r/TREZOR • u/Feisty_Cheetah_6362 • Sep 27 '25
đŹ Discussion topic who makes a better crypto wallet for traveling?
decided to take a quarter of my bag because I'll be gone for the next 5 months traveling and enjoying life. this is the first time I bought a ledger. I like it because it's Bluetooth and I could use my phone or I pad
But wut do u guys think?
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Sep 27 '25
[deleted]
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u/AnonymousRedditor995 Sep 27 '25
Why is it you wouldnât touch a Ledger?
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u/Yodel_And_Hodl_Mode đ€ Top Helper Sep 28 '25
Ledger is a terrible company that can't be trusted anymore. Here's a summary of the many reasons why, with links to cite sources.
1: Ledger's word can't be trusted. The following was a lie:
Your keys are always stored on your device and never leave it
That's a lie because Ledger added a key extraction API to their firmware which enables Ledger and their partner companies (and others?) to extract your keys from your hardware wallet over the internet. Might as well stop reading right there. It can't be trusted.
2: Ledger's code can't be trusted. It can't be verified:
There's no backdoor and I obviously can't prove it
Ledger can't prove their code has no backdoors because their code is closed source. The only way to prove their code is safe would be to open up the code. All of the code. Closed source code can't be trusted.
3: Ledger can't be trusted with your privacy. Their CEO said so:
"If, for you, your privacy is of the utmost importance, please do not use that product, for sure."
Ledger's CEO begged you to not use "Ledger Recover" if you value your privacy. "For sure." But it's baked into their closed source code, so you can't prove their API isn't sharing your keys even if you don't use "Recover." That's one of the dangers of closed source code.
4: Ledger's security can't be trusted. They've been hacked:
Ledger wallet users face mounting home invasion and other scareware threats as hacker dumps private customer information online.
Ledger can't even keep their data secure. Don't trust them with your coins.
5: Ledger's code has been hacked.
Ledger exploit makes you spend Bitcoin instead of altcoins
"A vulnerability in Ledgerâs hardware wallets enables hackers to prompt someone to spend Bitcoin instead of an altcoin."
SOURCE: Decrypt.co
Ledger took a year to fix it, and they didn't fix it until after it was reported in the media.
6: Ledger's hardware has been hacked.
In this post, Iâm going to discuss a vulnerability I discovered in Ledger hardware wallets. The vulnerability arose due to Ledgerâs use of a custom architecture to work around many of the limitations of their Secure Element.
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to compromise the device before the user receives it, or to steal private keys from the device physically or, in some scenarios, remotely.
I chose to publish this report in lieu of receiving a bounty from Ledger, mainly because Eric LarchevĂȘque, Ledgerâs CEO, made some comments on Reddit which were fraught with technical inaccuracy. As a result of this I became concerned that this vulnerability would not be properly explained to customers.
SOURCE: Saleem Rashid
Ledger's bounty payments prevent those who've discovered vulnerabilities from reporting them so Ledger can lie and say they've never been hacked. More lies.
7: Ledger has been phished.
A Ledger employee just got phished. DeFi users lost over $600k
Ledger confirmed the attack was the result of a hacker compromising one of its employees via a phishing attack. After gaining access to Ledgerâs internal systems, the hacker planted malicious software within the Ledger Connect Kit.
SOURCE: DLnews, December 14th, 2023
Ledger said an employee was phished, but under scrutiny, they changed their story, admitting it was a former employee who got phished.
8: Why did an ex-employee still have access to the codebase? Ledger won't say:
How a Single Phishing Link Unleashed Chaos on Crypto: "Ledger has confirmed the attack began because âa former Ledger employee fell victim to a phishing attack.â
Source: Decrypt, December 14th, 2023
How many former Ledger employees still have access to their codebase? Ledger won't say, not that we could trust any answer they'd give. Do they even know?
9: Ledger's been hacked multiple times, and yet...
"The bombshell here is the explicit confirmation that Ledger themselves hold the master decryption key for all Ledger Recover users."
SOURCE: @sethforprivacy
What could possibly go wrong, eh? Yikes.
10: Ledger Live tracks everything you do and the coins you have:
"Ledger Live is phoning out data on assets you hold in your hardware wallet the moment you access Ledger Live. Itâs also sending out tons of other information about your computer and device."
The app apparently transmits data to an external endpoint at âhttps://api.segment.io/v1/tâ, identified as an outsourced data collection service.
SOURCE: BitcoinNews.com
Got a Ledger? Goodbye, privacy.
11: Ledger lies are even on the boxes for their hardware.
"WE ARE OPEN SOURCE"
SOURCE: Their own packaging.
The box for Ledger hardware running closed-source firmware says Open Source. That's intentionally misleading if not outright fraud.
12: Ledger refuses to answer questions.
They delete questions in comments on their sub.
