Hardware wallets are special devices that store your private keys offline. They let you send, receive and store your cryptos securely.
They are much better than online wallets or exchanges, which can be hacked or leak your data. If you have some crypto that’s worth more than a hardware wallet, you should definitely get one.
There are many hardware wallets in the market, but Trezor and Coldcard Mk4 are among the most popular and trusted ones. In this “Trezor vs Coldcard” guide, Let’s see how they stack up against each other.
🕵️ Why Trezor Model T is better than Coldcard Mk4?
- The Trezor Model T has a touchscreen that makes it easy to use. You can type your PIN and passphrase on the device itself, which is more secure. The Coldcard Mk4 only has buttons.
- The Trezor Model T can store more than 1456 different coins and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and all ERC-20 tokens. You can store and manage all your crypto assets in one place. The Coldcard Mk4 is only for Bitcoin and nothing else.
- Model T lets you buy, sell, and swap coins directly using the Trezor Suite app. You can use the built-in exchange feature. The Coldcard Mk4 does not offer any exchange service. You need to connect to 3rd party apps.
- Model T is more than just a hardware wallet. It can also be an authenticator and a digital ID. You can use it to secure your online accounts and prove your identity. The Coldcard Mk4 is just a simple signing device that only signs Bitcoin transactions.
- The Trezor Model T has a special feature called Shamir Backup (SLIP39). It lets you split your recovery phrase into multiple parts that can be restored separately. This gives you more security and flexibility. The Coldcard Mk4 only uses the standard BIP39 recovery seed.
Trezor vs Coldcard Mk4: Key Differences
| Feature | Trezor | Coldcard Mk4 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 60 x 30 x 6 mm | 86 x 54 x 4 mm |
| Weight | 12 g | 20 g |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| Touchscreen | Yes (Model T) | No |
| Screen | OLED 128 x 64 pixels | OLED 128 x 64 pixels |
| Keypad | No | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Memory | Limited by firmware size | Unlimited |
| Secure Element | No | Yes (dual vendor) |
| Verifiable Source Code | Yes | Yes |
| Air-gap Option | No | Yes |
| Duress PIN Features | Yes | Yes |
| BIP39 Passphrases (25th word) | Yes | Yes |
| Brick Me PIN | No | Yes |
| Login Countdown Trick Pin | No | Yes |
| Supported Coins | 1456+ | Bitcoin only |
| Desktop App | Trezor Suite | No (use 3rd party apps) |
Trezor Review: Best Hardware wallet for crypto
Trezor wallets are the original hardware wallets and have been around since 2013. It holds your private keys and seed phrases offline, so no one can hack them or steal them.
You have to press a button on your Trezor to confirm every transaction. That way, you are in full control of your coins.
You can use the Trezor Suite app to manage your crypto. It lets you do things like send and receive coins, check your balance, trade assets, and more. You can also use some cool features like Sign & Verify and use Tor to protect your identity and privacy.
Trezor wallets are not some secret black boxes. They are open-source and transparent, so you can check their code and see how they work.
Related: Trezor Model One vs Model T
Coldcard Mk4 Review: Best Bitcoin Cold Wallet
Coldcard Mk4 is the best Bitcoin hardware wallet. It is made by Coinkite, a Canadian company that specializes in Bitcoin security and hardware.
It’s also very easy to use, and it has some cool features like:
- A USB-C cable that can charge and transfer data at the same time.
- A lot of memory space that can handle any size of Bitcoin transaction.
- An NFC tap can send data to your phone wirelessly and quickly.
- A sliding cover that protects the screen from scratches and dust.
- Two special chips that store your seed words securely. They are from different vendors, so you have more security.
- A true air-gap option that lets you use the device without ever connecting it to a computer. You can generate your seed words and sign your transactions offline. You just need to use PSBT (BIP174) format.
- A duress PIN option that lets you create a fake wallet. If someone forces you to enter your PIN, you can enter the duress PIN instead. The device will act normally, but it will show a different wallet with less Bitcoin. Your real wallet will be hidden and safe.
