MetaMask is an open source Ethereum based wallet for browsers via a browser extension. According to the developer, MetaMask mission is to make Ethereum as easy to use for as many people possible. MetaMask makes it easy to run Ethereum dApp directly from your browser without running full Ethereum node or any other software.
MetaMask project initially launched in 2016 and has since grown to become a wallet of choice for most chrome users.
Apart from being an Ethereum wallet, MetaMask is also an ERC20 complaint wallet. Meaning users can also store, send and receive ERC20 tokens on their wallet.
- Features
1. Intuitive Interface: Thanks to it dedicated UI design team, MetaMask user interface is beautiful, clean and really easy to use for even beginners.
2. Include Secure Identity Vault: MetaMask provides a user interface allowing users to manage their identities on different sites and sign blockchain transactions.
3. Multilingual: MetaMask currently supports over 15 different languages making it accessible to a lot of users.
4. Ability To Set Custom Fee: One can easily customize gas limit and gas prices that will be used for transactions.
5. Built-In Exchange: MetaMask has a built-in exchange which integrates Coinbase and ShapeShift. This makes it really easy for users to exchange cryptocurrency directly in the app.
- Setting Up MetaMask
Setting Up MetaMask is very simple.
1. Try downloading and installing MetaMask browser extension for your browser. MetaMask currently provides browser extension for Chrome, FireFox, Opera and Brave. Links to respective browser extension is available at metamask.io.
2. After installing launch MetaMask, you will be promoted to write a password that will protect your key via encryption. It is advisable to write down this password safely cause failure to remember this password might prevent future access to your wallet.
3. Next, you will be prompted to write down a 12 digit word as shown in the interface. This is your mmeronic, just like the password kindly write it down somewhere safe cause failure to access this might prevent you from recovering your account in the future. It is also important to note that these credentials should be kept safely cause anyone with access to these to have full access to your wallet.
Pros:
1. Intuitive and easy to use
2. Open source and free
3. Support all major browsers (Chrome, FireFox, Opera and Brave)
4. Dedicated Support team
Cons:
1. Support only Ethereum and tokens created on Ethereum blockchain (ERC20 tokens)
2. Since it's a hot wallet, it is not recommended for storing large asset especially for a long period of time.
3. No proper Mobile Support
4. Lacks two-factor authentication and Multisig support.