Updated September 28, 2026 · HodlCue Editorial Team
MetaMask vs SafePal
MetaMask
SafePal
Higher score in this comparison
Where MetaMask and SafePal differ
| Compare | MetaMaskReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives | SafePalReviewSee alternativesSee alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet type | Browser | Hardware |
| Open source | No | YesHas it |
| Price | Not confirmed | $49.99 to $89.99 |
| Coins supported | Not confirmed | 200 |
| Secure element | Not confirmed | CC EAL6+ secure element |
| Connectivity | Not confirmed | Bluetooth, USB c |
Same on both: Custody (Self custody), Backup options (Seed).
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Key differences
- SafePal scores higher overall: 9.0 vs 8.9.
- Open source: only SafePal.
- Founded is lower at MetaMask: 2016 vs 2018.
- Support channels: only MetaMask offers Chat.
Our verdict on each
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.
SafePal
SafePal suits buyers who want a self-custody hardware wallet with open source firmware and wide coin coverage at a modest upfront cost. The device costs $49.99 to $89.99 and support runs on email, help centre and community alone, so anyone holding a large balance should expect to handle setup questions alone.
Score breakdown
| Area | MetaMask | SafePal |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Not confirmed | 9.1Cost comes down to a hardware purchase at $49.99 to $89.99 with no subscription, near the hardware wallet median of €69.28. |
| Offer | 9.3Higher | 9.1Covers 200 coins over bluetooth and usb c, and pairs open source firmware with a CC EAL6+ secure element plus self-custody on each device. |
| Trust | 8.7 | 8.8Higher |
How they place
| Ranking | MetaMask | SafePal |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto wallets | 81 of 156 | 68 of 156 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | MetaMask | SafePal |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Self custody | Self custody |
| Legal entity | Consensys Software Inc. | SkyGenesis Holdings Limited |
| Founded | 2016Lower | 2018 |
| Support channels | Email, Chat, Help centre, CommunityCovers more | Email, Help centre, Community |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | MetaMask | SafePal | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Not confirmed | $49.99 to $89.99above the median | $0 |
| Coins supported | Not confirmed | 200above the median | 75 |
Median across 85 listed providers.
Pros and cons
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
SafePal
Pros
- Priced at $49.99 to $89.99, which sits in line with the hardware wallet median of €69.28 across this category
- Custody is self custody, so the keys sit on the device and no operator holds or can move the balance
- The firmware is open source, so the code that handles keys and signs transactions can be read and checked by others
Cons
- Backup is a seed phrase, and there is no split-share option, so a paper copy covers the whole balance
- Support runs on email, help centre and community, with no live chat or phone line listed for holders who get stuck mid-setup
- Signing needs a phone or computer running the app, so recovery depends on your own seed phrase alone
Who each suits
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)
SafePal
Who it suits
- Buyers who want to hold their own keys rather than see a balance sit with a platform operator
- Holders of many small positions who need wide coin coverage from a device they must set up themselves
- People who are comfortable buying hardware and writing down a seed phrase that they will keep offline and private
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who wants a platform account with deposit rails and an app balance, since bynex runs on custodial custody
- People who need help from a live agent, since support runs on email, help centre and community with no phone line listed
- Buyers who want a phone-only software wallet, since this is a hardware device they have to buy first
Current offers
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
SafePal
Current offer
Discount code
10% off with promo code SFP@MiCA: 10% off
Use promo code SFP@MiCA at checkout
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Bonus
Buy 2 for free global shipping: Free standard shipping
Purchase any 2 units or more of the SafePal S1, S1 Pro, X1 or Cypher with Standard Shipping; leather case and Express Delivery excluded
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Questions about each
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.
SafePal
How much does a SafePal hardware wallet cost?+
The device costs $49.99 to $89.99, and that is the whole outlay because no account subscription is attached. It sits in line with the hardware wallet median of €69.28, so the purchase price is typical for this category of device.
Does SafePal hold my coins?+
Custody is self custody, so private keys are generated on the device and never sit with the company. Nothing is credited to a SafePal account, so no deposit protection scheme applies to any balance. Losing the seed phrase means losing the coins, with no operator able to restore them.
Other options to compare
Other matchups
MetaMask
SafePal