This article will cover all the features, capabilities, security and physical attributes of two (2) BEST cryptocurrency hardware wallets, namely the Ledger Nano X and the Trezor Model T.
Both wallets are considered the safest and most secure hardware crypto wallets.
Which is better and which will you choose?
To find out, you need to make a detailed key comparison of all their features side-by-side.
How do the Ledger and Trezor compare against each other?
Let’s look at their hardware, specifications, connectivity and support.
Company Background
Ledger was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Paris, France. Ledger SAS and its subsidiaries now have over 300 employees in Paris, Vierzon, New York, Zurich and Singapore.
Trezor was founded in late 2013 in Prague, Czech Republic. The hardware wallet series was an effort project by SatoshiLabs and Trezor.
Physical Appearance & Hardware Specifications
The physical attributes and internal hardware specifications are as follows;
| Ledger Nano X | Trezor Model T | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 28 May 2019 | 26 February 2018 |
| Hardware Chip | 1 MCU chip (STM32WB55) and 1 Secure Element (ST33) | ARM Cortex-M4 processor @ 168 Mhz with custom software |
| Dimension Size | 72mm × 18.6mm × 11.75mm (2.83 in x 0.73 in x 0.46 inches) | 64 mm x 39 mm x 10 mm (2.52 in x 1.54 in x 0.39 inches) |
| Weight | 34g (1.2 oz) | 22 g (0.77 oz) |
| Battery | 100 mAh Lithium-ion battery. 8 hours in standby mode | No battery inside. Charged via USB when connected to a computer |
| Screen | 128×64 OLED screen (non-touchscreen) | 240×240 colour touchscreen |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel and plastic | Reinforced Plastic with ultrasonic welding |
| Connector | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
The Ledger Nano X is newer than the Trezor Model T by fifteen (15) months later in release dates. Both devices are pocket-sized and have little physical difference in dimensions, with the Ledger being slightly longer.
Trezor weighs slightly lighter by 12g (0.4 oz) and has a bigger touchscreen since most operations require users to manually select and press the touchscreen. On the other hand, the Ledger does not have a touchscreen since the operation is done on the physical buttons on the device.
The Ledger contains a built-in 100 mAh battery, while the Trezor is designed to exclude a built-in battery and requires power drawn from the connected computer.
Wallet Features & Capabilities
| Ledger Nano X | Trezor Model T | |
|---|---|---|
| Coin/Token Support | 1800+ | 1816+ |
| Connectivity | Yes, Bluetooth | Network-isolated authentication; WiFi, Bluetooth and NFC are all excluded |
| Mobile App Support | Yes, iOS and Android | No |
| PIN Code | 4-8 digits long | 4-50 digits long |
| Backup | 24-word recovery phrase | 12-word recovery seed |
| Chip Security | Certified secure chip (CC EAL5+) Independently certified by ANSSI | 3-layers of codes to ensure legitimacy and safety; the board loader, bootloader and firmware |
| Firmware | Closed source firmware for Secure Elements Chip. Open-source operating system (BOLOS). | Open source firmware |
| Built-in Exchange (buy & sell) | Yes | Yes |
In terms of supported coins/tokens, both devices support a similar number, with Trezor supporting slightly more than Ledger.
The Trezor Model T allows up to 50 digits long of PIN code and has complete network isolation. Unfortunately, this means no WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC and requires users to manually install the latest firmware on the device.
On the other hand, the Ledger Nano X has Bluetooth connectivity and pairs with iOS and Android mobile devices.
What’s inside the box
When you perform unboxing, these are the items you will receive inside the box.
| Accessories | |
|---|---|
| Ledger Nano X | * 1 hardware wallet, 1 USB-C to USB-A cable * 1 getting started leaflet * 3 recovery sheets * 1 keychain strap |
| Trezor Model T | * Trezor Model T device with a holographic seal over the USB port connector * USB cable (type C) * Getting Started card * Magnetic dock * 2 x Recovery seed card * 4x Trezor Sticker |
Pricing Model
| Ledger Nano X | Trezor Model T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 149 | USD 280 (249 EUR) |
| Warranty | Two (2) years warranty | Two (2) years warranty for individual customers and 1-year warranty for business customers |
| Buy From | * Ledger Shop * Official Ledger Amazon Store | * Trezor Shop * Official Trezor Amazon Store |
The Trezor Model T’s cost is higher (USD 280) than the Ledger Nano X (USD 149). However, both devices have two (2) years of warranty for individual customers.
For security reasons, purchasing your hardware wallet device on the official company’s website and Amazon store is highly advisable.
Unique Features
Here are some of the unique features of both wallets that distinguish them.
Trezor Model T: Unique Features
- [Optional] The passphrase is a feature which allows users to create hidden wallets and protect against attacks involving physical access to the device or the recovery seed.
- [Optional] Trezor Password Manager encrypts each password entry separately with a unique key.
Trezor Model T: Accessories
The CryptoSteel and Cryptotag series are designed to securely store your recovery seeds and other alphanumeric data.
The protective case is 100% premium silicon to protect your hardware wallet and comes with a premium lanyard with five (5) colours to choose from.
Ledger Nano X: Unique Features
- Secure Element: A secure chip that mitigates several security risks and provides an added layer of security.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enables Ledger to use an Android or iOS device without a cable.
Ledger Nano X: Accessories
The Billfodl is a solid steel case to store and protect your 24-word recovery phrase, designed to resist fire and water.
Final Conclusion
Both devices are similar in physical sizes and have top-grade high security. The only difference lies in your preference for certain features.
Choose the Ledger Nano X hardware wallet if you prefer more coins/tokens support and prefer Bluetooth connectivity and the use of the mobile app. It is also cheaper.
Choose the Trezor Model T hardware wallet if you prefer touchscreen operation, having slightly more coins/tokens support and appreciate the security that comes with it, such as manual installation of firmware and absence of Bluetooth & WiFi connectivity.
