If you're serious about cryptocurrency, you've likely heard the name Trezor. As the world's first hardware wallet manufacturer, founded in 2013 in Prague by Marek Palatinus and Pavol Rusnak, Trezor has spent over a decade building the gold standard for crypto security . With millions of users worldwide and a strong reputation for transparency, these wallets represent the foundation of true financial sovereignty . Let's explore everything you need to know about Trezor wallets in 2026.
A Trezor wallet is a hardware device—often called a "cold wallet"—that stores your cryptocurrency private keys completely offline . Unlike software wallets on your internet-connected phone or computer, Trezor keeps your keys isolated from online threats. Think of it as a personal vault for your digital assets.
The company's philosophy centers on open-source transparency. Trezor's firmware, hardware designs, and software are all publicly available for community review, allowing security researchers worldwide to verify there are no hidden vulnerabilities or backdoors . This commitment to transparency has earned Trezor a loyal following among security-conscious users.
A Trezor wallet operates on a simple but powerful principle: offline signing. Your private keys never leave the device. When you want to send crypto, you create the transaction in Trezor Suite (the companion app), then verify and approve it physically on your Trezor device using its buttons or touchscreen . The device signs the transaction offline, and only the signed transaction goes out to the network.
This means even if your computer is infected with malware, hackers cannot access your keys. The most they could do is see your balances—but they can't move your funds without physical access to your device and your PIN .
Trezor offers five main hardware models to suit different needs and budgets :
The entry-level classic. It features a 0.96-inch monochrome OLED display and two physical buttons. It supports over 1,000 cryptocurrencies and is perfect for beginners on a tight budget . Cons: No secure element chip, no touchscreen, and doesn't support XRP, Cardano, or Solana .
The budget-friendly secure option. It adds an EAL6+ certified Secure Element chip for physical attack protection, supports over 8,000 cryptocurrencies, and works with both desktop and Android . The screen remains monochrome with buttons.
The mid-range touchscreen model. It features a 1.54-inch color touchscreen with haptic feedback, an EAL6+ secure element, and a MicroSD slot for additional backup options . Perfect for users who want a premium experience without the flagship price.
The older flagship now being phased out. It features a color touchscreen but lacks a secure element chip. While still functional, Trezor recommends the Safe series for new purchases due to added physical security .
The new 2026 flagship—named "Best Overall" hardware wallet by The Block with a score of 4.5/5 . Features include:
Trezor wallets support over 9,000 cryptocurrencies and tokens through Trezor Suite, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Avalanche, and Stellar . The newer Safe models support the widest range of assets .
Through integrated partners, you can buy crypto with fiat currency directly within Trezor Suite using Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The built-in trading feature allows you to swap cryptocurrencies without using a separate exchange .
Your crypto can work for you. Trezor Suite supports staking for Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), and Ethereum (ETH) with EIP-1559 fee support . The January 2026 update added a dedicated Cardano staking dashboard .
Shamir Backup (SLIP-39) is a standout feature. It allows you to split your recovery seed into multiple shares—for example, requiring 2 out of 3 shares to restore your wallet. Store one share at home, one in a bank vault, and one with a family member. No single share is enough to access your funds .
Hidden Wallets let you create a passphrase-protected wallet inside your device. Even if someone knows your PIN, they won't see your hidden wallet without the passphrase .
Tor integration provides enhanced privacy when using Trezor Suite .
Trezor supports WalletConnect, allowing you to safely access DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and thousands of apps .
Trezor's security credentials are strong: millions of users, zero remotely hacked devices . However, it's important to understand the complete picture:
Known vulnerabilities: In 2020, Kraken demonstrated that older models (Trezor One and Model T) could be hacked through voltage glitching—a sophisticated physical attack requiring 15 minutes of hands-on access . The Safe 3 was also found vulnerable to a complex supply chain attack affecting previously shipped devices not sourced directly from Trezor .
How Trezor responded: The Safe series (Safe 3, 5, and 7) incorporates secure element chips specifically designed to resist physical attacks . The Safe 7's dual-chip architecture makes unauthorized access exponentially harder—one chip holds the encrypted seed, the other holds the decryption keys .
The open-source advantage: Trezor's commitment to open source means its code is constantly reviewed by global security researchers. This transparency allows vulnerabilities to be identified and patched quickly .
When you set up your Trezor, it generates a recovery phrase (12 to 24 words) . This is the master key to all your crypto. If you lose your Trezor, this phrase can restore everything on a new device.
Critical rules for your recovery phrase :
As the saying goes: "Not your keys, not your coins." Your recovery phrase is your keys .
Trezor Suite is the official application for managing your wallet, available on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), mobile (Android and iOS), and as a web app .
Recent updates (January-February 2026) :
Mobile experience: The Android app offers full functionality, while iOS has more limited compatibility (Trezor Suite Lite). For iPhone users who want full transaction signing, the Safe 7's Bluetooth connectivity enables mobile management .
| Feature | Trezor | Ledger |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | $49-$249 | $49-$399 |
| Supported assets | 9,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Open source | Yes (fully) | No |
| Secure element | Yes (Safe models) | Yes (all models) |
| Mobile iOS support | Limited (except Safe 7) | Full |
| Shamir Backup | Yes | No |
| Tor integration | Yes | No |
Trezor's strengths: Fully open-source transparency, Shamir Backup flexibility, Tor privacy integration, post-quantum security (Safe 7) .
Ledger's strengths: More supported assets, better mobile experience (especially iOS), wider model range .
The verdict: Trezor suits open-source purists and privacy advocates; Ledger suits users prioritizing maximum coin support and mobile convenience .
D'CENT offers biometric fingerprint authentication at $139—a feature Trezor doesn't provide. However, Trezor offers wider asset support (9,000+ vs. 4,500+) and open-source transparency.
Coldcard is a Bitcoin-only wallet with extreme security features for Bitcoin maximalists. Trezor offers multi-chain support for diversified portfolios.
What users love :
Common complaints :
| Model | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Trezor Model One | $49 | Budget beginners |
| Trezor Safe 3 | $79 | Value + security |
| Trezor Safe 5 | $169 | Touchscreen experience |
| Trezor Model T | $129-169 | Older flagship (phasing out) |
| Trezor Safe 7 | $249 | Maximum security, large portfolios |
Trezor charges no ongoing subscription or trading fees. Optional accessories include wireless charging stations ($29), screen protectors ($20), and metal backup devices ($99) .
A Trezor wallet represents the original vision of crypto self-custody—transparent, secure, and user-controlled. After 13 years in the market, the brand has evolved from a simple USB device to a sophisticated ecosystem featuring post-quantum cryptography, dual-chip security, and a polished software experience .
The Safe 7, in particular, sets a new standard with its auditable secure elements and quantum-resistant architecture—features that matter for long-term holders . Meanwhile, the Safe 3 offers exceptional value for everyday users .
Is a Trezor worth it? If you hold crypto you can't afford to lose, absolutely. The choice comes down to your priorities:
Ready to get started? Head to Trezor.io/start to download Trezor Suite and begin your self-custody journey. Remember: your keys, your coins.