Trezor vs. Ledger: Ledger Takes the Lead
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Table of Contents
Trezor and Ledger are both top hardware wallet options for secure, offline cold storage of digital assets. Between the two, Ledger pulls ahead of Trezor with better functionality, features and tools.
Ledger offers connection to decentralized applications, or Dapps, and exchanges, plus educational content, market analysis and a Bluetooth-connected mobile app. With a Ledger device and connected mobile or desktop application, you can stake coins and access NFT marketplaces without having to use third-party software like you would with Trezor.
But Trezor’s most expensive model — the Model T, which costs about three times as much as Trezor’s standard model — has compelling security features that could make it a better choice for some. Specifically, it comes with a recovery share distribution feature called Shamir Backup that lets you generate and distribute up to 16 recovery shares for your device and store them in different places.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding between Trezor and Ledger.
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Deciding factors
Trezor | Ledger | |
|---|---|---|
Price | $59 to $179. | $79 to $149. |
Better for | Security features including Shamir Backup recovery. | Easier access to decentralized applications (Dapps) and mobile application. |
Cryptocurrencies | Trezor says its products support more than 8,000 coins and tokens. | Over 5,500. |
Security | ||
Integration | Supports purchases and swaps but needs additional software for NFTs and staking. | |
Storage | ||
Functionality | Desktop app and browser extension, but no mobile app. | |
Tools |
Overall winner: Ledger
Both Trezor and Ledger offer highly rated devices that can provide secure cold storage for your digital assets. They earn high marks for security, integration and storage options, but Ledger beats Trezor for its variety of built-in tools and applications.
Features
Winner: Ledger
NFT management and decentralized finance access are built into the Ledger Live software, while Trezor devices require integration with third-party software to connect to Dapps and non-fungible token marketplaces. Also, users can stake coins only with the pricier Trezor Model T, while both Ledger devices can support staking.
Trezor devices need to be integrated with third-party software like Metamask and Exodus to connect to Dapps and manage currencies that aren’t in the Trezor Suite, including Ripple (XRP). Ledger devices can also integrate with third-party software like MyEtherWallet and Metamask to connect to alternative blockchains, though integration isn’t necessary to manage most cryptos.
Security
Winner: Trezor
Hardware wallets including Ledger are one of the most secure ways to store your crypto since they keep your keys offline, but Trezor shines for its added security features.
Shamir Backup: Most crypto wallets, including Ledger, generate a single 24-word recovery seed that users can store and input in case of a lost device. But Trezor offers a recovery method called Shamir Backup (only available on the more-expensive Model T) that lets you generate and distribute up to 16 recovery shares for your device and store them in different places. Even if one seed phrase is compromised, the additional shares keep your keys from being stolen. No other wallet currently offers this feature.
Multisignature security: Both devices can also be integrated with multisignature security, which you can set up to require more than one key to authorize a transaction. Trezor's integration, however, requires you to also use Electrum, a separate Bitcoin software wallet.
Open-source software: Trezor software is fully open-source, which means it can be reviewed and tested by third parties to keep its security transparent. Ledger Live software is open-source, though the firmware on the physical devices is not.
Passphrase: With both Ledger and Trezor devices, you can create an additional 25th-word passphrase, which is an extra word of your choosing that can be added on to your standard automatically generated 24-word seed phrase. If the other 24-word seed phrase is compromised, having a 25th passphrase you create separately could keep hackers from accessing your funds. Trezor and Ledger are currently the only two wallets that offer this feature.
Functionality
Winner: Ledger
Ledger Live is available on desktop and mobile, and the browser extension is in beta testing. The Ledger Nano X model can connect with the mobile app through Bluetooth connection, making for easy access to exchanges and Dapps.
Trezor has a desktop application, browser extension and an upcoming Android app, but unlike some competitors, it isn’t compatible with Apple’s mobile operating system. Trezor also does not offer Bluetooth connections, though according to the developers, this is for security reasons.
Trezor also requires third-party integration to stake coins and access NFT marketplaces, while Ledger Live applications have these features built-in.
Tools
Winner: Ledger
Ledger has a robust library of crypto educational content for users called Ledger Academy that has device tutorials, trending content about crypto and in-depth explainers on crypto topics ranging from blockchain basics to common scams.
Trezor’s support center is less impressive, though it does include helpful articles on how to use Trezor devices and software.
Ledger Live also offers market analysis tools for you to track the value of your coins, while Trezor devices require a third-party software integration to access market analysis.
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