What Is Trezor? Hardware Wallet Features and Models

A hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your cryptocurrency private keys in secure, offline hardware — completely isolated from the internet. Trezor is the original hardware wallet, designed to give you full ownership and control of your digital assets without exposing them to the risks that come with software-based solutions. If you have ever wondered what separates a hardware wallet from a regular crypto app, this page explains everything.

​

The Problem With Software Wallets

Software wallets — also called hot wallets — are apps that run on your phone, browser, or computer. They are convenient, but they come with a fundamental security trade-off: your private keys exist on a device that is connected to the internet. This creates multiple attack surfaces:

• Malware and keyloggers can silently read your private keys or seed phrases directly from your device’s memory or storage.
• Phishing attacks trick you into entering your credentials or seed phrase on fake websites that look legitimate.
• Browser extensions and clipboard hijacking can intercept transactions and redirect funds to an attacker’s address without your knowledge.
• Exchange and app hacks — if a third-party platform holds your keys, a breach on their end puts your funds at risk.

When your private keys are on an internet-connected device, the security of your crypto is only as strong as the security of that device.

​

How Hardware Wallets Solve This

Trezor removes private keys from the internet entirely. Your keys are generated inside the device and never leave it — not when you check your balance, not when you send a transaction, and not when you connect the device to your computer. Every transaction must be physically confirmed on the device itself. This means that even if your computer is fully compromised by malware, an attacker cannot move your funds without pressing a button on your Trezor. The hardware enforces this rule at a level that no software can override. Key protections Trezor provides:

• Air-gapped key storage — Private keys are created and stored in the device’s secure element. They never touch your computer or the internet.
• On-device transaction verification — Transaction details appear on the Trezor screen for you to review and confirm. What you see on the device is what gets signed.
• PIN and passphrase protection — Physical access to your device is locked behind a PIN. An optional passphrase adds a second layer of encryption to your wallet.
• Open-source firmware — Trezor’s firmware is fully open source and audited by the community, so you do not have to take security claims on faith.

​

Trezor Models

Trezor offers two flagship hardware wallet models, each designed for a different type of user.

​

Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is the official companion application for managing your Trezor hardware wallet. Available as a desktop app (Windows, macOS, Linux) and a web app at suite.trezor.io, Trezor Suite lets you:

• View your portfolio balance across all supported coins
• Send and receive cryptocurrencies and tokens
• Buy, sell, and exchange crypto directly within the app
• Manage multiple accounts and wallets from a single interface
• Apply firmware updates to keep your device secure

Trezor Suite communicates with your device over USB but never processes or stores your private keys — those remain locked on the hardware at all times.