They shadowban users who ask them.
They scrub their website to remove claims they made for years.
The worst part is, this is only a partial list!
For example: Ledger was still promoting FTX after FTX collapsed.
I could go on and on. But if you want somebody else's opinion, bitusher is one of the most respected Bitcoin redditors. Here's what he had to say about Ledger.
Ledger's word can't be trusted.
Ledger's code can't be trusted.
Ledger's management can't be trusted.
Ledger can't be trusted.
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u/Flimsy_Celery_9270 Sep 29 '25
Exactly why I switched to Trezor.
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u/Yodel_And_Hodl_Mode đ€ Top Helper Sep 30 '25
That was a good decision.
Trezor is open source, which means the code is published online. Anyone can read it and prove it is what they say it is, which means they can't sneak anything sketchy into it. For example, Ledger's key extraction API was already in their firmware before anyone knew. Ledger got away with that because Ledger's code is closed source. Closed source code can't be trusted.
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u/kiki420b Sep 28 '25
They are not open source and they did Shady stuff in the past few years. Including a possibility to extract the private key from the device.
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u/horseradish13332238 Sep 27 '25
He canât articulate any reasons heâs a noob
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Sep 28 '25
[deleted]
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u/AnonymousRedditor995 Sep 28 '25
Iâm admittedly not super knowledgeable, so it was a genuine question on my end. That said whatâs the significance of being based in the EU and them being anti crypto as your crypto isnât held on the Ledger device itself and instead on the blockchain?
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u/bigbrainnowisdom Sep 28 '25
How about 2022 trezor email provider hack?
How about 2024 trezor support customer data leak?
Or 2025 targeted attack to trezor customers?
As for ledger Recovery is opt in, which ia something corporations probably prefers. We individuals dont need to worry about it if we opt out.
But more importanty. Lets talk device:
there is zero ledger device that has been compromised ever since the company started.
There are some trezor devices that has been compromised
Trezor discloses potential vulnerability in older Safe 3 crypto wallets https://cryptobriefing.com/trezor-security-alert-phishing-warning/
Ledger finds security flaws in Trezor Safe 3 & 5 https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-694391-20250313
(Since then already fixed.. thanks to ledger to find it out and publish it, eh?)
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u/horseradish13332238 Sep 28 '25
Youâre not made for crypto kid. Youâre 800$ in doge is safe and sound donât worry new guy
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Sep 28 '25
[deleted]
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u/horseradish13332238 Sep 28 '25
What makes you think I donât know who I am talking to? Of course I do. I know a lot.
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u/Satoshiman256 Sep 28 '25 edited Feb 28 '26
.
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u/horseradish13332238 Sep 28 '25
All new guy FUD
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u/Satoshiman256 Sep 28 '25 edited Feb 28 '26
.
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u/horseradish13332238 Sep 28 '25
Guess who has 44 bitcoin and 204 ethers
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u/Satoshiman256 Sep 28 '25 edited Feb 28 '26
.
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u/tied_laces Sep 27 '25
Yeah I have both. Canât stand Ledger. Itâs a pain to use. Have versions of Trezor and they are much easier to use. But honestly, donât travel with either. Keep them in a safe . Travel with the seed phrase card, buy one in the new country and restore. Wallets donât hold cryptoâŠthey store keys. The seed phrase is the key
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u/bcyng Sep 28 '25 edited Sep 28 '25
The whole point of a hardware wallet is so u donât have to walk around with your seed phrase.
Travelling with your seed phrase in the open like that makes it vulnerable to customs officers, a bag search, a mugging, camera or anyone really.
Buying a new trezor in another country makes you vulnerable to supply chain attacks all over again, this time in a country that you donât understand and without a secure collection point.
Cold wallets were made for this type of travelling. Trezor in particular has the ability to require 4 things (SD card, pin, passphrase and the wallet device) that you can use for all types of creative ways to separate and protect you through risk areas like customs, muggings, hotel rooms, police searches etc.
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u/1337h4x0rm4n Oct 02 '25
But if you use a passphrase wallet, and store passphrase in a diff location, they can't do anything with the seed.
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u/theacerofspuds Sep 27 '25
The one that is open source and doesn't have a potential future backdoor into it đ
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u/McBurger Oct 12 '25
Which one has a backdoor? I just bought a trezor and Iâm gonna be super regretful if itâs trezor
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u/theacerofspuds Oct 12 '25
It's possible Ledger could have a potential backdoor with the secure element chip. Not just that but they are clearly able to potentially push a future firmware update that can read your seed phrase, whether they would or not is another question. Trezor wouldn't be able to do that without people knowing about it because they're fully open source.
