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Contents
- How easy are these crypto wallets to use?
- Crypto wallet user experience (UX) differences
- How do these wallets' security features compare?
- Crypto wallet security feature differentiators
- Have there been vulnerabilities or hacks of these wallets?
- What happens if your wallet is lost or stolen?
- Backup and recovery differentiators
- How do these wallets handle Crypto Inheritance Management?
- Summary of Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T Comparison
- Vault12 Guard: a decentralized solution for Crypto Inheritance
Crypto Wallet Guides
Trezor Model T backup Advantages:
Comparison of Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T
November 27 2024
When choosing the best hardware wallet for cryptocurrency security, you may wonder:
- Which is better, the Ledger Nano X or the Trezor Model T?
- How easy to use are these wallets?
- How do their security features compare?
- Do these wallets have vulnerabilities, and have they been hacked?
- What happens if your wallet is lost or stolen?
- How do these wallets handle Crypto Inheritance Management?
This article compares important characteristics for these two popular wallets. We’ll break down the strengths and weaknesses of each, focusing on security, ease of use, and backup methods.
Additionally, we’ll explore the fundamental topic of inheritance and backup for crypto assets — a crucial aspect of long-term planning. By the end of this comparison, you’ll clearly understand which wallet is right for you, and how to address the often-overlooked safety issue of recovering your crypto assets in case of loss.
How easy are these crypto wallets to use?
Let's compare the key aspects of both wallets side by side, and then summarize what really stands out for user convenience:
Ledger Nano X | Trezor Model T | |
Display |
1” Monochrome OLED, |
1.54" Color LCD, |
Input interface | 2 click buttons | Touchscreen |
Cable | USB-C | USB, MicroSD card slot |
Wireless | Bluetooth | No |
Companion Apps | macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS |
macOS, Windows, Linux, Android |
3rd party wallets and dapps support | 50+ | 9 |
Password manager & 2FA | FIDO2 2FA & Passkeys, Password Manager | FIDO2 2FA |
Product size & weight | 72 x 19 x 12 mm / 34g | 64 x 39 x 10 mm / 22g |
Convenience features | Battery (Up to 5 hours in use) | Magnetic dock |
Number of supported coins | 5,500+ | 1,600+ |
Price | $149 | $149 |
Crypto wallet user experience (UX) differences
Ledger Nano X Disadvantages:
- The display is literally the size of a coin: very uncomfortable to use.
- Requires two-handed operation, making it difficult to use with a phone simultaneously — contrary to some misleading ads.
- The buttons are stiff, making operations cumbersome.
Ledger Nano X Advantages:
- Offers Bluetooth connectivity — works with or without a cable, at least with smartphones.
- Wide support for third-party wallets and dapps, allowing the Ledger Nano X to sign transactions directly in MetaMask, Uniswap, and other platforms without relying on Ledger Live software. This is a huge advantage for DeFi users.
Trezor Model T Disadvantages:
- No wireless connectivity: you always have to use a cable.
- iOS is a balance view-only app, so you can't send transactions from iOS.
Trezor Model T Advantages:
- The display is much more convenient to work with on a regular basis, and easy to read.
- The touchscreen and input are very well-thought-out experiences on Trezor Model T — you can use it without any discomfort.
How do these wallets' security features compare?
Now, we dive deeper into the core specification of every hardware wallet: security features.
Ledger Nano X | Trezor Model T | |
PIN-code | 4 - 8 digits | up to 50 digits |
BIP39 Passphrase | Yes | Yes |
Open-source | Partial | Full |
Secure Element | Yes | No |
Multisignature | Yes | Yes |
Crypto wallet security feature differentiators
Ledger Nano X security Disadvantages:
- Critical components like the Secure Element and its operating system are closed-source. This has raised concerns, especially after the controversial introduction of the Ledger Recover backup service, which challenged the assumption that the Secure Element could never transmit the recovery seed phrase outside the hardware wallet.
Ledger Nano X security Advantages:
- Includes a Secure Element, giving Ledger devices a strong reputation for withstanding physical attacks. This is important for users who prefer not to complicate their security with BIP39 passphrases, prioritizing ease of use.
Trezor Model T security Disadvantages:
- Lacks a Secure Element, making it resistant to physical attacks only if a BIP39 passphrase is used. This is a significant drawback in both convenience and its ability to be fault-proof.
Trezor Model T security Advantages:
- Fully open-source software and hardware. This minimizes third-party risks, and avoids any need to rely on trust.
- Allows for longer PIN codes, which might appeal to particularly cautious users.
Have there been vulnerabilities or hacks of these wallets?
There have been vulnerabilities and hacks associated with both the Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T.
Far from delivering uncompromised security, these wallets are routinely subject to malware, supply chain, and firmware vulnerabilities, Here are some recent notable incidents:
Ledger Nano X Vulnerabilities:
- The Connect Kit Attack (2023): The Connect Kit breach was discovered by the security teams of Ledger.
