Rainbow
score
Fees: free; network fees + swap fees
Ideal for design-conscious users focused on Ethereum, L2s and NFTs who want a friendlier alternative to MetaMask. Its narrow chain scope makes it a poor fit for anyone needing Bitcoin or Solana. As always, keep your recovery phrase offline and private.
What Rainbow is
Rainbow is a free, self-custodial wallet launched in 2019 and built as a friendlier, design-led alternative to MetaMask. It focuses on Ethereum and major EVM Layer 2 networks, with particular attention to NFTs, and is available as a mobile app and browser extension. Its codebase is open-source and available for public review.
Design first
Rainbow's standout criterion is UX, which earns a 9 - it is one of the most approachable and visually polished EVM wallets available, with a clear, friendly backup and recovery flow. Self-custody (8.5) and dApp integration (8) are strong, and its NFT display is a genuine highlight. The obvious weak spot is asset and chain support at 6.5, reflecting its deliberately narrow focus on Ethereum and EVM L2s.
Costs
Rainbow is free to use. You pay the usual network fees on transactions and swap fees when trading within the app. There is no subscription and, as a self-custodial wallet, no custody fee.
The limitation to accept
Rainbow's narrow chain scope is the trade-off for its polish: there is no Bitcoin or Solana support, so it is a poor fit for anyone needing those assets. Its feature set for advanced DeFi power users is also lighter than heavyweight wallets, and its brand and ecosystem are smaller than MetaMask's.
Who it's for
Rainbow is ideal for design-conscious users focused on Ethereum, L2s and NFTs who want a warmer, simpler experience than MetaMask offers. If you need multi-chain reach beyond EVM or deep DeFi tooling, look elsewhere, but for an attractive Ethereum-native home, Rainbow is a delight.
Overall 7.8 / 10 — the weighted average of the criteria above. How we score →
- + Beautifully designed, one of the most approachable EVM wallets
- + Open-source codebase available for public review
- + Strong NFT display and Ethereum-native experience
- + Clear, friendly backup and recovery flow
- − Limited to Ethereum and major EVM L2s; no Bitcoin or Solana
- − Smaller feature set for advanced DeFi power users
- − Less established brand and smaller ecosystem than MetaMask
Is Rainbow wallet safe?
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Rainbow is self-custodial and open-source, so its code can be independently reviewed, and it scores 7.5 for security in our review. Its recovery flow is clear and friendly. As with any wallet, keep your recovery phrase offline and private.
What networks does Rainbow support?
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Rainbow focuses on Ethereum and major EVM Layer 2 networks. It does not support Bitcoin or Solana, which is why it scores 6.5 for asset and chain support - the trade-off for its tight, polished focus.
Is Rainbow free?
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Yes. The wallet is free to use; you only pay network fees on transactions and swap fees when trading in-app. There is no subscription or custody charge.
Is Rainbow good for NFTs?
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Yes. NFT display is one of Rainbow's strengths, paired with an Ethereum-native experience and a 9 for UX. Collectors who live on Ethereum and L2s tend to enjoy it.
Is Rainbow better than MetaMask?
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It depends on your needs. Rainbow is friendlier and better designed, but MetaMask has broader dApp recognition and a larger ecosystem. For an approachable Ethereum and L2 wallet, Rainbow is a strong alternative.