Ledger Nano S Plus

Ledger released the Nano S Plus in April 2022, and it solved pretty much every complaint I had with the original Nano S. The old model could only hold 3 to 6 apps at a time - incredibly frustrating if you held multiple cryptocurrencies. Now? You can install over 100 apps simultaneously. The screen is bigger too, making it easier to verify transaction details before signing. Ledger basically took the Nano X internals and put them in a more affordable, no-Bluetooth package. Smart move on their part.

Here is what matters most - the Nano S Plus uses the same ST33K1M5 secure element chip found in the Nano X. This chip holds CC EAL5+ certification from ANSSI, the French national cybersecurity agency. In practical terms, your private keys never leave the device. When I sign a transaction, the Nano S Plus displays the recipient address and amount on its screen. I physically press buttons to confirm. No malware on my computer can intercept or modify this process because the signing happens inside the certified secure chip. I tested this by intentionally installing a sketchy browser extension that tried to modify transaction data. The Ledger caught the discrepancy immediately because what showed on my computer screen did not match what appeared on the device display.

I own both devices and have used them extensively over the past year. Let me break down the actual differences that matter in daily use. The Nano X has Bluetooth - useful for connecting to the Ledger Live mobile app on your phone. I use this when traveling and need to check balances or make urgent transactions. The Nano S Plus requires a USB-C cable, which means you need a computer or an adapter for your phone. Sound like a dealbreaker? It was not for me. About 90% of my crypto activity happens at my desk anyway. The Nano X has a battery that lasts maybe 8 hours of active use. The S Plus has no battery because it draws power from USB. Honestly, the battery on my Nano X has been more of an annoyance than a feature - I have had it die mid-transaction when I forgot to charge it. The S Plus, plugged in via USB, never has this problem. Storage is identical now. Both hold 100+ apps. Screen size favors the Nano X slightly, but both are readable. Price difference is $70. Unless you genuinely need mobile Bluetooth access, save the money.

Setting up the Nano S Plus took me about 15 minutes the first time. You connect via USB-C, download Ledger Live on your computer, and follow the prompts. The device generates a 24-word recovery phrase that you must write down on the included recovery sheet. This is crucial - lose this phrase and lose access to your funds forever. I made three copies stored in separate physical locations. One tip from experience - do not rush the setup. Double check every word of your recovery phrase by verifying it on the device afterward. I have heard too many horror stories of people who wrote down one word incorrectly and only discovered it months later when trying to recover their wallet. The PIN setup is self-explanatory. Choose something you will remember but that nobody can guess. You get three attempts before the device wipes itself.

My typical workflow involves keeping the Nano S Plus in my desk drawer. When I need to make a transaction, I plug it in via USB-C, unlock with my PIN, and open Ledger Live. The software syncs my portfolio in maybe 10 seconds. For sending crypto, I enter the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live, then verify everything matches on the hardware device screen before pressing both buttons to confirm. The whole process takes under a minute once you have done it a few times. I also use the Nano S Plus with MetaMask for interacting with DeFi protocols. You connect it through MetaMask settings, and then every transaction requires physical confirmation on the device. This saved me once when a compromised dApp tried to drain my wallet - the Ledger showed a suspicious unlimited approval request that I could reject directly on the device. Staking through Ledger Live works well. I have ETH staked via Lido and SOL staked natively, all managed from the same interface. The yields show up automatically in the portfolio view.

No product is perfect, and the Nano S Plus has real limitations. The lack of Bluetooth means no mobile signing without an OTG adapter - and even then, it is clunky on phones. If you travel frequently and need to manage crypto from your phone, the Nano X is worth the extra cost. Ledger Live software can feel slow sometimes, especially when syncing multiple accounts or during network congestion. I have waited up to 30 seconds for Ethereum transactions to broadcast during peak gas times. The device is not fully open source. Ledger keeps the secure element firmware proprietary, which bothers some in the crypto community. They argue this is necessary for security certification, but it means you cannot independently verify the code running on your device. Customer support response times have improved but are still not instant. Expect 24 to 48 hours for email responses. There is no phone support, which frustrated me when I had an urgent question during initial setup.

Security is where Ledger Nano S Plus either earns or loses my trust, and I have spent a good amount of time testing how well it actually protects crypto assets. You can stack all the features you want into a wallet, but if someone can drain your funds because of a security flaw, none of that matters. Here is my honest breakdown of every security layer Ledger Nano S Plus provides.

