MetaMask vs Rabby: which Ethereum wallet should you use?
Rabby is the better choice for active DeFi users on Ethereum and EVM chains: it previews every transaction and has a lower reported swap fee. MetaMask is better if you need the widest app compatibility or non-EVM chains such as Bitcoin, Solana and Tron. Many power users install both.
At a glance
| MetaMask | Rabby | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Consensys | DeBank |
| Chains | EVM plus Bitcoin, Solana, Tron | EVM only |
| Platforms | Extension, iOS, Android | Extension, desktop, iOS, Android |
| Swap fee | 0.875% | 0.25% since July 2024; some same-chain pairs exempt |
| Transaction preview | Security alerts | Full simulation of balance changes by default |
| Hardware wallets | Ledger, Trezor and others | Ledger, Trezor and others |
| Open source | Source available | Yes |
| Incident history | Oct 2026: infrastructure incident, no wallet impact reported; heavy phishing aimed at users | Oct 2022 swap-contract exploit |
Fees as of October 2026. Sources: MetaMask support (Oct 2026); CryptoActu (3 Oct 2026); The Block (11 Oct 2022). The Block's ratings (Oct 2026) rank Rabby as its top software wallet.
Verdict
Rabby wins for anyone who signs DeFi transactions regularly. Seeing exactly which tokens leave your wallet before you sign is the best protection against drainers short of a hardware wallet. Rabby also switches networks automatically. MetaMask wins on reach: every Ethereum app supports it, and it handles Bitcoin, Solana and Tron, which Rabby does not. If you only hold ETH and use a few big apps, MetaMask is fine. If you are active in DeFi, add Rabby.
Security
Both store keys locally and connect to hardware wallets. The difference is what they show you before you sign. Rabby simulates the transaction and lists balance changes and approvals, then warns about risky contracts. MetaMask shows security alerts, but its prompts are less detailed by default.
Rabby's record includes an October 2022 exploit of its own swap contract, about a month after the swap feature launched. Users were told to revoke approvals (The Block, 11 Oct 2022), and no reimbursement was announced. The extension itself has no known breach since. MetaMask's core wallet has no comparable breach. Its October 2026 infrastructure incident led it to exit staking validators, with no wallet or fund impact reported (The Hacker News, Oct 2026), but it is the most imitated wallet brand, and fake MetaMask sites and apps are a constant risk. Type metamask.io or rabby.io yourself.
Fees
MetaMask lists a 0.875% fee on swaps (MetaMask support, Oct 2026). Rabby has charged 0.25% on in-app swaps and bridges since July 2024, waived for some same-chain pairs such as certain stablecoin pairs (CryptoActu, 3 Oct 2026). Check the quote in the app. On a $1,000 swap, the difference is roughly $6. Network gas is the same in both.
Chains
Rabby supports a long list of EVM networks and detects new ones easily, but it has no Bitcoin, Solana or other non-EVM support. MetaMask added native Solana and Bitcoin support and lists Tron among its swap networks (MetaMask support, Oct 2026).
Who should pick which
- Pick Rabby if you use DeFi, bridges or new protocols on EVM chains and want to see what each transaction does.
- Pick MetaMask if you need maximum app compatibility, use non-EVM chains, or want perps and other built-in features.
- Either way, keep long-term funds on a hardware wallet and review your token approvals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rabby safer than MetaMask?
For DeFi, Rabby's default transaction simulation makes malicious approvals easier to spot. MetaMask has security alerts too. Rabby had a swap-contract exploit in October 2022; MetaMask's main risk is phishing.
Can I import my MetaMask wallet into Rabby?
Yes. Rabby accepts the same recovery phrase or can connect the same hardware wallet. Type the phrase only into the genuine extension.
Does Rabby support Solana or Bitcoin?
No. Rabby supports EVM chains only. MetaMask now supports Bitcoin, Solana and Tron as well.
What are Rabby's fees?
Rabby charges 0.25% on in-app swaps, with some same-chain pairs exempt, and MetaMask lists 0.875% (as of October 2026). Check the quote in each app before you confirm.
Who makes Rabby?
Rabby is built by DeBank, the DeFi portfolio tracker. Its code is open source.