The Trezor Model T was the first hardware wallet with a touchscreen, and for years it was the device serious Trezor users bought. Trezor now sells it alongside two newer models, the Safe 3 and the Safe 5, and the price of the Model T has dropped sharply. That changes the decision. This review covers what the Model T does well, where the newer devices overtake it, and which one we would buy today for each kind of user.

The Model T in brief

The Model T is a small black device with a 240 by 240 pixel color touchscreen and a USB-C port. There are no buttons; the PIN and passphrase are typed on the screen, so nothing sensitive is entered on your computer. It runs fully open source firmware, uses the Trezor Suite desktop app, and supports well over a thousand coins including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, Monero and ERC-20 tokens. It also has a microSD slot that can be used to add an extra layer of PIN protection.

What it does not have is a Secure Element. Trezor designed the Model T on the principle that open, auditable firmware is a better defence than a closed chip. That is a reasonable position, but it means a stolen Model T with a weak PIN is more exposed to a well equipped attacker than a Safe 3 or a Ledger. Trezor's answer is the passphrase, which turns the recovery phrase into something a thief cannot use even with the device in hand.

Day to day use

The touchscreen is the Model T's best feature. Addresses are readable, the PIN pad is on the device, and Shamir backup, which splits your recovery into several shares, is set up on screen. Trezor Suite is clear and quick, with a built in exchange, Tor support and coin control for Bitcoin. Firmware updates are a few clicks.

The screen is small by 2026 standards and the touch targets take a little getting used to. The device is light and the USB-C cable is standard, so any phone charger cable works.

Model T vs Safe 3

The Safe 3 is the newer entry level Trezor. It has two buttons instead of a touchscreen, a smaller monochrome screen, and a Secure Element. It runs the same open source firmware and Trezor Suite. In every security respect the Safe 3 is the stronger device, because it adds the chip the Model T lacks. In convenience the Model T wins, because typing a PIN or passphrase on a touchscreen is easier than scrolling with two buttons.

At current prices the Model T is cheaper than the Safe 3, which was not true when it launched. If you want the touchscreen and will use a passphrase, the Model T is a bargain. If you want the Secure Element and do not mind buttons, the Safe 3 is the better long term buy.

Model T vs Safe 5

The Safe 5 is what the Model T would be if designed today: a larger color touchscreen with haptic feedback, a Secure Element, and the same open source firmware. It costs more than twice as much as the Model T. For someone who wants the best Trezor and plans to hold for years, the Safe 5 is worth it. For someone who wants a touchscreen Trezor at the lowest price, the Model T is still here and still supported.

Model T vs Ledger Nano S Plus

This is the comparison most buyers actually make. The Nano S Plus has a Secure Element, a small button driven screen and the Ledger Live app, which is the most complete software in the market, with staking and swaps built in. The Model T has the touchscreen and fully open firmware. Coin support is broad on both; Ledger reaches a few more chains natively, Trezor covers Monero, which Ledger does not through its own app. If software polish and chain coverage matter most, Ledger. If open source and a touchscreen matter most, Trezor.

Our verdict

  • Buy the Model T if you want a touchscreen Trezor at the lowest price and you will set a passphrase.
  • Buy the Safe 3 if you want the strongest security per dollar in the Trezor range and are fine with buttons.
  • Buy the Safe 5 if you want the full modern Trezor and will keep it for years.

Whichever you choose, pair it with a steel backup. The Trezor Keep Metal is made for Trezor's 24 word format and sits in the same box.

Common questions

Is the Model T discontinued?

No. Trezor still sells and supports it with firmware updates, and we stock it.

Does the Model T support Solana and Cardano?

Yes, both through Trezor Suite or third party wallets that connect to the device.

Can I move from a Model T to a Safe 5 later?

Yes. Restore the same recovery phrase into the new device. If you used Shamir backup, the Safe 5 supports that too.

Buying

The Crypto Merchant has been an authorized Trezor reseller since 2017. Every Model T, Safe 3 and Safe 5 ships factory sealed from Florida with free US shipping and 30 day returns on unopened items, and our team will help you set up a passphrase if you want one.