Metis vs Ethereum
Metis and Ethereum both run the EVM and use ERC-20 with MetaMask - but fees and speed are very different. Here is how they compare for launching a token.
Quick comparison
| Metis | Ethereum | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | EVM layer-2 | EVM layer-1 |
| Token standard | ERC-20 | ERC-20 |
| Gas coin | METIS | ETH |
| Typical fee | Very low | $2 - $15+ |
| Speed | Fast, low-cost | ~15 s+ |
Same standard, very different cost
Both use the ERC-20 standard and MetaMask, so your token works the same way on either. The difference is cost and speed: Metis is a layer-2 that costs a fraction of Ethereum mainnet (gas paid in METIS), while Ethereum can cost several dollars per transaction. For affordable launches Metis wins clearly.
Liquidity & reach
Ethereum has the largest liquidity and the widest exchange support - the safe default for serious, high-value projects. Metis is an established low-fee layer-2 with its own DeFi ecosystem. Pick Ethereum for maximum reach, Metis for cheap launches.
Which should you choose?
Choose Ethereum for maximum liquidity and ERC-20 ubiquity (budget for higher gas). Choose Metis for the same ERC-20 standard at a fraction of the cost. Launch on either: create on Metis or create on Ethereum.
Frequently asked questions
Do Metis and Ethereum use the same standard?
Yes - both use ERC-20 and MetaMask, so your token works the same way on either chain. Gas is METIS on Metis, ETH on Ethereum.
Is Metis cheaper than Ethereum?
Yes - dramatically. Metis fees are a fraction of a cent, while Ethereum mainnet often costs several dollars.
When should I still pick Ethereum?
When you need maximum liquidity and the widest exchange support, and can accept higher fees.
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