Rarible vs. OpenSea: Which NFT Marketplace is Best?
Rarible and OpenSea are two of the most popular NFT marketplaces in 2025 with features for investors and creators. Learn more in our Rarible vs. OpenSea guide.
When it comes to buying, selling, trading, and creating NFTs, two names often dominate the conversation: OpenSea and Rarible. Both platforms are major NFT marketplaces, but they offer different experiences depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re trying to decide which platform is best for you, here’s a detailed comparison to help you make an informed choice.
Rarible vs. OpenSea: At a glance
OpenSea is the older of the two platforms, launching back in 2017. It’s the largest NFT marketplace by user base, boasting over 1.5 million active users. OpenSea’s mission is to make NFTs accessible to everyone, which is why it has a streamlined user interface and supports a wide variety of assets.
Rarible, on the other hand, is newer but has carved out a unique niche. It’s a community-driven platform with a strong focus on empowering creators. Thanks to its governance token, RARI, users can actually vote on platform decisions—something OpenSea doesn’t offer. Rarible’s ethos is all about giving creators a voice.
Compare the key features of the two at a glance:
Feature | OpenSea | Rarible |
---|---|---|
Launch Year | 2017 | 2020 |
Fees | Up to 10% | Up to 7.5% |
Royalties | Fixed 10% | Up to 50% |
Supported Currencies | ETH, WETH, SOL, USDC, DAI, MATIC | ETH, Visa/Mastercard |
Decentralization | No | Yes (via RARI governance) |
Minting | Lazy/gasless minting | Lazy/gasless minting |
Community | Large and diverse | Tight-knit and creator-driven |
Read next: What's the Most Expensive NFT?
Rarible vs. OpenSea: Security
Both platforms take security seriously, but neither is perfect. OpenSea’s high profile has made it a target for hackers, with vulnerabilities in its smart contracts leading to incidents of stolen NFTs. A report by Check Point highlighted potential gaps that could be exploited to steal assets. For example, OpenSea’s reliance on third-party wallet integrations like MetaMask means users need to exercise extra caution and ensure their wallets are secure.
Rarible isn’t immune to risks either. Its smaller size has meant fewer publicized issues, but users have reported phishing attacks and fake listings. Both platforms emphasize user responsibility when connecting wallets and conducting transactions, so always double-check links and contracts.
Read next: How to Tax Loss Harvest NFTs
Rarible vs. OpenSea: Supported Wallets
When it comes to connecting your wallet, both platforms offer excellent compatibility.
OpenSea works with popular wallets like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet, and more. It also supports hardware wallets like Ledger for added security.
Rarible supports MetaMask, Fortmatic, WalletConnect, and other major options. It’s also compatible with mobile wallets, making it easy for creators and buyers on the go.
No matter which platform you choose, your favorite wallet is likely to work seamlessly.
Rarible vs. OpenSea: Supported Crypto
OpenSea supports transactions in Ethereum (ETH and WETH), SOL, USDC, and DAI. This variety allows for flexibility when buying or selling assets. OpenSea also supports Polygon (POL), which enables lower transaction fees compared to Ethereum’s often high gas fees.
Rarible takes a slightly different approach, allowing fiat transactions with Visa and Mastercard. It converts fiat to ETH at the current exchange rate, so sellers still get paid in crypto. Rarible’s focus on Ethereum does mean it’s susceptible to higher gas fees unless lazy minting is used.
Read next: OpenSea NFTs Guide
Rarible vs. OpenSea: Features
OpenSea boasts a wide range of features, including bulk listing options, an activity tracker, and advanced filtering tools. Users can easily track floor prices, historical data, and trends within the marketplace, making it a powerful platform for seasoned traders.
Rarible, while slightly less feature-packed, offers tools specifically tailored to creators. These include customizable storefronts and the ability to create collections directly on the platform. Rarible’s focus on community-driven tools makes it a favorite for independent artists looking to build their brand.
Rarible vs. OpenSea: Community
OpenSea’s community is vast, encompassing everyone from big-name brands to independent creators. While its size is a significant advantage, some creators feel it’s harder to stand out in such a large marketplace. However, its partnerships with established brands give it a level of credibility that’s hard to match.
Rarible’s community, while smaller, is tight-knit and highly engaged. Its governance model empowers users to take an active role in shaping the platform’s future. This sense of involvement fosters loyalty and makes Rarible a great choice for creators who value collaboration and direct feedback.
Read next: Upcoming NFT Drops
Rarible vs. OpenSea: Minting
Both platforms offer “lazy minting,” a feature that lets creators list their NFTs without paying upfront gas fees. The NFT is only minted when it’s sold, and the buyer covers the gas fees. This feature is a game-changer for creators who want to minimize their initial costs while testing the waters.
OpenSea’s lazy minting is straightforward and integrated into its easy-to-use platform. Rarible’s lazy minting comes with the added benefit of providing creators more flexibility in how their NFTs are presented, which some artists may find appealing.
Read next: How to Mint an NFT
Rarible vs. OpenSea: Fees
If low fees are a priority for you, here’s how the platforms stack up:
OpenSea charges a flat 2.5% fee on secondary scales and has a sliding scale fee structure between 2.5% to 10% on primary drops.
Rarible has a sliding scale fee structure between 0.5-7.5%.
In this case, OpenSea’s lower fees give it an edge. However, Rarible’s fee structure is often justified by its community-driven approach and the ability for creators to set their royalties more flexibly.
Rarible vs. OpenSea: Royalties
Royalties are a big deal for creators who want to earn from secondary sales. Here’s how the two platforms compare:
OpenSea offers a fixed 10% royalty for creators on every resale.
Rarible is more flexible, letting creators set their royalties up to 50%.
If maximizing your potential earnings is important, Rarible’s flexibility might be a better fit. Additionally, Rarible’s community-oriented approach means creators often find more support for higher royalty percentages compared to OpenSea.
Rarible vs. OpenSea: User Base
OpenSea’s larger user base makes it the go-to platform for maximum visibility. If you’re looking to reach the widest audience possible, OpenSea’s scale can work in your favor. For example, the platform supports over 700 NFT projects and has partnerships with major brands, giving creators and buyers unparalleled variety.
Rarible’s community is smaller but highly engaged. Its focus on creators and decentralization means you’re more likely to find a niche audience that values your work. Rarible’s approach fosters a sense of belonging for creators who want to connect directly with their audience.
Rarible vs. OpenSea: Decentralization
This is where Rarible shines. With its governance token, RARI, users can vote on key platform decisions. This gives creators and collectors a say in how the platform evolves. For example, RARI holders can propose changes to the fee structure or suggest new features to improve the platform.
OpenSea, while supportive of its community, doesn’t offer the same level of user involvement in governance. Decisions are made internally, which can sometimes lead to frustration for creators who want more input.
So which is better - Rarible or OpenSea?
Both OpenSea and Rarible have a lot to offer, but the right choice depends on your priorities.
Choose OpenSea if you want a large audience, lower fees, and a straightforward marketplace for buying and selling.
Choose Rarible if you’re a creator looking for more control, flexible royalties, and the ability to influence platform decisions.
At the end of the day, both platforms are excellent choices, and there’s no reason you can’t use both depending on your needs. Whether you’re buying, selling, or creating NFTs, explore your options and find the one that fits your goals best.
Read next: How are NFTs taxed?