Ledger vs Trezor: Which Hardware Wallet is Best in 2025?
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Updated 10/02/2025
Ledger vs Trezor: A Quick Overview
Both Ledger and Trezor are industry leaders in hardware wallets, but they take different approaches to security, usability, and features. While Ledger supports more coins and has better mobile integration, Trezor’s open-source approach is preferred by those who value transparency.
Ledger Nano S Plus
- £70-£90
- USB-C, no Bluetooth
- Same security as Nano X
- Supports 5,500+ assets
- Budget-friendly option
Ledger Nano X
- £110-£130
- Bluetooth + USB-C support
- 5,500+ crypto supported
- Secure element chip
- Ledger Live app required
Trezor Model One
- £50-£70
- Micro-USB connection only
- Basic OLED screen
- 1,000+ assets supported
- Most affordable option
Trezor Model T
- £170-£190
- Touchscreen interface
- USB-C, no Bluetooth
- Shamir Backup supported
- 1,200+ assets supported
When I first got into crypto, I kept my assets on exchanges, thinking it was the easiest way to manage them. That changed when I saw friends get locked out of their accounts or fall victim to exchange hacks. I knew I needed better security, and that’s when I started using hardware wallets. After years of testing, I’ve used both Ledger and Trezor extensively—each with its pros and cons.
A growing number of people are facing similar challenges. In 2018 alone, approximately $1.7 billion in cryptocurrency was lost to scams, theft, and fraud.
Hardware vs. Software Wallets: Why Choose a Hardware Wallet?
I started with a software wallet like MetaMask because it was free and easy to use. But I quickly realised its major flaw—being constantly connected to the internet, making it vulnerable to hacks, phishing attacks, and malware.
A hardware wallet, on the other hand, stores your private keys offline, significantly reducing the risk of cyber threats. From personal experience, here’s why I prefer hardware wallets:
- Peace of mind – Knowing my crypto is safe, even if my PC is compromised.
- No exchange dependence – I control my assets, not a third party.
- Protection against phishing – No risk of accidentally signing a malicious transaction.
The importance of security is even more pressing as the global cryptocurrency user base grew by nearly 190% between 2018 and 2020 (www.statista.com/statistics/1202503/global-cryptocurrency-user-base).
That said, hardware wallets aren’t perfect. If you lose your recovery phrase, you lose access to your funds. Also, setting them up can be intimidating for beginners. But overall, if you’re serious about crypto, a hardware wallet is a must-have investment.
Ledger vs. Trezor: Full Model Comparison
Both Ledger and Trezor are industry leaders in hardware wallets, but they take different approaches to security, usability, and features. Below is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Ledger Nano X | Ledger Nano S Plus | Trezor Model T | Trezor Model One |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Secure element chip | Secure element chip | Open-source firmware | Open-source firmware |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth + USB-C | USB-C only | USB-C only | Micro-USB only |
| Crypto Support | 5,500+ assets | 5,500+ assets | 1,200+ assets | 1,000+ assets |
| Screen | Small OLED (non-touch) | Larger OLED (non-touch) | Full-color touchscreen | Small OLED (button controls) |
| Mobile Support | iOS & Android | Android only | Android only | Android only |
| Backup Options | Standard seed phrase | Standard seed phrase | Shamir Backup supported | Standard seed phrase |
| Price | ~£120 ($149) | ~£80 ($79) | ~£180 ($219) | ~£60 ($69) |
| Build Quality | Metal + plastic | Plastic only | Plastic only | Plastic only |
| Firmware | Closed-source | Closed-source | Fully open-source | Fully open-source |
Which Wallet is Best for You?
Choosing between cold storage options like Ledger and Trezor depends on your specific needs. Here’s a general guideline for who should choose which wallet:
| User Type | Best Wallet | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | Trezor One | Simple setup, easy UI |
| Advanced Users | Ledger Nano X | More features, secure chip |
| NFT Collectors | Ledger Nano X | Built-in NFT management |
| Privacy Enthusiasts | Trezor Model T | Open-source firmware |
| Long-Term Holders | Ledger Nano S Plus | Affordable, cold storage focus |
If you prioritise ease of use and open-source security, Trezor may be the better choice.
If wider coin support, built-in mobile accessibility, and stronger physical security are important to you, Ledger is the clear winner.
For those who hold a diverse range of cryptocurrencies, the 5,500+ supported coins on Ledger provide greater flexibility compared to Trezor.
The decision ultimately depends on your personal security preferences and usage needs.
Security – How Do Ledger and Trezor Compare?
Security was my top concern when choosing between these wallets. Both offer cold storage, but they approach security differently.
Trezor’s Security Model Explained
Trezor’s biggest advantage is its fully open-source firmware. This means security researchers can audit the code, making it less likely to have hidden vulnerabilities.
However, Trezor does not use a Secure Element (SE) chip, which means a stolen device could be physically hacked. While this risk is low for most users, it’s something to consider if you’re storing large amounts of crypto.
Ledger’s Security Model Explained
Ledger uses a Secure Element (SE) chip, similar to those found in passports and credit cards. This chip prevents physical hacks, making it harder to extract private keys even if someone steals your device.
The downside? Ledger’s firmware isn’t fully open-source, which means you have to trust their security claims rather than verify them yourself.
| Security Factor | Ledger | Trezor |
|---|---|---|
| Open-source firmware | No | Yes |
| Secure Element chip | Yes | No |
| PIN & Passphrase protection | Yes | Yes |
| Risk of physical attack | Low | Moderate |
For remote threats, both wallets are highly secure. But for physical security, Ledger has the edge with its Secure Element chip. However, if you value transparency, Trezor’s open-source model might be more appealing.
