Ledger Nano Review: Complete Guide to the Nano S Plus Hardware Wallet
This comprehensive ledger nano review examines the Nano S Plus—the entry-level nano ledger hardware wallet that delivers premium security at an accessible price point. For cryptocurrency investors seeking cold storage protection without paying for wireless features they may not need, the Nano S Plus represents exceptional value. We'll analyze every aspect of this nano ledger device, from its CC EAL6+ certified secure element to its 100+ app capacity, helping you determine whether it matches your security requirements.
Nano Ledger Overview: What Is It?
A nano ledger is a compact hardware wallet designed to store cryptocurrency private keys in a secure, offline environment. These pocket-sized devices connect to computers or phones only when needed for transactions, keeping your cryptographic credentials isolated from internet threats during storage.
The nano ledger hardware wallet concept emerged from a fundamental security principle: private keys should never exist on internet-connected devices. Software wallets, browser extensions, and exchange accounts all expose credentials to potential hackers. Hardware wallets eliminate this risk by performing all cryptographic operations within a dedicated, tamper-resistant chip.
Evolution of the Nano Ledger Series
Ledger launched the original Nano S in 2016, and it became the best-selling hardware wallet in history with millions of units sold globally. The compact USB design and affordable price point made hardware wallet security accessible to mainstream cryptocurrency users for the first time.
However, the original Nano S had one significant limitation: only 320KB of storage allowed 3-6 cryptocurrency applications simultaneously. Users managing diverse portfolios constantly installed and uninstalled apps, creating workflow friction that frustrated active traders.
Ledger addressed this constraint by releasing the Nano S Plus in April 2022. The updated device increased storage to 1.5MB (supporting 100+ apps), upgraded the display resolution, modernized to USB-C connectivity, and implemented a higher-certified secure element chip. The original Nano S was discontinued in 2023, making the S Plus the current entry-level nano ledger option. For mobile users needing Bluetooth connectivity, the Ledger Nano X offers premium features at a higher price point.
Why Choose a Nano Ledger Hardware Wallet
Hardware wallets like the nano ledger provide security advantages impossible to achieve with software alternatives. Private keys generate and remain within the secure element chip, never exposed to computers, phones, or internet connections. Transaction signing occurs entirely on-device, preventing malware from accessing or manipulating your credentials. Physical transaction confirmation requires button presses that remote attackers cannot simulate. PIN protection and automatic wipe functionality defend against physical theft.
The nano ledger hardware wallet particularly suits long-term investors who don't need constant portfolio access, security-conscious users wanting maximum protection for significant holdings, desktop-focused traders managing crypto from computers, budget-conscious buyers seeking premium security at entry-level pricing, and backup device users pairing with Nano X for redundancy.
Ledger Nano S Plus: Comprehensive Review
This ledger nano review section examines every aspect of the Nano S Plus experience.
Design and Build Quality
The Nano S Plus features a brushed stainless steel and plastic construction that feels solid without excessive weight. At 21 grams and 62mm in length, the device is noticeably smaller and lighter than the Nano X, enhancing portability for users who carry their wallet daily. Protect your device with Ledger accessories like protective cases and backup solutions.
The rotating metal cover pivots to protect the USB-C port when closed and exposes it for connection when opened. This mechanism adds durability while maintaining easy access. The swivel action feels smooth with appropriate resistance to prevent accidental opening.
A 128x64 pixel OLED display provides clear text rendering for addresses, transaction amounts, and menu navigation. The doubled resolution from the original Nano S (which had 128x32) significantly improves readability and allows displaying complete wallet addresses without excessive scrolling.
Two physical buttons above the display handle all navigation. Press individually to scroll left or right; press both simultaneously to confirm selections. The button interface requires brief familiarization but becomes intuitive quickly.
Security Features and Certifications
The Nano S Plus incorporates the ST33K1M5 secure element chip with CC EAL6+ certification—the highest security rating in Ledger's Nano lineup. This certification exceeds even the Nano X's EAL5+ rating, meaning the entry-level device actually contains a more rigorously validated security chip.
