Ledger is a French company specializing in hardware wallets for storing cryptocurrencies. Founded in 2014, it has grown into the world's most widely used hardware wallet brand, with over 6 million devices sold across 200+ countries. Ledger's product line — including the Nano S Plus, Nano X, Flex, and Stax — covers a broad range of users from first-time holders to experienced DeFi traders. Alongside its hardware, Ledger offers Ledger Live, a comprehensive software platform for managing crypto, staking, swapping, and interacting with partner services — all with on-device confirmation for every action.
Among the eight co-founders are Éric Larchevêque, Thomas France, Nicolas Bacca, Ian Rogers, and Cédric Menias, each with prior experience in the crypto and security industries. The company is headquartered in Paris and currently led by CEO Pascal Gauthier.
Security and Convenience
Secure Element: private keys are generated and stored inside a certified chip — CC EAL5+ on Nano S Plus and Nano X, and the newer CC EAL6+ on Flex and Stax — resistant to extraction and side-channel attacks.
Closed firmware: not open to line-by-line community audit, but signed and attested updates block malicious firmware installations.
On-device confirmations: every transaction, message, or app install requires physical confirmation — nothing happens without your approval.
Backups: 24-word BIP39 seed phrase plus an optional passphrase ("the 25th word"). Store it offline; steel backup solutions are recommended over paper for long-term resilience.
Genuine check: Ledger Live verifies device authenticity on first connection, reducing supply-chain risks.
"Your funds follow the seed phrase, not the hardware device. Initialize it yourself, run the genuine check in Ledger Live, and keep the seed phrase offline and physically secure."
Software: Ledger Live
Ledger Live is the central control hub for your Ledger devices: portfolio overview, asset management, swaps, staking, and partner services — all in one interface with clear on-device confirmations. For tax reporting, export a CSV from Ledger Live and import it into services such as ZenLedger or Koinly.
Supported Assets and Staking
Ledger supports 5,000+ assets across all major L1 and L2 networks. Manage BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA, XRP, MATIC, and many more directly in Ledger Live or via compatible third-party apps. Staking for major proof-of-stake networks is available natively in Ledger Live or through integrated partner platforms.
How Ledger Compares to Other Hardware Wallets
Wallet
Open-source?
SE
Connection
Best for
Typical price
Standout traits
Ledger Nano S Plus
Closed (audited)
EAL5+
USB-C
Beginners, value
$79
Best entry-level; 5k+ assets; Ledger Live
Ledger Nano X
Closed (audited)
EAL5+
USB-C + Bluetooth
Mobile users
$149
Bluetooth mobility; large app storage
Ledger Flex
Closed (audited)
EAL6+
USB-C + BT + NFC
Active multi-chain users
$249
E-Ink touchscreen; Clear Signing; NFC
Ledger Stax
Closed (audited)
EAL6+
USB-C + BT + NFC + wireless
Premium experience
$399
Curved 3.7" E-Ink; wireless charging
Trezor Safe 3 / Safe 5
Open firmware
Yes
USB-C
Open-source preference
~$79 / ~$169
Shamir backup; polished UX
Coldcard Mk4 (BTC-only)
Open-leaning
Yes
USB-C + microSD (air-gap)
Bitcoin multisig
~$157
PSBT mastery; duress/brick PIN
BitBox02
Open firmware
SE + MCU
USB-C
Simple desktop
~$149
microSD backup; clean app
Keystone 3 Pro
Open
Yes
QR (air-gapped)
Camera/QR signing
~$169
Great with Sparrow/Specter/Nunchuk
SafePal S1
Closed
Yes
QR + app
Budget
~$50
Low cost; broad coin list
NGRAVE ZERO
Closed (audited)
Premium
QR (air-gapped)
Security-max
~$398–$499
GRAPHENE steel; tamper evidence
Setup and Daily Use
Initialize the device, write down the 24-word seed phrase, set a PIN, install coin apps in Ledger Live, and add accounts. Bitcoin power users can connect Sparrow or Specter for full coin control and multisig setups. For ETH and DeFi, use WalletConnect via Ledger Live and always verify contract calls on the device screen before approving. Flex and Stax users benefit from Clear Signing — transaction details displayed in plain language directly on the touchscreen, significantly reducing the risk of approving malicious contracts.
