Key takeaways
- One of the most popular options on the market, the Nano S Plus offers robust security with a certified Secure Element chip and regular firmware updates.
- Supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ether.
- User-friendly design with a larger screen and intuitive interface.
- Affordable at $79, offering great value for advanced features.
Since its release in 2016, the Ledger Nano S has earned the title of the best-selling hardware wallet of all time.
Sales have surged recently, driven by a notable rise in cryptocurrency-related hacking incidents. In 2024 alone, losses from hacks escalated to approximately $2.2 billion — a 21% increase from the $1.8 billion reported in 2023.
After all, unlike hot wallets — which remain connected to the internet — the Ledger Nano S ensures your assets remain safe, even if your computer or phone is compromised.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the “Plus” version of the Ledger Nano S to uncover what sets it apart and why it continues to be a top choice for crypto security.
Did you know? In November 2024, Ledger appointed Tony Fadell, renowned for his work on Apple’s iPod, and Lily Liu, co-founder of Earn.com, to its board of directors.
Ledger Nano S Plus security
The Ledger Nano S Plus is engineered with advanced security features to protect your digital assets. Here’s an overview of its key security mechanisms:
Private key storage
Private keys are securely stored within the device’s CC EAL5+-certified Secure Element chip. This ensures that your keys remain isolated from internet-connected devices, significantly reducing the risk of online threats.
Firmware security
Ledger’s proprietary operating system, BOLOS, runs on the Nano S Plus, providing a secure environment for your transactions. Regular firmware updates are released to address potential vulnerabilities and enhance security features. Users are encouraged to keep their devices updated to benefit from the latest protections.
Tamper resistance
The device incorporates robust tamper-resistant hardware designed to detect and prevent physical attacks. Ledger employs an attestation process during device initialization to verify the authenticity of the hardware, ensuring it hasn’t been compromised.
Recovery options
During setup, the Nano S Plus generates a 24-word recovery phrase, serving as a backup to restore your wallet if the device is lost or damaged. It’s crucial to store this recovery phrase securely, as possessing it grants full access to your funds.
Ledger also offers an optional service called Ledger Recover, an ID-based key recovery service that provides a backup for your secret recovery phrase, adding an extra layer of security.
Did you know? Ledger was one of the first companies to pioneer the use of Secure Element chips in hardware wallets, a technology typically used in credit cards and passports.
Setup and usability of Ledger Nano S Plus
The Ledger Nano S Plus is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of the setup experience:
Unboxing experience
The Nano S Plus arrives in secure, eco-friendly packaging that emphasizes both sustainability and tamper resistance. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The Ledger Nano S Plus device with a protective film
- A USB-C to USB-A cable for connecting to your computer
- Recovery phrase cards for writing down your 24-word backup
- A “get started” guide with clear setup instructions
- A set of Ledger-branded stickers for personalization
Before proceeding, verify that the package is sealed and the device is free from any signs of tampering.
Initial setup
Getting started with the Ledger Nano S Plus is simple and quick:
- Visit the official Ledger website and download the Ledger Live app for your desktop or mobile device.
- Connect the Nano S Plus to your computer or smartphone using the provided USB cable.
- Initialize the device by following on-screen prompts to create a new wallet or restore an existing one using your 24-word recovery phrase.
- Write down the generated 24-word recovery phrase on the included cards and store it securely.
- Set up a PIN code directly on the device for added protection.
- Complete the device setup through the Ledger Live app by installing the apps for your preferred cryptocurrencies.
The entire process is supported by step-by-step guidance provided in the app.
User interface
The Ledger Nano S Plus features a crisp, larger screen than its predecessor, making navigation and transaction verification easier. Two physical buttons on the device enable seamless interaction.
The Ledger Live app serves as a comprehensive hub for managing your crypto portfolio. It allows you to install apps, check balances, send and receive funds, and interact with decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible token (NFT) platforms. The interface is clean and intuitive, catering to users of all experience levels.
Documentation and support
To help users set up and get the most out of their devices, Ledger provides step-by-step user guides and video tutorials on its official website, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience.
A comprehensive knowledge base is also available, featuring a searchable repository of FAQs and troubleshooting tips.
