diff --git a/src/core/meshcop/dataset.hpp b/src/core/meshcop/dataset.hpp
index 3904cf88a..165999d93 100644
--- a/src/core/meshcop/dataset.hpp
+++ b/src/core/meshcop/dataset.hpp
@@ -839,12 +839,12 @@ template <> inline const uint32_t &Dataset::Info::Get<Dataset::kChannelMask>(voi
 
 template <> inline void Dataset::Info::Get<Dataset::kActiveTimestamp>(Timestamp &aTimestamp) const
 {
-    aTimestamp.SetFromTimestamp(mActiveTimestamp);
+    aTimestamp.SetFrom(mActiveTimestamp);
 }
 
 template <> inline void Dataset::Info::Get<Dataset::kPendingTimestamp>(Timestamp &aTimestamp) const
 {
-    aTimestamp.SetFromTimestamp(mPendingTimestamp);
+    aTimestamp.SetFrom(mPendingTimestamp);
 }
 
 template <> inline void Dataset::Info::Set<Dataset::kActiveTimestamp>(const Timestamp &aTimestamp)
diff --git a/src/core/meshcop/dataset_manager.cpp b/src/core/meshcop/dataset_manager.cpp
index 40ead331d..ec6e89077 100644
--- a/src/core/meshcop/dataset_manager.cpp
+++ b/src/core/meshcop/dataset_manager.cpp
@@ -60,19 +60,12 @@ DatasetManager::DatasetManager(Instance &aInstance, Type aType, Timer::Handler a
     : InstanceLocator(aInstance)
     , mType(aType)
     , mLocalSaved(false)
-    , mLocalTimestampValid(false)
-    , mNetworkTimestampValid(false)
     , mMgmtPending(false)
     , mLocalUpdateTime(0)
     , mTimer(aInstance, aTimerHandler)
 {
-    mLocalTimestamp.Clear();
-    mNetworkTimestamp.Clear();
-}
-
-const Timestamp *DatasetManager::GetTimestamp(void) const
-{
-    return mNetworkTimestampValid ? &mNetworkTimestamp : nullptr;
+    mLocalTimestamp.SetToInvalid();
+    mNetworkTimestamp.SetToInvalid();
 }
 
 Error DatasetManager::Restore(void)
@@ -94,8 +87,8 @@ void DatasetManager::Restore(const Dataset &aDataset)
 {
     mTimer.Stop();
 
-    mNetworkTimestampValid = false;
-    mLocalTimestampValid   = false;
+    mNetworkTimestamp.SetToInvalid();
+    mLocalTimestamp.SetToInvalid();
 
     VerifyOrExit(aDataset.GetLength() != 0);
 
@@ -103,9 +96,7 @@ void DatasetManager::Restore(const Dataset &aDataset)
 
     if (aDataset.ReadTimestamp(mType, mLocalTimestamp) == kErrorNone)
     {
-        mLocalTimestampValid   = true;
-        mNetworkTimestampValid = true;
-        mNetworkTimestamp      = mLocalTimestamp;
+        mNetworkTimestamp = mLocalTimestamp;
     }
 
     if (IsActiveDataset())
@@ -256,12 +247,10 @@ exit:
 
 void DatasetManager::Clear(void)
 {
-    mNetworkTimestamp.Clear();
-    mLocalTimestamp.Clear();
+    mNetworkTimestamp.SetToInvalid();
+    mLocalTimestamp.SetToInvalid();
 
-    mNetworkTimestampValid = false;
-    mLocalTimestampValid   = false;
-    mLocalSaved            = false;
+    mLocalSaved = false;
 
 #if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_PLATFORM_KEY_REFERENCES_ENABLE
     DestroySecurelyStoredKeys();
@@ -299,17 +288,12 @@ Error DatasetManager::Save(const Dataset &aDataset, bool aAllowOlderTimestamp)
     Error error = kErrorNone;
     int   compare;
 
-    if (aDataset.ReadTimestamp(mType, mNetworkTimestamp) == kErrorNone)
+    if ((aDataset.ReadTimestamp(mType, mNetworkTimestamp) == kErrorNone) && IsActiveDataset())
     {
-        mNetworkTimestampValid = true;
-
-        if (IsActiveDataset())
-        {
-            SuccessOrExit(error = ApplyConfiguration(aDataset));
-        }
+        SuccessOrExit(error = ApplyConfiguration(aDataset));
     }
 
-    compare = Timestamp::Compare(GetTimestamp(), GetLocalTimestamp());
+    compare = Timestamp::Compare(mNetworkTimestamp, mLocalTimestamp);
 
     if ((compare > 0) || aAllowOlderTimestamp)
     {
@@ -412,8 +396,12 @@ void DatasetManager::LocalSave(const Dataset &aDataset)
         LogInfo("%s dataset set", Dataset::TypeToString(mType));
     }
 
