Trezor Safe 3 vs. Trezor Safe 5 Hardware Wallet: Which is better?

In mid-June 2024, Trezor, a major hardware wallet manufacturer, released the Trezor Safe 5, coinciding with Trezor's 10th anniversary. Last year, in 2023, Trezor also released the Trezor Safe 3.

 

This article summarizes important and useful information comparing the differences between the Trezor Safe 3 and Trezor Safe 5 to help you decide when purchasing a Trezor Safe 3 or Trezor Safe 5 hardware wallet. You can also watch a video review of the Trezor Safe 3 and Trezor Safe 5 below.

 

Trezor Safe 3 Hardware Wallet

 

Trezor Safe 3 was launched in 2023, designed to resemble an upgraded version of the Trezor Model One. It includes a Secure Element Chip to store critical data such as private keys or seed phrases, enhancing security.

It adds Advanced Multi-share Backup, which can distribute the Recovery Seed into multiple parts. To recover, you can use 2 out of 3 sets, or as you have configured it.

It features a monochrome OLED display and two buttons, similar to the Trezor Model One. It also switches to a USB-C to USB-C cable and is affordably priced, making it suitable for beginners and those looking for a new hardware wallet.

 

Trezor Safe 5 Hardware Wallet

 

Many who have seen the Trezor Safe 5 might be reminded of the Trezor Model T, which Trezor released about four years ago, in early 2018. It was Trezor's first hardware wallet with a touchscreen.

The Trezor Safe 5 comes with a color touchscreen display and haptic feedback, which enhances the user experience, making it similar to the vibration of a mobile phone. The device body also uses Gorilla® Glass to reduce scratches.

The Trezor Safe 5, released in 2024, has a design quite similar to the Trezor Model T, but internally, it is more like an upgraded Trezor Safe 3, designed for easier use.

 

 

Comparing Trezor Safe 3 and Trezor Safe 5

Compare the differences between Trezor Safe 3 and Trezor Safe 5 to help inform your purchase decision for both models.

Feature	Trezor Safe 3	Trezor Safe 5
Display	Monochrome display	Color touchscreen
Screen Size	0.89 inches	1.54 inches
Screen Resolution	240 x 240 px	128 x 64 px
Body Material	Not scratch-resistant	Scratch-resistant screen
Control	Two physical buttons	Touchscreen with Haptic feedback (vibration response)
Security	Secure Element EAL 6+	Secure Element EAL 6+
Connectivity	USB-C to USB-C cable	USB-C to USB-C cable
Price	4,590 THB	10,990 THB

 

 

Ease of Use Comparison

Ease of use is a crucial factor when choosing a Hardware Wallet. In this section, we will evaluate the user-friendliness of each model, including aspects such as screen usability, setup, and overall user experience. This comparison will help users understand the different user experiences.

 

Aspect	Trezor Safe 3	Trezor Safe 5
Ease of Use	Operated with 2 physical buttons	Operated via touchscreen
Setup Time	Takes longer due to pressing up/down buttons	Takes less time due to direct touchscreen interaction
Legibility of Text	Smaller text Harder to read	Larger text Easier and clearer to read
User Experience	Basic general use	Enhanced experience with Haptic feedback

 

 

Who is the Trezor Safe 3 and Trezor Safe 5 suitable for?

Each hardware wallet model is suited for different uses, and it is clear that the prices of the Trezor Safe 3 and Trezor Safe 5 differ significantly.

• Trezor Safe 3

 is suitable for those who need a hardware wallet with basic functions and a limited budget. It is ideal as a first hardware wallet for beginners who only need to use it on a desktop.

• Trezor Safe 5

is suitable for those who want an easy-to-use hardware wallet with a touchscreen, requiring less time for setup and operation due to its smooth touch functionality, and providing a haptic feedback experience similar to a vibrating mobile phone.

 

 

Pros and Cons of Trezor Safe 3 and Trezor Safe 5

The table above illustrates the differences between the two hardware wallet models to help you choose the one that suits you. Now, let's look at the pros and cons of both models.

Feature	Trezor Safe 3	Trezor Safe 5
Pros	Accessible price Suitable for beginners	Easy-to-control touchscreen Haptic feedback for better user experience Faster and easier to use
Cons	Limited screen size Smaller text, making it harder to read	Higher price May be overkill for infrequent users

  

Summary

Choosing between the Trezor Safe 3 and Trezor Safe 5 hardware wallets depends on your usage patterns and budget.

If you need an affordable hardware wallet with comprehensive basic features, the Trezor Safe 3 is a great option. You can purchase it here.

If you prefer a hardware wallet that is easy to use with a touchscreen and offers an enhanced user experience, the Trezor Safe 5 is another excellent choice. You can purchase it here.