For direct assistance, Ledger offers responsive customer support via email and live chat.
Additionally, users are able to engage with an active community through forums, where they can discuss issues, share solutions and gain insights from fellow users.
Asset support and compatibility
The Ledger Nano S Plus supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL), BNB (BNB), and Cardano’s ADA (ADA). Users can also manage popular stablecoins such as USDt (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC), making the device ideal for both trading and long-term storage.
In addition to coins, the Nano S Plus supports various ERC-20 and BEP-20 tokens, ensuring compatibility with tokens built on the Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain networks.
The Ledger Nano S Plus integrates seamlessly with DeFi applications and NFT platforms through the Ledger Live app and third-party wallets like MetaMask. While some tokens and decentralized applications require these integrations for full functionality, Ledger ensures secure interactions with external platforms.
For a complete list of coins and tokens supported by the Ledger Nano S Plus, you may refer to the company’s official documentation.
Design and build quality
The Ledger Nano S Plus features a sleek, compact design, blending practicality with aesthetic appeal.
Crafted with high-quality materials, including brushed stainless steel and durable plastic, the device is both lightweight and sturdy. It measures 62.39mm x 17.40mm x 8.24mm and weighs just 21 grams, making it highly portable and easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
The wallet has a larger screen compared to its predecessor, enhancing visibility and simplifying navigation and transaction verification. The physical buttons are responsive and ergonomically placed for convenient operation. Available in a polished black finish, the Nano S Plus combines elegance with functionality.
Ledger’s commitment to durability extends to its tamper-resistant construction, ensuring the device withstands regular use and travel.
Pricing
Priced at $79, the Nano S Plus is one of the most affordable hardware wallets in its class, delivering a balance of security, functionality and accessibility.
Ledger also provides a one-year warranty, ensuring users have peace of mind regarding the device’s durability and performance.
Did you know? The Ledger Nano S Plus is among the most affordable hardware crypto wallets on the market.
FAQs
1. Can the Ledger Nano S Plus be hacked?
The Ledger Nano S Plus is engineered with robust security features, including a CC EAL5+-certified Secure Element chip, to safeguard your private keys and digital assets.
While no device can be deemed entirely impervious to attacks, there have been no known instances of the Ledger Nano S Plus being compromised when used correctly.
It’s crucial to follow best security practices, such as keeping your recovery phrase offline and confidential, ensuring your device’s firmware is up to date, and only using official Ledger software.
Regular firmware updates are released to address potential vulnerabilities and enhance security features.
2. Is the Ledger Nano S Plus compatible with Bitcoin?
Yes, the Ledger Nano S Plus is fully compatible with Bitcoin. Users can securely store, send and receive Bitcoin using the device in conjunction with the Ledger Live app.
Additionally, the Nano S Plus supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies and tokens, allowing you to manage multiple digital assets from a single device.
3. How do I recover my funds if I lose the wallet?
If you lose your Ledger Nano S Plus, you can recover your funds using the 24-word recovery phrase generated during the initial setup. This phrase allows you to restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or a compatible third-party wallet.
It’s imperative to store your recovery phrase securely and never share it with anyone, as possession of this phrase grants full access to your funds.
Ledger also offers an optional service called Ledger Recover, an ID-based key recovery service that provides a backup for your secret recovery phrase, adding an extra layer of security.
4. Does it support staking or other advanced features?
Yes, the Ledger Nano S Plus supports staking for certain proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies, allowing you to earn rewards directly through the Ledger Live app.
Supported staking assets include Tezos (XTZ), Cosmos (ATOM), Algorand (ALGO) and Tron (TRX), among others.
Additionally, the device supports DeFi applications and NFTs, enabling you to manage a wide range of digital assets and participate in various blockchain-based activities securely.
5. Where can I purchase the Ledger Nano S Plus?
You can purchase the Ledger Nano S Plus directly from Ledger’s official website or through authorized resellers.
Buying from official sources ensures you receive a genuine product with full warranty support.
Be cautious of purchasing from unofficial channels, as counterfeit devices may pose security risks.
Written by Bradley Peak
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