The Ledger Nano: Which One’s For You?

In the world of crypto, wallets are the essential gateway to everything. If you want to own crypto, make transactions with crypto, interact with decentralized applications (dApps), or take part in decentralized finance (DeFi), you need a wallet to do so.

Choosing the right kind of crypto wallet has an immense impact on the security of your digital assets, and with all the options out there, finding the right wallet can be daunting for crypto newcomers. That said, understanding what makes a wallet secure and easy to use is an important first step to wrap your head around before diving into digital assets.

In this article, you’ll learn about different types of crypto wallets, how Ledger makes its devices secure, and the differences between the entry-level Ledger Nano range and Ledger’s next-generation devices.

What Are Crypto Wallets?

A crypto wallet is essentially an interface that allows people access to their digital assets. This is possible because crypto wallets store your private keys. You can think of private keys as the password allowing you to access your assets stored on the blockchain. As such, you must keep your private keys secure because they’re what prove ownership and authorize transactions on the blockchain. 

Alongside your public key, they are used in the process of signing blockchain transactions in Web3. So, despite what the name suggests, crypto wallets don’t actually store your crypto the way an everyday wallet stores cards and cash. Rather, they store your private keys, enabling you to access your digital assets that live on the blockchain. 

What Types Of Crypto Wallets Are There?

There are two important questions to answer first when you’re looking to get a crypto wallet: Does it allow for self-custody, and how will it generate and store my private keys?

Custodial wallets like those of centralized exchanges hold your private keys and simply allow you to access them. While they can be convenient for newcomers and relieve the pressure of having to safeguard your own private keys, using a custodial wallet essentially gives the true ownership of your crypto to your wallet provider. 

Financial agency is a foundational principle of crypto, and from that perspective, non-custodial wallets are a better alternative as they put you in complete control of your private keys and thus, your crypto.

There is a similar contrast between software wallets, which store private keys on internet-connected devices, and hardware wallets, which store private keys in an offline, isolated hardware environment. While software wallets offer some convenience, their exposure to the internet makes them incredibly vulnerable to online attacks. 

The fundamental advantage of hardware wallets like Ledger devices is that they keep private keys offline and protect from remote attacks. Beyond that, different kinds of hardware wallets offer varying security architectures, companion apps, and form factors.

For optimal security with practical usability, hardware wallets represent the gold standard in crypto security, combining offline key storage with the ability to interact with the broader blockchain ecosystem.

Read this Academy article for a deep dive into the different types of crypto wallets.

Of course, not all hardware wallets are created equal. Ledger devices all benefit from a proven security model that offers top-notch security and ease of use. 

Ledger’s Unique Security Model

Ledger’s comprehensive security model is built on five key elements working together to protect your digital assets:

Secure Element Chip

Unlike standard microcontroller units found in other hardware wallets, Ledger uses tamper-proof Secure Element chips—the same technology in bank cards and passports. These EAL5+/EAL6+ certified chips resist physical attacks like power-glitching and side-channel attacks. Ledger pioneered this approach in hardware wallets, contributing to why no Ledger device has ever been hacked.

Secure Ledger OS 

Ledger’s custom operating system isolates applications from each other and encrypts information on the Secure Element. This separation ensures that potential vulnerabilities in one blockchain app can’t compromise others, keeping your private keys protected even during complex operations across multiple chains.

Secure Screens

Ledger’s screens are driven directly by the Secure Element chip, making them tamper-proof and protecting you from attacks like address poisoning and clickjacking. Ledger’s next-generation devices, Ledger Stax™  and Ledger Flex™, also feature the world’s first secure E Ink®  touchscreens.

PIN Code

Every Ledger device requires a 4-8 digit PIN. Without it, no one can access your device, sign transactions, or update firmware. After three incorrect attempts, the device resets, protecting your assets if lost or stolen (and you can always recover your accounts on a Ledger device by importing your secret recovery phrase.

The Ledger Donjon

Ledger’s in-house security lab of white-hat hackers continuously tests Ledger devices to find and fix potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, keeping Ledger devices up-to-date and ahead of emerging threats.

The Ledger Nano Series of Devices

Ledger Nano S Plus

The Ledger Nano S Plus is the evolution of the original Nano S (first released in 2016), offering increased storage while maintaining the familiar form factor. At $79, it’s an excellent entry point for hardware wallets, allowing you to install several applications simultaneously and offering support for NFTs.

Its USB drive size and stainless steel coverage make it both easy to carry and resistant to mechanical shocks. The USB drive-sized device has a 1.09” screen, connects to your computer via USB-C cable, and works with the Ledger Live app to manage your assets.

Ledger Nano X

If you’re looking to manage your crypto on the go, the Ledger Nano X is designed for mobile use. Unlike the Nano S Plus, the Nano X features Bluetooth connectivity and will work wirelessly with your smartphone through the Ledger Live mobile app.

The Nano X also offers significantly more memory capacity, allowing you to install up to 100 applications simultaneously compared to just 3 on the original Nano S. With its built-in battery, you can also manage your assets anywhere, anytime.

When To Consider an Upgrade

While the Ledger Nano range is great for an entry-level experience of secure self-custody, there may come a time when you want to upgrade.

For one thing, there’s the fact that consumer electronics require regular updating and eventual replacement. Ledger devices are no exception, and while they are ultimately secure, the technology within them has to evolve over time.  

As security measures and features evolve, newer devices can support advanced capabilities that older devices may not be able to accommodate. In other cases, newer devices may be optimized to showcase certain features. As an example, the larger screens on Ledger’s next-generation devices help them to deliver an ideal experience of Clear Signing (which translates complex transaction data into a human-readable format).

Introducing Ledger’s Secure Touchscreen Devices

For those seeking the ultimate in security and user experience, Ledger now offers two groundbreaking devices with secure touchscreens.

Ledger Flex, at $249, establishes a new standard for hardware security with its 2.8″ flat E Ink® touchscreen driven directly by the Secure Element chip. This innovative design makes transaction verification more intuitive while maintaining uncompromising security. The device features a customizable lock screen that remains visible even when powered off, built-in magnets for accessories, and multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth, NFC, and USB-C. 

At the premium end of the spectrum is Ledger Stax, designed by Tony Fadell, godfather of the iPod. Priced at $399, this flagship device features a larger 3.7″ curved E Ink® touchscreen that allows you to label the spine for easy device identification.  Additional premium features include wireless Qi charging capability alongside the standard connectivity options, all powered by a battery that lasts for weeks on a single charge.

What makes both of these devices revolutionary is that they represent the world’s first truly secure touchscreens in the hardware wallet market. Unlike conventional screens that prioritize performance over security, Ledger’s secure touchscreens are directly controlled by the Secure Element chip, protecting you from malware that might manipulate what you see.

This innovative approach puts Ledger’s battle-tested security model into an interface that feels familiar and intuitive, making complex transaction verification simpler and safer. The result is a new generation of hardware wallets that doesn’t compromise security for ease of use or vice versa.

A Ledger Device for Every Kind of Hodler

Whether you’re just beginning your crypto journey or you’re a seasoned investor with diverse digital assets, Ledger offers a device perfectly tailored to your needs. 

As the crypto ecosystem continues to evolve, so do the security challenges that come with it. Investing in a hardware wallet isn’t just about protecting your assets today, it’s about ensuring your digital value remains secure for the long term. With Ledger’s proven security model and commitment to innovation, you can explore the exciting world of cryptocurrency with confidence.

Ready to take control of your crypto security? Explore the full range of Ledger hardware wallets today and discover which device best suits your digital asset journey. 

Knowledge is power