This review takes a closer look at Trezor Model T – the premium and newer version of its older sibling – Trezor One. After a brief introduction, we are going to take a look at the hardware wallet from various points of view – design, functionality, security and the improvements that it brings when compared to Trezor One.
What is Trezor Model T?
Trezor Model T is a cryptocurrency hardware wallet. A single-purpose computer designed to keep your funds safe. It fits in your pocket and connects to your computer via a USB cable.
The next-generation premium model with an improved and modern design. Compared to its predecessor, it has a large color touchscreen that enables on-device PIN and passphrase input.
Additionally, Trezor Password Manager helps you manage your online credentials.
Trezor Model T supports major cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Zcash…) as well as hundreds of other altcoins.
First impressions: Unpacking
The box in which Trezor Model T arrives is slightly larger than the one of its sister model. The box is covered in plastic foil and the design of the box is sleek and modern – a black part containing the device is stylishly hidden in a white sleeve.
The contents are neatly organized – the package contains the device itself, a USB A to USB C cable, a lanyard, a getting started guide, two recovery seed cards (be sure to use them), four stickers and a magnetic dock – a nice practical touch. The magnetic dock is a slim magnet with self-adhesive tape, allowing you to attach your Model T wherever you want, even upside-down under the table (we have tested it).
From the first glance, the device looks stylish and comfortable to use. It has no clunky pieces or buttons sticking out of it. The USB port of the device is covered by a tamper-evident hologram – an important security feature. If the hologram seems broken or damaged, return the device to the manufacturer immediately.
User experience: Smooth design, smooth usage
Just like with Trezor One, the guide in the package tells you how to get your new Trezor initialized. The process is pretty straightforward and the interface guides you through the whole process. The most important point is to write down your recovery seed and to store it in a safe place. The recovery seed helps you to recover your funds in a different Trezor in case you lose or damage yours. However, it is also the key to your funds in case somebody steals it from you. It is recommended to store it on a piece of paper or a more durable material and keep it in a locked drawer that only you have access to. You should also enable PIN protection right from the beginning.
Trezor Model T hardware wallet uses the standard and battle-tested Trezor Wallet, the web interface, which is easy to use even for someone new to crypto. Select the desired cryptocurrency in the left-hand menu, and you are ready to go. The user experience is very smooth and secure. It requires the user to confirm each outgoing transaction or address generation directly on the device.
As mentioned above, the touchscreen is a nice improvement to the user experience. It allows you to enter your PIN directly on the device, which is not only extremely practical but also protecting you from key-logging attacks on your computer. It also allows users to enter the passphrase using only the touchscreen.
Security: The Trezor golden standard made even better
Trezor Model T offers the trademark security of all Trezor devices. Just like in Trezor One, both hardware and firmware are open-source and public on GitHub. The community and security experts were, therefore, able to audit the device and anyone can test it for themselves. Unlike some of the competing products, there is no secret black box.
All the important settings, transaction signing and receiving address generation require on-device confirmation. Private keys are kept in an isolated environment, so the chances of them being stolen without the user compromising the recovery seed are extremely low. Thanks to the touchscreen, the device requires no input from the keyboard of your computer, making it extra safe against malicious attacks.
Summary – A premium version of a trusted product
Trezor Model T is truly the premium version of Trezor One. The improved user experience and on-device input brought by the new touchscreen, combined with the stylish modern design, is enough to satisfy even the most demanding customers.
To sum up, the Model T successfully builds on Trezor One without sacrificing any of the trademark security that has made Trezor a household name in the crypto communitys.
Top features:
- Security
- Secure color touchscreen
- Intuitive usage and modern design
- Support of major coins as well as hundreds of others
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