Trust Wallet vs. MetaMask

Here is a comparison between the two leading and widely used cryptocurrency wallets.

Updated May 11, 2023 at 6:07 p.m. UTC

Beginner

Trust Wallet and MetaMask are digital wallets where you can store, send, receive, exchange and purchase cryptocurrencies. They are both simple and beginner-friendly platforms that traders can use to easily and confidently get into the markets.

Both wallets have mobile apps, and yet they differ in several ways as explained below.

Trust Wallet overview:

Trust Wallet has been the official decentralized wallet of the Binance crypto exchange since it was acquired by Binance in November 2017. Trust Wallet is widely considered to be a user-friendly, secure and easy-to-use wallet. It supports more than 4.5 million different kinds of digital assets on more than 65 blockchains.

Trust Wallet provides many more features than simply storing your digital assets. You can easily access more than 60 blockchains such as Ethereum and Polygon and use popular decentralized applications (dapps). Its dapp browser acts as a bridge so that you can get access to popular decentralized platforms such as PancakeSwap and SushiSwap.

You can also buy, swap and stake your crypto within Trust Wallet.

Regarding security, Trust Wallet is a hot wallet, meaning it is directly connected to the internet. Trust Wallet, however, is a non-custodial wallet that gives you complete control of your private keys and your assets on a blockchain.

MetaMask overview:

Like Trust Wallet, MetaMask is compatible with iOS and Android, but unlike Trust Wallet, MetaMask can also be used on your computer, letting users interact with various blockchains such as Binance Smart Chain and the Ethereum network through their desktop browser. Simply put, it's a web browser extension that can connect to dapps such as different decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces.

By default, MetaMask is designed to access the Ethereum network to connect to platforms such as Uniswap and Compound. It supports ERC-20 token standards so that you can store almost any token on the Ethereum network.

One noteworthy feature of MetaMask is its simple interface for swapping cryptocurrencies. From the web browser extension or app, you can click on the “Swap” button. This enables you to swap a wide range of cryptocurrencies quickly and easily.

With MetaMask, you will enjoy a seamless experience regardless of the platform you are using. The security measures built into the application are equally strong compared with Trust Wallet because it is both non-custodial and a hot wallet.

Which to choose: Trust Wallet or MetaMask

Consider your needs for a crypto wallet in general. Trust Wallet and MetaMask differ in benefits, features and operability. You will need to compare and contrast the two wallets. The list will help you analyze and decide which wallet fits you.

Trust Wallet

This wallet is suitable for you if you need the following functionalities:

You need the flexibility of being able to store more than 4.5 million kinds of digital assets and having access to more than 60 blockchains
You would like the option to purchase cryptocurrency with a credit card.
You would like access to a wide variety of decentralized applications directly through the app itself.

Limitations to consider

There is no desktop or browser extension available.

MetaMask

This wallet is suitable for you if you need the following functionalities:

You’re primarily interested in Ethereum-based dapps and transacting with the Ethereum network.
You need it to be compatible with most browser and mobile devices based on iOS and Android.
Easy connection to the platform and a quick and simple way to send ether to any address within the app in a few seconds.

Limitations to consider

The MetaMask extension works on most, but not all, web browsers. It is compatible with Chrome, Edge, Brave and Firefox.
It doesn't have a dapp menu to browse through.
It doesn't support bitcoin.

This article was originally published on Aug 2, 2022 at 8:56 p.m. UTC

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.