NEW! Trezor Safe 5 vs Model T (2025) | Which Crypto Wallet Is Better for Security & Usability?

Trezor Model T vs. Trezor Safe 5: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the world of cryptocurrency hardware wallets, Trezor is a well-established brand that provides users with secure ways to store and manage their digital assets. The Trezor Safe 5 is one of their latest releases, while the Model T has been the premium choice for years. This article will cover their key features, including security, design, supported cryptocurrencies, usability, connectivity, backup options, and value for money, to help you determine which device best suits your crypto storage needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Trezor Safe 5 boasts a sleek, compact design made from sturdy plastic, featuring a monochrome OLED screen. Conversely, the Trezor Model T has a larger, premium build with a full-color touchscreen, enhancing the overall user experience.

Winner: Trezor Model T
The Model T’s touchscreen offers a superior navigation experience compared to the physical buttons on the Safe 5, making it the preferred choice for many users.

Security and Encryption

Security is paramount when selecting a hardware wallet, and both models utilize different approaches to secure user assets.

The Trezor Safe 5 includes an EAL6+ secure element, providing strong protection against physical attacks, making it significantly harder for someone to extract private keys even if they gain access to the device. On the other hand, the Trezor Model T relies on open-source firmware for security, which ensures transparency and is backed by well-audited software rather than proprietary hardware.

Both wallets support passphrase protection, allowing users to create hidden wallets, and include the Trezor Suite for secure asset management. While the Safe 5’s secure element offers enhanced hardware security, the Model T’s open-source approach remains highly secure.

Winner: Trezor Safe 5
If hardware-level security is your priority, the Safe 5’s secure element provides excellent resistance against advanced attacks.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Both wallets support over 8,000 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, ERC20 tokens, and many altcoins. The Trezor Model T offers an added advantage with its Shamir backup feature, which allows users to split their recovery seed into multiple parts for added security—something the Trezor Safe 5 lacks.

Winner: Trezor Model T
While both devices provide robust cryptocurrency support, the advanced Shamir backup feature gives the Model T an edge.

User Experience and Interface

The Trezor Safe 5 employs two physical buttons for navigation, which can make the user experience slightly slower, especially when confirming transactions and navigating menus. In contrast, the Trezor Model T features a full-color touchscreen that allows for more straightforward input of PIN codes, transaction confirmations, and general navigation.

Winner: Trezor Model T
The Model T’s touchscreen interface significantly enhances usability, catering especially to beginners looking for a more intuitive experience.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Trezor Safe 5 features a USB-C connection for easy connectivity with computers and smartphones, but it lacks microSD storage support. The Model T also utilizes USB-C and adds a microSD card slot, allowing for offline encrypted backups—an extra security feature absent in the Safe 5.

Winner: Trezor Model T
The inclusion of a microSD slot for offline backups provides the Model T with a decisive advantage over the Safe 5.

Backup and Recovery Options

Both wallets support 12 or 24-word recovery seeds to restore funds in case of device loss or damage. However, the Safe 5 utilizes standard BIP39 backup with no support for Shamir backup, while the Model T allows for Shamir backup, providing flexibility and reducing the risk of losing access to funds.

Winner: Trezor Model T
The Shamir backup feature significantly enhances recovery options, making the Model T more flexible and secure.

Price and Value for Money

The Trezor Safe 5 is more affordable, providing strong security features including its secure element at a lower price point. Conversely, the Model T is more expensive due to its touchscreen, Shamir backup capability, and additional security features.

Winner: Depends on Your Needs
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, secure wallet, the Safe 5 is a solid choice. However, if you prefer a premium experience with added features, the Model T is worth the investment.

Additional Features and Extras

The Trezor Model T comes with several extra features, including Shamir backup for advanced recovery options, microSD support for encrypted backups, and a better UI supported by a touchscreen. The Safe 5, on the other hand, includes the EAL6+ secure element, offering additional hardware security at a more budget-friendly price.

Winner: Trezor Model T
For usability and feature enhancements, the Model T stands out, while the Safe 5 remains superior in terms of security.

Conclusion

When choosing between the Trezor Safe 5 and the Trezor Model T, consider your specific needs. Opt for the Safe 5 if you want a high-security wallet at an affordable price, thanks to its EAL6+ secure element. However, if you prioritize usability, touchscreen capabilities, and advanced backup options, the Trezor Model T will be the better choice.

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