Solana, Phantom, Uniswap and Coinbase all appear in conversations about crypto. They do different jobs. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right network, recognise who controls a payment and avoid sending funds through the wrong route.
A network, a wallet and an exchange are different things
It is easy to call everything a “decentralised network”. More precisely, Solana and Ethereum are blockchain networks. Solflare, Phantom and MetaMask are wallet products used to interact with supported networks. Uniswap is associated with exchange protocols and interfaces. Coinbase and Bitvavo offer exchange accounts, among other products.
| Category | Example | Main job |
|---|---|---|
| Blockchain network | Solana, Ethereum | Process transactions and maintain shared records. |
| Self-custody wallet | Solflare, Phantom, MetaMask | Manage accounts and authorise actions on supported networks. |
| Decentralised exchange protocol | Uniswap Protocol | Use on-chain contracts to exchange supported assets. |
| Exchange interface | Uniswap Web App | Provide a screen for interacting with exchange services. |
| Custodial exchange account | Coinbase.com, Bitvavo hosted wallet | Let a provider hold and manage assets for your account. |
The blockchain records the transfer
Solana and Ethereum maintain their own transaction records and use different account and transaction systems. A wallet is software that communicates with a network; it does not replace that network.
SOL is Solana’s native asset. ETH is Ethereum’s native asset. A token can run on a network without being its native asset: STEN is a token on Solana, not a separate blockchain. A familiar token name or symbol alone does not establish its identity or network. Check the actual asset and destination before transferring.
A self-custody wallet gives you signing control
A wallet manages access to blockchain accounts. The assets are recorded on the network; the wallet helps you view them and authorise actions. With self-custody, you control the signing credentials rather than handing custody to an exchange account.
Solflare is a self-custody Solana wallet. Phantom and MetaMask are also wallet products. MetaMask’s current documentation includes Solana support, so “MetaMask only works with Ethereum” would be outdated. Features differ by product, version, device and application connection. Network support does not automatically mean a particular wallet works with STEN.
Private keys authorise actions. In wallets that use a recovery phrase, that phrase can restore signing access. Other designs may use hardware or different recovery methods. Follow your provider’s instructions and keep recovery information out of chats, websites and support requests.
A decentralised exchange is for swapping assets
The Uniswap Protocol uses on-chain contracts for token exchange. Its web app is an interface maintained by Uniswap Labs. The protocol and the website are related but different: a decentralised underlying protocol does not mean every website, access route or service has no operator.
A swap exchanges one asset for another. It is not the same as a donation. Swaps can involve network charges, trading fees and a changing execution price. Seeing a token in an interface is not a safety endorsement. STEN’s direct SOL/STEN donation route does not require an automatic swap inside STEN.
An exchange account changes who holds the keys
In a custodial exchange account, a provider manages the assets and signing arrangements. Your account login is not the same as controlling the underlying private keys. A withdrawal to an external wallet is a separate step, subject to that provider’s supported networks, conditions and fees.
Coinbase explicitly distinguishes Coinbase.com from Coinbase Wallet, its self-custody product. Similarly, Bitvavo says users cannot obtain the private keys of its hosted wallets. Here, “Bitvavo” means that exchange account, not every separate product carrying the brand. Check the exact service, not just the logo.
What this means when donating through STEN
STEN’s donation flow needs a compatible wallet connection on Solana. Use the streamer’s correct link, select SOL or STEN and check the proposed payment. A balance on an exchange is not automatically a wallet connection that can approve that proposal.
According to the STEN team’s implementation, STEN prepares an unsigned transaction. The viewer approves in the wallet, the wallet signs and submits, and Solana processes the transfers. STEN then uses confirmation for the alert. The standard split is 97% of donated tokens for the streamer and 3% for STEN; network and external costs are separate.
Solana charges transaction fees in SOL, including for STEN-token transfers. Fees can include a base and priority component. Review all costs shown rather than assuming every payment costs a fixed fraction of a cent. The streamer also needs an active overlay for the alert.
Self-custody is control, not an automatic safety guarantee
A decentralised network cannot make a misleading website, harmful approval or compromised device safe. Check the recipient, asset and request. Stop at an unexplained wallet safety warning. A confirmed payment and a missing alert are different issues; inspect the transaction before paying again.
Start with the wallet setup guide or wallet warning guide. You do not need to understand every crypto product before supporting a streamer, but you do need to understand what you are approving.