Are you scratching your head, trying to decide between the new Trezor Safe 5 vs the Ledger Nano S Plus? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Picking the right hardware wallet can be tricky, but I’m here to make it easy for you.
In this comparison of Safe 5 vs Nano S Plus, we’ll look at:
- How they look and feel
- How safe they keep your crypto
- How easy they are to use
- Ways to backup your wallet
- How much they cost
- And other important stuff
By the time we’re done, you’ll know exactly which wallet is the best fit for you. No complicated jargon, just simple facts to help you choose wisely. Ready to find your perfect Bitcoin wallet? Let’s jump in!
Trezor Safe 5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus: Overview
Feature |
||
|---|---|---|
Launch Year |
2024 |
2022 |
Price |
$169 |
$79 |
Screen |
Vibrant color touchscreen |
Larger screen (non-touch) |
Navigation |
Touchscreen |
Buttons |
Haptic Feedback |
Yes |
No |
Cryptocurrencies |
Over 9,000 |
Over 5,500 |
Simultaneous Apps |
Not specified |
Up to 100 |
Backup Standard |
12-, 20-, 24-word |
24-word |
Secure Element |
NDA-free EAL 6+ |
Certified CC EAL6+ |
MicroSD Slot |
Yes |
No |
NFT Support |
No |
Yes |
Companion Software |
Trezor Suite |
Ledger Live |
Design and Build
Physical dimensions and weight
- Trezor Safe 5: 65.9 x 40 x 8 mm, weighing 23g
- Ledger Nano S Plus: 62.39 x 17.40 x 8.24 mm, weighing 21g
The Trezor is slightly larger and heavier, but both are compact and lightweight.
Screen size and type Trezor
- Safe 5: 1.54″ color touchscreen with 240 x 240 pixel resolution
- Ledger Nano S Plus: 128 x 64 pixel, but not a touchscreen
The Trezor offers a more modern, smartphone-like interface with its touchscreen.
Connectivity
- Both Trezor Safe 5 and Ledger Nano S Plus use USB-C connections for charging and connecting to computers.
Build materials
- Trezor Safe 5: PMMA plastic with anodized aluminum backplates, Gorilla Glass 3
- Ledger Nano S Plus: Brushed stainless steel and plastic
Both use durable materials, with Trezor emphasizing scratch resistance.
Color options
- Trezor Safe 5: Black Graphite, Violet Ore, Green Beryl
- Ledger Nano S Plus: Matte Black, Pastel Green, Amethyst Purple, Retro Gaming, BTC Orange
Ledger offers more color choices for personalization.
Durability and travel-friendliness
Both wallets are designed for durability and travel. The Trezor Safe 5 is explicitly stated as X-ray safe and suitable for air travel. While not specifically mentioned for the Ledger, hardware wallets are generally travel-friendly. The Trezor’s Gorilla Glass may offer additional scratch protection, but the Ledger’s stainless steel casing could provide better overall durability.
User Interface and Experience
Screen navigation (touchscreen vs buttons)
Trezor Safe 5: Features a full color touchscreen, allowing for smartphone-like navigation. I can swipe, tap, and scroll directly on the screen to interact with the device.
Ledger Nano S Plus: Uses a two-button navigation system. I need to press the buttons to scroll through options and confirm actions, which might feel less intuitive at first but can be mastered quickly.
Ease of use for beginners
Trezor Safe 5: The touchscreen interface is likely more familiar to most users, potentially making it easier for beginners to adapt. The larger, color display allows for clearer instructions and visual cues.
Ledger Nano S Plus: While the button navigation might have a slight learning curve, the simpler interface could be less overwhelming for some beginners. The larger screen (compared to the original Nano S) improves readability and navigation.
Additional features
Trezor Safe 5:
- Haptic feedback through the Trezor Touch engine, providing tactile responses to my actions.
- MicroSD card slot for potential future features or firmware updates.
Ledger Nano S Plus:
- No additional UI features.
Security Features
Secure element specifications
Trezor Safe 5: Uses an NDA-free EAL 6+ Secure Element chip.
Ledger Nano S Plus: Employs a CC EAL6+ certified ST33K1M5 chip.
Both devices use high-grade secure elements, with Trezor emphasizing its NDA-free nature for added transparency.
Open-source vs closed-source
Trezor Safe 5: Proudly open-source, allowing for community review and audits of the code.
Ledger Nano S Plus: Uses a proprietary, closed-source secure element, but much of their other code is open-source.
The open-source nature of Trezor may appeal to those who prioritize transparency and community-driven security.
PIN and passphrase protection
Both wallets offer PIN protection to secure access to the device.
Trezor Safe 5: Offers both PIN and passphrase protection, with on-device entry for added security.
Ledger Nano S Plus: Also provides PIN and optional passphrase protection.
Backup and recovery options
Trezor Safe 5:
- Offers 12-, 20-, and 24-word wallet backup options.
- Introduces an Advanced Multi-share Backup for enhanced security.
- Comes with 2x 20-word backup cards in the box.
Ledger Nano S Plus:
- Uses the standard 24-word recovery phrase.
- Includes 3 recovery sheets in the box.
Trezor offers more flexibility in backup word count and introduces a multi-share backup system, which might appeal to users wanting additional recovery options.
Cryptocurrency Support
Number of supported coins and tokens
Trezor Safe 5: Supports over 9,000 cryptocurrencies and tokens.
Ledger Nano S Plus: Supports over 5,500 digital assets.