Ledger Nano S Plus relies on a traditional seed phrase for backup. During initial setup, you get a recovery phrase that acts as the master key to your funds. Lose this phrase and your crypto is gone permanently - there is no customer support hotline to call. I store mine on a steel backup plate in a fireproof safe. Paper backups work, but they are vulnerable to water damage and fire. The critical rule: never save your seed phrase digitally. Not in your notes app, not in a screenshot, not anywhere connected to the internet. This is how most people lose their crypto.

Ledger Nano S Plus keeps its code closed source, which means you cannot independently verify how your private keys are handled. This is common in the wallet industry, but it does require you to place more trust in the development team. For casual users, this probably will not change the experience. But if code transparency ranks high on your priority list, it is worth factoring into your decision.

For day-to-day device security, Ledger Nano S Plus offers PIN code protection, a dedicated secure element chip that isolates private keys in tamper-resistant hardware and hardware-level encryption. These layers prevent someone who picks up your unlocked phone or steals your device from immediately accessing your funds. During my testing, the authentication process added maybe one second to each interaction - barely noticeable but meaningful for protection. I recommend enabling every available security option, even if it adds slight friction.

Independent security audits add another layer of confidence. Ledger Nano S Plus has been reviewed by ANSSI (2019). These audits check for vulnerabilities, logic errors, and attack vectors that could lead to fund loss. No audit guarantees perfect security - new vulnerabilities emerge constantly - but having reputable firms examine the code is significantly better than no external review.

Multi-signature support is available, requiring multiple approvals before funds can move. This is particularly valuable for larger holdings where you want an additional check before any transaction goes through.

As of early 2026, Ledger Nano S Plus has maintained a clean security record with no known breaches or exploits. In an industry where exchange hacks and wallet vulnerabilities make headlines regularly, a proven track record matters. The combination of active security measures and real-world reliability gives me reasonable confidence in using Ledger Nano S Plus for meaningful amounts.

The range of supported blockchains determines what you can actually do with Ledger Nano S Plus, and this is where many wallets differ dramatically. Some try to support everything, others focus on a specific ecosystem. Here is exactly what Ledger Nano S Plus covers.

Ledger Nano S Plus currently supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polygon, Avalanche, BNB Chain, Polkadot, Cosmos and XRP. That gives you access to roughly 100 native coins and 5500+ tokens across these networks. Whether that is enough depends entirely on what you hold and what you plan to do.

Supporting 10 networks makes Ledger Nano S Plus one of the more versatile multi-chain wallets available. You can manage assets across different ecosystems without juggling multiple wallet apps. During my testing, switching between chains was straightforward. Token detection worked well on major chains, though I occasionally needed to add custom tokens on smaller networks.

Supported chains at a glance:

NFT support is included, which means you can view, send, and receive NFTs directly within Ledger Nano S Plus. The NFT gallery shows your collection with previews, and sending NFTs works just like sending tokens. If you are active in the NFT space, having this built into your primary wallet saves you from needing a separate app.

One thing I always check is how well a wallet handles new token additions. With Ledger Nano S Plus, recognized tokens on supported chains appear automatically in your balance. For lesser-known tokens, you can add them manually using the contract address. The process is painless, though it would be nice if the token database was more comprehensive out of the box.

Cross-chain considerations are increasingly important in 2026. If you hold assets across multiple ecosystems, you need a wallet that either supports all of them or plays well with bridges. Ledger Nano S Plus's chain coverage dictates your options here. For assets on unsupported chains, you will need a secondary wallet, which adds complexity to your setup but is a reality for most multi-chain users. The ideal solution is to pick a primary wallet for your main holdings and use chain-specific wallets for smaller positions on niche networks.

Setting up Ledger Nano S Plus is something I have done multiple times across different devices, so I can walk you through exactly what to expect. The wallet is available on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux, and the setup process is similar across all of them.

Step 1: Unbox and connect your device. When you first open the Ledger Nano S Plus package, verify the security seal is intact. This confirms the device has not been tampered with in transit. Connect it to your computer using the provided cable.

Step 2: Install the companion app. Download the official companion software from the manufacturer's website. Do not use third-party download links - this is a common phishing vector. The app will guide you through the initial device setup.

Step 3: Create your wallet and backup. The device will generate your recovery phrase. Write it down on the included recovery card and store it securely. Never type this phrase into any computer or phone.