- Ledger User Data Breach (2020): A major data breach exposed the personal information of thousands of customers, leading to phishing attacks.
- Another User Data Breach (2021): Ledger announced on Twitter that it has been targeted by rogue Shopify team members who exported over 200 merchants’ customer databases.
- Ledger Live (2020): Users were exposed to basic double spending attacks, amplified double spending attacks, and DoS attacks without user consent.
- Potential Supply Chain Attack Vulnerability (2020): Kraken Security Labs Identifies Supply Chain Attacks Against Ledger Nano X Wallets.
Trezor Model T Vulnerabilities:
- Ability to Physically Hack Trezor T Wallet (2023): Crypto Security Firm Unciphered Claims Ability to Physically Hack Trezor T Wallet
- Five Reported Vulnerabilities in Two Models of Trezor Hardware Wallets (2019): Ledger’s Attack Lab has found five vulnerabilities in hardware wallets of its direct competitor Trezor.
- Kraken Identifies Critical Flaw in Trezor Hardware Wallets (2020): Kraken Security Labs has devised a way to extract seeds from both cryptocurrency hardware wallets offered from industry leader Trezor, the Trezor One and Trezor Model T.
No software is perfect, and no wallet is ideal. However, some designs have been more compromised than others.
What happens if your wallet is lost or stolen?
Security is paramount, but in the world of crypto, the degree to which backup and recovery solutions are foolproof for users is equally important. Here are the backup and recovery options for these two wallets:
Ledger Nano X | Trezor Model T | |
Backup & Recovery methods | Recommend Recovery Seed Phrase be written on paper, or engraved onto metallic plates. | Recommend Recovery Seed Phrase be written on paper, or engraved onto metallic plates. |
Optional paid subscription | Ledger Recover, a centralized 3rd-party cloud service, highly criticized by the crypto community. Clouds are not safe — especially when operated by multiple 3rd parties. | No. |
Backup and recovery differentiators
Ledger Nano X Recover service Disadvantages:
- The optional Ledger Recover backup service is a paid service provided by three corporations that each hold parts of the user’s seed phrase in a Cloud. This introduces risks, as the seed phrase could potentially be accessed via subpoena; business partners could terminate agreements or become involved in lawsuits that result in locked data or resources (like, for example, Gemini and Genesis); and there are multiple potential points of failure.
Ledger Nano X Recover service Advantages:
- People have different preferences. If a user is comfortable trusting a bank with their assets, they may also feel confident using Ledger Recover for securing their seed phrase backup (even though Ledger is not providing the complete cloud backup solution).
Trezor Model T backup Disadvantages:
- Trezor has a Multishare backup service, but it is fully manual, and challenging to maintain. The user is responsible for generating, distributing, and keeping track of the encrypted shards.
Trezor Model T backup Advantages:
- Trezor does offer a Multishare backup option for those who are able and willing to set it up.
How do these wallets handle Crypto Inheritance Management?
Crypto Inheritance Features
Currently, most hardware wallets, including the Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T, lack any features for establishing and managing crypto inheritance. This gap presents a challenge for users who want to be sure that their crypto assets can be transferred to their heirs.
Ledger Nano X | Trezor Model T | |
Backup |
- Written only | - Written only - Manual sharing of shards |
Inheritance | No | No |
Decentralized backup with Vault12 | Yes | Yes |
Inheritance Management with Vault12 | Yes | Yes |
Summary of Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T Comparison
The Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T both provide a variety of security measures, and support a broad spectrum of cryptocurrencies, making them suitable for diverse crypto portfolios.
The Ledger Nano X is more mobile-friendly, and offers a balance of security and convenience features. It offers a small display and uncomfortable input, but with the advantages of a Secure Element and wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth.
On the other hand, the Trezor Model T, at the same price, boasts a fully open-source framework, larger display with colors, and touchscreen interface for enhanced user interaction, but with reduced security and convenience from not having a Secure Element and working only with USB connections.
The decision between the two will likely hinge on individual preferences for the target platform (mobile or desktop), and should take into account the planned frequency of use.
Whichever you choose, remember to add crypto inheritance to your choice of wallet to ensure the long-term safety of your digital assets.
Vault12 Guard: a decentralized solution for Crypto Inheritance
Vault12 is the pioneer in Crypto Inheritance Management, and delivers an easy-to-use and securemethod for assigning a legacy contact to your crypto wallets. This enables you to pass on your wallet seed phrases and private keys for all types of digital assets to future generations. Vault12 Guard is designed for everyday people, yet strong enough for Crypto OGs.
Vault12 Guard has a uniquely-secure design. Utilizing advanced encryption and decentralized storage, it ensures that crypto assets are not only safe but also transferable under predefined conditions, filling a critical need unmet by most traditional hardware wallets. Vault12 Guard applies a hybrid approach of software fused with the hardware-based Secure Element of phone devices (The Secure Enclave for iOS devices, and Strongbox for Google devices). Vault12 Guard's decentralized design reduces possible points of failure. Nothing is stored on cloud servers or Vault12 servers, and no assets are stored on local devices, making them less of a target.
