Ledger Crypto Wallet Review: Secure Hardware Wallets Compared

Picking the right crypto wallet really matters—it can mean the difference between keeping your digital assets safe or risking a loss. Hardware wallets like Ledger have gotten pretty popular among folks who want to stash their coins offline, well out of reach from hackers.

Ledger’s got two main models: the Ledger Nano S Plus at $48 and the Ledger Nano X at $146. Both support over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, plus they let you dive into DeFi apps and manage NFTs right out of the box.

Over the years, Ledger’s built a solid name for itself by making cold storage devices that play nicely with both desktop and mobile apps.

With Ledger Live, you can buy, stake, and swap coins—all while your private keys stay locked up on the physical device. It supports major cryptos like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Cardano, so it’s a decent fit if you’ve got a mix of coins.

Key Takeaways

• Ledger hardware wallets keep over 5,500 cryptocurrencies secure offline, starting at $48

  
  

• Devices work with Ledger Live for DeFi, staking, and NFT management

  
  

• Users hold their private keys and get the peace of mind that comes from offline storage

  
  

Ledger Crypto Wallets Overview

Ledger makes hardware wallets that keep your crypto offline—over 5,500 coins and tokens, actually. They’ve got a couple of models, ranging from basic USB to fancier Bluetooth options that sync with your phone.

Ledger Nano S Features

The Nano S Plus is Ledger’s entry-level wallet. It sells for $48 and plugs in via USB-C.

This model covers a huge range of digital currencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple (XRP), Litecoin, Cardano (ADA), and plenty more. You can load up several crypto apps at once.

It generates a 24-word recovery phrase for backup. There’s also two-factor authentication for extra peace of mind.

The Nano S Plus works with desktops and Android devices, but you’ll need a USB cable for mobile—no Bluetooth here.

Key specs:

• Price: $48

  
  

• Connection: USB-C only

  
  

• Screen: Small OLED display

  
  

• Mobile support: Android via USB

WATCH LEDGER NANO X LIVE

Ledger Nano X Key Differences

The Nano X runs $146 and adds Bluetooth, so you can use it wirelessly with your phone. No cords needed—just pair and go.

This model packs more storage than the Nano S Plus. You can install up to 100 crypto apps at once.

The built-in battery lasts several hours between charges, and you can top it up via USB-C.

Bluetooth works with both iOS and Android through the Ledger Live mobile app. Security-wise, it’s on par with the rest of the Ledger lineup.

Nano X perks:

• Bluetooth support

• Works with iOS

• More app storage

• Rechargeable battery

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Ledger wallets handle more than 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens. That covers all the usual suspects: Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), and so on.

Altcoins like Litecoin, Polkadot (DOT), Tron (TRX), and Cardano (ADA) are good to go. You also get support for thousands of ERC-20 tokens.

Managing NFTs? You can do that right from your Ledger. The wallet hooks into DeFi apps for staking and lending, too.

Ledger plays well with third-party wallets like MetaMask, so you can access even more blockchains and coins that aren’t built into Ledger Live.

Ledger Live App Integration

Ledger Live is the main app for managing your crypto with Ledger. It’s available on desktops and mobile devices.

You can buy, sell, and swap coins right in the app. Ledger Live connects to exchanges and DeFi protocols, but your private keys always stay on the device.

Staking is built in, so you can earn rewards on supported coins. The app shows your portfolio and transaction history in real time.

Ledger Live highlights:

• Portfolio tracking

• Exchange access

• Staking rewards

• DeFi support

NFT management

If you want to use the mobile app, you’ll need the Nano X for Bluetooth. On desktop, both the Nano S Plus and Nano X work via USB.

Security and User Experience

Ledger’s hardware wallets blend military-grade security with modern features. You get certified secure chips, wireless options, and support for things like NFTs and staking.

Certified Secure Chip and EAL5+ Security

Ledger builds its wallets with a secure chip that’s CC EAL5+ certified. This chip keeps your private keys offline, away from internet risks.

The chip creates a walled-off space inside the device. Even if someone gets physical access, they can’t easily break in and grab your keys.

During setup, each Ledger device generates a 24-word recovery phrase. You need to write these down and stash them somewhere safe. Lose your device? You can use the phrase to restore your crypto.

Every wallet uses a PIN code (4-8 digits). If you enter the wrong PIN three times, the device resets itself. That way, if someone tries to brute-force their way in, they’re locked out.

Bluetooth and Connectivity Features

Ledger’s newer devices offer Bluetooth, so you can manage your crypto wirelessly. Just pair your wallet with your phone or computer—no cable clutter.

The Bluetooth connection works through the Ledger Live mobile app. You can check balances and send transactions from your phone, but your keys never leave the device.

