Review
Trezor Safe 3
Open-source hardware wallet that most people can actually live with
Our Verdict
If you want strong open-source security but Coldcard sounds like more than you signed up for, this is the one we point you to. Its firmware is open-source, so outside researchers can verify what it does, and it comes with Shamir backup, which lets you split the words that protect your wallet across several pieces of paper so no single one can give you away. The interface is clean, and Trezor has a long track record behind it. It plugs into your computer over USB rather than staying fully air-gapped (never touching a computer at all), which is a touch less paranoid - but for most people, in our view, that trade is worth it.
What we like
- Fully open-source firmware - gold standard for transparency
- EAL6+ Secure Element (OPTIGA Trust M V3)
- Shamir backup (split your seed across multiple shares)
- Clean, intuitive web interface (Trezor Suite)
- Original hardware wallet company - track record since 2014
- Best value in hardware wallets (~$59-79)
What could be better
- USB-connected (not air-gapped)
- Supports altcoins (larger attack surface than Bitcoin-only devices)
- Voltage glitching supply-chain vulnerability disclosed by Ledger Donjon (requires physical access)
- Two third-party vendor data breaches (MailChimp 2022, support portal Jan 2024)
How We Scored This
Community score compiled from Reddit threads, expert reviews, and app store ratings.
Frequently recommended as the best hardware wallet for beginners and intermediate users. Open-source firmware gets significant praise. Concerns raised about the Jan 2024 support portal breach.
Reproducible build confirmed. One of only a handful of hardware wallets where users can verify the firmware binary themselves. Cited as a key trust advantage.
Ledger's research team disclosed a voltage glitching attack that can bypass PIN protection. Requires physical access to the device. Trezor acknowledges the risk and recommends passphrase use.
Users praise the desktop app's clean interface and coin control features. Complaints center on occasional sync issues and the altcoin clutter in the default interface.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. No extra cost to you.
Score History
Switched to aggregated community scoring model. Community score (18/25) reflects positive security reception tempered by data breach incidents. Review published.
Initial research scores for Security, Fees, Trust.
Related Reviews
Explore more Bitcoin product reviews
Newsletter
Bitcoin insights, no noise.
Bitcoin explained without the hype. Updates when they matter.