Ledger Nano S Plus Review 2024: Is It Really Worth It?
This Ledger Nano S Plus review reveals the good, bad, and ugly about this hardware wallet. It is solid with its certified secure chip, which safeguards your private keys from physical and logical attacks. Its built-in OLED display allows you to verify transaction details and securely store your recovery phrase.
The Ledger Live app easily switches between apps, supporting over 5,500 digital assets, including NFTs. The Nano S Plus is also compatible with third-party wallets and platforms like Metamask and MyEtherWallet, offering expanded functionality.
With its price of $79, color options, and strong performance, the Ledger Nano S Plus is a reliable hardware wallet choice.
What is Ledger Nano S Plus?
Ledger, a prominent creator of cold wallets, has been at the forefront of innovation for almost a decade. They currently offer three hardware wallets:
- Ledger Stax
- Nano X
- Nano S Plus
One of the key advantages of using a Ledger hardware wallet is the ability to keep your private key hidden, even from internet-connected devices.
In addition to the hardware wallets, Ledger offers The Billfodl, a robust steel device that safeguards your 24-word recovery phrase. This protects it from potential disasters that could damage paper backups, such as fires or water risks.
The Ledger Nano S Plus is a hardware wallet that provides a secure and convenient solution for storing and managing your crypto assets and NFTs. With its compact size, the device connects to your computer or smartphone through a USB connection, and its OLED display allows you to verify transactions confidently.
It supports a wide range of digital assets, encompassing over 5,500 cryptocurrencies. Let’s dig in!
Who’s it for?
Even though it is designed to fit diverse needs, let’s explore in detail who should use this wallet.
For early users
Newbies can simplify and secure their crypto journey with Ledger Nano S Plus. It’s a hardware wallet that protects your private keys, allowing you to conveniently access your crypto and NFTs.
It is easy to set up using the Ledger Live app and enjoy features like buying crypto, swapping, staking, and sending crypto. With support for over 5,500 digital assets, including NFTs, Ledger Nano S Plus offers diversification and safe NFT management.
For savvy traders
Level up your trading game with Ledger Nano S Plus. This hardware wallet ensures top-notch security, performance, and flexibility for professional traders.
Safeguard your private keys offline, verify transactions on the device screen, and use advanced features through the Ledger Live app. Ledger Nano S empowers you to optimize your trading strategy and integrate with third-party wallets and platforms.
Ledger Nano S Plus Review: What makes it a solid pick?
Here are some of the key advantages of using Ledger Nano S Plus:
Highly secure crypto storage
The Ledger Nano S Plus is introduced as a highly secure blockchain wallet that acts as a sanctuary for your valuable digital assets.
It focuses on the impenetrable security measures used by Ledger to protect your private keys, which are stored offline in cold storage.
Interestingly, this disconnection from the internet makes it extremely difficult for hackers or crypto scammers to compromise the wallet’s security, keeping your assets safe. Moreover, Ledger proudly flaunts a flawless track record with no recorded instances of successful remote hacks.
The wallet’s credibility is further reinforced by its certification from ANSSI, a respected French cybersecurity agency. By choosing a Ledger wallet, you can be confident in preserving and securing your crypto assets.
Affordable rates and costs
The Ledger Nano S Plus is affordable, making it a practical choice among hardware wallets. It offers exceptional value, priced at just $79, and shipping without additional taxes or duties.
Additionally, the option of a family pack, which includes three wallets at a discounted price, further enhances its financial appeal, allowing you to secure your crypto assets without breaking the bank.
Supported cryptocurrencies
With the Ledger Nano S Plus, you can embrace the versatility of a wallet that supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies.
Moreover, this remarkable feature enables you to combine all your digital assets into a single secure location, simplifying the management of your crypto portfolio.
With Nano S Plus, you can experience the convenience and simplicity of having all your crypto-related activities in one place. This will streamline your crypto experience and give you more investment control.
NFT storage option
Ledger Nano S Plus is the ultimate choice for your non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and digital art. It offers a secure and reliable storage solution that safeguards your prized NFTs, game characters, and other cherished digital collectibles.
