Crypto hardware wallet comparison Coldcard Mk4 vs Trezor Model T
Our impressions
Coldcard Mk4
Trezor Model T
- Very high usability through the touch-screen
- Future-proof USB-C port
- Uses the BIP-39 standard, which allows wallet recovery even without hardware
- Open source firmware that can be audited by the community
- Can be used as a secure key, providing additional value outside crypto use-cases
- Also includes unique features for highly advanced users, like Shamir backup
- Requires constant USB connection to operate
- Key extraction vulnerability (if an attacker with the right tools and knowledge has physical access to the hardware wallet)
In our opinion currently one of the best hardware wallets on the market. We especially love the usability that comes with the touch screen. Make sure to use a passphrase if you are worried about key extraction attacks. Read more about the vulnerability
Disclaimer: Our impressions are based on a compilation of factors tailored to the average user’s perspective. It is also important to note that whether a feature is a “pro” or “con” can depend on your situation and preferences. What may be an advantage in one scenario could be a challenge in another, and vice versa. Therefore, while reviewing these points, it’s essential to consider your unique requirements and circumstances when making decisions. This list aims to provide an idea of what to anticipate, but it is not the ultimate guide to determining whether something will work for you or not.
Key features
Coldcard Mk4
Trezor Model T
2022
2018
Supports only Bitcoin
Supports multiple coins, Bitcoin-only mode available
- BTC, ETH, ADA, XRP, LTC, XLM, DOGE, DASH, XMR
- and a thousand others. See a full list at trezor.io/coins
- Firmware
- Companion software
- Firmware
- Companion software
- BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
- Passphrase
- BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
- SLIP-39 (Shamir backup)
- Passphrase
- Secure element
- On device PIN entry
- Factory reset with wrong PIN
- Factory reset with decoy PIN
- Fake wallet with duress PIN
- On device passphrase entry
- On device recovery
Dual Secure Element
Multiple Trick PIN features
– Duress PIN
– Countdown to Brick (or Reset) PIN
– Brick Me PIN
– Login Countdown
On device recovery requires a previous SD Card backup or XPRV private key file on SD Card
- On device PIN entry
- Factory reset with wrong PIN
- Factory reset with decoy PIN
- On device passphrase entry
- On device recovery
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
- ChromeOS
Chrome OS is not officially supported and relies on WebUSB in the Chrome browser. This means that, i.e., it’s not possible to set up a freshly unboxed Trezor T, you need to perform the first-time firmware installation on a PC or Mac.
- FIDO U2F
- FIDO2 Webauthn
- SSH
- supports GPG encryption
- microSD card slot
- Password Manager
Technical specifications
Coldcard Mk4
Trezor Model T
88 mm x 52 mm x 10 mm
3.46 in x 2.05 in x 0.39 in
64 mm x 39 mm x 10 mm
2.52 in x 1.54 in x 0.39 in
30 g
1.06 oz
16 g
0.56 oz
- Monochrome
- OLED
128 x 64 pixels
- Color
- Touchscreen
Full color LCD touchscreen
240 x 240 px
- USB-C
- NFC
- USB-C
- microSD card
- microSD card
SD card can be used to secure PIN (device can not be unlocked unless the correct SD card is present)
SD card not yet used in any other capacity, other than protecting PIN
120 MHz CPU
168 MHz Cortex-M4
CE and RoHS certifications
Airplane and X-ray safe
Plastics
Robust plastics
Available in black
Silicone protection case in multiple colors available