Hardware Wallet Comparison

When comparing signing devices (a.k.a. hardware wallets), the same three names show up time and time again: COLDCARD, Ledger, and Trezor. Let's take a look at the COLDCARD®, Marks 3 and 4, versus the Ledger Nano X and the Trezor Model T.

Learn more about the features and functions by clicking the linked descriptions.

Once you've seen how COLDCARD is the most secure signing device (a.k.a. hardware wallet) for self-custody, check out our overview of software wallets and other financial tools proven to work with COLDCARD.

Features and functions COLDCARD Mk4 COLDCARD Mk3 Ledger Nano X Trezor Model T
Security Highlights
Verifiable source code Checked Checked Disabled Checked
Onboard anti-phishing protection Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
Fully air-gapped operation Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
Encrypted USB communication (MiTM protection) Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
Encrypted backup via microSD Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
Self-destruct PIN Checked Checked Disabled Checked
Decoy/Duress wallet PIN Checked Checked Checked Disabled
Supply Chain and Physical Security
Device linked to serialized, tamper-evident packaging Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
Viewable electronics Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
Epoxy-protected components Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
Device Design
microSD card slot Checked Checked Disabled Checked
Physical keypad Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
Dedicated secure element Checked + Checked Checked Checked Disabled
USB-C connector Checked Disabled Checked Checked
NFC-compatible Checked Disabled Disabled Disabled
Bitcoin ONLY Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
Seed Options
User can increase seed-generation entropy Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
Verifiable seed generation Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
BIP-85 seeds Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
Seed XOR integration Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
Ephemeral seeds Checked Disabled Disabled Disabled
On-Device Transaction Functions
Show send/receive addresses Checked Checked Checked Checked
View QR codes Checked Checked Disabled Checked
Custom derivation paths Checked Checked Disabled Disabled
BIP-174 (PSBT) support Checked Checked Checked Disabled