Comparison

MetaMask vs Phantom: Which Wallet Is Better in 2026?

Self-custody, chains, swap fees and security, side by side. Fees are checked against each wallet’s own documentation.

No project pays to be listed. How we compare

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Draft: this comparison is being reviewed by our editors before publication.

In this comparison

Phantom is the better pick if most of your assets are on Solana; MetaMask is better if you mainly use EVM networks and need custom networks.

Both are self-custody wallets with an extension and a mobile app, and both now cover Solana and EVM chains. They differ in where each one started and how deep its support goes.

Quick verdict: MetaMask or Phantom?

Phantom for Solana; MetaMask for EVM depth.

Best for: MetaMask

EVM users who add custom networks and use many EVM dApps.

Best for: Phantom

Solana users who also hold some Ethereum, Base or Bitcoin.

Choose MetaMask if you want:
  • Any EVM network, including custom ones
  • The widest EVM dApp support
  • Open-source code
Choose Phantom if you want:
  • Solana dApps first
  • Bitcoin and Sui next to Solana
  • Built-in scam-token warnings

Other MetaMask alternatives to compare

Coinbase Wallet

Self-custody wallet from Coinbase, separate from the Coinbase exchange account.

MetaMask vs Coinbase Wallet →
Rabby

EVM wallet from the DeBank team that simulates each transaction before you sign.

MetaMask vs Rabby →
Rainbow

Mobile-first Ethereum wallet focused on L2 networks, tokens and NFTs.

MetaMask vs Rainbow →
Editor’s note (Sep 26, 2026): Phantom’s help center notes its 0.85% fee does not apply to every swap; cross-chain swaps add a bridge fee.

MetaMask vs Phantom at a glance

CategoryMetaMaskPhantom
CustodySelf-custodySelf-custody
ChainsEVM networks, SolanaSolana, EVM, Sui, Bitcoin
PlatformsExtension, iOS, AndroidExtension, iOS, Android
Swap fee ⓘThe wallet’s own fee on in-app swaps, excluding network gas.0.875%0.85%
US availability ⓘListed in the US App Store.YesYes
Main security featureOpen source, phishing detectionScam-token warnings
Open sourceYesNot stated
Winner by category
SolanaPhantomPhantom was built for Solana.
EVM networksMetaMaskMetaMask supports custom EVM networks; Phantom a fixed list.
Swap feePhantom0.85% against 0.875%, a small difference.
BitcoinPhantomPhantom supports Bitcoin in the same app.

Data as of Sep 26, 2026. Sources: each wallet’s own fee pages and the US App Store. Fees change; check the quote in the app before you swap.

What are MetaMask and Phantom?

MetaMask

MetaMask is a self-custody wallet from Consensys, available as a browser extension and a mobile app. It is the wallet most EVM dApps test against first, and it added Solana accounts in 2025.

ExtensioniOSAndroid

Phantom

Phantom started as the main Solana wallet and now also supports Ethereum, Base, Polygon, Sui and Bitcoin in one app, with built-in warnings for scam tokens.

ExtensioniOSAndroid

Chains

Each wins on its home turf.

MetaMask

EVM networks with custom network support, plus Solana accounts since 2025.

Phantom

Solana, Ethereum, Base, Polygon, Sui and Bitcoin; no custom EVM networks.

Depends on your chain

Fees

Nearly the same.

MetaMask

0.875% service fee on in-app swaps.

Phantom

0.85% on in-app swaps; the help center notes it does not apply to all swaps.

Winner: Phantom, narrowly

Security

Both warn before risky actions.

MetaMask

Balance-change previews and security alerts; open-source code.

Phantom

Scam-token and malicious-transaction warnings.

Tie

Platforms

Same platforms.

MetaMask

Extension, iOS, Android.

Phantom

Extension, iOS, Android.

Tie

MetaMask or Phantom: final verdict

Pick Phantom if your activity is mostly on Solana: it is the wallet Solana dApps design for, and it adds Bitcoin in the same app.

Pick MetaMask if you live on EVM networks, especially smaller or custom ones that Phantom does not list.

  • Solana: Phantom
  • EVM networks: MetaMask
  • Swap fee: Phantom
  • Bitcoin: Phantom

Educational content, not financial advice. Crypto assets are volatile; only sign transactions you understand.

How we compared MetaMask and Phantom

We compared both wallets on the same criteria as our MetaMask alternatives list: supported chains, custody, the wallet’s own swap fee, security features, US App Store availability and platforms. Fees come from each wallet’s own fee page or official announcement and carry the date we checked them.

MetaMask vs Phantom: FAQ

Is Phantom better than MetaMask?

For Solana, usually yes. For EVM networks, MetaMask supports more networks, including custom ones.

Does MetaMask support Solana now?

Yes. MetaMask added Solana accounts in 2025, but Phantom has deeper Solana dApp support.

Which has lower swap fees, Phantom or MetaMask?

Phantom charges 0.85% and MetaMask 0.875% on in-app swaps, as of Sep 26, 2026. Network fees come on top in both.

Are MetaMask and Phantom free?

Both are free to download and use. You pay network gas on every transaction and a wallet fee only on swaps made inside the app.

Is Phantom a self-custody wallet?

Yes. Like MetaMask, Phantom gives you a seed phrase and never holds your funds. If you lose the phrase, no one can restore access.

Which is easier for beginners, MetaMask or Phantom?

Phantom has the simpler interface for newcomers, especially on Solana. On EVM networks MetaMask has more guides written for it.

What a swap costs in MetaMask vs Phantom

The wallet’s own fee on an in-app swap, before network gas. Rates checked Sep 26, 2026.

Swap sizeMetaMask (0.875%)Phantom (0.85%)
$1,000.00$8.75$8.50
$10,000.00$87.50$85.00
$100,000.00$875.00$850.00

Network gas and DEX or bridge fees come on top. Some pairs may carry a different rate; check the quote in the app.

MetaMask vs Phantom by user type

If you are…PickWhy
Solana memecoin or NFT userPhantomSolana-first design and dApp support.
EVM user on many L2sMetaMaskCustom networks and wide EVM support.
Holds Bitcoin and SolanaPhantomBoth chains in one app.
Needs multisig for a teamNeitherUse a multisig wallet such as Safe.
Uses crypto mainly on a desktop browserMetaMaskBrowser extension that dApps support well.
Uses crypto mainly on a phonePhantomBuilt around the mobile app.

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Pros and cons

MetaMask
  • Pro: Works with almost every EVM dApp
  • Pro: Open-source code
  • Pro: Extension and mobile app with one seed phrase
  • Con: 0.875% fee on in-app swaps, higher than most wallets here
  • Con: Solana support is newer than in Solana-first wallets
Phantom
  • Pro: Solana, Bitcoin and EVM in one app
  • Pro: Scam-token and malicious-transaction warnings
  • Pro: Strong Solana dApp support
  • Con: 0.85% fee on in-app swaps
  • Con: Fewer EVM networks than MetaMask
  • Con: Custom EVM networks cannot be added by hand

Sources

  1. MetaMask Support — Swaps user guide
  2. Phantom Help — Swap tokens

How this page works

Sources: MetaMask Support — Swaps user guide, Phantom Help — Swap tokens. Data as of Sep 26, 2026.

How we review

Not affiliated with any project listed. Educational content, not financial advice.