MetaMask vs Brave | Is Either Crypto Wallet Best Today?
Jack Moreau
Feb 2024
8 min read
Fact checked
Introduction: In this comprehensive review, we have meticulously compared MetaMask vs Brave Wallets on a multitude of factors, including support for different blockchains and cryptocurrencies, their individual standout features, compatibility with hardware wallets, and the degree of security offered!
MetaMask and Brave Wallet are both popular digital wallets that provide users with a secure and convenient way to store, manage, and exchange cryptocurrencies. Let's take a closer look at each wallet and compare their key features.
MetaMask: MetaMask is a decentralized software wallet that was released in 2016 by ConsenSys, a leading software development company focused on Ethereum-based products. With over 30 million monthly active users, MetaMask is currently the most popular non-custodial software wallet in the world.
One of the standout features of MetaMask is its compatibility with a wide range of blockchains. Users can seamlessly interact with Dapps across EVM-based blockchains such as Ethereum, Avalanche, and Polygon, as well as non-EVM chains like Solana. This makes MetaMask a versatile wallet for users who want to access various decentralized applications.
MetaMask is available as a browser extension and a mobile wallet. The browser extension can be downloaded on popular browsers like Google Chrome, Brave, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera. It has been downloaded by over 10 million users and has a 3.25-star rating based on 3,000 reviews.
On the other hand, the mobile app has already amassed over 10 million downloads and has an impressive 4.7-star rating based on 250,000 reviews.
Whether you are using the browser extension or the mobile app, MetaMask allows users to securely store, send, receive, and exchange digital assets. The mobile app also supports NFTs, which is currently not available via the browser extension.
Brave Wallet: Brave Wallet is the built-in wallet of the Brave Browser, which was launched in 2016 by Brendan Eich, the co-founder of Mozilla and the creator of JavaScript. Brave is an open-source browser that is built on the Chromium engine, with added privacy and security features.
The Brave Wallet provides users with a platform to store, manage, and buy multiple cryptocurrencies. Users can easily swap assets and participate in DeFi across EVM-based blockchains like Ethereum, Avalanche, and Polygon, as well as non-EVM chains like Solana.
One of the key advantages of Brave Wallet is its seamless integration with the Brave Browser. Users do not need to download any additional extensions to access the wallet, as it is directly built into the browser. This makes it a convenient choice for users who value simplicity and ease of use.
MetaMask vs Brave Wallet User Experience
MetaMask is a popular browser and mobile wallet that allows users to manage their digital assets and interact with decentralized applications (dApps) on the Ethereum network. It offers a user-friendly interface and has made significant improvements in terms of usability and design.
The wallet integrates many features within the app, allowing users to execute lending, trades, and buys right within the wallet. It also offers a portfolio view where users can easily access all the features. Notably, MetaMask is a non-custodial wallet, meaning users have complete control over their private keys and assets.
In comparison, Brave Wallet is a browser-integrated crypto wallet that offers a seamless experience for users of the Brave browser. This wallet allows users to buy, store, and manage their tokens, transact in NFTs, and gain insights from market data directly within the browser.
While the Brave Wallet is quite basic overall, its convenience is its main benefit because Brave users don't have to download another wallet. It also offers compatibility with hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor, giving users the option to store their funds securely offline.
Similar to MetaMask, Brave Wallet is a self-custody wallet, ensuring users have full control over their private keys and assets.
In terms of user experience, both wallets are straightforward to set up. MetaMask requires users to download the mobile or browser wallet, create or import a wallet, and set a strong password. The same process applies to Brave Wallet, but users must first have the Brave browser installed.
When it comes to supported features, MetaMask has a wider range. It supports a variety of DeFi dApps, allowing users to interact with protocols like lending and decentralized exchanges. It also offers a portfolio view, making it easier for users to monitor their assets.
However, Brave Wallet provides basic functionality for buying and storing tokens, making it suitable for users who only need essential wallet features. Both MetaMask and Brave Wallet have compatibility with different browsers. MetaMask can be used with various browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Opera.
Brave Wallet, as previously mentioned, is specifically designed for Brave browser users. So, if you are already using Brave as your default browser, the wallet integration will be seamless.
In summary, MetaMask and Brave Wallet are both reliable crypto wallets that offer different advantages. MetaMask provides a wider range of features and supports various blockchains, making it suitable for experienced users.
MetaMask vs Brave Wallet Features
MetaMask and Brave Wallet are both popular cryptocurrency wallets that offer a range of features for users to manage their digital assets. In this comparison, we will delve into the details of each wallet, exploring their capabilities and limitations.
First, let's take a closer look at MetaMask. As a fully open-source wallet, MetaMask allows users to aggregate data from various decentralized exchanges (DEXs) such as Uniswap, Sushiswap, and 1Inch, ensuring the best price with the lowest network fees. It offers slippage protection for large swaps and charges a swap fee of 0.875% per transaction.
MetaMask supports NFT tokens on EVM-compatible blockchains like Ethereum and Polygon, enabling users to easily import NFTs into the wallet from marketplaces like OpenSea. The wallet also provides staking functionality, allowing users to stake their assets on both Ethereum and Polygon.
MetaMask has added convenience by integrating multiple payment methods like Credit/Debit Card, ACH, SEPA, PayPal, Apple Pay, and more, for purchasing cryptocurrencies. Users can even withdraw fiat currencies directly from their MetaMask wallet.
