MetaMask can be used directly in a browser but how safe is it to do so? If security is as important to you as it is to us – especially when dealing with transactions and anything finance-related – chances are you wouldn’t wish to settle for anything less than the safest browser for MetaMask. And you shouldn’t!
This crypto wallet is designed to interact with the Ethereum blockchain. It stores whatever you have there for safekeeping, manages accounts key, sends cryptocurrencies, and connects to decentralized apps.
You can use MetaMask as an app or as a browser extension. While there is no shortage of browsers that have one, this guide will introduce you to the safest browser for the MetaMask extension:
- Opera Crypto Browser – Safest browser for MetaMask
- Opera – Excellent non-crypto safety features
- Brave – Prevents online tracking
- Firefox – Extensive add-on library
- Edge – Dapps & Web 3.0 compatibility
The service is pretty popular, which unsurprisingly, attracts unwanted attention. Inevitably, the difficult questions roll in: can MetaMask be easily hacked? Can malware steal MetaMask? Let’s find out together.
Is it safe to use a browser on MetaMask?
MetaMask is as safe as any crypto wallet can be. Unfortunately, compromising events such as cyber-attacks either via phishing techniques or malware infection, simply cannot be excluded.
There are, of course, several steps you can take to make your MetaMask wallet safe, and of the most important ones is picking the most secure browser for MetaMask.
Don’t be shy to check out the most important browser security settings available – this will help you get an idea about what sorts of features to look for.
The key aspects to look out for in a browser revolve around security. Since MetaMask is a non-custodial wallet, no data is stored on its servers. For sure that’s a blessing, but it can also be a curse.
And by that we mean there is no rescue team coming in to restore or retrieve data or funds if misfortune strikes. Everything is encrypted at the browser level.
Ideally, it would be best if you were looking for one that doesn’t keep your web history saved and has a built-in VPN. For those reasons, Google Chrome will not be on the list.
However, if you feel comfortable and prefer using Chrome for its features, then, by all means, use the browser. Another popular choice is Firefox. So, is MetaMask safe on Firefox?
We must admit the browser worked hard to improve its security features and it doesn’t fail to impress. If you’re looking for a safe browser for MetaMask, have a look at our speedy selection below.
What is the safest browser for MetaMask?
1. Opera Crypto Browser – Safest browser for MetaMask
Ready for Web3? Opera is! With a full-fledged crypto-focused browser, Opera delivers airtight security for your transactions without compromising on speed or versatility. And the Wallet Selector displayed above is responsible for that.
This nifty feature allows you to manage and switch between numerous crypto wallets and their corresponding extensions effortlessly. Stick with the dedicated Opera wallet or go for Metamask, anything is possible
If you choose to use the latter, you’ll also want to know more about what it is that makes Opera Crypto Browser the safest browser for MetaMask in the first place.
Check out Opera Crypto Browser’s awesome security enhancements:
- Paste & clipboard protection
- Malicious-address checker and phishing protection
- Built-in VPN, Ad, and Tracker Blockers
- Wallet Selector multi-wallet management tool
Strongly rooted in the crypto ecosystem, Opera Crypto Browser supports multiple blockchains and cryptocurrency tokens such as Bitcoin, EVM, ERC, and ETH, making it the most secure browser for MetaMask on the market.
2. Opera – Excellent non-crypto safety features
Opera is an excellent choice because it comes with a free VPN installed. You can browse privately on your computer and your phone. There’s also a premium version of the VPN, which you’ll have to pay to use.
The good thing is that Opera VPN Pro is super cheap. It offers access to 3,000 different servers worldwide, and you can extend the service to six other devices (both Android and Windows computers).
And like the other browsers, you can block ad scripts. Outside of the security features, Opera does have some cool non-crypto features.
For example, you can control multiple messaging apps with the Messenger feature or connect to different music sites through Player.
3. Brave – Prevents online tracking
Starting strong is the Brave web browser. Brave is one of the best for a mainstream web browser, taking what Chrome is doing and improving its security. So, in comes the big question. Is Brave better for MetaMask?
It sports Brave Shield, a built-in ad and cookie blocker that stops other websites from tracking you. It even allows certain websites to recognize your computer for a quick login. The feature can even block ad scripts from running.
And by blocking ad scripts, websites will load faster. Brave also has a VPN, but you must pay for a subscription. The ads you’ll see on Brave are based on your browsing history, yet your data stays safe.
Because of Brave’s security settings, the company can’t sell personal data even if it wanted to.
4. Firefox – Extensive add-on library
What is the difference between Brave and Firefox MetaMask? Now, it’s Firefox’s turn. This web browser is best known for its high-quality security features and a wide variety of extensions.
It’s these extensions that make Firefox such a good pick.
You can add NoScript to protect you against annoying websites tracking you. For the crypto enthusiast, you might enjoy something like Crypto Tracker, which keeps tabs on the price of your favorite token.
If you want something to track your portfolio, there’s also CoinStats. In addition, there are extensions to convert cryptocurrency to fiat and a news feed on Firefox.
And because the browser is open source, you can go into the app and make adjustments according to your cryptocurrency needs (if you’re a programmer, of course).
5. Edge – Dapps & Web 3.0 compatibility
Edge has come a long way since the days of Internet Explorer. Microsoft has patched the security problems and boosted the speed of its web browser. So much so that Microsoft is retiring its first web browser.
The MetaMask extension on Edge brings the same service you expect it to have. In addition, it gives you access to Web 3.0, NFTs, Dapps, and much more. What’s unique about the browser is that it supports Chrome extensions.
Chrome has a lot of helpful cryptocurrency extensions that bolster your experiences. You can keep close track of the market with various data plugins like Blockmodo or the CoinMarketCap plugin.
Plus, it has excellent security in the form of Defender SmartScreen, which actively protects you against phishing scams. And these types of attacks are rampant in the crypto space.
🔐 Can you make MetaMask more secure?
As stated earlier, MetaMask is a wallet for cryptocurrency, so it’s best to use it as intended. You can create an account on the extension, which gives you a seed phrase.
So, a logical first step would be to pick a strong seed or recovery phrase and keep it to yourself. While some guidelines are considered digital security standards, others may still make a great difference.
Let’s quickly review the most important tips to ensure a safe MetaMask experience:
- Store small amounts only
- Connect your MetaMask extension to trustworthy sites only
- Always use a hardware wallet as well
- Choose and install the safest browser for MetaMask with crypto-focused security features
Did you find the most secure browser for MetaMask or are you still looking? Feel free to comment below if you have any questions about this topic.