Connection options:

• Bluetooth for mobile

• USB-C for computers

• Wireless pairing with smartphones

• Direct USB for desktop apps

Wireless features just make daily management smoother. When it’s time to approve a transaction, you check the device screen and tap to confirm.

Setup Process and Ease of Use

Getting started with a Ledger wallet usually takes about 15 minutes. You turn it on and follow the on-screen steps.

Setup means picking a PIN and jotting down your recovery phrase. The device shows each word one by one, nice and clear.

Setup steps:

1. Power up the device

   
   

2. Pick a secure PIN

   
   

3. Write down the 24 recovery words

   
   

4. Install Ledger Live

   
   

5. Add your crypto accounts

The E Ink touchscreen keeps things simple. Just tap to pick options and confirm actions. It’s easy to read, even in bright light, and sips battery.

Most folks find the interface pretty intuitive. Before you confirm, the device always shows the transaction details.

NFTs, Staking, and Advanced Asset Management

Ledger wallets let you store over 5,500 crypto assets, including NFTs. You can see your NFT collection right in Ledger Live.

You can connect to popular NFT marketplaces securely. Buying, selling, or transferring NFTs happens with your keys staying put on the device.

Supported features:

• NFT storage and viewing

• Staking for crypto rewards

• DeFi protocol support

• Token swapping

Staking works through Ledger Live for lots of coins. You can earn rewards and keep your assets safe at the same time.

The wallets connect safely to third-party DeFi apps. Every transaction needs approval on the device screen before it goes through.

If you’re into advanced stuff, you can manage multiple accounts for the same crypto. It’s handy for keeping things organized—maybe one account for trading, another for long-term holding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

People always have questions about Ledger wallets—stuff like how the models differ, how easy they are for beginners, security, and which apps work. The Nano X brings Bluetooth and mobile app access, while the Nano S Plus is cheaper and sticks to USB only.

What are the main differences between the Ledger Nano X and Nano S models?

The Nano X is $146 and brings Bluetooth for mobile use. Nano S Plus is $48 and only connects with USB-C.

Nano X works with both desktop and mobile Ledger Live. Nano S Plus sticks to desktops.

Both support 5,500+ cryptocurrencies and share the same security features.

The Nano X holds more apps at once, so you can juggle more coins without uninstalling.

How user-friendly is the Ledger Nano S Plus for beginners?

Nano S Plus plugs right into your computer via USB-C. Setting it up is pretty straightforward—just follow the steps in Ledger Live.

Navigation is basic: a small screen and two buttons. You press the buttons to confirm actions and move through menus.

During setup, you’ll need to write down a 24-word recovery phrase. That’s your backup if the device is ever lost or broken.

Ledger Live guides you through buying, sending, and receiving crypto. The interface is clear, showing balances and transaction history.

What improvements have been made on the Ledger Nano X compared to the previous versions?

Nano X added Bluetooth for wireless mobile connections—older models only worked via USB.

The built-in battery means you don’t have to stay tethered to a computer. You can confirm transactions from your phone on the go.

It has more memory, so you can install up to 100 apps at once. The screen’s also bigger and easier to read than the original Nano S.

Can the Ledger Live app be used with both Nano X and Nano S devices?

Ledger Live works with all current Ledger models, including Nano X and Nano S Plus. On desktop, both connect via USB.

The mobile app only pairs with Nano X over Bluetooth. Nano S Plus users need to stick with the desktop version.

Both devices give you access to the same Ledger Live features—buy, sell, swap, stake, all that. The interface looks the same no matter which device you use.

What security features are integrated into the Ledger cold wallets to protect assets?

Ledger devices keep your private keys offline on a secure chip. Hackers can’t get to them over the internet.

During setup, you get a 24-word recovery phrase. If you want, you can add a 25th word for extra security.

Two-factor authentication protects device access. You have to press physical buttons to approve every transaction.

Multisignature wallets are supported via Coinkite integration, so multiple people can be required to approve a transaction.

How does the Ledger Nano S Plus compare to other wallets in terms of value and performance?

The Nano S Plus costs $48, so it's quite a bit cheaper than the $146 Nano X. You still get support for just as many cryptocurrencies as those pricier models, which is pretty impressive, honestly.

When you stack it up against Trezor's basic model, the Nano S Plus covers Ripple, Monero, and Cardano. Trezor only unlocks those if you shell out for their advanced version, which feels a bit limiting.

You can use the device with iOS or Android, as long as you've got the right USB adapters. Trezor's basic wallet? That one only plays nice with Android, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

In terms of transaction speed and security, it keeps pace with other hardware wallets. There's just one real drawback: it doesn't have Bluetooth, so using it on the go with your phone can be a hassle.