-    mLocalTimestampValid = (aDataset.ReadTimestamp(mType, mLocalTimestamp) == kErrorNone);
-    mLocalUpdateTime     = TimerMilli::GetNow();
+    if (aDataset.ReadTimestamp(mType, mLocalTimestamp) != kErrorNone)
+    {
+        mLocalTimestamp.SetToInvalid();
+    }
+
+    mLocalUpdateTime = TimerMilli::GetNow();
 
     if (IsPendingDataset())
     {
@@ -469,7 +457,7 @@ void DatasetManager::SyncLocalWithLeader(const Dataset &aDataset)
     VerifyOrExit(!mMgmtPending, error = kErrorBusy);
     VerifyOrExit(Get<Mle::MleRouter>().IsChild() || Get<Mle::MleRouter>().IsRouter(), error = kErrorInvalidState);
 
-    VerifyOrExit(Timestamp::Compare(GetTimestamp(), GetLocalTimestamp()) < 0, error = kErrorAlready);
+    VerifyOrExit(mNetworkTimestamp < mLocalTimestamp, error = kErrorAlready);
 
     if (IsActiveDataset())
     {
@@ -478,8 +466,7 @@ void DatasetManager::SyncLocalWithLeader(const Dataset &aDataset)
 
         IgnoreError(Get<PendingDatasetManager>().Read(pendingDataset));
 
-        if ((pendingDataset.Read<ActiveTimestampTlv>(timestamp) == kErrorNone) &&
-            (Timestamp::Compare(&timestamp, GetLocalTimestamp()) == 0))
+        if ((pendingDataset.Read<ActiveTimestampTlv>(timestamp) == kErrorNone) && (timestamp == mLocalTimestamp))
         {
             // Stop registration attempts during dataset transition
             ExitNow(error = kErrorInvalidState);
@@ -830,9 +817,9 @@ ActiveDatasetManager::ActiveDatasetManager(Instance &aInstance)
 {
 }
 
-bool ActiveDatasetManager::IsPartiallyComplete(void) const { return mLocalSaved && !mNetworkTimestampValid; }
+bool ActiveDatasetManager::IsPartiallyComplete(void) const { return mLocalSaved && !mNetworkTimestamp.IsValid(); }
 
-bool ActiveDatasetManager::IsComplete(void) const { return mLocalSaved && mNetworkTimestampValid; }
+bool ActiveDatasetManager::IsComplete(void) const { return mLocalSaved && mNetworkTimestamp.IsValid(); }
 
 bool ActiveDatasetManager::IsCommissioned(void) const
 {
@@ -914,7 +901,7 @@ void PendingDatasetManager::HandleDelayTimer(void)
 
     SuccessOrExit(dataset.Read<ActiveTimestampTlv>(activeTimestamp));
 
-    if (Timestamp::Compare(&activeTimestamp, Get<ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp()) > 0)
+    if (activeTimestamp > Get<ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp())
     {
         shouldReplaceActive = true;
     }
diff --git a/src/core/meshcop/dataset_manager.hpp b/src/core/meshcop/dataset_manager.hpp
index d641ef0c9..d351f56f2 100644
--- a/src/core/meshcop/dataset_manager.hpp
+++ b/src/core/meshcop/dataset_manager.hpp
@@ -66,12 +66,12 @@ public:
     typedef otDatasetMgmtSetCallback MgmtSetCallback;
 
     /**
-     * Returns a pointer to the Timestamp.
+     * Returns the network Timestamp.
      *
-     * @returns A pointer to the Timestamp.
+     * @returns The network Timestamp.
      *
      */
-    const Timestamp *GetTimestamp(void) const;
+    const Timestamp &GetTimestamp(void) const { return mNetworkTimestamp; }
 
     /**
      * Clears the Operational Dataset.
@@ -316,8 +316,6 @@ private:
                                       const otMessageInfo *aMessageInfo,
                                       Error                aError);
 
-    const Timestamp *GetLocalTimestamp(void) const { return mLocalTimestampValid ? &mLocalTimestamp : nullptr; }
-
 #if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_PLATFORM_KEY_REFERENCES_ENABLE
     void MoveKeysToSecureStorage(Dataset &aDataset) const;
     void DestroySecurelyStoredKeys(void) const;
@@ -334,8 +332,6 @@ private:
 
