When it comes to hardware wallets, two brands tend to dominate the market—Ledger and Trezor. “But why is it?” You might ask. These hardware wallet companies are considered to have the most security, ease of use, and support for a wide range of cryptocurrency assets.
But then comes the question: which one is better? Of course, this will depend on your needs and style as a digital assets owner. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Ledger and Trezor, analyzing their security features, supported coins, staking options, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision in 2025.
Best Hardware Wallet Comparison 2025
Ledger and Trezor have consistently ranked among the top options for hardware wallets in the market—but why have these brands remained among the top despite the growing demand for new products?
Both of these wallet providers are considered the top choices for securing digital assets due to their long-standing reputation, robust security measures, and continuous innovation. While newer competitors have emerged, Ledger and Trezor maintain their dominance by prioritizing both security and usability, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced crypto holders.
Ledger vs Trezor Security Features
Ledger and Trezor are two of the most popular hardware wallets, each with distinct security approaches. Here’s how they compare:
Security Approach
- Ledger relies on a Secure Element (SE) chip, a dedicated hardware component built to protect private keys from attacks.
- Trezor takes an open-source approach, meaning its software and firmware are publicly auditable, allowing the community to spot vulnerabilities and improve security.
PIN Codes & Passphrases
- Both wallets use PIN codes to prevent unauthorized access.
- Passphrases add an extra security layer, creating hidden wallets that can only be accessed with the correct phrase.
Firmware Updates
- Ledger’s firmware is closed-source, meaning updates and security patches are controlled by the company.
- Trezor’s firmware is open-source, allowing community participation in audits and improvements.
Attack Resistance
- Ledger’s Secure Element makes it highly resistant to physical attacks, ensuring private keys remain isolated.
- Trezor, lacking a Secure Element, relies on software-based security, making it more vulnerable to certain hardware attacks but benefiting from transparency and open audits.
Trezor vs Ledger for Beginners
Trezor is a great choice for beginners due to its straightforward setup and user-friendly interface. Its installation process is considered simple, only requiring the user to connect the device, install the Trezor Suite app, and follow the clear-cut instructions on the application.
Ledger, on the other hand, is considered to have a slightly steeper learning curve due to its advanced security features. The setup process involves installing Ledger Live, verifying the device, and navigating additional security steps. Sure, this may seem more complex, many investors find it worthwhile due to the application’s feature-rich experience. While it may take a bit more time to get comfortable with, Ledger is ideal for users who want long-term flexibility and robust protection for their assets.
Trezor vs Ledger Nano X
Trezor Model One and Model T are great choices for anyone looking for a simple and secure way to store crypto. Model One is the more affordable option, offering solid security and an open-source design, but it lacks a touchscreen and Bluetooth. Model T steps things up with a touchscreen for easier navigation and extra security features like Shamir Backup, making it a better pick for those who want more functionality without sacrificing transparency.
Ledger Nano X, on the other hand, is all about convenience and mobility. It has a Secure Element chip for top-tier security and Bluetooth support, so you can manage your assets wirelessly through the Ledger Live app. It also supports a huge range of cryptocurrencies and extra features like staking and NFT management. While its closed-source firmware means less transparency, its strong security measures make it a solid choice for users who want flexibility and ease of use.
Ledger Nano S Plus vs Trezor Model T
Ledger Nano S Plus is a budget-friendly hardware wallet that offers solid security with a Secure Element chip to protect private keys. It supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and integrates seamlessly with Ledger Live, allowing users to manage assets efficiently. While it lacks a touchscreen and Bluetooth, it remains a strong choice for those who want reliable security at a lower price point.
Trezor Model T, on the other hand, is a premium option with a touchscreen interface for easier navigation and an open-source security model that allows for transparency and community audits. It supports a broad selection of cryptocurrencies and offers advanced security features like Shamir Backup, but it does not include Bluetooth connectivity. While it comes at a higher price, its usability and security enhancements make it a great choice for users who prioritize convenience and transparency.
Hardware Wallet with Best User Experience
Ledger
- Sleek and modern interface with Ledger Live, offering a feature-rich experience.
- Supports Bluetooth connectivity for wireless asset management.
- Integrates with a wide range of third-party apps and services.
- Secure Element chip ensures strong protection while maintaining usability.
- More advanced features may require a learning curve for beginners.
Trezor
- Simple and intuitive UI with Trezor Suite, designed for ease of use.
- Open-source software allows for transparency and community-driven improvements.
- No Bluetooth support, but straightforward USB connectivity.
- Touchscreen on the Model T enhances navigation and usability.
- Prioritizes simplicity, making it ideal for beginners who want a hassle-free experience.