Coldcard Mk4 works well with many other Bitcoin apps and services, such as Electrum, Wasabi, BlueWallet, Sparrow, Specter, BTCPay Server, and more.
Trezor vs Coldcard: Design and Build Quality
Trezor is a sleek and compact device, with a color touchscreen. It has a USB-C connector and a sliding cover that protects the screen. Trezor is made of plastic and has a smooth finish.
Coldcard is a rugged and industrial device, with a monochrome OLED screen and four buttons. It has a USB-C connector, an NFC tap, and a microSD card slot. Coldcard is made of metal and has a textured surface.
Trezor vs Coldcard: Supported Coins
Trezor supports over 1456 coins, including popular Altcoins. Trezor also supports ERC-20 tokens and NFTs. You can manage your coins with the Trezor Suite app or various third-party wallets.
Coldcard supports only Bitcoin and its forks, such as Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin SV. Coldcard is focused on being a Bitcoin-only device, with features such as PSBT (Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions), BIP39 passphrases, multisig, and CoinJoin.
Trezor vs Coldcard: Security
Trezor uses a single secure chip to store your seed words and generate your private keys. Trezor has a PIN code, a recovery seed, and an optional passphrase to protect your device.
Coldcard uses dual secure elements to store your seed words and generate your private keys. Coldcard has a PIN code, a recovery seed, an optional passphrase, and an anti-phishing word to protect your device.
Coldcard also has duress PIN, brick me PIN, countdown to brick PIN, trick PIN, login countdown, and anti-exfil features, which provide various layers of defense against physical or digital attacks.
Read: Best Cold wallets for crypto
Trezor vs Coldcard: Price
Trezor has two models: Trezor One and Trezor Model T. Trezor One costs $69 USD and has a monochrome screen and two buttons. Trezor Model T costs $219 USD and has a color touchscreen and a USB-C connector.
Coldcard has one model: Coldcard Mk4. The price of Coldcard Mk4 is $147.94, whereas Trezor Model One is priced at $69.
It is important to note that Coldcard Mk4 necessitates supplementary accessories, including a power-only USB-C cable, a COLDPOWER adapter, and a 9V battery, which can result in a total cost exceeding $200.
In contrast, Trezor Model One includes a USB cable and does not require any additional hardware.
Related: Ledger vs Coldcard
Final Thoughts: Which is better?
In Trezor vs Coldcard, Both are excellent hardware wallets that offer different advantages and disadvantages. The best choice for you depends on your personal preferences, needs, and goals.
If you are looking for a user-friendly and versatile device that supports many coins and tokens, Trezor might be a better option for you.
If you are looking for a secure and air-gap device that focuses on Bitcoin-only features, Coldcard might be a better option for you.
Either way, you can’t go wrong with either of these devices, as they both provide a high level of security and functionality for your coins.
Trezor and coldcard: FAQs
What is the difference between Trezor and Coldcard Mk4?
The difference between Trezor and Coldcard Mk4 is that Trezor supports over 5000+ coins and NFTs, while Coldcard Mk4 only supports Bitcoin. Trezor also has a touch screen and native desktop software, while Coldcard Mk4 does not.
The Coldcard Mk4 distinguishes itself with several exclusive security attributes: an NFC chip for enhanced functionality, a robust plastic casing for added protection, and a safeguarded supply chain.
Which hardware wallet is more secure, Trezor or Coldcard Mk4?
Yes, Coldcard Mk4 is more secure than Trezor because it has two Secure Element chips from different manufacturers to store your seed phrase, while Trezor has no Secure Element chip at all.
Coldcard Mk4 also has more sophisticated security features such as duress PIN, brick me PIN, and anti-phishing words.
Is Coldcard Mk4 better than Trezor Model One?
Coldcard Mk4 is better for Bitcoin-only users who value security and privacy, while Trezor Model One is better for users who want to store multiple cryptocurrencies and have a user-friendly experience.
