Crypto hardware wallet comparison Trezor Model One vs Trezor Model T

Our impressions

Trezor Model One

Trezor Model T

Pros
  • Small form factor and very portable
  • Excellent value at an affordable price point
  • 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
Cons
  • MicroUSB in this day and age is quite outdated, but still connects to USB-A or newer USB-C ports
  • Requires constant USB connection to operate
  • Limitations compared to Trezor Model T
    • Supports fewer coins and misses support for e.g.: XRP, ADA (Cardano), XMR (Monero)
    • Button input can be cumbersome compared to the touchscreen of the Model T
  • Key extraction vulnerability (if an attacker with the right tools and knowledge has physical access to the hardware wallet)
  • 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)
Verdict

Despite being the very first hardware wallet product, with it’s debut in 2014, the Trezor Model One is still one of the best hardware wallets. It has a very attractive price point, while providing excellent value and functionality.

Make sure to use a passphrase if you are worried about key extraction attacks. Read more about the vulnerability

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

Trezor Model One

Trezor Model T

Release year

2014

2018

Supported coins

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

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
Open source
  • Firmware
  • Companion software
  • Firmware
  • Companion software
Seedphrase support
  • BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
  • Passphrase
  • BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
  • SLIP-39 (Shamir backup)
  • Passphrase
Security protections
  • On device PIN entry
  • Factory reset with wrong PIN
  • Factory reset with decoy PIN
  • On device recovery
  • On device PIN entry
  • Factory reset with wrong PIN
  • Factory reset with decoy PIN
  • On device passphrase entry
  • On device recovery
Platform compatibility
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • 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 One, you need to perform the first-time firmware installation on a PC or Mac.

  • 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.

Authentication token
  • FIDO U2F
  • SSH
  • FIDO U2F
  • FIDO2 Webauthn
  • SSH
Additional features
  • GPG encryption
  • Password Manager
  • supports GPG encryption
  • microSD card slot
  • Password Manager

Technical specifications

Trezor Model One

Trezor Model T

Dimensions

60 mm x 30 mm x 6 mm
2.36 in x 1.18 in x 0.24 in

64 mm x 39 mm x 10 mm
2.52 in x 1.54 in x 0.39 in

Weight

12 g
0.42 oz

16 g
0.56 oz

Display
  • Monochrome
  • OLED

Monochrome display
128 x 64 px

  • Color
  • Touchscreen

Full color LCD touchscreen
240 x 240 px

Connectivity
  • micro USB
  • USB-C
Storage
  • 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

Processor

120 Mhz Cortex-M3

168 MHz Cortex-M4

Safety & Certifications

CE and RoHS certifications
Airplane and X-ray safe

CE and RoHS certifications
Airplane and X-ray safe

Housing

Robust plastics
Available in black or white
Silicone protection case in multiple colors available

Robust plastics
Available in black
Silicone protection case in multiple colors available

Where to buy

Trezor Model One

Trezor Model T