Ledger Cold Wallets (Hardware Wallets)

Ledger hardware wallets are physical devices designed for self-custody: they keep your private keys in a secure element and sign transactions on the device, reducing exposure to online threats.

This page explains Ledger’s current hardware wallet lineup, what each model is designed to do, and the practical differences (connectivity, display, and daily usability) so you can make an informed purchase decision.

What a Ledger hardware wallet does (in plain English)

A hardware wallet is used to keep private keys offline while still letting you approve transactions when you need to send crypto.

With Ledger devices:
• Your private keys are generated and stored on the device.
• When you send crypto, the transaction is reviewed and approved on the device itself.
• The private keys don’t leave the device during signing.

Ledger devices are typically used with Ledger’s companion software (Ledger Wallet / formerly Ledger Live) to install apps, view balances, and initiate transactions while keeping signing on the hardware wallet.

Ledger device lineup (current models)

Ledger’s lineup includes classic button-based wallets and newer touchscreen signers. All models follow the same core concept (offline keys + on-device approval), but differ in connectivity, screen size, and convenience features such as Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), and wireless charging.

Models

  • Nano S Plus

    USB-C only (no Bluetooth), battery-free.
    Designed for desktop and Android via cable.



  • Nano X

    Bluetooth + USB-C with a built-in battery.
    Often chosen for mobile use, including iOS via Bluetooth.

  • Nano Gen5

    Touchscreen signer with E Ink display.
    Bluetooth + USB-C + NFC.

  • Flex

    Touchscreen (E Ink) with Bluetooth + USB-C + NFC.
    Also supports wireless charging on supported configs.

  • Stax

    Premium curved E Ink touchscreen.
    Bluetooth + USB-C + NFC + wireless charging.

Ledger Nano S Plus — core, cable-based cold storage

The Ledger Nano S Plus is a battery-free hardware wallet that connects via USB-C. It’s designed primarily for desktop use, and it can also work with Android via USB.

What it does well:
• Straightforward, cable-based setup (no wireless features)
• Offline key storage and on-device transaction approval
• Works with Ledger’s software for managing supported assets

Good fit if you:
• Prefer cable-only connectivity
• Mainly manage crypto on a desktop computer (or Android via cable)

Not a fit if you:
• Need iPhone mobile use (Nano S Plus is typically cable-based and doesn’t rely on Bluetooth)

Ledger Nano X — mobile-friendly with Bluetooth

The Ledger Nano X adds Bluetooth (BLE 5.2) and a built-in battery, making it better suited to mobile workflows. It also supports USB-C for desktop and Android.

What it does well:
• Bluetooth pairing for smartphones (iOS and Android)
• USB-C option for desktop and Android
• Offline keys + on-device approval (same security model concept)

Good fit if you:
• Want to manage crypto regularly from a phone
• Specifically need iPhone support via Bluetooth

Not a fit if you:
• Prefer to avoid wireless connectivity entirely

Ledger Nano Gen5 — compact touchscreen signer

Ledger Nano Gen5 is a newer touchscreen device that uses a monochrome E Ink touchscreen. It includes Bluetooth (BLE 5.2), USB-C, and NFC support.

What it does well:
• Touchscreen review/approval (E Ink display)
• Bluetooth + USB-C flexibility
• NFC support for compatible features (e.g., recovery key / security key functions in Ledger’s ecosystem)

Good fit if you:
• Want a compact touchscreen experience without moving to the larger premium devices
• Value clearer on-device transaction review

Ledger Flex — touchscreen readability + modern connectivity

Ledger Flex is a touchscreen hardware wallet designed around an E Ink display for easier transaction review. It supports USB-C, Bluetooth, and NFC. Some configurations also mention wireless (Qi) charging support.

What it does well:
• Touchscreen navigation and clearer on-device review
• Bluetooth + USB-C connectivity options
• NFC support for compatible Ledger ecosystem features

Good fit if you:
• Want a touchscreen for routine use
• Prefer an E Ink-style display for readability

Ledger Stax — premium curved E Ink touchscreen

Ledger Stax is Ledger’s premium device built around a curved E Ink touchscreen for transaction review and daily usability. It supports Bluetooth, USB-C, NFC, and wireless charging.

