Choosing between the Trezor Safe 3 vs Trezor Model T hardware wallets can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available today. You might be unsure which one offers the best value and security for your crypto.
I have tested both the Safe 3 and the Model T extensively. So in this comparison, I’ll break down their differences, helping you make an informed decision on which one best suits your needs in 2025.
Trezor Safe 3 vs Trezor Model T: Quick Comparison
Let’s take a quick look at how these two wallets compare, and then delve into the detailed aspects of security, functionality, supported coins, and more. This way, we can work together to determine which one suits your needs and budget the best!
Price |
$79 |
$77.2 (with discount) |
Security |
Secure Element (EAL6+), PIN & passphrase protection |
Open-source design, PIN & passphrase protection, Shamir Backup |
Connectivity |
USB-C (USB-C to USB-C cable) |
USB-C (USB-C to USB-A cable), MicroSD slot |
Supported Crypto |
1000s of coins & tokens |
1000s of coins & tokens |
Dimensions |
59 x 32 x 7.4 mm |
64 x 39 x 10 mm |
Battery |
No battery (Powered by USB connection) |
No battery (Powered by USB connection) |
Weight |
14 g |
22 g |
Box Contents |
USB-C to USB-C cable, wallet backup cards, startup guide, stickers |
USB-C to USB-A cable, wallet backup cards, magnetic dock, startup guide, stickers |
Trezor Safe 3 vs Model T: Overview
What is Trezor Safe 3?
The Trezor Safe 3 is a hardware wallet designed to securely store your cryptocurrencies. Launched in 2023 by Trezor, a well-known leader in crypto security, it provides a secure and user-friendly way to manage digital assets. It features a Secure Element (EAL6+ certified) chip for advanced security, a 0.96-inch monochrome OLED screen, and a simple two-button interface. The device also offers a 20-word backup system, passphrase protection, and the option for multi-share backups, making it an excellent choice for users who value both simplicity and security. The Trezor Safe 3 is available in four colors: Cosmic Black, Stellar Silver, Solar Gold, and Galactic Rose.
What is Trezor Model T?
The Trezor Model T is a premium hardware wallet from Trezor, launched in 2018. It features a 1.54-inch color touchscreen and offers a more advanced and intuitive user experience compared to other models. With features like Shamir Backup, a MicroSD card slot for extra security options, and support for a wide range of cryptocurrencies, it’s designed for users who need higher-end functionality and ease of use. It also includes a 12-word recovery phrase backup and robust PIN and passphrase protection. The Trezor Model T is available in a sleek black finish and is built for those who want top-tier security and usability.
Trezor also offers a range of additional products to complement their hardware wallets, including the Trezor Model One and the Trezor Safe 5, which is the next generation in the Safe series. There are also backup solutions like the Trezor Keep Metal 12-word, 20-word, and 24-word options, designed for securely storing your wallet backup phrases. The Trezor Keep Metal provides physical protection for your recovery words, ensuring they remain safe in case of emergencies. Additionally, the Cryptotag Zeus is a titanium seed recovery plate that works with models like the Safe 3, Model One, Safe 5, and Model T, providing a highly durable and secure way to store your recovery seed phrases.
Pricing
When it comes to price, the Trezor Safe 3 sits at $79, making it an affordable entry point for anyone new to crypto security. On the other hand, the Trezor Model T, currently priced at $77.2 (thanks to a discount), offers advanced features at a price point you wouldn’t expect for a premium wallet.
Here’s the thing: the Safe 3 is a straightforward choice if you’re budget-conscious and want solid security without breaking the bank. But if you’re after extra features like a color touchscreen and enhanced backup options, the Model T offers excellent value for its cost.
Design and Build Quality
The Trezor Safe 3 is compact, lightweight, and sleek. It comes in four eye-catching colors—Cosmic Black, Stellar Silver, Solar Gold, and Galactic Rose—so it feels a bit more personal. Its durable plastic body with an aluminum backplate gives it a sturdy yet lightweight feel. The monochrome 0.96” OLED screen does its job, though it’s small and strictly functional.
In contrast, the Trezor Model T takes design up a notch. It has a larger 1.54” color touchscreen, which is both vivid and responsive—perfect for navigating and confirming transactions without squinting.
The build is slightly bulkier but feels premium, thanks to its thermoplastic casing. Plus, it comes with a handy magnetic dock for keeping it secure on your desk.
Both wallets feel solid, but the Model T’s design and display clearly give it an edge if style and usability are on your priority list.
User Interface
Using the Trezor Safe 3 is all about simplicity, with two physical buttons for navigating menus and confirming transactions. If you’re someone who likes a no-fuss setup, this wallet delivers exactly that. Everything is intuitive, but the button-based navigation might feel a bit dated compared to touchscreens.
