Crypto hardware wallet comparison Trezor Model T vs GridPlus Lattice1

Our impressions

Trezor Model T

GridPlus Lattice1

Pros
  • 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
  • Very high usability through the 5-inch touch-screen
  • Does not require USB connection
  • Uses the BIP-39 standard, which allows wallet recovery even without hardware
  • Open source software that can be audited by the community
  • Supports SSH access to control the Linux environment of the device (ideal for advanced users / tinkerers)
Cons
  • 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)
  • Not very portable (yet… there are hints from the GridPlus team that they might work on a portable version that supports SmartCards)
  • Supports only one non-mainstream wallet app on smartphones
  • Requires it’s own power supply and Internet connection (supports Ethernet and WLAN)
Verdict

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

The GridPlus Lattice1 features a very unique SmartCard concept. The base station stays on your desktop and you just carry your wallet on a SmartCard that has the same dimensions like any other credit card. In our mind this seems like the perfect setup in professional workplace environments. The 5-inch touch screen will also appeal to private users, as it really makes interactions much more comfortable in comparison to other hardware wallet products.

Support of Ethereum and EVM based chains is very good, especially on Desktop PCs and Notebooks on Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Smartphone support is a bit lacking as there are not yet a lot of apps to choose from. Bitcoin support is limited to the Lattice Manager application, which does support sending and receiving BTC. Also portability might be an issue, if you do not own multiple devices. It seems like the GridPlus is already working on a product addressing this though.

In conclusion: In terms of security the device features many thought-through anti-tempering and security features. Integration into the Ethereum / EVM ecosystem is very mature and offers a very high level of usability. Depending on your use-case this might be the perfect form factor for you.

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 T

GridPlus Lattice1

Release year

2018

2020

Supported 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

Supports multiple coins

Supports Bitcoin and Ethereum (including EVM based blockchains and ERC-20 tokens)

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

One seedphrase per SafeCard

The security architecture of the Lattice1 combines two separate hardware environments within a single device and features many different protections (CLDS Tamper Detection Mesh, Internal Secure Enclave, Secure Computing Environment, Secure Mailbox, Integrated PCB Security Mesh, Compressed Elastomer Intrusion Detection, Logic Power Isolation, Read-Only Partition, Security Battery). Learn all about the security features: Official Documentation

Platform compatibility
  • 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.

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS

Very limited app choice for smartphones

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

Technical specifications

Trezor Model T

GridPlus Lattice1

Dimensions

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

Weight

16 g
0.56 oz

Display
  • Color
  • Touchscreen

Full color LCD touchscreen
240 x 240 px

  • Color
  • Touchscreen

5-inch TFT Display
480 x 800 pixels
Multipoint Capacitive Touch Panel

Connectivity
  • USB-C
  • WiFi
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

64GB Internal Storage

Processor

168 MHz Cortex-M4

Safety & Certifications

CE and RoHS certifications
Airplane and X-ray safe

Housing

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

Black plastics

Where to buy

Trezor Model T

GridPlus Lattice1