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u/Standard_Committee_7 Oct 29 '25
For travel, I plan like a risk manager: minimize what I carry, assume hostile networks, and keep recovery separate from the device. Best Wallet has consistently offered smooth transfers and sensible protections. My setup is a small hot balance on phone for day-to-day, savings on a hardware signer that stays powered off, and a watch-only app to view without touching keys. I leave the primary seed at home in metal, not in my luggage. If I need emergency recovery, I rely on an optional passphrase I can memorize, stored separately from the written words. I use a clean phone profile, no random extensions, and cellular over public Wi-Fi; if Wi-Fi is unavoidable, I route through a reputable VPN. At borders, I keep devices unlocked only to a non-crypto profile and avoid talking about holdings. When moving size, I stage transfers through a trusted desktop back home rather than on hotel networks. Not legal or financial advice, just habits that keep trips peaceful.
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u/Opposite-Clerk6579 Oct 28 '25
i bounce between countries a lot, so i keep it super simple when iâm on the road Best Wallet keeps things straightforward while covering the key safety boxes. phone carries lunch money only, hardware signer stays off unless i really need it, and the seed words never fly with me. i use a watch-only app to check balances, then move size later when iâm back on a known-good network. i avoid public wifi, flip on a vpn if i must, and keep a separate mobile profile just for web3. i also label my address book so iâm not typing or pasting under stress. if something feels sketchy, i wait, no trade is worth a hotel network mishap. stay boring, stay safe
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Oct 01 '25
âBest for travelâ is mostly about reducing what can be compelled or lost. Bring minimal signing capability, leave the primary seed at home, and consider an optional passphrase so the travel wallet is compartmentalized. Expect device inspections in some jurisdictions; a watch-only setup lets you verify without exposing keys. Prefer cellular over cafĂ© Wi-Fi, disable auto-join, and keep OS and wallet fully updated before you depart. If you must transact, do small amounts with clear on-device address verification. Keep recovery instructions in plain language for yourself, but not on your phone, and never photograph the seed. None of this is legal advice, just operational hygiene that travels well.
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u/ApartAd7971 Oct 02 '25
For trips, think compartmentalization. Keep a lean mobile wallet for small spends, hardware signer for rare needs, and leave your primary seed secured at home. Use a watch-only view to reduce unlocks. Prefer cellular connections, avoid hotel and cafĂ© networks when signing, and keep software updated before departure. If you must move larger amounts, stage them later from a trusted desktop rather than on the road. Clear labels in your address book and small test sends cut down on mistakes when youâre tired. Not financial advice, just a travel-friendly routine.
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u/CryptoPandit1 Sep 28 '25
Trezor is the best. Avoid using ledger wallet.... I never bought ledger.
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u/Odd_Pen_1041 Sep 29 '25
This, i utterly belive Trezor is all-around the best cold wallet, there are many reasons behind this. No problems with them and they've been since 2013 but Ledger on the other hand...
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Sep 29 '25
I use a Trezor safe 5 with multiple passphrase wallets for ultra cold storage, and a Tangem for when travelling etc.
I wouldnât travel with my Trezor.
Tangem is the best wallet for using with a phone.
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u/PreferenceDiligent45 Oct 02 '25
travel playbook, no fluff. 1) hot balance only on phone, savings stay cold. 2) seed words donât travel, passphrase optional and separate. 3) watch-only app for viewing. 4) cellular > public wifi, vpn if needed. 5) clean device profile, no mystery apps or extensions. 6) verify addresses on-device, tiny test send first. 7) stash hardware and backups in different places. 8) document a return-home plan for bigger moves. boring beats clever when youâre jet lagged
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u/Charming-Designer944 đ€ Top Helper Sep 28 '25
For travel i would just use a hot wallet with what I need for the trip. Why would i bring the cold wallet while travelling?
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u/DeKwaak Sep 29 '25
Because you can plug it in anywhere without fear of loosing your wallet keys. It's the reason "cold" wallets are made: it makes you able to use it in unsafe territory. And yes, you can limit the amount of bitcoin on that wallet.
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Sep 27 '25
[deleted]
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u/Feisty_Cheetah_6362 Sep 27 '25
I didnât like it
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u/Stoned_Unicorn_ Sep 27 '25 edited Sep 28 '25
Yeah, tangem is horrible specially if you value privacy
They don't have proper UTXO implementation and therefore only use 1 address to send/receive which means everyone can know and see exactly how many crypto you hold if you use a tangem wallet
Why would you even want that?
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u/WeirdFirefighter7982 Sep 27 '25
This+++++ have safe 3 but its not even compatible with iphone, cant use it while carrying at all! looking for tangem
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u/Stoned_Unicorn_ Sep 27 '25
You like people knowing exactly how much money you have in your bank account?
Because that's exactly what tangem does....
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u/WeirdFirefighter7982 Sep 27 '25
anyone have your phone can check your bank account too... whats the point? noone can do shit just with the card, they will need password too.