The Trezor Model T, on the other hand, brings a modern touch with its color touchscreen. The interface is smooth and responsive, making tasks like entering a PIN or passphrase a breeze. There’s no back-and-forth clicking—you just tap and go. It’s especially handy if you’re dealing with frequent transactions or advanced features. Between the two, the Model T’s touchscreen makes it feel more refined and user-friendly.
Screen and Display
The Trezor Safe 3 features a 0.96” monochrome OLED screen. It’s small and purely functional, displaying just the essentials like addresses and confirmations. While it’s fine for basic transactions, the screen size and lack of color might feel limiting, especially if you value visual clarity.
In contrast, the Trezor Model T stands out with its bright and sharp 1.54” color LCD touchscreen. The larger display and vibrant visuals make reading addresses, reviewing balances, and navigating menus much easier. It also enhances the overall experience by reducing the chance of errors during transactions.
If screen size and clarity matter to you, the Model T wins hands down. However, if you’re okay with a simpler display for basic tasks, the Safe 3 gets the job done.
Security Features
Both wallets take security seriously, but they go about it in slightly different ways. The Trezor Safe 3 comes with a Secure Element chip (EAL6+ certified), offering robust physical protection against tampering and advanced attacks. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for hardware-level security, similar to what you’d find in passports and smart cards.
The Trezor Model T, while it lacks a Secure Element chip, still delivers top-tier protection through its open-source design, PIN, and passphrase features. What’s more, the Model T has on-device transaction confirmation via its touchscreen, giving you complete control over your crypto without relying on any external device.
The Safe 3, as you can see, leans into hardware-level defense, while the Model T focuses on usability and transparency, ensuring both are reliable choices depending on your priorities.
Backup and Recovery Options
The Trezor Safe 3 introduces a 20-word wallet backup, offering better security than the older 12-word standard. You can also level up with advanced multi-share backups, splitting your recovery seed into multiple parts for extra protection. This is ideal for users who want to safeguard their funds against worst-case scenarios.
The Trezor Model T, on the other hand, sticks to the simpler 12-word backup by default, but it has a trump card: Shamir Backup. This feature splits your recovery phrase into multiple shares, requiring a combination of them to restore your wallet. It’s a highly secure option for advanced users who want maximum recovery protection.
If simplicity is your goal, the Safe 3’s backup system is easy to manage. However, the Model T offers more advanced and customizable options for those who want to take recovery to the next level.
Connectivity
Both wallets use modern USB-C connections for reliable and fast connectivity. The Trezor Safe 3 keeps things straightforward with a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, making it easy to connect to most modern devices.
The Trezor Model T also uses USB-C but adds a bonus: a MicroSD card slot. This extra feature lets you store data or even add additional security layers in the future. If you appreciate the versatility of expandable storage, the Model T gives you a little extra functionality.
For basic use, the connectivity on both devices works flawlessly, but the Model T edges ahead with its added MicroSD option.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Both wallets excel in supporting a wide range of cryptocurrencies, with compatibility for over 8,000+ coins and tokens. Whether it’s Bitcoin, Ethereum, or lesser-known altcoins, you’ll have no trouble managing your portfolio.
Check out the full list of supported cryptos on their website!
The real magic happens when you connect either device to the Trezor Suite app, which makes sending, receiving, trading, and staking coins seamless. There’s no clear winner here—both wallets are equally powerful when it comes to crypto compatibility.
Privacy Features
Privacy-conscious users will appreciate what both wallets bring to the table. The Trezor Safe 3 includes tools like coin control, letting you choose which coins to use for transactions to maintain anonymity. It also supports TOR integration, helping to shield your identity when connecting online.
The Trezor Model T matches these privacy features, offering the same level of control and protection. Whether you’re avoiding snooping or just want more control over your transactions, both wallets are on equal footing here.
In short, privacy isn’t a deciding factor—it’s excellent across the board, whether you go for the Safe 3 or the Model T.
Ease of Use
As I mentioned earlier, Trezor Safe 3 is designed with simplicity in mind. Its two-button navigation is intuitive, and you can get up and running quickly with minimal effort. Tasks like confirming transactions are straightforward, though the small monochrome screen can make entering complex data a bit tedious.
The Trezor Model T, however, takes ease of use to another level with its vibrant touchscreen. Navigating menus, entering PINs, or setting up passphrases is effortless and feels more modern. If you value a streamlined, touchscreen experience, the Model T delivers convenience that the Safe 3 can’t match.
What’s In the Box?
When it comes to packaging, both wallets are thoughtfully presented with security in mind. The Trezor Safe 3 includes the essentials: a USB-C to USB-C cable, wallet backup cards, a startup guide, and even Trezor stickers. The packaging features tamper-evident seals, so you can be confident your device hasn’t been tampered with during transit.
