Trezor Model T Review: A Secure, Open-Source Hardware Wallet
Detailed review to help you buy the right wallet
- September 6, 2025
- 12:40 pm
Design and BuildThe Trezor Model T features a compact, ergonomic design (64mm x 39mm x 10mm, 22g) with a full-color 240×240 pixel LCD touchscreen, an upgrade from the Model One’s buttons. It’s built with durable plastic, making it lightweight and pocket-friendly, though less premium-feeling than metal alternatives. The device includes a USB-C port and a microSD slot for firmware updates or Shamir Backup. Overall, it’s robust for everyday use, with no IP rating but proven resilience in user tests.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is a highlight, thanks to the intuitive touchscreen and Trezor Suite app. Navigation is simple, swipe to confirm transactions or enter PINs directly on the device, reducing phishing risks. The app (desktop/mobile) offers a clean interface for portfolio management, coin swaps, and fiat buys. It’s beginner-friendly yet powerful for advanced users, with features like custom fee settings. However, the lack of Bluetooth means wired connections only, which may feel dated compared to rivals.
Step-by-step How-to Guide
Setting up the Trezor Model T is straightforward and takes about 10-15 minutes:
- Unbox and Connect: Plug the device into your computer via USB-C.
- Install Trezor Suite: Download from trezor.io/start (desktop for Windows/macOS/Linux, or mobile app).
- Initialize: Follow on-screen prompts to create a new wallet, set a PIN (up to 50 digits for security), and generate a 12-24 word recovery seed.
- Backup Seed: Write down the seed phrase (displayed on touchscreen) and verify it.
- Firmware Update: The app will prompt updates; confirm on device.
- Add Accounts: Install coin apps via Suite (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and generate receive addresses.
- Transfer Assets: Send crypto to your new addresses for secure storage.
Always perform setup on a secure device and store your seed offline.
Supported Coins
The Trezor Model T supports over 8,000 cryptocurrencies and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), Polkadot (DOT), and ERC-20/BEP-20 standards. It handles NFTs and DeFi tokens via integrations like MetaMask. The open-source nature allows community-added support, but it’s limited to ~100 apps at once (uninstall/reinstall as needed). For a full list, check Trezor’s supported assets page, it’s extensive but focuses on major chains.
Staking Information
Staking is supported for several PoS coins via Trezor Suite or third-party apps. Compatible assets include Tezos (XTZ), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Cosmos (ATOM), and Tron (TRX). For Ethereum (ETH), use integrations like Lido (not direct).
Yields: ADA ~4-5% APY via delegation, DOT ~10-12%, ATOM ~12-18%.
Setup: Connect Trezor, delegate to validators in Suite (e.g., for ADA via Yoroi). Rewards are passive, but slashing risks exist for downtime. No minimum for delegation, making it accessible.
Connectivity Type
The Model T connects via USB-C to computers (Windows/macOS/Linux) or Android devices (via OTG adapter; no native iOS app due to Apple’s restrictions). It lacks Bluetooth or wireless options, prioritizing security over convenience. Trezor Suite handles all interactions, with firmware updates over USB. This wired approach minimizes attack vectors but may inconvenience mobile users.
Security
Security is Trezor’s forte, with fully open-source firmware and hardware (auditable on GitHub). It uses a secure element for key storage, supports Shamir Backup (splits seed into shares for recovery), and requires on-device confirmation for transactions. PIN entry is randomized on touchscreen to prevent smudges. It’s resistant to physical attacks and has no known major breaches. Compared to closed-source rivals, its transparency builds trust.
Features
Beyond basic storage, features include touchscreen navigation, Shamir Backup for advanced recovery, Trezor Suite for portfolio tracking and coin swaps, and integration with third-party apps (e.g., Exodus for multi-chain). It supports passphrase protection (extra seed layer) and U2F for 2FA. Firmware is regularly updated for new coins. No built-in battery or wireless, but it’s SLIP-39 compatible for sharded backups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fully open-source for transparency and audits.
- Touchscreen for intuitive use.
- Supports 8,000+ coins and staking.
- Shamir Backup for secure recovery.
- Affordable at $182 with strong community support.
Cons:
- No Bluetooth or wireless connectivity.
- Plastic build feels less premium.
- Limited to wired setups (no iOS app).
- Fewer apps than competitors (uninstall needed).
- Slower updates for niche coins.
Conclusion
The Trezor Model T is a reliable, open-source wallet prioritizing security and simplicity in 2025. Trezor Model T bundled with Seed Phrase wallet at $182 on Amazon, it’s a great pick for users valuing transparency over bells and whistles. If privacy is key, it’s unbeatable; Integrate with Trezor Suite for seamless experience.
For alternatives, check our Ledger Nano X review.
For a head to head comparison of Ledger Nano X vs Trezor Model T click here.
Don’t forget to check out our list of “Best Crypto Wallets 2025” click here.
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