On-device review before every approval
Which Ledger Model Should You Choose?
Ledger Stax ($399) is the flagship — a curved 3.7-inch E-Ink touchscreen, wireless charging, NFC, and CC EAL6+ security. Best for experienced users who want the most premium experience and handle frequent transactions across multiple chains.
Ledger Flex ($249) offers the same CC EAL6+ secure element and E-Ink touchscreen as the Stax at a significantly lower price, with USB-C, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity. The best choice for active self-custody users who want better usability than the Nano models without paying for the top-tier Stax.
Ledger Nano X ($149) is ideal for users who frequently manage crypto on a smartphone. Bluetooth provides mobility without compromising security, and it supports large numbers of simultaneously installed coin apps.
Ledger Nano S Plus ($79) is the best starting point for beginners or anyone who wants a reliable, affordable cold wallet. It covers all the essentials for secure storage without the extras — no touchscreen, no Bluetooth, just solid security at the lowest price in the lineup.
Q&A
What is Ledger?
Ledger is a French company founded in 2014, specializing in hardware wallets for the secure storage of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. With over 6 million devices sold in 200+ countries, it is the world's most widely used hardware wallet brand. Ledger devices keep private keys isolated from internet-connected environments, making them resistant to remote attacks.
When was the first Ledger wallet released?
The first Ledger wallet (the original Ledger Nano) was released in 2014 and quickly gained popularity for combining hardware-level security with ease of use.
How do I use Ledger Nano S Plus?
Connect the device via USB-C and install Ledger Live. Initialize the device: set a PIN, write down the 24-word recovery phrase, then install the coin apps you need. After setup, you can securely send, receive, and manage assets directly through Ledger Live.
How do I use Ledger Nano X?
Connect Nano X to a computer via USB-C or to a smartphone via Bluetooth, then install Ledger Live, set a PIN, and record the recovery phrase. Add coin apps and use the wallet for secure storage and transactions. Bluetooth makes it particularly convenient for mobile use.
What is Ledger Flex and how does it differ from Nano X?
Ledger Flex ($249) features a 2.84-inch E-Ink touchscreen, a newer CC EAL6+ secure element, and adds NFC support — upgrades over the Nano X ($149) which uses a small OLED screen and CC EAL5+. Flex also supports Clear Signing, displaying transaction details in plain language on-screen for easier and safer DeFi interaction. If you sign transactions frequently or use DeFi actively, Flex offers a meaningfully better experience than Nano X.
How do I connect Ledger to MetaMask?
Install the MetaMask browser extension, connect your Ledger to the PC via USB-C, and open the Ethereum app on the device. In MetaMask, select to connect a hardware wallet and choose Ledger, then follow the on-screen instructions. Once paired, you can securely interact with DeFi protocols and dApps using Ledger as the signing device.
What happened with the Ledger Recover controversy?
In 2023, Ledger announced an optional subscription service called Ledger Recover that would allow users to back up their seed phrase via encrypted shards stored with third parties. The announcement sparked significant community concern about whether the secure element could transmit seed data. The feature remains strictly opt-in and has no effect on users who do not activate it. Private keys are never transmitted unless the user explicitly enables the service.
I’ve been really happy with my experience so far — the device is super user-friendly. After thinking it over for a while, I went with the Nano X back in 2023 because it had its own dedicated app at the time, which felt like the most practical wallet option. I like that you can buy or sell crypto directly through the platform and even stake your coins. The only thing I was a bit unsure about was the whole recovery feature. Everyone online keeps saying, “Not your keys, not your crypto,” but what most people don’t mention is that storing your keys with the company is completely optional. As long as you don’t enable it, your keys aren’t kept anywhere — at least that’s how I understand it. I’d definitely recommend the Nano X to anyone who wants a discreet design and easy mobile access to their coins.