From a user perspective, the Vault12 Guard app asks users to appoint one or more people (or mobile devices) as Guardians. The designated Guardians are entrusted to protect the user's comprehensive collection of wallet seed phrases and private keys, which are safely stored within a decentralized digital Vault. Its simple, user-friendly workflow removes the necessity for regularly revising wallet inventories or modifying instructions for your lawyers — a process that otherwise could lead to privacy breaches.
Both the Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T are compatible with Vault12 Guard Inheritance. This addresses the seed phrase backup dilemma for any hardware wallet. It also makes less-secure backup methods, such as paper or steel plates, unnecessary.
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Crypto Wallet Guides
Comparison of Ledger Nano X and Trezor Model T
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November 27 2024
Art Krotou
Art is a crypto-security expert and researcher with serial entrepreneurship background. Having a degree in physics and experiences in multiple cutting-edge industries like fintech, secure hardware and semiconductors, and identity gave him a unique multi-faceted perspective on the problem of key management for individuals in the crypto networks and the evolution of the internet in general.
In his current work, he is specifically researching how cryptographic keys can be inherited without posing a threat to 3rd parties in edge cases. In addition, he advocates for "fault-tolerance via secrets automation". He discusses the quantitative impact of user experience factors on the uptake of non-custodial solutions.
As one of his most notable accomplishments, he co-founded and led through the early years of the company that contributed to the complex technology behind Apple's recent M-series CPUs. He is also the creator of the most friendly and aesthetically pleasing, but nonetheless super secure and fault-tolerant hardware wallet - U•HODL.
Check out his curated series of "Vault12 Learn" contributions below, and follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn for more sharp insights.
Vault12
Vault12 is the pioneer in crypto inheritance and backup. The company was founded in 2015 to provide a way to enable everyday crypto customers to add a legacy contact to their cry[to wallets. The Vault12 Guard solution is blockchain-independent, runs on any mobile device with biometric security, and is available in Apple and Google app stores.
You will lose your Bitcoin and other crypto when you die...
...unless you set up Crypto Inheritance Management today.
It's simple — if you don't worry about crypto inheritance, nobody else will — not your software or hardware wallet vendors, not your exchanges, and not your wealth managers. So it's up to you to think about how to protect the generational wealth you have created, and reduce the risks around passing that wealth on to your family and heirs. What are the challenges with crypto inheritance?
- Crypto Wallets are difficult to use and do not offer crypto inheritance management. In fact, most of them tell you to write down your seed phrase on a piece of paper, which is practically useless.
- Some people back up their wallet seed phrases or private keys on paper, local devices like hardware wallets or USBs, or in the cloud. All of these options have severe drawbacks that range from hacking to accidental loss to disrupted cloud services.
- Software wallets operate onspecific blockchains, yet your crypto assets span multiple blockchains. For inheritance to work, you must be able to manage inheritance across every blockchain — now and forever.
Vault12 is the pioneer in crypto inheritance management. Watch our explainer video above, or our inheritance demo today.
Crypto Inheritance Management: Get ready today
Vault12 is the pioneer in Crypto Inheritance Management, and offers an easy-to-use and secure method for assigning a legacy contact to your crypto wallets. Vault12 Guard enables you to pass on your wallet seed phrases and private keys for any cryptos including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) to future generations. It's designed for everyday people, yet strong enough for Crypto OGs.
This innovative, decentralized system uses a hybrid approach of software fused with the Secure Element of phone devices (the Secure Enclave for iOS devices, and Strongbox for Google devices).
Vault12 Guard enables users to appoint one or more people or mobile devices as Guardians. The designated Guardians are entrusted to collectively protect the user's comprehensive collection of wallet seed phrases and private keys, which are safely stored within a decentralized digital Vault. Nothing is stored on cloud servers or Vault12 servers, and no assets are stored on local devices, making them less of a target.
The decentralized approach reduces points of failure and removes the necessity for regularly revising wallet inventories or modifying instructions for your lawyers (which could lead to privacy breaches). Simply put, Vault12 Guard is the best way to preserve crypto generational wealth.
Take the first step and back up your crypto wallets.
Designed to be used alongside traditional hardware and software crypto wallets, Vault12 Guard helps cryptocurrency owners back up their wallet seed phrases and private keys (assets) without storing anything in the cloud or any single location. This increases protection and decreases the risks of loss. Making sure you have an up to date back up is the first step in crypto inheritance management.
The Vault12 Guard app enables secure decentralized backups and provides inheritance for all your seed phrases and private keys across any blockchain, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, ERC-20, and other crypto wallets.
Note: For anyone unfamiliar with cryptocurrencies, Vault12 refers to wallet seed phrases and private keys as assets, crypto assets, and digital assets. The Vault12 Guard app includes a software wallet that works alongside your digital Vault. The primary purpose of this is to guard your Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH) wallet seed phrases, private keys, and other essential data, now and for future generations.