In the fast-evolving world of cryptocurrencies, the need for secure storage solutions has never been more crucial. From exchange hacks to phishing scams, the risks associated with digital asset ownership are well known. As of 2025, Ledger remains one of the most popular and trusted names in the hardware wallet space. But with growing competition and past controversies, the question remains — is Ledger still safe and worth using in 2025?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Ledger wallets, including security, functionality, design, pros and cons, and whether it’s still a top-tier choice for safeguarding your crypto.
Ledger is a France-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in hardware wallets designed to store private keys offline. These devices allow users to safely store and manage cryptocurrencies without exposing their wallets to online threats.
Ledger's two main products are:
Ledger Nano S Plus – An affordable entry-level hardware wallet.
Ledger Nano X – A premium wallet with Bluetooth and enhanced memory capacity.
Ledger also offers the Ledger Stax, a premium touchscreen device announced in late 2023, which finally saw wide distribution in 2024.
All Ledger devices use a Secure Element (SE) chip, the same technology used in passports and SIM cards, providing an extra layer of security.
Ledger has built its reputation on security, and that remains a key strength in 2025. Here's what makes it reliable:
Every Ledger wallet is built with a certified CC EAL5+ Secure Element chip, which is considered one of the most secure in the industry. This chip stores private keys offline, making them immune to malware attacks, even if the computer used to access the wallet is compromised.
Ledger Live is the official companion app that allows users to manage their portfolio, send/receive crypto, and even stake or swap tokens. The app works in tandem with the hardware wallet to ensure transactions must be physically approved on the device, preventing unauthorized access.
Ledger wallets require a PIN code to access and allow for an optional 25th-word passphrase for added protection. Even if someone steals your device, they cannot access your funds without these credentials.
While the hardware and firmware are not fully open-source, Ledger has made key components of their software stack open and available for review, helping build community trust.
Ledger faced backlash in 2023 due to its Ledger Recover service, which introduced optional key sharding and recovery through third-party providers. While controversial, Ledger made the feature opt-in only, and gave users full transparency and choice — a move that helped restore trust.
In 2025, Ledger continues to improve transparency, and no major security vulnerabilities have been reported since.
One of Ledger’s biggest strengths is its support for a wide range of digital assets.
Ledger supports over 5,500 coins and tokens, including:
Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Solana (SOL)
Cardano (ADA)
Polkadot (DOT)
BNB Chain
Avalanche (AVAX)
ERC-20 tokens, BEP-20, SPL, and many more.
Through integrations, users can also manage NFTs, DeFi assets, and Layer 2 tokens like Arbitrum and Optimism.
With Ledger Live, users can:
Buy and sell crypto via integrated partners
Stake assets like ETH, DOT, or Tezos
Swap tokens via DEX aggregators
Track their portfolio value in real-time
Claim airdrops (where applicable)
Ledger Live has grown into a full-featured crypto dashboard that rivals many centralized exchange apps.
| Feature | Nano S Plus | Nano X | Ledger Stax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2022 | 2019 (updated) | 2024 |
| Storage Capacity | 1.5MB (100+ apps) | 2MB (100+ apps) | 2MB+ |
| Bluetooth | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Screen | Basic OLED | OLED | E-Ink Touchscreen |
| Mobile Compatibility | ✅ Yes (via cable) | ✅ Yes (wireless) | ✅ Yes |
| Price (USD, est.) | $79 | $149 | $279 |
Nano S Plus is ideal for beginners, Nano X for active mobile users, and Ledger Stax for those wanting a sleek, high-end experience.
Setting up a Ledger wallet is relatively simple:
Unbox the device and connect it to your computer or phone.
Install Ledger Live, the official app.
Create a new wallet or restore an existing one.
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase (crucial).
Install apps for each coin/token you plan to use.
Ledger provides detailed onboarding tutorials, and its clean UI makes navigation easy. The Stax, in particular, introduced a more intuitive touchscreen interface, making operations even smoother.
✅ Top-Tier Security – Still one of the safest ways to store crypto offline.
✅ Wide Asset Support – Thousands of tokens, coins, and NFTs supported.
✅ DeFi & Staking Ready – Native staking and DeFi integrations.
✅ Cross-Platform Use – Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.
✅ Evolving Hardware Options – A choice of budget and premium wallets.
✅ Growing Ecosystem – Partners like MetaMask, Rabby Wallet, WalletConnect, and more.
❌ Not Fully Open-Source – Some users prefer wallets with fully open-source firmware.
❌ Past Controversies – The Ledger Recover backlash damaged trust temporarily.
❌ No Touchscreen on Cheaper Devices – Only the expensive Stax has modern UI.
❌ Bluetooth Security Concerns – Though secure, some users avoid Nano X’s Bluetooth.
❌ No Native Support for All Chains – Some tokens require third-party wallets (e.g., MetaMask, Keplr).
Ledger remains a strong option for:
Long-term holders (HODLers) looking for secure cold storage.
DeFi users who interact with dApps via Ledger + browser wallets.
Crypto investors seeking multi-asset, multi-chain support.
NFT collectors who want hardware-level protection for digital art.
Security-conscious users who value offline storage and multi-layer encryption.
While Ledger leads the pack, here are a few competitors worth considering in 2025:
Trezor Model T – Fully open-source, touchscreen, excellent usability.
Keystone Pro – Air-gapped, camera-based wallet with excellent mobile support.
GridPlus Lattice1 – Enterprise-level wallet with a large display and robust access control.
SafePal S1 – Budget-friendly, mobile-compatible, with QR-code-based usage.
Each has its pros and cons, but Ledger remains the most battle-tested brand for now.
Yes — Ledger is still one of the safest and most convenient ways to store your cryptocurrency in 2025.
Despite controversies and increasing competition, Ledger has maintained a strong focus on user security, device functionality, and ecosystem integration. With support for thousands of assets, native staking, DeFi integrations, and the continued evolution of its hardware lineup, Ledger remains a top pick for both beginners and experienced crypto holders.