Trezor has a clear edge in the sheer number of supported cryptocurrencies, offering nearly twice as many as Ledger. This could be crucial if I’m interested in less common or newer tokens.
NFT support and management
Trezor Safe 5: Despite its advanced features and large number of supported assets, the Safe 5 doesn’t offer NFT support.
Ledger Nano S Plus: Provides native NFT support and management. I can send and sign NFT transactions with full transparency in Ledger Live, seeing exactly what I’m signing.
Ledger seems to have a more defined and user-friendly approach to NFT management, which could be a significant factor if I’m heavily involved in the NFT space.
Software and Ecosystem
Companion apps and their features
Trezor Safe 5:
- Integrates with Trezor Suite for desktop and mobile.
- Offers features for buying, selling, and exchanging cryptocurrencies directly through the app.
- Provides a unified interface for managing all my crypto assets.
Ledger Nano S Plus:
- Uses Ledger Live as its primary companion software.
- Allows me to manage, transfer, and receive my crypto assets.
- Offers staking options for certain cryptocurrencies.
Both provide comprehensive software solutions, but Trezor’s explicit mention of buy/sell features might give it a slight edge in convenience.
Integration with third-party services
Trezor Safe 5: Mentions access to a wide array of third-party services, allowing me to customize my cryptocurrency experience according to my preferences.
Ledger Nano S Plus: Ledger is known for its extensive third-party integrations, including various DeFi platforms and exchanges.
Both devices seem to offer good ecosystem integration, allowing me to use my hardware wallet with various services beyond just storage.
Mobile app support
Trezor Safe 5: Offers mobile app support as part of its ecosystem, though specific details aren’t provided.
Ledger Nano S Plus: Compatible with smartphones running Android 10 or later. Ledger Live is available as a mobile app, allowing me to manage my assets on the go.
While both offer mobile support, Ledger provides more specific information about compatibility. This could be important if mobile access is a priority for me.
Additional Features
MicroSD card support (Trezor)
Trezor Safe 5: Includes a MicroSD card slot. This feature opens up possibilities for:
- Potential firmware updates
- Possible future features like encrypted storage
- Easier backup and restore processes
Ledger Nano S Plus: Does not have MicroSD card support.
The MicroSD slot on the Trezor Safe 5 gives it an edge in terms of potential expandability and future-proofing. If I value having options for additional storage or easier updates, this could be a significant factor in my decision.
FIDO2 authentication support
Trezor Safe 5: Supports two-factor authentication and the FIDO2 standard. This means I can use my Trezor as a security key for various online accounts, enhancing my overall online security beyond just cryptocurrency.
Ledger Nano S Plus: Ledger devices do not support FIDO2.
Trezor’s clear support for FIDO2 makes it a more versatile device for general online security, which could be valuable if I want my hardware wallet to double as a security key for other services.
Price Comparison
Trezor Safe 5: Priced at $169
Ledger Nano S Plus: Priced at $79
The price difference is significant, with the Ledger Nano S Plus being less than half the cost of the Trezor Safe 5. Here’s how I might interpret this:
Trezor Safe 5:
- Higher price point reflects more advanced features like the touchscreen and haptic feedback
- Might be seen as an investment in a more future-proof device
- Could be justified if I value the additional cryptocurrencies supported and the potential of the MicroSD slot
Ledger Nano S Plus:
- More budget-friendly option that still offers solid security and features
- Good value if I don’t need the advanced UI of the Trezor
- Might be preferable if I’m new to hardware wallets and not ready to make a larger investment
The choice between the two could come down to whether I prioritize having the latest features and am willing to pay for them, or if I prefer a more economical option that still provides strong security for my crypto assets.
Pros and Cons
Let’s now have a quick, at-a-glance at the key advantages and disadvantages of each wallet.
Trezor Safe 5
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
Intuitive touchscreen interface |
Higher price ($169) |
Supports over 9,000 cryptocurrencies |
|
Haptic feedback |
|
MicroSD card slot for expandability |
|
Open-source software |
|
Advanced backup options |
|
(12-, 20-, 24-word) |
Ledger Nano S Plus
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
More affordable ($79) |
Button navigation may be less intuitive |
Compact and lightweight design |
Supports fewer cryptocurrencies |
Supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies |
|
Clear NFT management features |
|
Established track record and reputation |
|
More color options |
Trezor Safe 5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus – Which should you buy?
If you are a beginner, I’d suggest that you buy the Ledger Nano S Plus due to its:
- Lower price
- Simpler interface that may be less overwhelming
- NFT management features
- Strong reputation in the market
However, the Trezor Safe 5 could be preferable option for tech-savvy beginners and advanced users because of its:
- Support for a wider range of cryptocurrencies
- Advanced backup options
- MicroSD slot for potential advanced features
- Open-source nature, allowing for customization
Ultimately, both wallets are solid choices. The best choice for you would depend on your needs, preferences, and budget.
If, however, you are still undecided between Safe 5 and the Nano S Plus, be sure to check out our comparison between Trezor Safe 5 vs Nano X to help identify your best-fit wallet.
Take Away
After looking at both wallets, I can sum it up like this: The Trezor Safe 5 is pricier but fancier, with its touchscreen and support for more coins. It’s also bigger and has a memory card slot.
On the other hand, the Ledger Nano S Plus is cheaper and smaller, using buttons instead of a touchscreen. I’d say go for the Trezor if you want the latest features and don’t mind spending more.
But if you’re new to crypto or on a budget, the Ledger might be your best bet. In the end, both will keep your crypto safe – it just depends on what matters most to you.