Crypto Wallets Compared: Custody, Networks, and Recovery
Compare MetaMask, Phantom, Base, and Trezor by supported networks, signing model, device needs, and wallet recovery.
In brief
Crypto wallets differ in how they secure signing keys and help users regain access. MetaMask and Phantom are software wallets with different network coverage, Base offers smart wallet and recovery options, and Trezor is a hardware wallet designed to keep signing keys on a device. Before choosing, confirm current network support and understand what happens if you lose access.
What we compared
- Custody and signing model, including the role of recovery phrases, passkeys, or hardware devices
- Current support for the specific chains and assets you use
- Browser and mobile access, app connections, and device compatibility
- Recovery steps, backup responsibilities, and the consequences of losing credentials
The tools
MetaMask
Best for: Browser and mobile access to Ethereum and EVM applications
MetaMask is a self-custody software wallet. Its recovery model depends on how the wallet was created; traditional recovery-phrase wallets put the phrase in the user's care. Confirm chain and asset support for the wallet version you use.
View provider detailsPhantom
Best for: A software wallet with support for Solana and a growing set of other networks
Phantom's current support documentation lists Solana, Ethereum, Bitcoin, Base, Polygon, BNB Chain, and additional networks. Its documentation says recovery-phrase wallets rely on a phrase Phantom does not store, so the user must secure the backup.
View provider detailsBase app
Best for: Base account access with passkey and smart-wallet options
Coinbase documents multiple wallet types in its Base app, including smart wallets, email or social login wallets, and mnemonic wallets, with different supported networks and recovery paths. Check the exact wallet type before depositing assets; support differs by wallet type.
View provider detailsTrezor
Best for: Hardware-based key storage and offline transaction approval
Trezor's wallet-backup documentation explains how a backup restores access if a device is lost, damaged, or reset. Supported coins and features vary by device and software; check the current compatibility list before buying or moving funds.
View provider details
Choose a wallet by how you want to hold keys
We reviewed product and support documentation on October 25, 2026. This comparison describes documented wallet models and recovery responsibilities. It is not a security audit, a benchmark, or a recommendation to hold a particular asset.
An exchange account and a self-custody wallet do not offer the same kind of control. With an exchange account, the provider controls the keys and account recovery often goes through customer support. With self-custody, the wallet owner controls signing keys directly; losing the wallet’s recovery method can mean losing access. A wallet app’s interface does not by itself tell you who can restore an account.
MetaMask: software wallet for EVM applications
MetaMask is commonly used to connect a browser or mobile wallet to Ethereum-compatible applications. Its security documentation explains that recovery depends on the wallet setup. In a recovery-phrase wallet, anyone who obtains the phrase can control accounts derived from it, and MetaMask cannot recover a phrase that is lost.
Use MetaMask when its supported network and application integrations match your workflow. Before depositing, check that you are using the correct network and that the asset is supported by the destination app. A token with the same ticker on another chain is not necessarily the same asset.
Phantom: Solana-focused, with additional network support
Phantom started as a Solana wallet and now documents support for additional chains. Its current supported-networks list should be checked before using it for a particular network; network support can change. Its recovery-phrase guide says Phantom does not keep a copy of the phrase for recovery-phrase wallets.
Phantom can suit someone who wants a software wallet for Solana and other currently supported networks. As with any multi-chain wallet, verify the network and token shown on both sides of a transfer. A familiar address format does not prove that a particular network is supported.
Base app: compare the wallet type and its recovery path
The Base app includes different wallet models. Coinbase’s documentation distinguishes smart wallets, email or social login wallets, and mnemonic wallets; network support and recovery differ by type. The wallet management guide explains how these types are created and accessed.
Do not assume that every Base app wallet behaves like a traditional seed-phrase wallet. Check the wallet type and read its recovery instructions before funding it. Coinbase’s support guidance states that a self-custody recovery phrase gives control of the wallet to whoever has it.
Trezor: hardware wallet for keeping keys off a general-purpose device
Trezor is a hardware wallet whose device is used to approve transactions. Its wallet-backup documentation describes backups that can restore access if a device is lost, damaged, or reset. Supported assets, device models, and app workflows vary, so check Trezor’s current compatibility information before purchasing or transferring assets.
A hardware wallet can reduce exposure of signing keys to a computer or phone, but it does not make a malicious transaction safe. Read the transaction details on the device and keep the backup private and protected from damage. If someone else gets the backup, the hardware device may no longer protect the funds.
A short selection checklist
- Write down the networks you need. Compare that list with the wallet’s current official support page. Do not infer support from an address format or a wallet brand name.
- Choose the recovery model deliberately. Know whether recovery depends on a seed phrase, passkey, cloud account, or hardware backup. Test the documented recovery process before relying on a wallet for substantial funds.
- Check the asset and destination. Verify the chain, token contract or mint, and receiving service’s deposit support before sending.
- Protect secrets. Never share a recovery phrase or private key with a person or website claiming to offer support. Wallet providers generally cannot reverse onchain transfers.
A wallet stores or controls keys; a wallet tracker monitors public addresses and activity. For the latter use case, see crypto wallet trackers. To check a completed transfer, see crypto block explorers.
Sources and review scope
We used MetaMask’s wallet security guide, Phantom’s network list and recovery guide, Coinbase’s wallet management guide, and Trezor’s backup guide. We did not conduct an independent security audit or test the wallet applications.