Ledger vs Trezor Fees and Supported Coins
Ledger wallets support over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, making them one of the most versatile options for cold storage in the market. The native integration with Ledger Live—its own software application—allows users to manage assets and transactions, participate in staking programs, and even store NFTs. While Ledger itself does not charge transaction fees, network fees apply based on the blockchain being used. The price of Ledger wallets ranges from $79 to $279, depending on the model.
Meanwhile, Trezor wallets support up to 1,456 different cryptocurrencies, offering a solid diversity option, but fewer than Ledger wallets. Trezor wallets rely on the “Trezor Suite” software for management and transaction processing. Like Ledger, Trezor does not impose additional transaction fees beyond standard blockchain network fees. Trezor wallets are priced between $69 and $219, with the Model T being the premium option.
Ledger vs Trezor Staking Support
Ledger supports staking for a wide range of currencies, including Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), and Tezos (XTZ). What’s cool is that users can stake their assets directly on Ledger Live—making it a convenient option for investors looking to passively earn tokens.
Trezor, on the other hand, does not have a built-in staking functionality—giving Ledger users a clear edge when it comes to staking digital assets. However, users can still stake their assets by connecting their Trezor wallets to third-party platforms that offer staking services.
Pros and Cons of Ledger and Trezor
Ledger
✅ Secure Element chip provides strong hardware-based security.
✅ Supports Bluetooth for wireless asset management (Nano X model).
✅ Works with Ledger Live, offering a feature-rich experience.
✅ Supports staking, allowing users to earn passive rewards on certain cryptocurrencies.
❌ Closed-source firmware limits transparency.
❌ More complex setup compared to Trezor.
Trezor
✅ Open-source security, allowing for community audits and transparency.
✅ Touchscreen on Model T improves usability.
✅ Simple and beginner-friendly setup process.
❌ No Secure Element chip, making it more vulnerable to physical attacks.
❌ Lacks Bluetooth support, requiring USB connection.
❌ Does not support native staking, meaning users must rely on third-party platforms.
Which Crypto Hardware Wallet Is Safest?
Both wallets are considered safe, but due to their different approach to development and security design—investors may prefer one over the other. Ledger wallets are widely regarded as some of the safest options due to their Secure Element chip, which provides strong hardware-based protection against physical and digital attacks. One important difference is that Ledger’s closed-source firmware means that security updates are completely in charge of the company.
Trezor wallets, on the other hand, prioritize open-source security, allowing for community audits and transparency. This allows its wallet’s security features to be updated faster than Ledger’s. However, Ledger does not have the unique Secure Element chip technology that stands out in Ledger wallets.
Ledger vs Trezor for NFT Storage
The previously mentioned Ledger Live software allows Ledger wallet owners to seamlessly interact with NFTs in that native platform—making managing these non-fungible tokens a lot easier.
Meanwhile, Trezor wallets do not offer native NFT support. Connecting your Trezor to a third-party platform like Metamask in order to manage NFTs is easy enough, however. Some users may view it as a drawback, while others consider it a reasonable trade-off for Trezor’s focus on security and reliability.
Differences Between Trezor and Ledger Wallets
At the end of the day, there are two key differences between Trezor and Ledger wallets. Ledger’s Secure Element chip allows these wallets to operate under a strong hardware-based security, while Trezor’s open-source security model is considered a more versatile, up-to-date, and transparent security model.
It is impossible to say whether one is better than the other because that answer will depend on the type of crypto investor you are. If you favor speed, staking, and NFT management, Ledger wallets may be the way to go.
On the other hand, if you favor transparency, community-driven security improvements, and a simple, beginner-friendly interface, Trezor may be the better choice. While it lacks native staking and NFT support, its open-source design ensures constant updates and public scrutiny, making it a strong option for those who prioritize auditability over proprietary security.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the safest crypto hardware wallet in 2025?
Ledger and Trezor are both secure, but Ledger’s Secure Element chip offers stronger hardware-based protection against physical attacks.
2. Is Ledger more secure than Trezor?
Ledger uses closed-source firmware and a Secure Element chip, making it highly resistant to tampering. Trezor relies on open-source security, which enhances transparency but lacks a Secure Element.
3. Which wallet is easier to use — Ledger or Trezor?
Trezor is more beginner-friendly, with a simple UI and touchscreen on Model T, while Ledger has more advanced features that require a learning curve.
4. Can I store NFTs on Ledger or Trezor?
Ledger supports NFT storage through Ledger Live, while Trezor lacks native NFT support and requires third-party wallets.
5. How do Ledger and Trezor compare on staking?
Ledger allows native staking for multiple cryptocurrencies via Ledger Live, while Trezor does not offer built-in staking and requires third-party services.
6. Best wallet for cold storage: Ledger or Trezor?
Both are excellent for cold storage, but Ledger’s Secure Element chip provides extra protection against physical security threats.
