Updated September 28, 2026 · HodlCue Editorial Team
Keystone vs MetaMask
Keystone
Higher score in this comparison
MetaMask
Keystone vs MetaMask: the differences
| Compare | KeystoneReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives | MetaMaskReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet type | Hardware | Browser |
| Open source | YesHas it | No |
| Backup options | Seed, ShamirCovers more | Seed |
| Price | $149 | Not confirmed |
| Coins supported | 5,500 | Not confirmed |
| Secure element | 3 secure element chips | Not confirmed |
Same on both: Custody (Self custody).
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Key differences
- Open source: only Keystone.
- Founded is lower at MetaMask: 2016 vs 2018.
- Backup options: only Keystone offers Shamir.
- Support channels: only MetaMask offers Chat.
Our verdict on each
Keystone
Keystone is a hardware wallet for people who want to hold keys themselves and read the code behind the device. It suits long term holders ready to pay $149 and keep a backup. Buyers who want the cheapest box should look at $79.
MetaMask
MetaMask suits anyone who wants a free browser wallet that keeps control of their own keys, with self-custody (self custody) and a seed backup (seed) as the trade-off for convenience. It suits everyday token holding, not larger balances that need a separate device.
Score breakdown
| Area | Keystone | MetaMask |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8.5The device costs $149, well above $79 and close to the hardware top of €159.76. | Not confirmed |
| Offer | 9.5HigherA hardware wallet with 3 secure element chips, seed and shamir options, 5,500 assets and open source firmware. | 9.3 |
| Trust | 8.8Higher | 8.7 |
How they place
| Ranking | Keystone | MetaMask |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto wallets | 79 of 156 | 81 of 156 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Keystone | MetaMask |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Self custody | Self custody |
| Legal entity | Yanssie HK Limited | Consensys Software Inc. |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong | Not confirmed |
| Founded | 2018 | 2016Lower |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre, Community | Email, Chat, Help centre, CommunityCovers more |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Keystone | MetaMask | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $149highest quarter | Not confirmed | $0 |
| Coins supported | 5,500highest quarter | Not confirmed | 75 |
Median across 85 listed providers.
Pros and cons
Keystone
Pros
- Self-custody, so keys never leave the holder.
- Open source firmware that anyone can read.
- Security handled by 3 secure element chips.
Cons
- The $149 price sits well above $79.
- Support runs on email, help centre and community, with no chat or phone listed.
- Only 100% of wallets on the site are hardware.
MetaMask
Pros
- Self-custody, so the keys stay with the holder (self custody)
- Help runs through email, chat and help centre
- Operated by a named company, Consensys Software Inc.
Cons
- MetaMask is not open source, so the code cannot be read by the people running it
- A browser wallet (browser) keeps the work on the same device you browse with, so Trezor's hardware approach (hardware) is the calmer choice for larger balances
- Recovery depends on a seed phrase (seed) held by the holder
Who each suits
Keystone
Who it suits
- Long term holders keeping coins offline.
- Readers who want to read the firmware themselves.
- Holders of long asset lists, 5,500 supported.
Who should look elsewhere
- Budget buyers, since Trezor costs $79.
- Anyone wanting chat or phone support.
- Readers who want to trade as well as store.
MetaMask
Who it suits
- People who want to hold their own keys without buying a device
- Readers who want their wallet open in a browser tab rather than an app
- Anyone comfortable storing a seed phrase (seed) somewhere safe
Who should look elsewhere
- Trezor, if you would rather keep the keys in a hardware device (hardware)
- Bit2Me, if a mobile wallet (mobile) suits you better
- bynex, if you would rather the provider held the keys (custodial)
Current offers
Keystone
MetaMask
Current offer
Bonus
Earn up to 4% with the Money Account: up to 4% APY
APY is variable and not guaranteed
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Questions about each
Keystone
What does a Keystone hardware wallet cost?+
The device is priced at $149, a one off purchase. As a hardware wallet it keeps working offline, with no subscription attached to holding. A Trezor device sits at $79, so Keystone asks for more at the checkout.
Who holds the coins on Keystone?+
Custody is self custody, so the keys stay with the holder and never sit with a company. If the device is lost, recovery depends on the backup, and the options listed are seed and shamir. Nothing sits with a third party to claim back.
MetaMask
Does MetaMask hold my coins for me?+
MetaMask is a self-custody wallet (self custody), and self-custody is also listed as a headline feature (self custody). The keys stay on your side rather than with a provider, so no account balance sits with the company, and recovery after losing the device is down to your own backup.
How do I back up a MetaMask wallet?+
The listed backup method is a seed (seed), a single set of words you write down and keep offline. Anyone planning to use self-custody needs a safe place to store that phrase, and looking after it is the holder's job rather than something a provider handles on your behalf.
Other options to compare
Keystone
MetaMask