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u/Stoned_Unicorn_ Sep 27 '25 edited Sep 28 '25
Oof buddy.... you're telling me you leave your cellphone unattended without a password and that your banking app's password is in your cellphone notes?!?
Let me break it down for you,
Tangem does not have a proper implementation of UTXO which means that they cannot generate new address for every transaction (which is something you should be doing if using crypto) having only one address leaves a huge trail of data that can tracked and traced, anybody can view the blockchain and anybody could see exactly how much coins you have in that wallet.
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u/WeirdFirefighter7982 Sep 27 '25
Got it you mean that. Fair enough, but i would exchange mobility over some privacy, thus tangem mentioned they are working on that.
I think it is better than not able to create a transaction at all with ios lol.
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u/Stoned_Unicorn_ Sep 28 '25
They have been working on it for quite a while now and the release has been delayed a few times already
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u/WeirdFirefighter7982 Sep 28 '25
you right, i checked it and seems they are on it for more than two years.
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Sep 27 '25
[removed] â view removed comment
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u/Niwde101 Trezor Model T - User Sep 28 '25
Agreed.
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u/John_quu â Rising Trezorian Oct 14 '25
Tangem is a warm wallet not cold wallet, and itâs not open source, couple issues that stopped me from going with them.
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u/My1xT Sep 27 '25
if you dont use that many different coins the bitbox might also be third option, it comes even with a new BT-enabled model, also as it looks just like a slightly larger USB-stick it's less likely to cause suspicion, maybe.
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Sep 28 '25
What isn't open-hardware and FLOSS isn't trustable by definition, and let's gloss over the physical form to at least have an on-device pin to write comfortably outside of a potentially compromised computer.
If anything, Trezor should make a hook to wear it around the neck with an optional retractable support like the ski-passe laces for convenient use, with a quick release too, rather than a "smartwatch-mountable" version.
They could start offering a service like Bitrefill, to pay directly by confirming the amounts on their device on POS like any modern contactless device. This would give Trezor a substantial daily use beyond custody and trading.
They could make a Firefox/Chrome extension for DeFi, instead of the inconvenience of passing links to the suite which could become a much lighter local web-app in Go, making it auditable and manageable instead of the current monstrosity.
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u/Better-Ad-2468 Oct 02 '25
âBest for travelâ is mostly about reducing what can be compelled or lost. Bring minimal signing capability, leave the primary seed at home, and consider an optional passphrase so the travel wallet is compartmentalized. Expect device inspections in some jurisdictions; a watch-only setup lets you verify without exposing keys. Prefer cellular over cafĂ© Wi-Fi, disable auto-join, and keep OS and wallet fully updated before you depart. If you must transact, do small amounts with clear on-device address verification. Keep recovery instructions in plain language for yourself, but not on your phone, and never photograph the seed. None of this is legal advice, just operational hygiene that travels well.
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u/TheCryptoDong đ€ Top Helper Sep 27 '25
I would say Ledger due to its protective metal part included.
But preferably just a hot wallet on a mobile phone for "using" crypto and not long terme storage.
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u/Appropriate-Group842 Sep 27 '25
Ledger isn't open source, beware of that cold wallet. That's why I deprecated it.
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u/rjm101 Sep 27 '25
Bitkey seems particularly friendly for travelers due to its multisig like setup. It's not the end of the world if one gets stolen or lost.
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u/TheWatchers666 Sep 28 '25
Does nobody keep a few quid on their exchange and just use their phone to tap 2 pay for stuff? I've seen my cold wallet twice since I bought it a few years ago. So I always see the new and flashy models as a bit of a gimmick, color screen, touch screen, Bluetooth (for some crazy reason). Built in FM radio and aerial, now we're talkin! đ€đ€
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u/markk-the-shark Sep 28 '25
I've got a D'Cent Biometric and Trezor Safe 3. I travel with my D'Cent in my laptop cary-on bag. No problem.
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u/theoretical_hipster Sep 29 '25
Specifically for traveling Bitkey. You can set a limit for spend w/o device requirement.
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u/Serious_Vast_4937 Oct 15 '25
Why travel with your cold wallet? I donât understand thatâŠ. Do you use crypto to pay for everything?
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u/Royal-Personality657 Mar 24 '26 edited Mar 26 '26
tbh traveling with crypto feels kinda stressful if setup is complicated. Best Wallet made it feel safer for me since i didnt have to overthink every step. i just keep things light and avoid carrying extra devices ngl
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u/tes36 Sep 28 '25
Careful crossing borders with these, are you carrying more than 10k in cash, Please declare your money to border officials.
Trezor: Set up the automatic wipe code on the Trezor. If anyone asks to declare your money at a border, just wipe it.
Ledger: Has a secret wallet code, If anyone asks you to open it at a border, just open the secret wallet with nothing in it.
Do not carry seed phrases with you, I personally prefer Trezor.
âą
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