The Trezor Model T is one of the most respected hardware wallets in the cryptocurrency space. As the premium offering from SatoshiLabs — the company that invented the hardware wallet category — the Model T combines a touchscreen interface with fully open source firmware and an excellent security track record. In this comprehensive review, we put the Trezor Model T to the test.
Overview
The Trezor Model T was launched in 2018 as the successor to the original Trezor One. It features a full colour touchscreen, USB-C connectivity, and support for over 1,000 cryptocurrencies. Unlike Ledger, Trezor’s firmware is completely open source — meaning anyone can inspect the code for vulnerabilities.
Design and Build Quality
The Model T has a compact, premium feel. The device measures approximately 64mm x 39mm x 10mm and weighs just 22 grams. The full colour 240×240 pixel touchscreen is clear and responsive, making navigation significantly more intuitive than devices with physical buttons.
The plastic casing feels solid and well-constructed. The USB-C port is conveniently located at the top of the device. Unlike the Ledger Nano X, the Model T has no battery — it draws power directly from the connected device.
Setup and Ease of Use
Setting up the Trezor Model T takes approximately 15-20 minutes. The process involves:
- Downloading Trezor Suite — the official desktop and web application
- Connecting the device via USB-C
- Installing the latest firmware
- Creating a new wallet and generating your seed phrase
- Confirming your seed phrase on the device
The touchscreen makes the setup process particularly smooth. Entering your PIN and confirming your seed phrase directly on the device screen is significantly more comfortable than navigating with physical buttons.
Trezor Suite is a well-designed application that allows you to manage your portfolio, buy and sell crypto, and access coin-specific features — all in one place.
Security
The Trezor Model T uses a different security approach to Ledger. Rather than a certified Secure Element chip, Trezor relies on its fully open source firmware as the primary security mechanism — the philosophy being that transparency and community scrutiny provide stronger security than proprietary closed-source chips.
All transaction signing happens on the device itself. Your private keys never leave the Trezor. The touchscreen means you enter your PIN directly on the device rather than on a potentially compromised computer.
The Model T supports Shamir Backup — an advanced seed phrase backup system that splits your recovery seed into multiple shares. You can set it so that any 2 of 3 shares are required to restore your wallet — eliminating the single point of failure of a traditional seed phrase backup.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
The Model T supports over 1,000 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and most major altcoins. However, its coin support is notably smaller than the Ledger Nano X, which supports over 5,500 assets. If you hold a wide variety of smaller altcoins, check Trezor’s coin support list before purchasing.
Price and Value
The Trezor Model T retails for approximately $179 — slightly more expensive than the Ledger Nano X at $149. For the premium of fully open source firmware and the Shamir Backup feature, many security-conscious investors consider it worth the extra cost.
Trezor vs Ledger: Which Should You Choose?
Both are excellent hardware wallets. The key differences:
Ledger Nano X uses a certified Secure Element chip and supports 5,500+ cryptocurrencies. Trezor Model T uses fully open source firmware and supports 1,000+ cryptocurrencies with Shamir Backup.
Choose Ledger if you hold a wide variety of cryptocurrencies and want Bluetooth connectivity. Choose Trezor if open source firmware and Shamir Backup are priorities and you primarily hold major cryptocurrencies.
Verdict
The Trezor Model T is an outstanding hardware wallet that deserves its strong reputation. The touchscreen interface, fully open source firmware, and Shamir Backup make it a compelling choice — particularly for security-conscious investors who value transparency over proprietary technology.
Rating: 9/10
Key Takeaways
- The Trezor Model T features a full colour touchscreen and fully open source firmware
- Open source code means the security can be independently verified by anyone
- Shamir Backup allows splitting your seed phrase into multiple shares for enhanced security
- Supports 1,000+ cryptocurrencies — fewer than Ledger but covers all major assets
- Priced at approximately $179 — slightly more than the Ledger Nano X
- An excellent choice for security-conscious investors who prioritise open source transparency