About MetaMask
The story behind the world's most popular self-custodial Ethereum wallet and Web3 gateway.
What is MetaMask
MetaMask is a self-custodial cryptocurrency wallet that serves as the primary gateway to the Ethereum blockchain and the broader Web3 ecosystem. Available as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Edge — and as a mobile application for iOS and Android — MetaMask enables users to manage digital assets, interact with decentralized applications, and participate in the decentralized finance (DeFi) economy.
With over 30 million monthly active users, MetaMask is the most widely adopted Ethereum wallet. It supports ERC-20 tokens, ERC-721 and ERC-1155 NFTs, and connects to thousands of dApps across the DeFi, GameFi, and NFT ecosystems. Its built-in swap aggregator, portfolio dashboard, and Snaps extensibility system make it a comprehensive Web3 toolkit.
History
MetaMask was conceived in 2016 as a project within ConsenSys, the Ethereum venture studio founded by Joseph Lubin (co-founder of Ethereum). The original vision was to create a browser extension that would make Ethereum accessible to everyday internet users — bridging the gap between traditional web browsing and decentralized applications.
MetaMask launches as a browser extension for Chrome, created by developer Aaron Davis (known as "kumavis") at ConsenSys. It introduced the concept of injecting a Web3 provider into the browser, enabling seamless dApp interaction.
MetaMask Mobile launches for iOS and Android, extending the wallet experience beyond desktop browsers. The mobile app includes a built-in dApp browser for accessing decentralized applications on the go.
MetaMask reaches 1 million monthly active users during the DeFi Summer explosion. The introduction of MetaMask Swaps — a built-in token swap aggregator — marks the wallet's evolution from a simple key manager to a comprehensive DeFi interface.
User base surges past 10 million as NFTs and DeFi drive mainstream crypto adoption. MetaMask expands multi-chain support, enabling connections to Polygon, BSC, Avalanche, and other EVM-compatible networks.
MetaMask reaches 30 million monthly active users. The Portfolio dApp launches, providing a unified view of assets across chains. Institutional features, including MetaMask Institutional (MMI), bring enterprise-grade compliance tools.
MetaMask Snaps launches publicly, opening the wallet to community-built extensions. Snaps enable non-EVM chain support, transaction insights, and new account types — establishing MetaMask as a platform rather than just a wallet.
Smart Transactions roll out to protect users from MEV attacks. Continued expansion of the Snaps ecosystem and deeper integration with Layer 2 networks solidify MetaMask's position as the leading Web3 wallet, outpacing competitors like Phantom Wallet and Trust Wallet in the Ethereum ecosystem.
Mission
MetaMask's mission is to make Web3 accessible to everyone. The project believes that decentralized technologies can create a more equitable internet where users own their data, assets, and digital identity. By providing an intuitive and secure interface to blockchain networks, MetaMask aims to remove the technical barriers that prevent mainstream adoption of decentralized applications.
As a product of ConsenSys, MetaMask is aligned with the broader vision of building the infrastructure for a decentralized web. ConsenSys also develops Infura (blockchain API infrastructure), Linea (Layer 2 network), and other foundational Ethereum tools — creating an integrated ecosystem that powers Web3.
Core Values
Self-Custody
Users retain full control of their private keys and assets. MetaMask never has access to your funds or recovery phrase. Your keys, your crypto.
Open Source
MetaMask's code is publicly available on GitHub. Anyone can audit, review, and contribute — ensuring transparency that closed-source wallets like Phantom Wallet cannot match.
Security First
Regular third-party security audits, hardware wallet integration, phishing detection, and Smart Transactions for MEV protection. Security is foundational, not an afterthought.
Interoperability
From EVM chains to non-EVM networks via Snaps, MetaMask is designed to work across the multi-chain future. No single-chain lock-in — a key differentiator from Phantom Wallet's Solana-first approach.
The MetaMask Ecosystem
MetaMask sits at the center of a vast Web3 ecosystem. It connects users to over 17,000 decentralized applications spanning DeFi (Uniswap, Aave, Compound), NFT marketplaces (OpenSea, Blur), gaming (Axie Infinity, Decentraland), and social platforms (Lens Protocol, Farcaster).
The Snaps platform extends MetaMask beyond Ethereum. Community developers build extensions that add support for Bitcoin, Cosmos, Starknet, and other non-EVM chains — transforming MetaMask from an Ethereum wallet into a universal Web3 interface. This extensibility is unmatched by either Trust Wallet or Phantom Wallet.
For institutional users, MetaMask Institutional (MMI) provides enterprise-grade features including multi-signature custody, compliance reporting, and integration with institutional custodians. This dual approach — serving both individual and institutional users — positions MetaMask uniquely in the crypto wallet landscape.
MetaMask by the Numbers
30M+
Monthly Active Users
17K+
Connected dApps
100+
Supported Networks
2016
Founded by ConsenSys