How it works · 6 min read
Arqma Wallet vs MetaMask — comparison
They are both ‘wallets’ in the broad sense, but they sit on completely different blockchains. Here’s the comparison without sales gloss.
Updated June 2026
The short answer
MetaMask manages keys for Ethereum and other EVM chains (Polygon, BSC, Arbitrum, etc.). It’s primarily a browser extension that lets you sign transactions for web apps (dApps).
Arqma Wallet manages keys for the Arqma blockchain. It’s a desktop and mobile app focused on private send/receive, not on web3 dApp interaction.
They don’t compete on the same chain. You can use both for different purposes.
Side-by-side
| Arqma Wallet | MetaMask | |
|---|---|---|
| Chain | Arqma | Ethereum + EVM chains |
| Privacy on-chain | Strong (CryptoNote/RingCT, amounts and addresses hidden) | Transparent — everything is public |
| Self-custodial | Yes | Yes |
| Seed format | 25 words | 12 or 24 words (BIP-39) |
| Primary form factor | Desktop + mobile app | Browser extension + mobile app |
| dApp interaction | Not the focus | Its entire reason for existing |
| Runs your own node | Yes, supported | Yes, with extra setup |
Which one for what
- You want to hold and transact Arqma: Arqma Wallet. Download from the official download page.
- You want to use Ethereum apps, swap ERC-20s, or mint NFTs: MetaMask.
- You want privacy by default for everyday transactions: Arqma Wallet. Ethereum doesn’t hide amounts or addresses.
- You want broad dApp ecosystem and DeFi: MetaMask — that’s where the apps are.
Security posture
Both are self-custodial — you hold the keys. The risks are the same in shape: phishing, malicious extensions, malware, losing the seed. Different in detail:
- MetaMask, being a browser extension, has a larger phishing surface (fake dApps, malicious sites prompting signatures).
- Arqma Wallet, being a desktop/mobile app, has a smaller attack surface but you still must download from the right place and verify the build. See is Arqma Wallet safe.
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