     Type                      mType;
     bool                      mLocalSaved : 1;
-    bool                      mLocalTimestampValid : 1;
-    bool                      mNetworkTimestampValid : 1;
     bool                      mMgmtPending : 1;
     TimeMilli                 mLocalUpdateTime;
     Timestamp                 mLocalTimestamp;
diff --git a/src/core/meshcop/dataset_manager_ftd.cpp b/src/core/meshcop/dataset_manager_ftd.cpp
index 1eb6a9b26..18b57c794 100644
--- a/src/core/meshcop/dataset_manager_ftd.cpp
+++ b/src/core/meshcop/dataset_manager_ftd.cpp
@@ -110,11 +110,11 @@ Error DatasetManager::ProcessSetOrReplaceRequest(MgmtCommand          aCommand,
         Timestamp pendingTimestamp;
 
         SuccessOrExit(dataset.Read<PendingTimestampTlv>(pendingTimestamp));
-        VerifyOrExit(Timestamp::Compare(&pendingTimestamp, GetLocalTimestamp()) > 0);
+        VerifyOrExit(pendingTimestamp > mLocalTimestamp);
     }
     else
     {
-        VerifyOrExit(Timestamp::Compare(&activeTimestamp, GetLocalTimestamp()) > 0);
+        VerifyOrExit(activeTimestamp > mLocalTimestamp);
     }
 
     // Determine whether the new Dataset affects connectivity
@@ -155,9 +155,7 @@ Error DatasetManager::ProcessSetOrReplaceRequest(MgmtCommand          aCommand,
 
     if (IsPendingDataset() && !aInfo.mAffectsNetworkKey)
     {
-        const Timestamp *localActiveTimestamp = Get<ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp();
-
-        VerifyOrExit(Timestamp::Compare(&activeTimestamp, localActiveTimestamp) > 0);
+        VerifyOrExit(activeTimestamp > Get<ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp());
     }
 
     // Determine whether the request is from commissioner.
@@ -299,7 +297,7 @@ Error ActiveDatasetManager::GenerateLocal(void)
     Dataset dataset;
 
     VerifyOrExit(Get<Mle::MleRouter>().IsAttached(), error = kErrorInvalidState);
-    VerifyOrExit(!mLocalTimestampValid, error = kErrorAlready);
+    VerifyOrExit(!mLocalTimestamp.IsValid(), error = kErrorAlready);
 
     IgnoreError(Read(dataset));
 
diff --git a/src/core/meshcop/dataset_updater.cpp b/src/core/meshcop/dataset_updater.cpp
index c59ffacbd..ed5d7f1d3 100644
--- a/src/core/meshcop/dataset_updater.cpp
+++ b/src/core/meshcop/dataset_updater.cpp
@@ -88,11 +88,9 @@ Error DatasetUpdater::RequestUpdate(Dataset &aDataset, UpdaterCallback aCallback
     activeTimestamp.AdvanceRandomTicks();
     SuccessOrExit(error = aDataset.Write<ActiveTimestampTlv>(activeTimestamp));
 
-    if (Get<PendingDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp() != nullptr)
-    {
-        pendingTimestamp = *Get<PendingDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp();
-    }
-    else
+    pendingTimestamp = Get<PendingDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp();
+
+    if (!pendingTimestamp.IsValid())
     {
         pendingTimestamp.Clear();
         pendingTimestamp.SetSeconds(1);
@@ -204,7 +202,7 @@ void DatasetUpdater::HandleDatasetChanged(Dataset::Type aType)
     SuccessOrExit(newDataset.ReadTimestamp(aType, newTimestamp));
     SuccessOrExit(requestedDataset.ReadTimestamp(aType, requestedTimestamp));
 
-    if (Timestamp::Compare(newTimestamp, requestedTimestamp) >= 0)
+    if (newTimestamp >= requestedTimestamp)
     {
         Finish(kErrorAlready);
     }
diff --git a/src/core/meshcop/timestamp.cpp b/src/core/meshcop/timestamp.cpp
index 5ed659413..59732fe9b 100644
--- a/src/core/meshcop/timestamp.cpp
+++ b/src/core/meshcop/timestamp.cpp
@@ -35,54 +35,78 @@
 
 #include "common/code_utils.hpp"
 #include "common/num_utils.hpp"
+#include "common/numeric_limits.hpp"
 
 namespace ot {
 namespace MeshCoP {
 
-void Timestamp::ConvertTo(otTimestamp &aTimestamp) const
+void Timestamp::ConvertTo(Info &aInfo) const
 {
-    aTimestamp.mSeconds       = GetSeconds();
-    aTimestamp.mTicks         = GetTicks();
-    aTimestamp.mAuthoritative = GetAuthoritative();
+    aInfo.mSeconds       = GetSeconds();
+    aInfo.mTicks         = GetTicks();
+    aInfo.mAuthoritative = GetAuthoritative();
 }
 
