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Ledger vs Trezor: Which is Better?

Compare Ledger and Trezor hardware wallets. Review security features, supported cryptocurrencies, pricing, open-source status, and mobile connectivity.

Updated 2026-03-08 Wallets Comparison

Ledger vs Trezor at a Glance

Feature
LEDGER
TREZOR
Supported Coins
5,500+ coins and tokens
1,400+ coins and tokens
Secure Element Chip
Yes — certified secure element (ST33/ST31)
Safe 3 and Safe 5 have secure element; older models do not
Bluetooth
Yes (Nano X, Stax, Flex)
No Bluetooth on any model
Open Source
Firmware is partially open source; secure element firmware is closed
Fully open-source firmware and hardware design
Entry Price
Nano S Plus starting around $79
Trezor Safe 3 starting around $79
Mobile App
Ledger Live (iOS and Android)
Trezor Suite Lite (Android); full suite on desktop
Touchscreen Models
Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex
Trezor Model T and Trezor Safe 5
Passphrase Support
Yes — entered via companion app
Yes — entered directly on device (Model T, Safe 5)
Shamir Backup (SLIP-39)
Not supported
Supported on Model T, Safe 3, and Safe 5
Companion Software
Ledger Live
Trezor Suite
Hardware Wallet

What is Ledger?

Ledger is a leading hardware wallet manufacturer based in France. Its devices use a proprietary secure element chip (ST33) to protect private keys. The Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X are its most popular models, with the Stax and Flex offering touchscreen designs.

Ticker: LEDGER Since 2014
Hardware Wallet

What is Trezor?

Trezor, created by SatoshiLabs in the Czech Republic, was the first commercial hardware wallet. Its firmware and hardware designs are fully open source. The Trezor Model One and Model T are widely used, with the Safe 3 and Safe 5 as the latest models.

Ticker: TREZOR Since 2014

Key Differences

Trezor is fully open source in both firmware and hardware design, allowing independent security audits, while Ledger keeps its secure element firmware closed source.

Ledger supports significantly more cryptocurrencies (5,500+) compared to Trezor (1,400+), giving it broader asset coverage.

Ledger offers Bluetooth connectivity on several models for mobile pairing, while Trezor relies exclusively on USB connections.

Trezor supports Shamir Backup (SLIP-39), which splits the recovery seed into multiple shares for enhanced security, a feature Ledger does not offer.

Ledger uses a certified secure element chip across all models, while Trezor only introduced secure element chips in its newer Safe 3 and Safe 5 models.

Trezor allows passphrase entry directly on the device touchscreen (Model T, Safe 5), reducing exposure to compromised computers.

Which Should You Choose?

Ledger is the better choice for users who need broad cryptocurrency support and mobile Bluetooth connectivity. Trezor appeals to those who prioritize open-source transparency and advanced backup options like Shamir Backup. Both are reputable, well-established hardware wallet brands with strong security records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledger or Trezor more secure?
Both offer strong security. Ledger has used certified secure element chips from the start, while Trezor compensates with fully open-source code that can be independently audited. Trezor's newer Safe models now also include a secure element.
Can I use Ledger or Trezor with MetaMask?
Yes. Both Ledger and Trezor can be connected to MetaMask as a hardware signer. This allows you to interact with dApps while keeping your private keys on the hardware device.
What is Shamir Backup?
Shamir Backup (SLIP-39) splits your wallet recovery seed into multiple shares (e.g., 3 of 5). You need a specified minimum number of shares to recover the wallet. This is more secure than a single seed phrase and is supported by Trezor but not Ledger.
Do these wallets work with mobile phones?
Ledger connects via Bluetooth to the Ledger Live mobile app on iOS and Android. Trezor does not have Bluetooth but offers Trezor Suite Lite for Android and can connect to some phones via USB OTG cables.
What happens if my hardware wallet breaks?
Your funds are safe as long as you have your recovery seed phrase (or Shamir Backup shares for Trezor). You can restore your wallet on a new device from any manufacturer that supports BIP-39 (or SLIP-39 for Shamir).
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