MetaMask vs. Coinbase Wallet: Which One Is Best in 2025?

If you’re just getting started in the world of crypto wallets, then you’ve probably come across two big names: Coinbase Wallet vs MetaMask.

Both are widely used online wallets, but each provides a distinct purpose.

Choosing the right one depends on how you plan to use your crypto.

Feature	Coinbase Wallet	MetaMask
Ease of Use	User-friendly, ideal for beginners.	Designed for experienced DeFi users.
Blockchain Support	Supports multiple blockchains.	Focused on Ethereum & EVM chains.
Best For	Integrated experience with Coinbase Exchange.	DeFi and Web3 app users.

coinbase wallet vs metamask

Both wallets are non-custodial, meaning you control your private keys, but they differ in their security features, fees, dApp integration, and NFT compatibility.

Whether you’re looking for the best wallet for trading, interacting with DeFi, or just safeguarding your assets, our guide will break it down with real data so you can make the best choice for you.

📊
Did You Know?

MetaMask has over 30 million users, making it the most popular self-custody wallet for Ethereum.

Coinbase Wallet supports more networks than MetaMask, including Bitcoin and Solana, something MetaMask lacks.

Table of contents

What Are Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask?

When it comes to online self-custody crypto wallets, Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask are two of the biggest names.

But they’re built for slightly different users and use cases. Let’s break down what each wallet is, what they offer, and how they compare.

What is Coinbase Wallet?

Coinbase Wallet is a non-custodial wallet created by Coinbase, one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world.

coinbase wallet

The main difference between the Coinbase Exchange and Coinbase Wallet is that the exchange “holds” your crypto while the wallet gives you control of your private keys.

@_coachred What is the difference ? @CoachTY #foryou #bitcoin #crypto #cryptocurrency #investing #investingforbeginners ♬ original sound – CRYPTORED

🟦 Coinbase Wallet Key Features
✅ Multi-Chain Support: While MetaMask, which is focused on Ethereum, Coinbase Wallet supports Bitcoin, Solana, BNB Chain, Polygon, and more. You can easily manage multiple crypto assets in one place.
💳 Fiat On-Ramp: Buy crypto with fiat directly in the app using your debit card or bank account.
🌐 Built-in dApp Browser: Interact with Web3 applications, including Uniswap, Aave, and NFT marketplaces like OpenSea, directly from the wallet.
🔐 Security Features:🔑 Private keys are stored locally on your device, with optional Google Drive or iCloud backup. 🛡️ Biometric authentication (face ID, fingerprint login) for extra security. 🚫 No centralized control: Even if Coinbase shuts down, your crypto remains accessible.

What is MetaMask?

MetaMask is the most popular crypto wallet for Ethereum and EVM-compatible blockchains.

metamask wallet

It has over 30 million active users worldwide.

Developed by ConsenSys, it’s the go-to wallet for DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 applications.

🦊 MetaMask Key Features
✅ Ethereum & EVM Compatibility: MetaMask is designed specifically for Ethereum but also supports Binance Smart Chain (BSC), Avalanche, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, and other EVM chains.
🌐 dApp Integration: Easily connects to thousands of dApps, including Uniswap, OpenSea, Aave, Curve, and more.
⚙️ Custom RPC Settings: You can manually add new blockchains by inputting a custom RPC URL. This gives you additional access beyond Ethereum.
🔐 Security & Private Keys:🔑 MetaMask does not store private keys on the cloud. Instead, it encrypts them locally on your device. 🛡️ Uses a 12- or 24-word seed phrase for recovery. 🚫 Unlike Coinbase Wallet, MetaMask doesn’t offer cloud backups, this makes it more secure but riskier if you lose your seed phrase.

Material DIY Seed Phrase Storage Wallet

wallet diy

The Material DIY seed phrase storage wallet is an ultra-durable metal backup solution for securely storing your 24-word recovery phrase.

Made from high-quality stainless steel, it protects your cryptocurrency wallet against fire, water, and physical damage.

🔥💦 Fireproof & Waterproof

💪 Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel

✅ Compatible with BIP39 Seed Phrases

Learn More

MetaMask Recent Updates & Improvements

🔥 MetaMask Bridges: A new feature that allows YOU to bridge assets across different blockchains straight from the MetaMask interface.

🔥 MetaMask Snaps: An extension system that was updated in late 2024. It enables new features like additional blockchain support and improved security.

🔥 Improved Gas Fee Estimations: MetaMask now provides more accurate gas fee estimations, helping you prepare for potential costs.

@ricardomighty Breaking:🚨 Metamask will now allow users to swap tokens without requiring any ETH for gas. #metamask #ethereum #ETH ♬ Minimal for news / news suspense(1169746) – Hiraoka Kotaro

Coinbase Wallet vs MetaMask: Which is Best for You?