-void Timestamp::SetFromTimestamp(const otTimestamp &aTimestamp)
+void Timestamp::SetFrom(const Info &aInfo)
 {
-    SetSeconds(aTimestamp.mSeconds);
-    SetTicks(aTimestamp.mTicks);
-    SetAuthoritative(aTimestamp.mAuthoritative);
+    SetSeconds(aInfo.mSeconds);
+    SetTicks(aInfo.mTicks);
+    SetAuthoritative(aInfo.mAuthoritative);
 }
 
-int Timestamp::Compare(const Timestamp *aFirst, const Timestamp *aSecond)
+void Timestamp::SetToInvalid(void)
 {
-    int rval;
+    mSeconds16        = NumericLimits<uint16_t>::kMax;
+    mSeconds32        = NumericLimits<uint32_t>::kMax;
+    mTicksAndAuthFlag = NumericLimits<uint16_t>::kMax;
+}
 
-    if (aFirst == nullptr)
-    {
-        // When `aFirst` is null but `aSecond is not, we return -1,
-        // (indicate `aFirst (null) < aSecond (non-null)`).
-        ExitNow(rval = (aSecond == nullptr) ? 0 : -1);
-    }
+bool Timestamp::IsValid(void) const
+{
+    return (mSeconds16 != NumericLimits<uint16_t>::kMax) || (mSeconds32 != NumericLimits<uint32_t>::kMax) ||
+           (mTicksAndAuthFlag != NumericLimits<uint16_t>::kMax);
+}
 
-    if (aSecond == nullptr)
-    {
-        // When `aFirst` is not null, but `aSecond` is, we return +1,
-        // (indicate `aFirst (non-null) > aSecond (null)`).
-        ExitNow(rval = 1);
-    }
+void Timestamp::SetToOrphanAnnounce(void)
+{
+    mSeconds16 = 0;
+    mSeconds32 = 0;
+    SetTicksAndAuthFlag(kAuthoritativeFlag);
+}
 
-    // Both are non-null.
+bool Timestamp::IsOrphanAnnounce(void) const
+{
+    return (mSeconds16 == 0) && (mSeconds32 == 0) && (GetTicksAndAuthFlag() == kAuthoritativeFlag);
+}
 
-    rval = Compare(*aFirst, *aSecond);
+uint64_t Timestamp::GetSeconds(void) const
+{
+    return (static_cast<uint64_t>(BigEndian::HostSwap16(mSeconds16)) << 32) + BigEndian::HostSwap32(mSeconds32);
+}
 
-exit:
-    return rval;
+void Timestamp::SetSeconds(uint64_t aSeconds)
+{
+    mSeconds16 = BigEndian::HostSwap16(static_cast<uint16_t>(aSeconds >> 32));
+    mSeconds32 = BigEndian::HostSwap32(static_cast<uint32_t>(aSeconds & 0xffffffff));
+}
+
+void Timestamp::SetTicks(uint16_t aTicks)
+{
+    SetTicksAndAuthFlag((GetTicksAndAuthFlag() & ~kTicksMask) | ((aTicks << kTicksOffset) & kTicksMask));
+}
+
+void Timestamp::SetAuthoritative(bool aAuthoritative)
+{
+    SetTicksAndAuthFlag((GetTicksAndAuthFlag() & kTicksMask) | (aAuthoritative ? kAuthoritativeFlag : 0));
 }
 
 int Timestamp::Compare(const Timestamp &aFirst, const Timestamp &aSecond)
 {
     int rval;
 
+    rval = ThreeWayCompare(aFirst.IsValid(), aSecond.IsValid());
+    VerifyOrExit(rval == 0);
+
     rval = ThreeWayCompare(aFirst.GetSeconds(), aSecond.GetSeconds());
     VerifyOrExit(rval == 0);
 
diff --git a/src/core/meshcop/timestamp.hpp b/src/core/meshcop/timestamp.hpp
index 6dabe1960..a39ed1f92 100644
--- a/src/core/meshcop/timestamp.hpp
+++ b/src/core/meshcop/timestamp.hpp
@@ -58,16 +58,58 @@ class Timestamp : public Clearable<Timestamp>
 {
 public:
     /**
-     * Converts the timestamp to `otTimestamp`.
+     * Represents timestamp components.
      *
      */
-    void ConvertTo(otTimestamp &aTimestamp) const;
+    typedef otTimestamp Info;
 