The Trezor Model T ups the ante with a USB-C to USB-A cable, magnetic dock for convenient storage, and the same tamper-evident packaging. These extras give the Model T a more premium unboxing experience. If little bonuses like a magnetic dock appeal to you, the Model T adds that extra touch of thoughtfulness.
Size and Portability
The Trezor Safe 3 is smaller and lighter at just 59x32x7.4 mm and 14 g. It’s ultra-portable and slips into any pocket or bag with ease. If portability is your top priority, this wallet is hard to beat.
The Trezor Model T, while slightly larger at 64x39x10 mm and weighing 22 g, is still compact and easy to carry. The size difference is negligible unless you’re extremely space-conscious, but the Model T’s added features justify its slightly bulkier design.
For on-the-go users, both wallets are travel-friendly, though the Safe 3’s smaller size might give it a slight edge in portability.
Trezor Safe 3 vs Model T: Pros and Cons
Trezor Safe 3
Pros:
- Affordable at $79, offering great value for basic security.
- Compact and lightweight, easy to carry around.
- Secure Element chip (EAL6+), providing strong physical security.
- Simple two-button interface for easy navigation.
- 20-word backup system and advanced multi-share backup for extra security.
Cons:
- Small, monochrome OLED screen may feel limiting for some users.
- Lacks advanced features like a color touchscreen and microSD slot.
- Limited customization options for experienced users.
Trezor Model T
Pros:
- Premium color touchscreen for smooth navigation and easier transaction verification.
- Shamir Backup for advanced, customizable recovery options.
- Slightly more robust security features and privacy controls.
- USB-C with MicroSD slot, adding more versatility.
- Magnetic dock included for extra convenience.
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive, priced around $77.2 (with discount).
Trezor Safe 3 vs Model T: Which wallet should you buy?
Your choice between the Trezor Safe 3 and Trezor Model T ultimately depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a wallet that does the basics right, with solid security and ease of use at a budget-friendly price, the Safe 3 is a perfect fit. Its simple design and secure backup system make it an excellent choice for beginners or those who want no-frills protection.
However, if you value extra features like a color touchscreen, advanced backup options, and a more premium feel, the Trezor Model T is worth the extra investment. It’s ideal for power users or those who want a more sophisticated, user-friendly experience.
Where to Buy Both Trezor Wallets
When purchasing a Trezor Safe 3 or Trezor Model T, it’s crucial to buy directly from the official Trezor website to ensure you receive a genuine, uncompromised device. Buying from third-party retailers increases the risk of receiving a tampered wallet, which can jeopardize the security of your crypto. By purchasing from the official Trezor site, you are guaranteed the latest model, firmware updates, and customer support.
Trezor also offers great benefits when buying directly from them. For example, shipping within the United States is free, which is a fantastic perk if you’re located there. International shipping is also straightforward, though prices vary: shipping to the United Kingdom costs USD 7.25, to Australia it’s USD 19, and to Nigeria, shipping is USD 30.
For delivery, you can choose between DHL Express (5-7 business days) for quicker air transport or UPS Express Saver (8-13 business days) for a more economical option. Both are reliable carriers ensuring your wallet reaches you safely.
When it comes to payments, Trezor supports multiple methods. You can use Express checkout via PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay for quick and easy transactions. For those who prefer privacy, you can even pay using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which adds a nice touch for crypto enthusiasts looking for a seamless and secure purchasing experience.
Conclusion
Both the Trezor Safe 3 and Trezor Model T are solid choices for safeguarding your crypto. The Safe 3 offers essential security at a great price, making it an excellent entry-level option, while the Model T delivers a more feature-packed experience for users who want additional functionality and a smoother interface.
If you’re new to crypto or just need a wallet for basic security, go for the Trezor Safe 3. But if you’re looking for a premium, future-proof wallet with advanced features and a more modern interface, the Trezor Model T should be your pick. Both will keep your crypto safe, but the Model T gives you a little more room to grow.
Read also! Trezor Safe 3 vs Trezor One
FAQs
- Are Trezor wallets safe for beginners?
Yes, Trezor wallets are designed to be simple and user-friendly even for crypto beginners. The step-by-step setup ensures your wallet and crypto assets stay secure.
- Can I use a Trezor with my phone?
Yes, you can access your Trezor wallet on your smartphone via the Trezor Bridge web app – just connect your Trezor to your phone’s USB port with the right cable.
- How do I recover my Trezor if lost or stolen?
All Trezor wallets provide you with a recovery seed when first setting up. Write down or securely store these 12-24 words. With them, you can always recover your crypto assets.
- What cryptocurrencies does Trezor support?
Trezors support over 8000 different cryptocurrencies, with new ones added all the time via firmware updates. Check the latest list at trezor.io
- Should I buy the Trezor Safe 3 or Model T?
It depends on your budget and needs. The Model T offers more advanced features, while the Safe 3 prioritizes security essentials at a lower price point.