🟦 Use Coinbase Wallet If…	🦊 Use MetaMask Wallet if…
✅ You need Bitcoin or Solana support.	✅ You’re deep into Ethereum and DeFi.
💳 You want an easier fiat on-ramp.	⚙️ You want custom RPC support for multiple blockchains.
🏦 You prefer a more beginner-friendly interface.	🌐 You need large compatibility with dApps.

Coinbase Wallet vs MetaMask Fees: Which One Costs More?

A big concern when using an online crypto wallet is the fees.

The main questions you should ask before using an exchange or wallet are: How much it costs to buy, sell, swap, and move your crypto?

Both Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask are non-custodial wallets, meaning they don’t charge fees for storing your crypto.

However, there is a catch…transaction costs can vary greatly depending on how and where you use them.

Understanding Network Fees (Gas Fees)

Before we compare the two wallet’s specific fees, it’s important to understand what network fees are (aka gas fees).

These are fees paid to the blockchain network (Ethereum, Bitcoin, Polygon, etc.) to process transactions.

Gas fees are not controlled by Coinbase Wallet or MetaMask, they depend on the blockchain itself.

⛽📈Ethereum gas fees fluctuate based on network congestion.
💰⚡Bitcoin transaction fees depend on block space demand.
🏎️💨Layer 2 networks (Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, etc.) have much lower fees.

Coinbase Wallet Fees vs MetaMask Fees

💰 Fee Type	🟦 Coinbase Wallet	🦊 MetaMask
Buying Crypto	Spread fee (~1.5% – 4%) + network fee	Not available (must buy from a third-party provider)
Swapping Tokens	1% + network fees	0.875% + network fees
Sending Crypto	Network fee only	Network fee only
NFT Transactions	Standard gas fees	Standard gas fees
Fiat On-Ramp	Yes (via Coinbase)	Yes (via third-party providers)

Final Verdict: Which Wallet Has Lower Fees?

🫰 MetaMask is generally cheaper for swapping tokens compared to Coinbase Wallet.
💸 Sending crypto costs the same for both wallets, as fees depend on the blockchain.
✅ Coinbase Wallet is better for beginners because it allows direct fiat purchases, while MetaMask relies on third-party platforms.

🔐 Need a Secure Way to Store Your Crypto?

While Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask are great for daily transactions, cold storage is always the safest way to protect your crypto.

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Check out Material Bitcoin for trusted cold storage wallets that keep your BTC, ETH, and USDT offline and safe from hackers!

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Metamask vs Coinbase Wallet: Overivew of Main Features

Supported Devices 📱

Coinbase Wallet: Works on iOS, Android, and as a browser extension.
MetaMask: Available as a browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge) and a mobile app for iOS and Android.

Ease of Use 🧑‍💻

Coinbase Wallet: Beginner-friendly with a simple interface and easy setup. Just download, create a wallet, and back up your recovery phrase.
MetaMask: Slightly more advanced but still easy to use. Ideal for those using dApps and DeFi on Ethereum. Setup requires installing the app or extension, creating a wallet, and securing your recovery phase.

⚠️ Always store your 12-24 word recovery phrase safely! Writing it down and keeping it in a cold wallet backup is the best way to protect your funds.

Security Features 🔐

Coinbase Wallet: Uses biometric authentication and a 12-word recovery phrase.
MetaMask: Requires a password and 12-word recovery phrase with Web3 security guides.

❗Although both claim to be self-custodial, they are still considered online wallets. This means that they are always connected to the internet, increasing the risk of scams and hacks. The safest way to store crypto is by transferring crypto to a cold hardware wallet.

🔒 Both wallets can be paired with cold storage solutions like Arculus Wallet, Ellipal Titan, and Material ETHER.

Cryptocurrency Support 🪙

Coinbase Wallet: Supports Ethereum, Bitcoin, Litecoin, ERC-20 tokens, and more.
MetaMask: Primarily supports Ethereum-based assets (ETH, ERC-20 tokens, NFTs) but can connect to other EVM-compatible blockchains.

MetaMask vs Coinbase Wallet for NFTs

Blockchain Support: MetaMask works with Ethereum and EVM chains. Coinbase Wallet supports Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon.
Buying & Selling: MetaMask connects to OpenSea, Blur, and Rarible. Coinbase Wallet also works with Coinbase NFT Marketplace.
Storage: Both wallets store NFTs locally on your device.
Gas Fees: Ethereum fees are high on both. Polygon and Solana are cheaper with Coinbase Wallet.

DeFi and dApps: Which Wallet is Better?

If you’re involved in the world of dApps and DeFi, knowing which wallet is more useful can make all the difference in your expereince.

DeFi Staking & Yield Farming

MetaMask connects easily to Uniswap, Aave, and Compound.
Coinbase Wallet supports some DeFi apps but has fewer options.
MetaMask has lower swap fees and better liquidity.

