When it comes to securing your cryptocurrency, few tools are as trusted and widely used as hardware wallets. Among the top contenders in this space, the Ledger Nano S and Trezor Model One stand out as two of the most popular choices for both beginners and experienced crypto holders. These devices offer offline storage for your private keys, shielding your digital assets from online threats like hacking and malware.
But which one is right for you? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore the key differences between the Ledger Nano S and Trezor Model One across critical categories: design, security, cryptocurrency support, ease of use, pricing, and customer support. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which wallet aligns best with your needs.
Design and Build Quality
First impressions matter—and both wallets deliver sleek, compact designs ideal for portability.
The Ledger Nano S resembles a USB stick with a small OLED screen and two navigation buttons. Its minimalist black plastic body is reinforced with a metal casing, giving it enhanced durability. It’s lightweight and comes with a lanyard for easy carrying.
In contrast, the Trezor Model One features a larger rectangular screen and a more retro-inspired design, available in white or black plastic. It also includes two buttons and a built-in keychain loop. While both are sturdy, the Ledger’s metal shell offers slightly better physical protection against damage.
Ultimately, design preferences will vary—but both are built to last with solid construction suited for daily use.
👉 Discover how secure your crypto storage really is with advanced wallet options.
Security Features Compared
Security is the #1 reason people choose hardware wallets—and both devices excel here.
The Ledger Nano S uses a Secure Element chip, a tamper-resistant component that isolates and protects your private keys. It requires a PIN to access and supports BIP39-compliant recovery seed phrases. Importantly, during recovery, you enter your seed words directly on the device using its screen and buttons—keeping them offline and safe from compromised computers.
The Trezor Model One also uses a Secure Element equivalent and supports PIN protection and seed phrase recovery. However, by default, it asks users to input their recovery seed on a connected computer—a potential vulnerability if the machine is infected with malware. That said, Trezor’s major advantage lies in its open-source firmware, which has been audited by independent developers worldwide, promoting transparency and trust.
Both support passphrase protection (an extra layer beyond the seed phrase) and automatically wipe data after multiple failed PIN attempts. They’re also resistant to physical tampering.
While both are highly secure, users who prioritize transparency and open-source validation may lean toward Trezor. Those who value air-gapped seed entry may prefer Ledger.
Cryptocurrency Support
If you hold multiple coins or tokens, compatibility matters.
The Ledger Nano S supports over 1,000 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple (XRP), Stellar (XLM), and all ERC-20 tokens. It’s managed through Ledger Live, an intuitive app that regularly adds new coin integrations.
The Trezor Model One supports around 1,300+ assets, but with some limitations—especially for ERC-20 tokens. While major altcoins like Bitcoin Cash and Dash are supported, many newer or niche tokens aren’t natively accessible without third-party integrations like MetaMask.
So while Trezor technically lists more coins, Ledger offers broader native support, especially for Ethereum-based tokens. For users with diverse portfolios, this gives Ledger a practical edge.
Ease of Use and User Experience
User-friendliness can make or break adoption—especially for newcomers.
The Trezor Model One shines here with its larger screen and straightforward interface. Transaction details are easier to read, and navigation feels more intuitive. Its web-based Trezor Suite software is clean and beginner-friendly.
The Ledger Nano S has a smaller screen, which can make navigating menus slightly more cumbersome. However, it compensates with the Ledger Live app, available on desktop and mobile (iOS and Android), offering real-time portfolio tracking, staking, and exchange features.
Notably, Trezor’s mobile app is currently only available on iOS—a limitation for Android users.
For absolute beginners, Trezor Model One offers a smoother onboarding experience. More advanced users who want mobile flexibility may favor Ledger Nano S.
Price and Value for Money
Both wallets are competitively priced:
- Ledger Nano S Plus: ~$79
- Trezor Model One: ~$69
Note: The original Ledger Nano S has been discontinued and replaced by the Nano S Plus, which offers improved processing power and storage.
While Trezor is slightly cheaper, Ledger provides better value for users managing multiple cryptocurrencies due to its larger onboard storage and broader token support.
Both represent strong investments when you consider the potential cost of losing funds to theft—making either a smart long-term security upgrade.
👉 See how upgrading your wallet can protect your digital future today.
Customer Support and Community
Support quality varies between brands.
Ledger offers a knowledge base, user guides, email support, and community forums. Some users report slow response times, but documentation is comprehensive.
Trezor provides similar resources—including detailed FAQs and direct email support—and is often praised for more responsive service. Both have active user communities on Reddit and Telegram where new users can find help.
For self-reliant users, both ecosystems offer enough guidance. Those who value quicker support may find Trezor slightly more reliable.
Backup: The Most Overlooked Security Step
No hardware wallet is foolproof. Devices can be lost, damaged, or stolen.
That’s why both wallets generate a BIP39 recovery seed phrase during setup—typically 12 to 24 words. This phrase lets you restore access to your funds on any compatible device.
However, writing it on paper is risky. Fire, water, or simple wear can destroy it.
✅ Best practice: Store your seed phrase in a metal backup solution like a cryptoplate or engraved steel device. This ensures longevity and resilience against environmental damage.
Never skip this step—your backup is your ultimate safety net.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Ledger Nano S still available?
A: No—the original Ledger Nano S has been discontinued. It’s been replaced by the Ledger Nano S Plus, which offers better performance and more storage.
Q: Which wallet supports more cryptocurrencies?
A: The Ledger Nano S Plus supports more ERC-20 tokens and altcoins natively through Ledger Live, making it better for diverse portfolios.
Q: Can I use these wallets without a computer?
A: Not fully. Both require a computer or mobile device for setup and transaction signing, though the private keys remain offline on the hardware device.
Q: Are these wallets hack-proof?
A: While no system is 100% immune, both offer military-grade security. The biggest risks come from user error—like exposing your seed phrase or using untrusted software.
Q: Do I need both a hardware wallet and a backup?
A: Yes. A hardware wallet protects against online threats; a physical seed backup protects against device failure or loss.
Q: Is open-source firmware safer?
A: Open-source code allows public audits, increasing transparency. Trezor’s approach builds trust through community verification—but Ledger’s Secure Element offers strong hardware-level protection.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Both the Ledger Nano S Plus and Trezor Model One are excellent choices for securing your crypto.
Choose Ledger Nano S Plus if you:
- Want broader cryptocurrency support
- Prefer air-gapped seed entry
- Use Android devices
- Seek better long-term value
Choose Trezor Model One if you:
- Value open-source transparency
- Are new to crypto and want an intuitive interface
- Prefer larger screens and simpler navigation
👉 Compare top-tier crypto security tools designed for peace of mind.
Ultimately, owning either hardware wallet is a major step toward protecting your digital wealth. Pair it with a durable metal backup of your seed phrase—and you’ve built a fortress around your crypto investments.
No matter which you pick, you're choosing security over risk—and that’s the smartest investment you can make in 2025.