Trust Wallet vs MetaMask: Which Wallet Fits You Better?
Two Popular Wallets with Different Strengths
When people start exploring Web3, two names come up again and again: Trust Wallet and MetaMask. Both are non-custodial wallets, meaning you hold your own keys instead of relying on an exchange account. Both let you connect to decentralised applications. Yet they feel quite different in daily use, and each has its own strengths.
Choosing between MetaMask and the trust wallet app is less about which one is "objectively better" and more about which one matches your habits and priorities as a user.
Platforms and Devices
Trust Wallet began as a mobile-first wallet. It is best known as an app for Android and iOS, and later added a browser extension for desktop use. MetaMask, by contrast, became popular as a browser extension for desktop browsers and then introduced a mobile app. You can use either wallet on both mobile and desktop today, but their starting points still shape how they feel.
If you mostly manage your crypto from your phone and like the idea of a single app for many networks, Trust Wallet may feel more natural. If you spend a lot of time on a desktop interacting with Ethereum-based dApps, MetaMask's long history in that space can be an advantage.
Network and Token Support
Out of the box, the trust wallet app supports a wide range of networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Chain, and many others. You can hold a diverse mix of coins and tokens without setting up custom networks. MetaMask focuses on Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains. It can connect to many networks too, but you often have to add them manually or let a dApp configure them.
If your portfolio spans multiple blockchains that are not all EVM-based, Trust Wallet's multi-chain support can simplify your life. If you are primarily an Ethereum and layer-2 user, MetaMask may already cover everything you need.
Web3 and dApp Experience
Both wallets let you connect to Web3 applications, but the patterns differ slightly. Trust Wallet offers deep integration on mobile, where you can use an in-app browser or WalletConnect to interact with dApps. MetaMask is tightly integrated into desktop browsers, where many sites assume its presence and display a "Connect MetaMask" button by default.
On mobile, Trust Wallet often feels more seamless, especially for users who are not comfortable switching between many platforms. On desktop, MetaMask may feel more "native" in DeFi and NFT environments that were built with it in mind. The good news is that most major dApps support both options now.
Security Models and Recovery
From a high-level security perspective, both Trust Wallet and MetaMask use similar principles. They generate a recovery phrase, derive private keys from it and store those keys locally on your device. Neither wallet can reset your seed phrase or undo a transaction you sign. If you lose your phrase and device, neither team can restore your access.
The main security differences come down to your device, your browser and your personal habits. Browser-based wallets can be more exposed to malicious extensions or scripts if you are not careful, while mobile wallets depend heavily on the security of the phone's operating system. In both cases, keeping software up to date and avoiding suspicious links makes a meaningful difference.
User Experience and Learning Curve
Many users describe the trust wallet app as more beginner-friendly, especially on mobile. It hides some of the low-level technical details and focuses on a clear presentation of balances, tokens and basic actions. MetaMask can feel more technical at first, particularly when you start adding networks, managing gas fees or interacting with advanced DeFi tools.
If you enjoy fine-tuning every option and you mostly live in the EVM world, MetaMask's detailed control might appeal to you. If you just want a straightforward way to hold and use different coins, Trust Wallet's simpler interface may be a better match.
Can You Use Both Wallets?
There is no rule that says you must pick one wallet forever. Many people use both: Trust Wallet for multi-chain mobile use and MetaMask for Ethereum-focused desktop activity. You can even import the same seed phrase into both wallets for EVM chains, although reusing the same phrase across multiple apps is not ideal from a privacy standpoint.
For some users, the most practical approach is to keep separate wallets for different purposes: one trust wallet app for everyday spending and Web3 exploration, one MetaMask setup for a specific network and perhaps a hardware wallet for long-term storage.