     /**
-     * Sets the timestamp from `otTimestamp`.
+     * Copies the `Timestamp` information to  `Timestamp::Info` data structure.
+     *
+     * @param[out] aInfo   A reference to a `Timestamp::Info` to populate.
      *
      */
-    void SetFromTimestamp(const otTimestamp &aTimestamp);
+    void ConvertTo(Info &aInfo) const;
+
+    /**
+     * Sets the `Timestamp` from a given component-wise `Info` structure.
+     *
+     * @param[in] aInfo    A `Timestamp::Info` structure.
+     *
+     */
+    void SetFrom(const Info &aInfo);
+
+    /**
+     * Sets the `Timestamp` to invalid value.
+     *
+     */
+    void SetToInvalid(void);
+
+    /**
+     * Indicates whether or not the `Timestamp` is valid.
+     *
+     * @retval TRUE   The timestamp is valid.
+     * @retval FALSE  The timestamp is not valid.
+     *
+     */
+    bool IsValid(void) const;
+
+    /**
+     * Sets the `Timestamp` to value used in MLE Orphan Announce messages.
+     *
+     * Second and ticks fields are set to zero with Authoritative flag set.
+     *
+     */
+    void SetToOrphanAnnounce(void);
+
+    /**
+     * Indicates whether the timestamp indicates an MLE Orphan Announce message.
+     *
+     * @retval TRUE   The timestamp indicates an Orphan Announce message.
+     * @retval FALSE  The timestamp does not indicate an Orphan Announce message.
+     *
+     */
+    bool IsOrphanAnnounce(void) const;
 
     /**
      * Returns the Seconds value.
@@ -75,10 +117,7 @@ public:
      * @returns The Seconds value.
      *
      */
-    uint64_t GetSeconds(void) const
-    {
-        return (static_cast<uint64_t>(BigEndian::HostSwap16(mSeconds16)) << 32) + BigEndian::HostSwap32(mSeconds32);
-    }
+    uint64_t GetSeconds(void) const;
 
     /**
      * Sets the Seconds value.
@@ -86,11 +125,7 @@ public:
      * @param[in]  aSeconds  The Seconds value.
      *
      */
-    void SetSeconds(uint64_t aSeconds)
-    {
-        mSeconds16 = BigEndian::HostSwap16(static_cast<uint16_t>(aSeconds >> 32));
-        mSeconds32 = BigEndian::HostSwap32(static_cast<uint32_t>(aSeconds & 0xffffffff));
-    }
+    void SetSeconds(uint64_t aSeconds);
 
     /**
      * Returns the Ticks value.
@@ -98,7 +133,7 @@ public:
      * @returns The Ticks value.
      *
      */
-    uint16_t GetTicks(void) const { return BigEndian::HostSwap16(mTicks) >> kTicksOffset; }
+    uint16_t GetTicks(void) const { return GetTicksAndAuthFlag() >> kTicksOffset; }
 
     /**
      * Sets the Ticks value.
@@ -106,11 +141,7 @@ public:
      * @param[in]  aTicks  The Ticks value.
      *
      */
-    void SetTicks(uint16_t aTicks)
-    {
-        mTicks = BigEndian::HostSwap16((BigEndian::HostSwap16(mTicks) & ~kTicksMask) |
-                                       ((aTicks << kTicksOffset) & kTicksMask));
-    }
+    void SetTicks(uint16_t aTicks);
 
     /**
      * Returns the Authoritative value.
@@ -118,7 +149,7 @@ public:
      * @returns The Authoritative value.
      *
      */
-    bool GetAuthoritative(void) const { return (BigEndian::HostSwap16(mTicks) & kAuthoritativeMask) != 0; }
+    bool GetAuthoritative(void) const { return (GetTicksAndAuthFlag() & kAuthoritativeFlag) != 0; }
 
     /**
      * Sets the Authoritative value.
@@ -126,11 +157,7 @@ public:
      * @param[in]  aAuthoritative  The Authoritative value.
      *
      */
-    void SetAuthoritative(bool aAuthoritative)
-    {
-        mTicks = BigEndian::HostSwap16((BigEndian::HostSwap16(mTicks) & kTicksMask) |
-                                       ((aAuthoritative << kAuthoritativeOffset) & kAuthoritativeMask));
-    }
+    void SetAuthoritative(bool aAuthoritative);
 
     /**
      * Increments the timestamp by a random number of ticks [0, 32767].
@@ -138,33 +165,11 @@ public:
      */
     void AdvanceRandomTicks(void);
 