WalletConnect and Third-Party dApps

MetaMask works with most DeFi platforms and WalletConnect.
Coinbase Wallet has fewer integrations but is easier to use.

Comment
byu/MadGainz1 from discussion
inAMPToken

Security: Which Wallet is Safer?

Both MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet are hot wallets.

This means that they are always connected online and more vulnerable to hacking, phishing, and scams.

Here’s how they compare:

Feature	🦊 MetaMask	🟦 Coinbase Wallet
Private Key Storage & Recovery	Store your seed phrase (12-24 words) locally. No cloud backup. If lost, recovery is impossible.	Offers cloud backup (Google Drive/iCloud) for convenience but with higher security risks.
Biometric Security	Uses only password protection for access.	Supports fingerprint and Face ID login.
Hardware Wallet Compatibility	Compatible with hardware wallets.	Compatible with hardware wallets.
Smart Contract & Phishing Risks	Allows better control over dApp permissions but requires manual approval of smart contracts.	Integration with the Coinbase ecosystem may be safer for beginners but still carries risks.

MetaMask vs Coinbase Wallet Pros and Cons

Feature	🟦 Coinbase Wallet	🦊 MetaMask
Pros✅	User-friendly for beginners Direct integration with Coinbase Exchange Supports Bitcoin, Solana, and more Biometric login for security	Best for DeFi and Web3 applications Supports thousands of EVM-compatible chains No additional fees besides gas fees More advanced security settings
Cons❌	Higher fees when swapping assets Limited support for DeFi protocols Fewer hardware wallet integrations	No Bitcoin or Solana support More complex for beginners No cloud backup for seed phrase

Which One Is Best For You?

If left with the choice between the two, then there are a couple of things to ask yourself:

1. Am I a beginner investor/trader?

➡️ For Beginners, Coinbase Wallet is most likely the better choice as it’s easier to navigate and you can directly integrate it into the Coinbase exchange.

2. What use do I want to get out of my wallet?

➡️ If you are looking to trade other tokens and use dApps, then the obvious choice is MetaMask. It’s one of the best choices for anyone looking to fully integrate into the Ethereum network.

3. Is the safety of my crypto and the security of my private keys and seed phrases important?

➡️ For Security-focused users the answer might be surprising. The best choice is neither.

Although both provide high-security systems and backups, passwords, and seed phrases, they are both software wallets and therefore will always be a security risk.

A security measure that could help you is to complement your hot wallet with a seed phrase wallet.

Coinbase Wallet Vs. MetaMask: User Feedback and Reviews

User reviews and community feedback are vital to growing and shaping any crypto tool.

Apart from forums and blogs from both Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask where their users can give feedback and help each other out with technical issues, user opinions and complaints are just as important for shaping these online platforms and giving new potential investors a warning about the downside of each wallet.

While both have positive reviews about their platforms and seamless navigation, the majority of the negative user reviews are around their security, lack of safety and customer support.

Take a look at these Coinbase Wallet vs Metamask Reddit comments:

Comment
byu/Responsible_Chef9059 from discussion
inCoinBase

There are entire subReddits dedicated just to discussing the lack of security measures on both wallets.

Comment
byu/xX_Radium_Xx from discussion
inMetamask

Comment
byu/juanlasttime from discussion
inMetamask

From what we gather, users are generally happy with the technology on each platform and the easy access they have instantly through their phones, but the issue of protecting and safeguarding crypto is the #1 problem that keeps coming up.

So, what can be an alternative solution?

Safer Alternative

The security and safety of your crypto, private keys and recovery phrases are crucial, and while Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask offer unique features to their online wallets, they do not specialize nor excel in the field of safeguarding.

material ETHER

For peace of mind, use a cold wallet like Material ETHER is your best option.

FAQs

Which wallet is better for beginners?

Coinbase Wallet is easier to set up, supports multiple blockchains, and has a simple interface.

Which wallet has lower fees?

MetaMask has lower swap fees (0.875%) vs. Coinbase Wallet (1%), but gas fees depend on the blockchain.

Can I store Bitcoin on MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet?

MetaMask does not support BTC, however Coinbase Wallet does.

Which wallet is better for NFTs?

Both offer decent NFT solutions, depending on which ones you prefer.

MetaMask vs Coinbase wallet, which one is safer?

Both are hot wallets, meaning they are always online. For maximum security, store your crypto in a hardware cold wallet like Material ETHER.

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Maral Hotoyan

As a content writer with a background in Journalism and Media Studies, Maral has got a knack for making even the trickiest topics easy to understand. These days, she's all about exploring the exciting world of investing and cryptocurrencies. Whether it's the latest crypto trend or a deep dive into investment strategies, she loves turning complicated concepts into stories everyone can enjoy.

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