What it does well:
• Large curved E Ink touchscreen for clearer transaction review
• Wireless charging plus modern connectivity options
• Intended for users who want a higher-comfort signing experience

Good fit if you:
• Sign transactions more often and want a larger screen
• Prefer a premium interface for on-device verification

Model Display Bluetooth USB-C NFC Battery Wireless charging Best suited for
Nano S Plus OLED (button-based) No Yes No No (battery-free) No Simple cable-based cold storage (desktop/Android)
Nano X OLED (button-based) Yes Yes No Yes No Mobile use, including iOS via Bluetooth
Nano Gen5 E Ink touchscreen Yes Yes Yes Yes No Compact touchscreen signing + modern connectivity
Flex E Ink touchscreen Yes Yes Yes Yes Supported on some configs Touchscreen readability and daily usability
Stax Curved E Ink touchscreen Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Premium large-screen transaction review

Notes: Connectivity and display details are based on Ledger’s official product pages. Always verify current specs on the manufacturer site before purchase.

Ledger hardware wallets — common questions. Clear answers for beginners about cold storage, connectivity, and self-custody

What makes a Ledger wallet a “cold” wallet?

A Ledger wallet is considered a cold wallet because it stores private keys inside a secure hardware device rather than on an internet-connected computer or phone.

Even when you send cryptocurrency, the transaction is signed on the device itself. The private keys do not leave the wallet during this process.

Are Ledger wallets completely offline?

Ledger wallets keep private keys offline, but they can connect to computers or phones to initiate transactions.

This distinction is important: the device can be connected, but the private keys remain isolated inside the hardware wallet.

Is Bluetooth or NFC a security risk?

Bluetooth and NFC are communication methods, not storage methods.

When used on a Ledger device, these features do not transmit private keys. Transactions are still reviewed and approved on the hardware wallet itself.

Some users prefer cable-only wallets for personal comfort, while others value mobile convenience. Both approaches can still keep keys offline.

What happens if I lose my Ledger wallet?

The device itself does not contain your funds. Your cryptocurrency is controlled by your recovery phrase.

If the device is lost or damaged, funds can be restored on a compatible wallet using the original recovery phrase. If the recovery phrase is also lost, the funds cannot be recovered.

Does Ledger control my crypto?

No. Ledger provides the hardware and software tools, but control remains with the person who holds the private keys and recovery phrase.

This is known as self-custody.

Do all Ledger wallets have the same security?

Ledger devices use the same core security concept: a secure element chip that stores private keys and signs transactions on the device.

Differences between models relate mainly to screen size, connectivity, and user interface — not the underlying custody model.

Do I need a Ledger wallet to use cryptocurrency?

No. Cryptocurrency can be held in software wallets or on exchanges.

Hardware wallets are commonly used by people who want to reduce reliance on third parties and keep long-term holdings under their own control.

Is a hardware wallet right for beginners?

A hardware wallet adds responsibility, particularly around safely storing a recovery phrase.

Some beginners start with small amounts and move to cold storage as they become more comfortable with self-custody concepts.

Before you buy: basic safety checks (worth 2 minutes)

Hardware wallets protect your keys, but your setup process matters.

Practical checks:
• Avoid any device that arrives with a pre-filled recovery phrase. A legitimate device should never come with a recovery phrase already provided.
• During setup, use Ledger’s official onboarding and run the Genuine Check / hardware integrity verification inside Ledger’s software.
• Download Ledger’s software only from official sources to reduce the risk of fake apps and phishing.

These steps reduce the chance of using a counterfeit or tampered device and help protect you from common scams.

Shop Ledger devices

Where to buy (and how affiliate links work here)

If you decide to purchase a Ledger device, you can buy directly from the manufacturer or through authorized channels.

FinTech Dynasty may earn a commission if you purchase through our links. This does not change your price. We separate education from monetization: this page is written to explain differences, not to push a specific model.