-    /**
-     * Indicates whether the timestamp indicates an MLE Orphan Announce message.
-     *
-     * @retval TRUE   The timestamp indicates an Orphan Announce message.
-     * @retval FALSE  If the timestamp does not indicate an Orphan Announce message.
-     *
-     */
-    bool IsOrphanTimestamp(void) const { return GetSeconds() == 0 && GetTicks() == 0 && GetAuthoritative(); }
-
     /**
      * Compares two timestamps.
      *
-     * Either one or both @p aFirst or @p aSecond can be `nullptr`. A non-null timestamp is considered greater than
-     * a null one. If both are null, they are considered as equal.
-     *
-     * @param[in]  aFirst   A pointer to the first timestamp to compare (can be nullptr).
-     * @param[in]  aSecond  A pointer to the second timestamp to compare (can be nullptr).
-     *
-     * @retval -1  if @p aFirst is less than @p aSecond (`aFirst < aSecond`).
-     * @retval  0  if @p aFirst is equal to @p aSecond (`aFirst == aSecond`).
-     * @retval  1  if @p aFirst is greater than @p aSecond (`aFirst > aSecond`).
-     *
-     */
-    static int Compare(const Timestamp *aFirst, const Timestamp *aSecond);
-
-    /**
-     * Compares two timestamps.
+     * Either one or both @p aFirst or @p aSecond can be invalid. A valid timestamp is considered greater than an
+     * invalid one. If both are invalid, they are considered as equal.
      *
      * @param[in]  aFirst   A reference to the first timestamp to compare.
      * @param[in]  aSecond  A reference to the second timestamp to compare.
@@ -176,16 +181,27 @@ public:
      */
     static int Compare(const Timestamp &aFirst, const Timestamp &aSecond);
 
+    // Comparison operator overloads for two `Timestamp` instances.
+    bool operator==(const Timestamp &aOther) const { return Compare(*this, aOther) == 0; }
+    bool operator!=(const Timestamp &aOther) const { return Compare(*this, aOther) != 0; }
+    bool operator>(const Timestamp &aOther) const { return Compare(*this, aOther) > 0; }
+    bool operator<(const Timestamp &aOther) const { return Compare(*this, aOther) < 0; }
+    bool operator>=(const Timestamp &aOther) const { return Compare(*this, aOther) >= 0; }
+    bool operator<=(const Timestamp &aOther) const { return Compare(*this, aOther) <= 0; }
+
 private:
+    uint16_t GetTicksAndAuthFlag(void) const { return BigEndian::HostSwap16(mTicksAndAuthFlag); }
+    void     SetTicksAndAuthFlag(uint16_t aValue) { mTicksAndAuthFlag = BigEndian::HostSwap16(aValue); }
+
     static constexpr uint8_t  kTicksOffset         = 1;
     static constexpr uint16_t kTicksMask           = 0x7fff << kTicksOffset;
     static constexpr uint8_t  kAuthoritativeOffset = 0;
-    static constexpr uint16_t kAuthoritativeMask   = 1 << kAuthoritativeOffset;
+    static constexpr uint16_t kAuthoritativeFlag   = 1 << kAuthoritativeOffset;
     static constexpr uint16_t kMaxTicks            = 0x7fff;
 
     uint16_t mSeconds16; // bits 32-47
     uint32_t mSeconds32; // bits 0-31
-    uint16_t mTicks;
+    uint16_t mTicksAndAuthFlag;
 } OT_TOOL_PACKED_END;
 
 } // namespace MeshCoP
diff --git a/src/core/thread/mle.cpp b/src/core/thread/mle.cpp
index 2d9e88656..50ae43db2 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/mle.cpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/mle.cpp
@@ -2227,8 +2227,7 @@ void Mle::SendAnnounce(uint8_t aChannel, const Ip6::Address &aDestination, Annou
     switch (aMode)
     {
     case kOrphanAnnounce:
-        activeTimestamp.Clear();
-        activeTimestamp.SetAuthoritative(true);
+        activeTimestamp.SetToOrphanAnnounce();
         SuccessOrExit(error = Tlv::Append<ActiveTimestampTlv>(*message, activeTimestamp));
         break;
 
@@ -2938,7 +2937,7 @@ Error Mle::HandleLeaderData(RxInfo &aRxInfo)
             break;
         }
 #endif
-        if (MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&activeTimestamp, Get<MeshCoP::ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp()) != 0)
+        if (activeTimestamp != Get<MeshCoP::ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp())
         {
             // Send an MLE Data Request if the received timestamp
             // mismatches the local value and the message does not
@@ -2966,7 +2965,7 @@ Error Mle::HandleLeaderData(RxInfo &aRxInfo)
             break;
         }
 #endif
-        if (MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&pendingTimestamp, Get<MeshCoP::PendingDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp()) != 0)
+        if (pendingTimestamp != Get<MeshCoP::PendingDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp())
         {
             VerifyOrExit(aRxInfo.mMessage.ContainsTlv(Tlv::kPendingDataset), dataRequest = true);
             savePendingDataset = true;
@@ -3672,15 +3671,14 @@ exit:
 
 void Mle::HandleAnnounce(RxInfo &aRxInfo)
 {
-    Error                     error = kErrorNone;
-    ChannelTlvValue           channelTlvValue;
-    MeshCoP::Timestamp        timestamp;
-    const MeshCoP::Timestamp *localTimestamp;
-    uint8_t                   channel;
-    uint16_t                  panId;
-    bool                      isFromOrphan;
-    bool                      channelAndPanIdMatch;
-    int                       timestampCompare;
+    Error              error = kErrorNone;
+    ChannelTlvValue    channelTlvValue;
+    MeshCoP::Timestamp timestamp;
+    uint8_t            channel;
+    uint16_t           panId;
+    bool               isFromOrphan;
+    bool               channelAndPanIdMatch;
+    int                timestampCompare;
 
