Custom URLs: Wallet Comparison

Our impressions

Trezor Model T

Trezor Safe 5

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

Small form factor and portable
Touchscreen with Gorilla® Glass 3
Excellent value at a reasonable price point

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)

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

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 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 Gorilla® 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

Trezor Model T

Trezor Safe 5

Release year

2018

2024

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, 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

Firmware
Companion software

Firmware
Companion software

Seedphrase support

BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
SLIP-39 (Shamir backup)
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 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
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
ChromeOS

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

Authentication token

FIDO U2F
FIDO2 Webauthn
SSH

FIDO U2F
FIDO2 Webauthn
SSH

Additional features

supports GPG encryption
microSD card slot
Password Manager

Technical specifications

Trezor Model T

Trezor Safe 5

Dimensions

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

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

Weight

16 g
0.56 oz

23 g
0.81 oz

Display

Color
Touchscreen

Full color LCD touchscreen
240 x 240 px

Color
Touchscreen

Color touchscreen with haptic feedback
240 x 240 px

Connectivity

USB-C

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