Crypto hardware wallet comparison Ledger Nano X vs Trezor Model T
Our impressions
Ledger Nano X
Trezor Model T
- Bluetooth connectivity and built-in battery
- Great form factor, paired with robust casing protection made out of medal for high portability
- Future-proof USB-C port
- Uses the BIP-39 standard, which allows wallet recovery even without hardware
- Can be used as a secure key, providing additional value outside crypto use-cases
- 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
- Firmware is closed source
- App concept (apps need to be installed on the device to support certain coins and features) can be overwhelming, especially for new users, but easy enough to start using the device in no time
- 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)
Currently definitely one of the best hardware wallets out there. Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy cable-free use. The built-in battery lasts a very long time – users typically don’t experience any low battery anxiety at all. The secure element chip prevents seed phrase extraction attacks, but comes at the price of closed source firmware. Users have to get familiar with the concept of individual apps that have to be manually installed by the user to make the device support the features (i.e. coins, security key functionality, etc.) they need. Installation is not much different than installing smartphone apps from the app store though, so not that difficult after all. As no company is perfect, please make sure to keep updated on Ledger controversies, before making a buying decision. Read more about Ledger controversies
All in all – a very good deal to keep your crypto assets safe with a very high level of security.
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
Ledger Nano X
Trezor Model T
2019
2018
Supports multiple coins, Bitcoin-only mode available
- BTC, ETH, ADA, XRP, LTC, XLM, DOGE, DASH, XMR
- in total 5,500+ coins and tokens available
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
- Companion software
Apps that are installed on to Ledger Nano X are open source
- 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
- On device passphrase entry
- On device recovery
- On device PIN entry
- Factory reset with wrong PIN
- Factory reset with decoy PIN
- On device passphrase entry
- On device recovery
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
- 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
- FIDO U2F
- FIDO2 Webauthn
- SSH
- supports GPG encryption
- microSD card slot
- Password Manager
Technical specifications
Ledger Nano X
Trezor Model T
72 mm x 18.6 mm x 11.75 mm
2.83 in x 0.73 in x 0.46 in
64 mm x 39 mm x 10 mm
2.52 in x 1.54 in x 0.39 in
34 g
1.2 oz
16 g
0.56 oz
- Monochrome
- OLED
128 x 64 pixels
- Color
- Touchscreen
Full color LCD touchscreen
240 x 240 px
- USB-C
- Bluetooth
- USB-C
- 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
ST33J2M0
168 MHz Cortex-M4
Certified CC EAL5+
CE and RoHS certifications
Airplane and X-ray safe
Brushed stainless steel and plastic (available in black, but also different, exciting color schemes)
Robust plastics
Available in black
Silicone protection case in multiple colors available