     Log(kMessageReceive, kTypeAnnounce, aRxInfo.mMessageInfo.GetPeerAddr());
 
@@ -3692,10 +3690,8 @@ void Mle::HandleAnnounce(RxInfo &aRxInfo)
 
     aRxInfo.mClass = RxInfo::kPeerMessage;
 
-    localTimestamp = Get<MeshCoP::ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp();
-
-    isFromOrphan         = timestamp.IsOrphanTimestamp();
-    timestampCompare     = MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&timestamp, localTimestamp);
+    isFromOrphan         = timestamp.IsOrphanAnnounce();
+    timestampCompare     = MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(timestamp, Get<MeshCoP::ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp());
     channelAndPanIdMatch = (channel == Get<Mac::Mac>().GetPanChannel()) && (panId == Get<Mac::Mac>().GetPanId());
 
     if (isFromOrphan || (timestampCompare < 0))
@@ -4732,10 +4728,10 @@ Error Mle::TxMessage::AppendXtalAccuracyTlv(void)
 Error Mle::TxMessage::AppendActiveTimestampTlv(void)
 {
     Error                     error     = kErrorNone;
-    const MeshCoP::Timestamp *timestamp = Get<MeshCoP::ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp();
+    const MeshCoP::Timestamp &timestamp = Get<MeshCoP::ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp();
 
-    VerifyOrExit(timestamp != nullptr);
-    error = Tlv::Append<ActiveTimestampTlv>(*this, *timestamp);
+    VerifyOrExit(timestamp.IsValid());
+    error = Tlv::Append<ActiveTimestampTlv>(*this, timestamp);
 
 exit:
     return error;
@@ -4744,10 +4740,10 @@ exit:
 Error Mle::TxMessage::AppendPendingTimestampTlv(void)
 {
     Error                     error     = kErrorNone;
-    const MeshCoP::Timestamp *timestamp = Get<MeshCoP::PendingDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp();
+    const MeshCoP::Timestamp &timestamp = Get<MeshCoP::PendingDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp();
 
-    VerifyOrExit(timestamp != nullptr && timestamp->GetSeconds() != 0);
-    error = Tlv::Append<PendingTimestampTlv>(*this, *timestamp);
+    VerifyOrExit(timestamp.IsValid() && timestamp.GetSeconds() != 0);
+    error = Tlv::Append<PendingTimestampTlv>(*this, timestamp);
 
 exit:
     return error;
diff --git a/src/core/thread/mle_router.cpp b/src/core/thread/mle_router.cpp
index 363a40d96..67dd68dde 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/mle_router.cpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/mle_router.cpp
@@ -2020,7 +2020,7 @@ void MleRouter::HandleChildIdRequest(RxInfo &aRxInfo)
     switch (Tlv::Find<ActiveTimestampTlv>(aRxInfo.mMessage, timestamp))
     {
     case kErrorNone:
-        if (MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&timestamp, Get<MeshCoP::ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp()) == 0)
+        if (timestamp == Get<MeshCoP::ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp())
         {
             break;
         }
@@ -2038,7 +2038,7 @@ void MleRouter::HandleChildIdRequest(RxInfo &aRxInfo)
     switch (Tlv::Find<PendingTimestampTlv>(aRxInfo.mMessage, timestamp))
     {
     case kErrorNone:
-        if (MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&timestamp, Get<MeshCoP::PendingDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp()) == 0)
+        if (timestamp == Get<MeshCoP::PendingDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp())
         {
             break;
         }
@@ -2503,7 +2503,7 @@ void MleRouter::HandleDataRequest(RxInfo &aRxInfo)
     switch (Tlv::Find<ActiveTimestampTlv>(aRxInfo.mMessage, timestamp))
     {
     case kErrorNone:
-        if (MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&timestamp, Get<MeshCoP::ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp()) == 0)
+        if (timestamp == Get<MeshCoP::ActiveDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp())
         {
             break;
         }
@@ -2521,7 +2521,7 @@ void MleRouter::HandleDataRequest(RxInfo &aRxInfo)
     switch (Tlv::Find<PendingTimestampTlv>(aRxInfo.mMessage, timestamp))
     {
     case kErrorNone:
-        if (MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&timestamp, Get<MeshCoP::PendingDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp()) == 0)
+        if (timestamp == Get<MeshCoP::PendingDatasetManager>().GetTimestamp())
         {
             break;
         }
diff --git a/tests/unit/test_meshcop.cpp b/tests/unit/test_meshcop.cpp
index 6dae027de..04480fec2 100644
--- a/tests/unit/test_meshcop.cpp
+++ b/tests/unit/test_meshcop.cpp
@@ -115,40 +115,86 @@ void TestSteeringData(void)
 
