet also offers a portfolio view, where users can easily access all the features. It supports Ethereum and other compatible blockchains, making it a versatile option for managing digital assets.
Additionally, MetaMask allows users to swap within the app and stake their digital assets.
Overall, both the Atomic Wallet and MetaMask have their strengths and weaknesses. The Atomic Wallet is known for its simplicity and non-custodial nature, while MetaMask offers a more visually appealing interface with a wide range of features.
Atomic Wallet vs MetaMask Features
When comparing Atomic Wallet and MetaMask, there are several key differences to consider.
Starting with Atomic Wallet, one of its standout features is its in-app DEX (decentralized exchange) that allows users to easily swap their assets.
This feature is made possible through its integration with Binance Dex, which provides users with convenient asset exchanges.
However, it is important to note that there is a 0.5% swap fee associated with using the Atomic Wallet's in-app swaps, as well as additional commissions from exchange partners.
In terms of open-source nature, the Atomic Wallet is only partly open-sourced. While this may not be a concern for all users, it is a key detail for those who prioritize transparency and security.
On the bright side, the wallet does support NFTs (non-fungible tokens) from various blockchains, including Solana, Ethereum, BSC (Binance Smart Chain), Avalanche, and Polygon, making it an attractive option for NFT enthusiasts.
Atomic Wallet also offers staking options for over 20 assets, including popular ones like Cardano, BNB, Solana, Tezos, Atom, Injective, and Osmosis. This allows users to earn staking rewards on their digital assets and potentially increase their holdings.
Additionally, the wallet provides support for buying crypto directly with fiat currencies through a simplex third-party integration, making it convenient for those looking to enter the cryptocurrency market.
MetaMask, one of its major advantages is its fully open-source nature.
This means that the code is transparent and can be reviewed and audited by the community, providing users with added peace of mind.
MetaMask also offers in-app swaps by aggregating data from various decentralized exchanges (DEXs), ensuring users get the best price with the lowest network fees. However, it is important to note that MetaMask charges a swap fee of 0.875% for each transaction.
Similar to Atomic Wallet, MetaMask supports NFT tokens on EVM-compatible blockchains such as Ethereum and Polygon, allowing users to easily manage and transfer their NFTs.
The wallet also provides staking options on both Ethereum and Polygon, giving users the opportunity to earn passive income on their assets.
MetaMask has also expanded its range of services, now allowing users to purchase cryptocurrencies via multiple payment methods such as Credit/Debit Card, ACH, SEPA, and various third-party providers.
Atomic Wallet is known for its non-custodial design, which means that users' private keys remain stored on their personal devices.
This decentralized storage approach, spreading assets across millions of devices rather than a central repository, offers a robust resistance to potential cyber-attacks.
However, with this structure, the responsibility of safeguarding assets lies squarely with the user. It's paramount to securely store the password and the critical 12-word mnemonic seed phrase. Any unauthorized access to this seed phrase could lead to a potential loss of funds.
While Atomic Wallet has maintained a record of never being compromised, concerns were raised when security vulnerabilities were identified by a third-party audit firm.
The wallet's CEO addressed these concerns and announced plans to address the identified issues.
Additionally, while Atomic Wallet is partly open source, it currently does not integrate with any hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor.
MetaMask is also a non-custodial wallet that emphasizes privacy and security. It stores private keys and assets locally on users' devices, ensuring that they have full control over their funds.
MetaMask has never been hacked, but individual users have lost funds due to malware attacks or phishing attempts. To enhance security, MetaMask has undergone multiple security audits by renowned firms and engages with the security research community through a Bug Bounty Program.
They also provide access to authenticated test environments for blockchain security specialists. MetaMask emphasizes responsible behavior and urges users against any malicious actions.
It's worth noting that while MetaMask is a safe and secure option, users need to be vigilant to protect their assets from potential threats.
Both Atomic Wallet and MetaMask offer non-custodial solutions that prioritize user control and security.
However, there are some differences in terms of integration with hardware wallets, open-source nature, and security audit transparency. Users should carefully consider their individual needs and priorities when choosing between these two wallets.
Atomic Wallet vs MetaMask Conclusion
In conclusion, when comparing Atomic Wallet and MetaMask, both wallets have their own unique advantages in terms of support for cryptocurrencies, blockchains, and features.
Atomic Wallet stands out for its non-custodial nature, allowing users to have full control over their funds and offering enhanced security through the decentralized storage of private keys.
It also supports a wide range of coins and tokens, with over 300 cryptocurrencies available for storage, management, and exchange.
Additionally, Atomic Wallet offers staking capabilities and a cashback program tied to its native AWC token, providing users with additional opportunities to earn rewards.
MetaMask is renowned for its popularity and widespread usage, with over 30 million monthly active users. It offers a seamless user experience and supports various EVM-based blockchains, including Ethereum, Avalanche, Polygon, and more.
MetaMask is fully open-source, providing transparency and allowing the code to be reviewed and audited by the community.
It also offers in-app swaps, staking options, and the ability to manage and transfer NFTs.While both wallets have their own strengths, users should consider their specific needs and preferences.
Atomic Wallet is ideal for beginners with its simple interface, while MetaMask offers a visually appealing interface with a wide range of features.
Atomic Wallet supports a cashback program and offers staking options for various assets, while MetaMask provides in-app swaps and supports multiple payment methods for buying cryptocurrencies.
Jack is a crypto writer and reviewer who has been active in the space since he caught the crypto bug in 2017. With a passion for trying out new shiny things, Jack is always eager to try the latest cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets or DeFi applications.