CC EAL6+ certification indicates the secure element has passed extensive independent testing for vulnerability assessment and resistance to sophisticated attacks. The testing process examines physical tamper resistance, side-channel attack protection, fault injection countermeasures, and cryptographic implementation correctness. See our hardware wallet comparison to understand how this security compares to Trezor and SafePal devices.
ANSSI (France's National Cybersecurity Agency) certification provides additional validation from government security experts. This dual-certification approach—commercial testing laboratory plus national security agency—provides robust assurance of the device's protective capabilities.
Private keys generate inside the secure element during initial setup using a certified random number generator. Keys never leave the chip in readable form; only signed transactions exit the secure environment. This architecture ensures that compromising any other system component cannot expose your actual credentials.
User Experience and Software
Ledger Live serves as the companion application for managing your nano ledger hardware wallet. The software handles portfolio tracking with real-time valuations, transaction history and management, cryptocurrency buying, selling, and swapping, staking for supported proof-of-stake assets, NFT management and display, and app installation and device updates.
The desktop application runs on Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+, and Linux 64-bit systems. A mobile version for Android (8.0+) connects to the Nano S Plus via USB OTG cable, enabling smartphone-based management for users with appropriate adapters.
The Nano S Plus cannot connect to iPhones. Apple restricts USB data connections from hardware wallets, and the S Plus lacks the Bluetooth capability needed for iOS connectivity. iPhone users requiring hardware wallet security must purchase the Nano X, Flex, or Stax instead.
Nano Ledger Hardware Wallet Specifications
The following table details complete specifications for this nano ledger review:
| Specification | Ledger Nano S Plus |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 62.39mm x 17.40mm x 8.24mm |
| Weight | 21 grams |
| Display | 128 x 64 pixel OLED |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C |
| Bluetooth | Not available |
| Battery | None (USB-powered only) |
| Secure Element | ST33K1M5 (CC EAL6+ certified) |
| Internal Storage | 1.5MB (100+ apps capacity) |
| Supported Assets | 5,500+ coins and tokens |
| Applications | 500+ blockchain apps |
| Desktop Compatibility | Windows 10+, macOS 10.14+, Linux |
| Mobile Compatibility | Android 8.0+ (USB OTG only) |
| iOS Compatibility | Not supported |
| Certifications | ANSSI, CC EAL6+, CE, RoHS |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Price | $79 USD |
Ledger Nano S vs S Plus: Complete Comparison
Understanding the evolution from original Nano S to S Plus clarifies why the current device represents such strong value:
| Feature | Ledger Nano S (Legacy) | Ledger Nano S Plus (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Discontinued 2023 | Current production model |
| Original Price | $59 | $79 |
| Internal Storage | 320 KB | 1.5 MB |
| App Capacity | 3-6 apps simultaneously | 100+ apps simultaneously |
| Screen Resolution | 128 x 32 pixels | 128 x 64 pixels |
| Secure Element | ST31H320 (CC EAL5+) | ST33K1M5 (CC EAL6+) |
| USB Connector | Micro-USB | USB Type-C |
| NFT Support | Limited functionality | Full Clear Signing support |
| Coin Support | 5,500+ | 5,500+ |
The S Plus commands a $20 premium over the discontinued S pricing but delivers 8x more storage, doubled screen resolution, higher security certification, and modern USB-C connectivity. Users holding original Nano S devices can restore wallets on the S Plus using their existing recovery phrases. Check our Ledger pricing page for current deals and bundle offers.
Never purchase used or "new old stock" original Nano S devices. The $20 savings versus a new S Plus isn't worth the risk of compromised firmware or pre-configured recovery phrases. Counterfeit and tampered devices have stolen millions in cryptocurrency from unsuspecting buyers. Always buy from official sources listed on our pricing guide.
Setting Up Your Nano Ledger Device
Initial configuration of your nano ledger hardware wallet takes approximately 15 minutes:
- Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/ledger-live before unboxing your device, ensuring you have the genuine application from the official source rather than a phishing imitation.
- Unbox and inspect your Nano S Plus, verifying tamper-evident packaging shows no signs of opening and all contents are present including device, USB-C cable, three recovery sheets, and quick start guide.