Seamlessly intertwine your NFT investments with your existing cryptocurrency holdings, creating a unified place where digital wealth thrives. The Ledger Nano S Plus becomes the gateway to an immersive world where your NFT dreams transform into reality.
Different color options
The Ledger Nano S Plus has multiple attractive color options, including matte black, BTC orange, ice blue, deepsea blue, and mystic white.
For those who appreciate a unique visual experience, there is even a transparent version that showcases the inner components of the device, blending aesthetics with functionality.
Getting started with Ledger Nano S Plus
Once you have your hands on the Ledger Nano S device, open the box and follow these steps to set up your wallet in a few minutes.
More details
Ledger Nano S Plus is a fortress-like protection for your digital wealth, sporting an affordable price point. This crypto wallet supports many cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks, making them easily managed via the reputable Ledger Live app. Despite its significant advantages, some users have noted the lack of storage capacity.
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Support for up to 5,500 cryptocurrencies.
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Private keys are always offline.
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Integration with other hot wallets.
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Support for staking.
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NFT support.
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High fees for Ledger Live crypto purchases.
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Limited app space.
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Small display.
Step 1: Open the Ledger Live App
Once you have the Ledger Nano S Plus device, interact with the device and select the [Set Up As New Device]. When done, click [Next Step] to move forward.
Step 2: Choose a pin code
Next, you need to create a pin code for your device. After that, click [Next Step].
Step 3: Generate the recovery phrase
Then, it would be best if you generated the 24-word recovery phrase. Copy it somewhere so that it is accessible whenever you need it. Click [Recovery Phrase] to move forward.
Step 4: Hide your recovery phrase
Once the recovery phrase is generated, hide it somewhere safe on paper on in any other form. Otherwise, you won’t be able to access your device and assets.
When done, click [Ok! I’m Done].
Step 5: Device check
Lastly, the Ledger app will check to ensure your device is genuine. To finalize this step, click [Check My Nano].
Congratulations! You are all set.
Ledger Nano S Plus Review: Key Features & Perks
Here are some key features that set Nano S Plus apart from its competitors:
Secure chip
The secure chip embedded within the Ledger Nano S Plus is an advanced microcontroller that provides robust resistance against physical and logical attacks. It is a dedicated safeguard for your private keys, critical in authorizing blockchain transactions.
With the secure chip, your private keys never leave the device, ensuring they are shielded from the reach of hackers and malware. In addition to secure storage, the chip performs essential cryptographic operations like transaction signing, address verification, and seed generation.
Notably, the secure chip employed in the Ledger Nano S Plus is certified with the highest level of security (CC EAL5+), offering peace of mind for your crypto assets.
Built-in OLED Display
The Ledger Nano S Plus incorporates a compact yet powerful OLED display that presents crucial transaction information in a user-friendly manner. This screen provides real-time details such as transaction amounts, recipient addresses, and associated fees, enabling you to stay informed at a glance.
More importantly, the display is a reliable verification tool, displaying confirmation messages that require explicit approval or rejection via the side buttons. By cross-referencing the details with your intentions, you can ensure the integrity of transactions and guard against tampering or phishing attempts.
Additionally, during device setup, the OLED display conveniently presents your recovery phrase, a vital component for restoring your device or accessing funds in case of loss or theft.
Supported digital assets
The Ledger Nano S Plus offers extensive support for an impressive array of digital assets, surpassing 5,500 in number. This hardware wallet covers you whether you hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Cardano, Polygon, or numerous other cryptocurrencies.
Furthermore, the Nano S Plus enables seamless non-fungible tokens (NFTs) management. They represent unique digital collectibles encompassing art, music, games, and more.
By installing up to 100 different apps on the device, each corresponding to a specific asset or network, you can effortlessly switch between various assets and conveniently access them using the Ledger Live app.
Ledger Live App and partners
The Ledger Live app is essential software that establishes a secure connection between your Nano S Plus and your computer. This feature-rich app empowers you to set up and configure your device. It also ensures its firmware is current for optimal performance and security.
