Ledger vs Trezor: Which Hardware Wallet Should You Buy?
If you have decided to buy a hardware wallet — good move — the choice usually comes down to two names: Ledger and Trezor. Both are excellent and both will keep your crypto safe. The right one depends on what you value. Here is the honest comparison.
Key takeaways
- Ledger wins on coin support, app ecosystem and convenience (including Bluetooth on the Nano X).
- Trezor wins on transparency, with fully open-source firmware you can audit.
- Both use a secure element and keep your keys offline. You cannot go badly wrong with either.
Security design
Both companies' current flagship devices use a certified secure-element chip — the same class of tamper-resistant hardware used in passports and bank cards — to protect your keys. The difference is philosophy. Trezor's firmware is fully open-source, meaning anyone can inspect exactly how it works; transparency purists love this. Ledger's firmware is partly closed-source, which some criticise, though it has an excellent security track record. Neither has ever had keys remotely extracted in normal use.
Supported coins
Ledger generally supports a wider range of assets — thousands of coins and tokens across many chains — and adds support for new networks quickly through its Ledger Live app. Trezor also supports thousands of assets, but Ledger tends to have the edge on breadth, especially for newer or more obscure chains.
Apps and convenience
Ledger's flagship Nano X includes Bluetooth, so you can manage crypto from your phone, and the Ledger Live app is polished and feature-rich. Trezor's Suite app is clean and privacy-focused, and the Safe 5 adds a colour touchscreen for confirming actions. If you want mobile convenience, Ledger has the advantage; if you want a fully open, no-Bluetooth device, Trezor appeals.
Price
Both sit in a similar price band — roughly US$150–US$170 for the current flagships, with cheaper entry models available from each brand. It is a one-off purchase with no subscription.
So which should you buy?
- Choose Ledger if you want the widest coin support, a slick app, and mobile/Bluetooth convenience.
- Choose Trezor if fully open-source, auditable firmware is your top priority.
For a spec-by-spec breakdown, see our Ledger Nano X vs Trezor Safe 5 comparison, or the full best hardware wallets ranking. Whichever you pick, buy it only from the official store, set it up yourself, and back up your recovery phrase offline.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ledger or Trezor more secure?
Both are highly secure and use a secure-element chip on their current flagship models. The philosophical difference is transparency: Trezor's firmware is fully open-source and publicly auditable, while Ledger's is partly closed. Both keep your keys offline and safe from remote attacks.
Which supports more coins, Ledger or Trezor?
Ledger generally supports a wider range of coins and tokens across more blockchains, and its app ecosystem is broad. Trezor supports thousands of assets too, but Ledger tends to win on sheer breadth, especially for newer chains.
Related reading
This article is general information for Australian and global crypto users, not financial, tax or legal advice. Crypto is volatile and you can lose money. Always do your own research and, where relevant, speak to a licensed adviser or registered tax agent. We may earn a commission from some links, at no cost to you — it never changes what we recommend.