- Connect via USB-C to your computer, powering on the device automatically without need for batteries or charging.
- Select language and setup type using the two-button navigation, choosing "Set up as new device" for first-time configuration.
- Create your PIN code of 4-8 digits, selecting something you'll remember but others cannot guess, avoiding birthdays, sequences, and repeated numbers.
- Write your 24-word recovery phrase on all three provided sheets as each word displays on screen, recording in exact order without photographing, typing, or storing digitally.
- Confirm recovery phrase by entering specific words when prompted, verifying your written backup matches the device's generated phrase exactly.
- Complete genuine check in Ledger Live to verify device authenticity and confirm firmware hasn't been tampered with during shipping.
- Install cryptocurrency applications through Ledger Live's Manager section, adding apps for each blockchain network you'll use to store assets.
- Generate receiving addresses and verify they match on both Ledger Live display and device screen before sharing for incoming transfers.
Supported Cryptocurrencies and Applications
The nano ledger hardware wallet supports over 5,500 coins and tokens through 500+ dedicated applications. Each application corresponds to a blockchain network and enables management of that network's native currency plus associated tokens.
Major supported assets include Bitcoin and all forks (BCH, BSV, LTC), Ethereum and all ERC-20 tokens, Cardano and native tokens, Solana and SPL tokens, Polkadot and parachains, Cosmos ecosystem chains, Avalanche and subnets, Polygon and tokens, BNB Chain and BEP-20 tokens, XRP, Dogecoin, and thousands more.
Ledger Live provides native integration for approximately 50 cryptocurrencies with built-in portfolio management, transaction creation, staking, and swapping. Additional assets work through companion apps and third-party wallet interfaces that leverage the Nano S Plus for secure transaction signing. Compare coin support across different hardware wallets in our comprehensive comparison guide.
NFTs are fully supported on Ethereum, Polygon, and other compatible networks. The Clear Signing feature displays NFT transaction details on the device screen for verification before approval, protecting against blind signing attacks that have drained wallets through malicious smart contract interactions. For additional protection, consider Ledger accessories like protective cases.
Who Should Buy the Ledger Nano S Plus?
This ledger nano review identifies the S Plus as optimal for budget-conscious investors seeking maximum security per dollar spent, since the $79 device matches the security architecture of devices costing 2-5x more. Desktop-focused users who manage cryptocurrency exclusively from computers and don't need mobile Bluetooth access get full functionality. Long-term holders storing crypto for months or years without frequent transaction activity appreciate the reliable cold storage. Beginners entering hardware wallet security for the first time find the lower price point reduces entry barrier. Backup device buyers pairing with Nano X or premium devices for redundancy can afford multiple units. Multi-asset investors holding diverse portfolios benefit from 100+ app capacity without constant reinstallation. Check our Ledger deals page for bundle discounts.
Consider the Nano X ($149) instead if you require iPhone connectivity since iOS demands Bluetooth hardware wallet connections. Mobile-first users preferring smartphone portfolio management need wireless capability. Frequent travelers wanting battery-powered portable operation benefit from the Nano X's built-in battery. See our detailed comparison to understand all differences between models.
Value Assessment: Is It Worth the Price?
At $79, the Ledger Nano S Plus delivers remarkable value relative to its capabilities. Security equivalence with premium devices means the CC EAL6+ secure element actually exceeds the Nano X's EAL5+ certification. Feature parity for core functions provides identical 100+ app capacity, 5,500+ coin support, and Ledger Live integration as expensive models. Cost comparison with competitors shows equivalent security to Trezor Safe 3 ($79) while exceeding KeepKey ($49) and Trezor Model One ($59) which lack certified secure elements.
The $70 savings versus Nano X ($149) sacrifices only Bluetooth connectivity, battery, and iOS compatibility—features unnecessary for desktop-focused users. For investors managing cryptocurrency primarily from computers, the S Plus represents the optimal intersection of security and affordability in the current market.
See our Ledger pricing and deals page for bundle options that reduce per-device cost further, and our Ledger vs Trezor vs SafePal comparison for competitive context.