Ledger

What is Ledger?

Ledger has been making hardware walletsGlossaryHardware walletA small dedicated device that keeps your private keys offline and signs transactions internally. The key never leaves the device, so malware on your computer can’t get at it.On the learning path: Stage 6 · Step 1 – Hardware wallets compared →In the glossary →× since 2014 and is based in Paris ^[1]. With the Ledger Wallet app, its devices manage more than 500 crypto assets; Bitcoin is one app among many ^[2]. There is no Bitcoin-only edition. Devices with Bitcoin-only firmware are listed in the hardware wallet comparison.

Models and prices

Model	Controls	Connectivity	Secure element	Price (manufacturer)
Nano S Plus	OLED + buttons	USB-C	CC EAL6+	$59
Nano X	OLED + buttons	USB-C, Bluetooth	CC EAL5+	$99
Nano Gen5	2.8″ E Ink touchscreen	USB-C, Bluetooth, NFC	CC EAL6+	$179
Flex	2.8″ E Ink touchscreen	USB-C, Bluetooth, NFC	CC EAL6+	$249
Stax	3.7″ curved E Ink touchscreen	USB-C, Bluetooth, NFC	CC EAL6+	$399

Specs and prices according to Ledger, in US dollars (as of September 2026) ^[2],[3]. Prices and promotions in the shop may differ. The only ongoing cost is the optional Recover subscription (see below).

Security and custody

The keys are stored in a secure elementGlossarySecure element (security chip)A chip specially hardened against physical attacks, like the ones in bank cards and passports. In many hardware wallets it protects the PIN and secrets if the device falls into the wrong hands.On the learning path: Stage 6 · Step 1 – Hardware wallets compared →In the glossary →×. The Ledger Wallet app (MIT licence) and the on-device applications, such as the Bitcoin application, are open source. Ledger does not publish the low-level code of the operating system because its agreement with the chip manufacturer prohibits it ^[4]. The firmware can therefore only be partly verified independently. For Bitcoin, you can also use Sparrow instead of Ledger Wallet.

Nano Gen5, Flex and Stax come with a ‘Ledger Recovery Key’: an optional, PIN-protected backup that lets you set up a replacement device quickly ^[3],[2]. Your seed phraseGlossarySeed phrase (recovery phrase)A sequence of usually 12 or 24 words from which your wallet derives all its private keys. Anyone who knows the words has full access to your bitcoin – so they belong in an offline backup and never in anyone else’s hands.On the learning path: Stage 5 · Step 3 – Backing up your seed phrase →In the glossary →× still belongs offline, on paper or metal – see Backing up your seed phrase.

Incidents and criticism

• Data leak, 2020: in July 2020, around 1 million email addresses were stolen, and for about 272,000 customers also their name, postal address and phone number. Devices and funds were not affected ^[5].
• Ledger Recover (announced 2023): the optional subscription ($9.99 a month) splits the encrypted seed phrase into three parts held by Coincover, Ledger and Escrowtech; you only get it back after ID verification ^[6]. Critics say Recover shows that firmware can, in principle, export keys from the device – and with partly closed code, you cannot check for yourself what an update actually does ^[7].
• Global-e, 2026: in January 2026, Ledger confirmed that customers’ contact and order details had been stolen from its shop service provider Global-e. According to the companies, payment data, devices and funds were not affected ^[8].

Scammers use data like this for phishingGlossaryPhishingFraud using fake emails, text messages, websites or calls that look like genuine exchanges, wallet makers or banks. The goal is your passwords, 2FA codes – and above all your seed phrase.On the learning path: Stage 6 · Step 2 – Spotting scams →In the glossary →×. Never enter your seed phrase when someone asks you to by email, phone, text message or letter – Ledger never asks for it ^[5]. When ordering, a parcel locker or pick-up point and a separate email address help. More in Spotting scams.