Crypto hardware wallet comparison Ledger Nano X vs Trezor Safe 5

Our impressions

Ledger Nano X

Trezor Safe 5

Pros
  • 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 theย BIP-39 standard, which allows wallet recovery even without hardware
  • Can be used as a secure key, providing additional value outside crypto use-cases
  • Small form factor and portable
  • Touchscreen with Gorillaยฎ Glass 3
  • Excellent value at a reasonable price point
Cons
  • 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
  • In our tests touch input was not as accurate as with the older Model T. We experienced situations that felt like lag, where we had to press multiple times, and adjacent letters to the ones we tried to enter. It is not a deal-breaker, but hopefully something that can improve with future firmware updates.
Verdict

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.ย 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.

The second product in the first line of Trezor products incorporating a secure element. The Trezor flagship model with touchscreen and successor of the Model T. Main difference being, that it lost the convenient magnetic dock, gained a Gorillaยฎ Glass 3 front , snappier hardware, and a minimally sleeker form factor.

Is it worth it?
If you are in the market for a new hardware wallet this seems one of the most secure, versatile, and portable options.Trezor is the most veteran and one of the biggest players in the hardware wallet market for a reason. Their newest products belong to the best products you can get currently.

If you already have a Model T and use wallets with long custom 25th word there is not really a compelling need for the upgrade.

Even if you don’t have a Model T and are looking for a new hardware wallet, the Trezor Safe 3 is a very strong competitor. It too has a Secure Element, is even a tiny bit smaller and easier to carry, and has a phenomenal alternative text input method with two buttons – which does not feel much inferior to touchscreen input TBH. Given that it boasts almost the same feature-set, coin support, and costs less than half the Trezor Safe 5 we feel like the Trezor Safe 3 is the logical choice.

We recommend you go for the Trezor Model 5 only if you prefer touch input, want to make use of the advanced SD card feature, or need to have the latest and shiniest gadget.

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 Safe 5

Release year

2019

2024

Supported coins

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, LTC, XLM , DOGE, DASH, ZEC, NEM,
  • and a thousand others. See a full list at trezor.io/coins
Open source
  • Companion software

Apps that are installed on to Ledger Nano X are open source

  • Firmware
  • Companion software
Seedphrase support
  • BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
  • Passphrase
  • BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
  • SLIP-39 (Shamir backup)
  • Passphrase
Security protections
  • Secure element
  • On device PIN entry
  • Factory reset with wrong PIN
  • On device passphrase entry
  • On device recovery
  • Secure element
  • On device PIN entry
  • Factory reset with wrong PIN
  • Factory reset with decoy PIN
  • On device passphrase entry
  • On device recovery

Secure Element protected Certified Chip EAL6+

Platform compatibility
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS
  • ChromeOS

iOS view only, ChromeOS is not officially supported, but it should work via Google chrome WebUSB protocol.

Authentication token
  • FIDO U2F
  • FIDO2 Webauthn
  • FIDO U2F
  • FIDO2 Webauthn
  • SSH

Technical specifications

Ledger Nano X

Trezor Safe 5

Dimensions

72 mm x 18.6 mm x 11.75 mm
2.83 in x 0.73 in x 0.46 in

65.9 mm x 40 mm x 8 mm
2.59 in x 1.57 in x 0.31 in

Weight

34 g
1.2 oz

23 g
0.81 oz

Display
  • Monochrome
  • OLED

128 x 64 pixels

  • Color
  • Touchscreen

Color touchscreen with haptic feedback
240 x 240 px

Connectivity
  • USB-C
  • Bluetooth
  • USB-C
Storage
  • microSD card
Processor

ST33J2M0

160MHz embedded ARM processor (Cortex M33)

Safety & Certifications

Certified CC EAL5+

CE and RoHS certifications
Airplane and X-ray safe

Housing

Brushed stainless steel and plastic (available in black, but also different, exciting color schemes)

Durable PC-ABS plastic, tamper-evident casing, anodized aluminum backplates, and intricate laser engraving
Available in black and multiple colors

Where to buy

Ledger Nano X

Trezor Safe 5