Step 4: Set your PIN. Choose a PIN you will remember but that is not easily guessable. You will enter this every time you use the device.

Step 5: Install chain apps. Through the companion software, install the specific blockchain apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each chain requires its own mini-application on the device.

A nice bonus: Ledger Nano S Plus supports buying crypto with fiat currency directly in the app through MoonPay, Coinify and Banxa. This means you can go from zero to funded without needing to use an external exchange first. Fees for fiat purchases are typically 1-3% depending on the provider and payment method, which is standard for this kind of service.

The entire setup process took me about 5-10 minutes on my first try. If you have set up a crypto wallet before, you will breeze through it even faster. The important thing is to not rush the backup step - that is the one part where a mistake can cost you money later.

DeFi access is becoming a baseline expectation for modern wallets, and Ledger Nano S Plus has its own approach to decentralized finance features. Here is what you can actually do from within the wallet without needing external tools.

Token swaps are handled through Ledger Live (Paraswap, 1inch). You can swap tokens directly inside Ledger Nano S Plus without visiting a separate DEX. In my testing, the swap interface was clean and showed estimated fees upfront. Slippage tolerance is adjustable, which matters for larger trades or volatile tokens. The swap rates were competitive with what I got on standalone DEX interfaces - not always the absolute best price, but close enough that the convenience is worth it.

Staking is available directly within the wallet including ETH, SOL, ADA, DOT and ATOM. You can stake your tokens to earn passive rewards without moving them to a separate platform. The staking interface shows current APY rates and lock-up periods clearly. I have been staking through Ledger Nano S Plus for several months and rewards have been consistent with what the displayed rates promised. Unstaking periods vary by network, so check before committing.

dApp access is built in, letting you interact with decentralized applications directly. This includes DEXs, lending protocols, yield farming platforms, and more. The built-in dApp browser handles the connection seamlessly - you do not need to manually copy addresses or switch between apps.

WalletConnect support means you can connect Ledger Nano S Plus to virtually any dApp that supports the protocol. Scan the QR code, approve the connection, and you are in. I use this regularly for protocols that do not have a native integration with Ledger Nano S Plus, and the experience is smooth. Transaction signing happens in the wallet with clear details about what you are approving.

The portfolio tracker gives you a consolidated view of your holdings, showing total value, individual token balances, and price changes. It is not as detailed as a dedicated portfolio app, but it handles the basics well. For most users, having this built into the wallet eliminates the need for a separate tracking tool.

Fiat on-ramps let you buy crypto with a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer without leaving the wallet. The fees are typical for this kind of service (1-3%), and the purchased tokens land directly in your wallet. This is convenient for new users who do not have crypto yet and want a simple path from fiat to tokens.

DeFi security considerations are worth noting. Every time you interact with a smart contract through Ledger Nano S Plus, you are granting that contract certain permissions. Always review what you are approving before signing transactions. Unlimited token approvals are convenient but give the contract access to your entire token balance. Where possible, set specific spending limits for each approval. Some wallets make this easy to manage, others require manual effort.

The DeFi experience in Ledger Nano S Plus is practical rather than flashy. It covers the features that most users need on a daily basis without overwhelming you with options. Power users who want every possible DeFi integration might want a specialized DeFi wallet, but for the average crypto holder, this covers the important bases. The key advantage is having everything in one place - you do not need to jump between multiple apps to manage your DeFi positions.

Understanding the real cost of using Ledger Nano S Plus requires looking beyond the sticker price. Some wallets are free to download but expensive to use, while others charge upfront but save you money on transactions. Here is the full cost picture.

Ledger Nano S Plus requires an upfront hardware purchase, which typically ranges from around 60 to 200 dollars depending on the model. This is a one-time cost with no ongoing subscription. Think of it like buying a safe - you pay once for the security, and then it just works. Firmware updates are free.

Swap fees are where most wallets generate revenue, and Ledger Nano S Plus is no exception. When you swap tokens inside the wallet, there is typically a small fee built into the exchange rate on top of the network gas fees. This markup is usually 0.5-1%, which is reasonable for the convenience. If you want the absolute best rates, you can always connect to a DEX directly, but for everyday swaps, the built-in option saves time.