Beyond device management, the Ledger Live app provides a comprehensive suite of financial services in collaboration with trusted partners.
Within the app, you can buy cryptocurrencies using fiat money via credit cards or bank transfers, execute secure and low-fee crypto swaps, stake your assets on multiple networks to earn passive income, and securely send and receive crypto to any address.
Moreover, the Ledger Live app lets you conveniently view and manage your NFTs directly on the device’s screen. This is the latest update, and we are loving it.
Third-Party wallets and platforms supported
The Ledger Nano S Plus stands out for its compatibility with various third-party wallets and platforms.
Using popular wallets like Metamask, you can seamlessly interact with decentralized applications (dApps) on the Ethereum network. These include Uniswap, Compound, and Aave. Similarly, MyEtherWallet grants access to advanced settings and tools explicitly tailored for Ethereum transactions. Tools like custom gas prices, data field manipulation, and contract interactions.
The Ledger Nano S Plus also supports Binance Smart Chain, providing access to a fast and cost-effective blockchain network supporting various dApps and tokens.
Connecting your Nano S Plus to these wallets and platforms lets you explore a wide range of decentralized finance and blockchain applications, expanding your possibilities within the crypto ecosystem.
Drawbacks of Ledger Nano S Plus
Let’s explore some drawbacks of the wallet that might be deal breakers for some:
Limited memory
One drawback of the Ledger Nano S Plus is its limited memory capacity, with only 1.5MB and no option for expansion.
This limitation doesn’t affect the storage capacity for cryptocurrencies, but it restricts the number of apps you can install. Ledger states that the Nano S Plus can accommodate up to one hundred apps.
The issue arises because Ledger devices use apps to manage different cryptocurrencies. Each cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH), has its dedicated Ledger app. When the wallet reaches its memory limit, it becomes necessary to uninstall an app before installing a new one.
Your crypto remains securely stored even if the app is uninstalled. However, frequent app installation and uninstallation can be cumbersome for individuals with multiple cryptocurrencies.
Less convenient than digital wallets
Compared to hot wallets, such as those available on computers, tablets, or smartphones, the Ledger Nano S Plus offers a less convenient user experience.
Digital wallets are often free and provide faster and easier-to-confirm crypto transactions than cold wallets like the Nano S Plus, which require a connection. Additionally, keeping digital assets on crypto exchanges is more convenient.
However, it’s essential to highlight the tradeoff: crypto exchanges and, to a lesser extent, digital wallets are less secure than hardware wallets like Ledger. Those prioritizing maximum security over convenience opt for cold wallets as a long-term storage solution, making Ledger hardware wallets a popular choice.
Small display
Due to its small size, the display area on this cryptocurrency wallet is limited. Even though it is a major upgrade from what it used to be, it is still considered a hindrance.
This can pose a slight challenge when reading the information on the screen. Users may be squinting or need to focus more closely to discern the details, especially if the text or graphics are small or intricate.
While the small display compromises the device’s portability, consider this aspect when interacting with the Nano S Plus for various operations and transactions.
Final Verdict
While free software wallets have advantages, they also come with inherent risks. Ledger’s Nano S Plus wallet offers a secure, affordable alternative that integrates seamlessly with popular online wallets. Its easy-to-carry design makes it user-friendly and cost-effective.
Using a two-step approach, you can explore the dynamic crypto landscape while mitigating the risk to your valuable assets.
With its durable construction, the Ledger Nano S Plus wallet is a cost-effective investment that can provide long-lasting security for years, effectively enhancing your crypto trading and investing journey.
No, it is a hardware wallet that offers secure storage and management of cryptocurrencies. Plus, it offers numerous color options and ease of use.
The Ledger Nano S Plus supports over 5,500 digital assets, including Bitcoin. With the Ledger Live app and compatible third-party wallets, you can conveniently buy, swap, and manage Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Yes, Ledger is widely recognized as a safe solution for storing and managing cryptocurrencies. It incorporates a secure chip that protects private keys, ensuring they are never exposed to the internet or vulnerable to theft.