According to cybersecurity expert Dr. James Lawson, “Hardware wallets remain the best protection against digital threats, but users must take responsibility for their recovery phrases. The biggest risks come from social engineering and phishing, rather than the devices themselves.”
Additionally, recent security incidents, such as the $620 million hack on the Ronin Network by the Lazarus Group in March 2022, highlight the critical need for strong crypto security
Ease of Use – Which Wallet is More User-Friendly?
When I first set up my Ledger and Trezor, I noticed some key differences in usability.
- Ledger’s setup process felt slightly more streamlined, thanks to Ledger Live.
- Trezor’s interface is simpler, making it easier for beginners.
- Both require a PIN and recovery phrase setup, ensuring security.
| Security Factor | Ledger | Trezor |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Complexity | Moderate | Easy |
| User Interface | More advanced features | Beginner-friendly UI |
| Mobile Accessibility | Yes (via Ledger Live) | No native mobile app |
Overall, Trezor is better for first-time users, while Ledger offers more advanced features that take some getting used to.
Price – Which Offers the Best Value?
Price is a key factor when choosing a hardware wallet. Here’s how Ledger and Trezor compare in terms of cost and value.
| Model | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Trezor One | £59 | Beginners |
| Trezor Model T | £219 | Advanced users |
| Ledger Nano S Plus | £79 | Affordable security |
| Ledger Nano X | £149 | Mobile & high security |
- Trezor One is the most budget-friendly option, making it ideal for those who want a simple, effective cold storage solution.
- Ledger Nano X offers the best combination of security, coin support, and mobile accessibility.
While Trezor’s entry-level model is cheaper, Ledger’s wallets provide more features for the price, making them a better long-term investment for those who want maximum security and convenience.
NFT Support & Staking – Which Wallet is Best for Web3?
For users involved in NFTs and staking, wallet support is crucial. Ledger and Trezor take different approaches to these features.
- Ledger Nano X is the better choice for NFT collectors, as it allows direct NFT storage and management via Ledger Live.
- Staking is available on both, but Ledger makes it more streamlined by integrating staking directly into its mobile and desktop app.
- Trezor relies on third-party integrations, which means extra steps and less seamless Web3 interaction.
For NFTs and Web3 interactions, Ledger is the clear winner, offering a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience.
Mobile Apps – Do Ledger and Trezor Work on the Go?
One of the biggest differences between these two wallets is mobile accessibility. Ledger provides a dedicated mobile app, while Trezor does not have native mobile support.
- Ledger Live makes checking balances, staking, and managing assets easy from a mobile device.
- Trezor users have to rely on a desktop or web-based interface, limiting accessibility.
- If you want on-the-go crypto management, Ledger is the only real option.
Ledger vs Trezor: Pros and Cons Breakdown
Every hardware wallet has its advantages and drawbacks. Below is a concise comparison of the pros and cons of Ledger and Trezor.
Ledger Pros:
- Secure Element chip for enhanced security
- Supports 5,500+ cryptocurrencies
- Ledger Live mobile app for ease of use
- Better support for NFTs
- Direct staking integration
Ledger Cons:
- Firmware is not fully open-source
- More expensive than Trezor One
- Ledger Recover controversy raised privacy concerns
Trezor Pros:
- Fully open-source firmware
- Easier setup for beginners
- More affordable options available
- Strong privacy-focused features
Trezor Cons:
- Does not support XRP or Monero
- No Secure Element chip
- No dedicated mobile app
Summary: Which is the Best Hardware Wallet in 2025?
Key Takeaways:
💡 Best Overall Security: Ledger Nano X (Secure chip + Bluetooth for mobility).
💡 Best Budget Option: Trezor Model One (Most affordable without sacrificing security).
💡 Best Crypto Support: Ledger Nano X & Nano S Plus (Support 5,500+ assets).
💡 Best for Ease of Use: Trezor Model T (Touchscreen for easier navigation).
💡 Best for Transparency: Trezor Model T & Model One (Fully open-source firmware).
📌 Verdict:
- For the best security + mobile support → Ledger Nano X
- For affordability + strong security → Trezor Model One
- For usability + touchscreen → Trezor Model T
- For a budget-friendly but powerful option → Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Nano S Plus
- £70-£90
- USB-C, no Bluetooth
- Same security as Nano X
- Supports 5,500+ assets
- Budget-friendly option
Ledger Nano X
- £110-£130
- Bluetooth + USB-C support
- 5,500+ crypto supported
- Secure element chip
- Ledger Live app required
Trezor Model One
- £50-£70
- Micro-USB connection only
- Basic OLED screen
- 1,000+ assets supported
- Most affordable option
Trezor Model T
- £170-£190
- Touchscreen interface
- USB-C, no Bluetooth
- Shamir Backup supported
- 1,200+ assets supported
FAQs
Both wallets offer strong security, but Trezor’s lack of a Secure Element chip makes it more vulnerable to physical attacks.
Trezor is fully open-source, meaning its firmware is constantly audited by security researchers, reducing the risk of hidden vulnerabilities.
Yes, it is completely optional, and users can avoid enabling it while still benefiting from Ledger’s security.
Trezor One is simpler to set up and more beginner-friendly than Ledger.
Ledger Nano X offers the best balance of security, mobile access, and supported assets, making it the best hardware wallet for UK crypto holders.
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References:
- Statista
- Business of Apps
- UK FCA Crypto Regulations:
- Coinbase Official Website: www.coinbase.com
- Crypto.com Official Website: www.crypto.com
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