Investing in crypto can be both exciting and highly profitable, but it also comes with risk, often higher than traditional investing. Keeping your hard-won crypto holdings secure from things like phishing scams and exchange hacks is a constant battle. Unlike hot wallets, hardware wallets aren’t constantly connected to the internet, and they have become crucial tools for safeguarding your investments.
One manufacturer of these wallets is Ledger, and its sleek devices have earned a reputation for providing top-notch protection for your digital assets. But with different models and a sometimes complex setup, how do you know if a Ledger wallet is the right solution for you?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll examine the ins and outs of Ledger wallets. We’ll cover their security features, ease of use, supported cryptocurrencies, and overall value. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to decide if this is the best way to protect your crypto stash.
What Are Ledger Wallet’s Features?
With over 6 million devices sold across 200 countries and an impressive clientele that includes financial institutions and major brands, Ledger has become a global leader in crypto security. It’s estimated that their hardware wallets secure 20% of the world’s crypto assets.
Ledger also offers a range of services beyond just storing your tokens, enabling you to trade, buy, spend, earn, and manage NFTs. Below, we take a look at some of Ledger wallet’s standout features.
Security
Ledger doesn’t rely on just tech for its wallet security, it also emphasizes wallet user’s awareness of the potential risks. The company provides clear instructions in its accompanying guides on how to handle recovery phrases and security best practices.
Ledger wallets utilize a secure element chip, similar to those used in passports and credit cards, to store private keys offline, and each wallet is rigorously tested before leaving the factory. Prior to releasing a new wallet, Ledger’s code, firmware, and hardware undergo scrutiny by both internal teams and independent security agencies.
Offline storage makes digital theft significantly more difficult than software wallets. Transactions must be physically verified on the device using a PIN, providing additional protection.
Ledger’s track record in security is exemplary, having never recorded a hack targeting its wallets. While no system is infallible, it’s certainly easy to see why Ledger is the most popular manufacturer of hardware wallets.
Companion app
The Ledger Live app complements your wallet, providing a streamlined interface to manage your assets. The app is securely paired with your wallet and works seamlessly with both mobile and desktop platforms, giving you the flexibility to access your wallet when on the move.
Ledger Live’s interface is intuitive and user-friendly, and we think even beginners would have no problem navigating their way around it. Within the app, tools are available for you to check your entire crypto and NFT portfolio. You can also buy, sell, swap, or stake your crypto directly from the app, a secure, convenient way to interact with your holdings without sacrificing security.
Digital backup for wallet access
Ledger Recover, an ID-based feature, offers an optional safety net in the case of a lost or inaccessible secret recovery phrase. It allows you to regain access to your crypto assets if you ever forget your phrase. However, although Ledger Recover is secure, it’s intended as a last resort.
Ledger Recover splits your recovery information into fragments, securely storing them across three entities: Ledger, their service partner Coincover, and an escrow service. To initiate recovery, you’ll need to verify your identity and undergo security checks.
A range of wallets
Ledger offers models to accommodate different user needs and preferences:
Ledger Nano S Plus (priced at USD 71): This entry-level wallet provides robust security at a budget-friendly price. It supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and offers secure storage for NFTs. While it lacks Bluetooth connectivity and features a smaller screen, it’s a reliable, popular choice.
Ledger Nano X (priced at USD 133): This is Ledger’s flagship model and builds upon the security of the Nano S Plus, adding built-in Bluetooth connectivity for convenient wireless use with mobile devices. It also boasts a larger screen for improved user experience. The Nano X is an excellent all-around option for those seeking a balance of features and ease of use.
Ledger Stax (priced at USD 279): The latest addition to the Ledger lineup, the Stax features a unique, card-like design with a large, curved E-Ink touchscreen display for exceptional readability and navigation. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless Qi charging to the Ledger ecosystem. The Stax caters to users who want a premium, design-forward experience and cutting-edge features.
All Ledger wallets share the same core security features, including the secure element chip and offline storage, so any of the three will keep your assets safe.
Ledger’s Ease of Use and Functionality
We recently purchased a Ledger Nano S Plus for testing, and there are both positive aspects and some challenges worth addressing.
While not overly complex, the setup has a learning curve for those new to hardware wallets. Although Ledger provides instructions within the Ledger Live app, understanding the concepts of private keys, recovery phrases, and offline storage could take some time for those new to the terms. However, daily use should be straightforward once you’re familiar with the basics.
The compact design of the Nano S Plus meant it was easy to carry around, and interacting with the Ledger Live app, whether sending or receiving cryptocurrency, was straightforward. The breadth of supported cryptocurrencies is impressive, and the expansion into NFTs is a welcome addition.
However, one significant drawback lies in Ledger’s customer support. We thought responses to our tickets were slow, and it wasn’t always easy to find solutions to our issues elsewhere. This would likely be especially frustrating for first-time users who may have more technical questions.
Conclusion
Ledger hardware wallets are a significant security upgrade from storing your crypto holdings on exchanges or software wallets. We thought the initial setup and occasional customer support issues may pose some challenges for some users. However, we believe Ledger’s track record, robust security features, and wide range of supported assets make them an excellent choice for traders.
If you’re considering protecting your crypto investments with a hardware wallet, one from Ledger deserves strong consideration. But even the most advanced hardware wallet doesn’t replace the need for you to stay vigilant and practice trading safely.