The wallet also offers bridging functionality for users who want to transfer their cryptocurrencies from one blockchain to another, albeit with a bridging fee of 0.875%.
Lastly, MetaMask supports Ledger, Trezor, and Lattice hardware wallets, providing an extra layer of security for users.
In comparison, Brave Wallet offers an array of features tailored to the Ethereum and Solana communities. Embedded within the Brave browser, Brave Wallet facilitates in-app swaps by leveraging exchanges such as 1inch and Matcha.
However, users should be aware of the 1% fee applied to every swap transaction, as it is the transparency of the wallet's core principles itself.
Brave Wallet also supports NFTs and allows users to connect to dApps on the Solana network. While it predominantly caters to EVM-based chains like Ethereum, Polygon, and Avalanche, it does make an exception for Solana.
Brave Wallet provides compatibility with trusted hardware wallets such as Ledger and Trezor, appealing to users who prioritize cold storage.
To bridge the gap between crypto and traditional finance, Brave Wallet seamlessly integrates with Uphold, enabling fiat-to-crypto purchases directly within the wallet interface. In summary, both MetaMask and Brave Wallet offer unique features and benefits for cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
MetaMask and Brave Wallet are two popular non-custodial wallets that prioritize security. Both wallets offer users control over their private keys and ensure that assets are stored locally on the user's device.
However, there are notable differences in their approach to security and additional features they provide. MetaMask, like other non-custodial wallets, emphasizes the importance of decentralization and privacy. Users' private keys and assets are stored locally, giving them full control.
Upon setting up a new wallet, users receive a 12-word seed phrase that must be kept safe. MetaMask has never been hacked, but individual users have experienced losses due to virus assaults or phishing attacks.
To ensure the robustness of their systems, MetaMask has subjected their libraries to multiple security audits conducted by renowned firms like Cure53 and Least Authority. These reports are made public, showcasing their commitment to transparency.
MetaMask also actively engages with the security research community through a Bug Bounty Program, which invites external researchers to identify and report potential vulnerabilities. The wallet further provides specialized access to authenticated test environments for blockchain security specialists and members of the DeFi community.
Brave Wallet, on the other hand, offers seamless integration with the Brave browser, enhancing security by ensuring users retain control over their private keys and funds. By eliminating dependence on third-party intermediaries, Brave Wallet reduces the risk of potential security breaches.
It also provides seamless connection with hardware wallets like Trezor and Ledger, giving users added flexibility in managing their assets securely. Brave Wallet further demonstrates its commitment to security through various measures. It is open-source, inviting anyone to inspect its code for potential vulnerabilities.
The wallet has also established a bug bounty program on HackerOne, encouraging white hackers to identify and report any security issues.
Additionally, Brave Wallet's integration with the Brave browser significantly reduces its susceptibility to phishing attempts, counterfeit websites, and theft.
When it comes to overall security measures, both MetaMask and Brave Wallet have implemented measures to protect user assets. MetaMask offers two-factor authentication, robust backup solutions for private key recovery, and data encryption, ensuring that secret phrases are stored solely on the user's device.
Brave Wallet, on the other hand, offers advanced features such as Face or Touch ID for added security on mobile devices.
MetaMask vs Brave Wallet Conclusion
In conclusion, based on the data provided, each wallet has its own unique advantages in terms of support for cryptocurrencies, blockchains, and features.
Atomic Wallet stands out for its wide support for over 300 cryptocurrencies, solid staking support, and all-around well-rounded wallet. However, it does have security risks disclosed by Least and is not available for browser use. It also does not offer any hardware wallet integration.
Brave Wallet offers a safer and more convenient in-browser wallet experience, with Ledger and Trezor support and open-source functionality. It is an excellent choice for users of the Brave browser but has limited functionality and an average user experience. It is also more expensive to buy crypto with fiat and does not offer staking support.
Coinbase Wallet boasts a nice and clean interface, support for thousands of cryptocurrencies, and integrated DeFi functionality. It also allows users to link their Coinbase account. However, it only supports EVM and Solana, has limited functionality, and lacks staking support.
Trust Wallet has a vast user base of 25 million with great ratings and supports 65 blockchains and thousands of cryptocurrencies across desktop, mobile, and browser platforms. However, it has limited staking options and could improve its trading functionality.
MetaMask is a well-known wallet with over 30 million users and supports all EVM-based blockchains. It has a strong open-source community and supports five hardware wallets. It does, however, have an average user experience and a slow development pipeline.
Exodus supports over 260 cryptocurrencies across desktop, browser, and app wallets, and has a solid team that regularly ships features. However, it is a bit slow on new blockchain integrations.
Coinomi Wallet offers support for over 1700 cryptocurrencies and 120 blockchains, as well as the ability to buy crypto with fiat. It is available on desktop and as an app wallet. However, it does not support Solana and Cosmos and could improve its user experience.
Bitkeep Wallet has a modern design and great user experience, with support for 90 blockchains and 200,000 cryptocurrencies. It offers mobile and browser support but has limited hardware support and no desktop support.
Ledger Wallet is considered the best hardware wallet, with support for 5000 cryptocurrencies and both mobile and desktop support. However, it does not support Solana and Cosmos.
Trezor Wallet offers affordable hardware wallets with beautiful design and strong security features. It is an open-source and supports multiple 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.