Network fees (gas) are unavoidable with any wallet - these go to the blockchain validators, not to Ledger Nano S Plus. Gas costs vary wildly depending on the network and current congestion. Ethereum mainnet transactions can cost anywhere from a dollar to over fifty dollars during peak times. Layer 2 networks like Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism typically cost pennies. If Ledger Nano S Plus supports L2 chains, using them for everyday transactions is the smart move financially.

Hidden costs to watch for:

1. Token approval transactions cost gas even though they do not move funds
2. Failed transactions still consume gas - double-check details before confirming
3. Bridging between chains incurs fees from both the bridge protocol and gas on two networks
4. Some in-app features like premium analytics or advanced charts might have separate costs

Compared to using a centralized exchange, Ledger Nano S Plus trading costs are typically higher for frequent traders because DEX swap fees plus gas exceed the 0.1% fee you would pay on a major exchange. But the trade-off is that you maintain full custody of your assets at all times. For buy-and-hold users who swap occasionally, the cost difference is negligible, and the security benefit of self-custody is worth the premium.

Annual cost estimate for a typical user: If you make about 10 transactions per month with Ledger Nano S Plus, your total annual cost in fees (gas + swap spreads) would be somewhere between 50 and 300 dollars depending on the networks you use and the size of your transactions. Ethereum mainnet pushes you toward the higher end while Layer 2 networks keep costs minimal. Factoring this into your wallet choice makes sense if you are cost-conscious.

Not every wallet is right for every person, and Ledger Nano S Plus is no exception. After testing it extensively, I have a clear picture of who will love it and who should look elsewhere.

Ledger Nano S Plus is a strong choice for:

1. Budget-conscious security seekers
2. Desktop-first users
3. Those who prefer wired connections
4. Beginners wanting proven hardware security

Ledger Nano S Plus is probably not ideal for:

1. Users wanting mobile Bluetooth management
2. Those needing wireless convenience
3. Users wanting a touchscreen interface

As a hardware wallet, Ledger Nano S Plus is fundamentally designed for long-term storage and security-conscious users. If you are actively trading multiple times per day and need instant access to your funds, the extra step of connecting the hardware device might slow you down. But for anyone holding more than a few hundred dollars in crypto, the security upgrade is worth the minor inconvenience.

With an overall rating of 9.0/10 in my testing, Ledger Nano S Plus is a solid choice within its target market. It is not trying to be everything for everyone, and that focused approach means it does what it does well. Match your needs to its strengths, and you will have a good experience.

My general recommendation: try Ledger Nano S Plus with a small amount first. Spend a week or two getting familiar with the interface, testing the features that matter to you, and seeing how it fits into your workflow. Crypto wallets are personal tools - what works perfectly for me might not click for you, and the only way to know is to actually use it.

Switching from another wallet? Moving your crypto to Ledger Nano S Plus is straightforward - just send assets to your new wallet address. But think carefully before moving everything at once. Import one chain or a small amount first, confirm everything works as expected, and then gradually move the rest. I have seen too many people rush the migration process and make costly mistakes, like sending tokens on the wrong network. Take it slow, double-check every address, and use test transactions for anything significant. The few minutes of extra caution can save you thousands.

Customer support is often overlooked when choosing a wallet, but it matters the moment something goes wrong. A stuck transaction, a display glitch, or an authentication problem can become stressful fast when your money is on the line. Here is what to expect from Ledger Nano S Plus's support options.

Most self-custody wallets, Ledger Nano S Plus included, operate with leaner support teams than centralized exchanges. This is partly by design - a self-custody wallet handles fewer things server-side, so there are fewer things that can go wrong on their end. But when you do need help, the available channels matter.

Typical support channels:

1. Documentation and help center - the first place to check for common issues
2. Email support - for specific account or technical problems
3. Community forums and Discord - peer help from other users
4. Social media - sometimes the fastest way to get attention on an issue
5. In-app help - guides and FAQs accessible within the wallet itself

In my experience, response times for email support average 24-48 hours for most wallet providers. Community channels like Discord or Telegram can provide faster answers for common questions since other users are often willing to help. However, be extremely cautious in community channels - scammers frequently impersonate support staff and try to get you to share your seed phrase or connect your wallet to malicious sites. Legitimate support will never ask for your private keys or seed phrase.

Troubleshooting tips before contacting support:

1. Check the help center for your specific issue
2. Clear the app cache or reinstall (your funds are safe on-chain)
3. Try connecting on a different network (WiFi vs mobile data)
4. Check the project's status page for known outages
5. Search community forums - someone has likely faced the same issue