Trezor
Launched 2014 · Hardware Wallet (Cold Storage)
The original hardware wallet — fully open-source and trusted by the community since 2014.
Quick Overview
What is Trezor?
Trezor is the world's first hardware wallet, created by SatoshiLabs in Prague, Czech Republic in 2014. It was built by the same team that created Slush Pool, the very first Bitcoin mining pool.
What sets Trezor apart from every competitor is that it is 100% open-source — both the firmware code and the hardware schematics are public and auditable by anyone. This means you don't need to trust Trezor — you can verify everything yourself. The cypherpunk community considers this the gold standard.
Trezor's Trezor Suite desktop app is the command center for managing your crypto. It's clean, modern, and lets you send, receive, buy, sell, and track your portfolio — all while your keys remain secured on the physical device.
A standout feature is Shamir Backup (SLIP-39) — instead of writing down one seed phrase that could be lost or stolen, you can split it into multiple shares (e.g. 3-of-5). Store each share in a different location. Even if someone finds one share, they can't access your funds.
Which model to choose: The Safe 3 ($69) is the new entry-level model with a Secure Element chip — the best value in the Trezor lineup. The Safe 5 ($169) adds a color touchscreen and haptic feedback for a premium experience. The older Model One ($59) is still sold but lacks the newer Secure Element chip.
Trezor Highlights
What makes this wallet stand out from the crowd.
Safe 3 — $69
The newest entry-level model with a Secure Element chip for the first time. USB-C, compact, affordable.
Best budget option with certified secure chip.
Safe 5 — $169
Color touchscreen, Secure Element, haptic feedback. The premium Trezor experience.
Top of the line with the best user experience.
Shamir Backup
Industry-unique feature: split your seed into 3-of-5 or 2-of-3 shares stored in different locations.
Far more resilient than a single paper backup.
Full Open-Source
The only major hardware wallet where 100% of the code (firmware + hardware) is open-source and auditable.
Trusted by the cypherpunk community since 2014.
Key Features
Everything Trezor offers to keep your crypto safe and accessible.
Trezor Suite
Beautiful desktop app to manage crypto, track portfolio, and make transactions — all paired with your device.
Fully Open-Source
Both hardware schematics and firmware are open-source. The community audits every update. Maximum transparency.
Shamir Backup
Split your recovery seed into multiple shares (e.g. 3-of-5). Much safer than a single seed phrase on paper.
Passphrase (Hidden Wallets)
Add a custom passphrase to create invisible hidden wallets — even under duress, your main funds stay safe.
Coin Control
Advanced UTXO management for Bitcoin users who want privacy and fee optimization.
Tor Integration
Route transactions through Tor directly from Trezor Suite for enhanced privacy.
Buy & Sell in Suite
Purchase crypto directly through integrated exchange partners without leaving Trezor Suite.
Password Manager
Use your Trezor as a hardware-secured password manager — beyond just crypto.
U2F/FIDO2 Authentication
Use your Trezor as a hardware security key for two-factor authentication on websites.
Trezor Specs & Pricing
Safe 3
$69
USB-C, Secure Element, compact
Safe 5
$169
Touchscreen, Secure Element, haptic
Model One (Legacy)
$59
Original — microUSB, no Secure Element
Supported Tokens
9,000+
Across 30+ blockchains
Trezor Suite
Free
Desktop & browser companion app
Open Source
100%
Firmware + hardware schematics
Security & Safety
Trezor pioneered the hardware wallet category and has been fully open-source from day one. Every line of firmware code can be audited by anyone. The community considers this the gold standard of trustless security — you don't need to trust Trezor, you can verify the code yourself.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Fully open-source — firmware AND hardware (max transparency)
- + The original hardware wallet — longest track record (since 2014)
- + Shamir Backup for splitting seed into multiple shares
- + Trezor Suite is clean, intuitive, and feature-rich
- + 9,000+ supported tokens across 30+ chains
- + Tor integration for privacy-conscious users
- + No Bluetooth = smaller attack surface
- + Strong community trust and developer ecosystem
- + Can be used as a password manager and FIDO2 key
Cons
- − Model One uses older chip without Secure Element (fixed in Safe 3/5)
- − No mobile app — Trezor Suite is desktop/browser only
- − No Bluetooth — must use USB cable (less convenient on mobile)
- − Smaller market share than Ledger
- − Touch screen only on Model T and Safe 5 (pricier models)
- − Slight learning curve for Shamir Backup setup
- − Physical device can feel plasticky on budget models
Trezor Timeline
SatoshiLabs launches Trezor Model One — the world's first cryptocurrency hardware wallet.
Added support for Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens. Expanded coin support significantly.
Launched Trezor Model T with color touchscreen. Introduced Shamir Backup (SLIP-39).
Launched Trezor Suite — a complete desktop application replacing the browser-based interface.
Over 2 million devices sold. Continued adding coin support and Suite improvements.
Launched Trezor Safe 3 — first Trezor with a Secure Element chip, at an affordable $69 price point.
Launched Trezor Safe 5 — premium model with color touchscreen, haptic feedback, and Secure Element.
Continues as the go-to choice for open-source maximalists. Active development and community.
Our Verdict
Trezor is the OG hardware wallet and the gold standard for open-source security. If transparency and auditability matter to you — and they should — Trezor is the clear choice. The Safe 3 at $69 is incredible value with a Secure Element chip, while the Safe 5 offers a premium touchscreen experience. Shamir Backup is a genuinely innovative feature that no competitor matches. The lack of Bluetooth and mobile app are minor tradeoffs for the unmatched trust that comes with fully open-source hardware and firmware.