 void TestTimestamp(void)
 {
-    MeshCoP::Timestamp t1;
-    MeshCoP::Timestamp t2;
+    MeshCoP::Timestamp       t1;
+    MeshCoP::Timestamp       t2;
+    MeshCoP::Timestamp::Info info;
 
     t1.Clear();
-    t2.Clear();
-
     VerifyOrQuit(t1.GetSeconds() == 0);
     VerifyOrQuit(t1.GetTicks() == 0);
     VerifyOrQuit(!t1.GetAuthoritative());
+    VerifyOrQuit(t1.IsValid());
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t1, t1) == 0);
 
-    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&t1, &t2) == 0);
-    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&t1, nullptr) > 0);
-    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(nullptr, &t2) < 0);
-    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(nullptr, nullptr) == 0);
+    t1.ConvertTo(info);
+    VerifyOrQuit(info.mSeconds == 0);
+    VerifyOrQuit(info.mTicks == 0);
+    VerifyOrQuit(!info.mAuthoritative);
 
-    t1.SetTicks(10);
-    VerifyOrQuit(t1.GetTicks() == 10);
-    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&t1, &t2) > 0);
-    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&t2, &t1) < 0);
+    t2.SetToInvalid();
+    VerifyOrQuit(!t2.IsValid());
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t2, t2) == 0);
 
-    t2.SetTicks(10);
-    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&t1, &t2) == 0);
+    t2.ConvertTo(info);
+    VerifyOrQuit(info.mSeconds == 0xffffffffffff);
+    VerifyOrQuit(info.mTicks == 0x7fff);
+    VerifyOrQuit(info.mAuthoritative);
+
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t1, t2) > 0);
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t2, t1) < 0);
+
+    t2 = t1;
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t1, t2) == 0);
+    VerifyOrQuit(t2.IsValid());
+    VerifyOrQuit(t1.IsValid());
+
+    t1.SetSeconds(0x12345678abcd);
+    VerifyOrQuit(t1.GetSeconds() == 0x12345678abcd);
+    VerifyOrQuit(t1.IsValid());
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t1, t2) > 0);
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t2, t1) < 0);
+
+    t2.SetSeconds(0x12345678abcd);
+    VerifyOrQuit(t1.GetSeconds() == 0x12345678abcd);
+    VerifyOrQuit(t2.IsValid());
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t1, t2) == 0);
 
     t1.SetAuthoritative(true);
-    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&t1, &t2) > 0);
+    VerifyOrQuit(t1.GetAuthoritative());
+    VerifyOrQuit(t1.IsValid());
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t1, t2) > 0);
 
-    t1.SetSeconds(1);
-    VerifyOrQuit(t1.GetSeconds() == 1);
-    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&t1, &t2) > 0);
-    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&t2, &t1) < 0);
+    t1.SetAuthoritative(false);
+    VerifyOrQuit(!t1.GetAuthoritative());
+    VerifyOrQuit(t1.IsValid());
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t1, t2) == 0);
 
-    t2.SetSeconds(1);
-    t2.SetAuthoritative(true);
-    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(&t1, &t2) == 0);
+    t1.SetTicks(0x7fff);
+    VerifyOrQuit(t1.GetTicks() == 0x7fff);
+    VerifyOrQuit(!t1.GetAuthoritative());
+    VerifyOrQuit(t1.IsValid());
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t1, t2) > 0);
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t2, t1) < 0);
+
+    t2.SetTicks(0x7fff);
+    VerifyOrQuit(t2.GetTicks() == 0x7fff);
+    VerifyOrQuit(!t2.GetAuthoritative());
+    VerifyOrQuit(t2.IsValid());
+    VerifyOrQuit(MeshCoP::Timestamp::Compare(t1, t2) == 0);
+
+    t2.ConvertTo(info);
+    VerifyOrQuit(info.mSeconds == 0x12345678abcd);
+    VerifyOrQuit(info.mTicks == 0x7fff);
+    VerifyOrQuit(!info.mAuthoritative);
+
+    t1.SetToOrphanAnnounce();
+    VerifyOrQuit(t1.IsValid());
+    VerifyOrQuit(t1.IsOrphanAnnounce());
+
+    t1.ConvertTo(info);
+    VerifyOrQuit(info.mSeconds == 0);
+    VerifyOrQuit(info.mTicks == 0);
+    VerifyOrQuit(info.mAuthoritative);
 
     printf("TestTimestamp() passed\n");
 }