@Ethan Collins Totally agree with you. I’ve been using the Nano X since last year too, and it’s been super reliable. The recovery thing confused me at first as well, but yeah — it’s optional, and you can just ignore it if you prefer full control. I also like how smooth the Bluetooth connection is with the mobile app. Honestly, one of the best hardware wallets I’ve owned.
I’ve been using Ledger for long-term crypto storage. It’s very secure and widely supported, but the setup and Ledger Live updates can feel frustrating at times.
Same experience here — I’ve had my Nano X for over a year, and it’s been rock solid. Setup was quick, and the app makes managing coins super easy. I agree about the cable though — I swapped mine out right away. Also not a big fan of the new Recover feature, but as long as it stays optional, I’m fine with it. Still one of the most secure wallets out there in my opinion.
The wallet works as advertised, but the setup process took longer than I expected. The buttons feel a bit stiff, and the cable that comes with it didn’t work properly — had to use my own. I’m also not a fan of the new subscription idea; it goes against the point of self-custody. The product is secure, but Ledger should focus more on keeping it simple and transparent.
I’ve been using the Ledger Nano X for over a year now — it’s a great choice for long-term crypto storage. The device feels solid, compact, and reliable. The Bluetooth connection works fine, and the app interface is clear even for beginners. It’s reassuring to know my assets are safely offline. Definitely worth it if you value security and peace of mind.
The device works fine, but I don’t like the whole subscription/recovery service idea. It feels against the purpose of a cold wallet. Also, the included cable didn’t work properly — had to use my own.
Great hardware wallet — feels very secure and the app makes it simple to manage coins. I like that I can stake and buy directly through it, and the design is sleek and compact.
Nano X - I am very satisfied because the user-friendliness is so good. After a long time thinking it over, I decided on the Ledger Nano X. Since it had developed its own app at the time (2023), it seemed to me the most practical form of a wallet. On top of that, you can buy or sell your crypto directly from the platform. Staking is also possible.
The only downside back then was the Ledger Recovery feature. “Not your keys, not your crypto” was preached by every possible blogger. What is often forgotten to mention, however, is that it’s a voluntary option to have your keys stored by Ledger. As long as you don’t opt in, your keys are not stored anywhere—at least that’s how I’ve understood it so far.
I can recommend the Ledger Nano X to anyone who appreciates a discreet design and wants good mobile accessibility to their coins.
I have had the Ledger Nano X for about 3 months and it does what it’s supposed to do. Operating the device with only two buttons is a bit cumbersome, but you get used to it quickly. The Live app, on the other hand, makes operating it from the desktop side quite convenient. Overall, a good mix.
In the medium term, I will probably buy a more expensive wallet and then keep the Nano X as a backup. In any case, I have the impression that it will last for years, if not decades. Customer support is good in the sense that I have found answers online to all my questions so far – including the integration into Blockpit, where I had to look up and modify some code. But it worked.
Points deducted because I wanted to exchange Bitcoin for TRUMP on Solana in the wallet, and after installing an “Exchange” app, the wallet told me it was not supported.
Conclusion: Good for long-term storage, less suitable for trading. But that is exactly the purpose of a cold wallet.
I picked up a Ledger Nano S Plus about eight months ago after keeping everything on exchanges for years — and honestly, it changed how I think about self-custody. Setup took maybe 20 minutes, Ledger Live is clean and intuitive, and the on-device confirmation for every transaction gives me real peace of mind. I mostly hold BTC and ETH, so the S Plus covers everything I need without paying for features I won't use. The only learning curve was understanding how coin apps work on the device, but there's plenty of documentation. Solid hardware, no complaints.
· 7 months ago@Ethan Collins Totally agree with you. I’ve been using the Nano X since last year too, and it’s been super reliable. The recovery thing confused me at first as well, but yeah — it’s optional, and you can just ignore it if you prefer full control. I also like how smooth the Bluetooth connection is with the mobile app. Honestly, one of the best hardware wallets I’ve owned.