Ledger Nano S Plus Review
A strong entry-level Ledger signer for desktop and Android users who want broad asset support, USB-C, no battery, and secure-element protection, but it requires trust in Ledger's proprietary firmware and is not suitable for iOS mobile signing.
Ledger Nano S Plus
Pros
- Strong fit for Budget Conscious Users
- Strong fit for Desktop Users
- Strong fit for Android Users
- Strong fit for Multi Asset Holders
Cons
- Not ideal for iOS Mobile signing Users
- Not ideal for Open source Purists
- Not ideal for Users Wanting Touchscreen
- Not ideal for Users Wanting Airgap
- Price
- $79
- Connectivity
- USB-C
- Open Source
- Partially open source
- Coins
- 15,000+
Companion app
This device pairs with Ledger Wallet / Ledger Live. Our companion review covers custody, recovery, and what the app controls versus the hardware signer.
Read Ledger Wallet / Ledger Live reviewKey Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Ledger
- Country
- France
- Launch Year
- 2022
- Firmware Maintained
- Yes
- Secure Element
- Yes
- Air-gapped
- No
- Connection
- USB-C
- Official App
- Ledger Wallet
Security Model
Proprietary secure-element architecture that keeps private keys inside Ledger hardware and requires physical button confirmation on a trusted display.
Trust Assumptions
- Ledger OS and secure-element implementation remain trustworthy
- Users install Ledger Live or wallet apps from legitimate sources
- Users verify receiving addresses and transaction prompts on the device screen
- Ledger firmware updates do not introduce unwanted recovery or signing behavior without user consent
Backup Methods
- Budget Conscious Users
- Desktop Users
- Android Users
- Multi Asset Holders
- Users Avoiding wireless Connectivity
- iOS Mobile signing Users
- Open source Purists
- Users Wanting Touchscreen
- Users Wanting Airgap
Known Issues
2020: Ledger e-commerce and marketing data breach
Ledger disclosed that customer contact and order details from its e-commerce and marketing systems were accessed by an unauthorized third party; Ledger said payment information, credentials, hardware wallets, Ledger Live, and crypto funds were not affected.
2023: Ledger Recover controversy
Ledger Recover drew criticism from self-custody users because the optional paid recovery service introduced a firmware-supported identity-based backup workflow for compatible Ledger devices.
2026: Counterfeit Nano S Plus phishing reports
Reports described counterfeit Nano S Plus-style devices sold through unofficial marketplaces that attempted to direct users to malicious software; this is a supply-chain and phishing risk rather than an exploit of genuine Ledger hardware.
Sources
- Ledger Nano S Plus Official Product Page
official
- Ledger Company Page
official
- Ledger Live Official Page
official
- LedgerHQ GitHub Organization
GitHub
- Ledger Donjon Threat Model
security
- What Is Ledger Recover?
official
- Ledger July 2020 E-commerce and Marketing Data Breach Statement
official
- Tom's Hardware Counterfeit Ledger Nano S Plus Report
news
Compare with other wallets
Related news
Software you might also use
Companion apps and related software guides. These are separate from our hardware rankings.
Ledger Wallet / Ledger Live
Ledger device owners needing the official management interfaceLedger Live is a hardware companion: its security and recovery meaning depend on a paired Ledger device and its backup, so it belongs in a companion-only bucket.
Custody: Self Custody
Platforms: Windows, Macos, Linux, iOS, Android
Role: Hardware Companion
Free
Related Wallet Reviews
Similar options worth comparing before you buy.
Ledger Nano X is the mobile-focused Ledger signer for users who want iOS and Android Bluetooth signing, broad asset support, and secure-element protection, but it costs more than Nano S Plus and requires comfort with proprietary firmware and wireless connectivity.
$149
Ledger Nano Gen5
Beginners Wanting TouchscreenLedger Nano Gen5 is Ledger's entry touchscreen signer for users who want Clear Signing, mobile connectivity, and an included Ledger Recovery Key at a lower price than Flex, but it still requires trust in Ledger's proprietary firmware and wireless stack.
$179
Ledger Flex
Mobile UsersLedger Flex is a premium touchscreen Ledger signer for users who want clearer transaction review, iOS and Android connectivity, NFC recovery-key support, and broad Ledger ecosystem features, but it is expensive and still depends on Ledger's proprietary firmware trust model.
$249
Ledger Stax
Premium BuyersLedger Stax is Ledger's flagship touchscreen signer for users who want the largest Ledger secure screen, Qi wireless charging, NFC recovery-key support, and a premium form factor, but it is expensive and provides no open-source firmware advantage over cheaper alternatives.
$399