The Ledger Nano S Plus looked like a nice middle ground between the basic Nano S and the premium Nano X.
I wanted something easy to use, safe for long‑term storage, and affordable enough that it wouldn’t feel like an unnecessary luxury. You might be in the same position now, wondering if the S Plus is worth your money or if you should save up for the X.
So, I spent the last few weeks using the S Plus as my primary hardware wallet. This Ledger Nano S Plus review will walk you through everything I noticed, the good, the bad, and the parts that simply surprised me.
Ledger Nano S Plus Wallet Review (Quick Snapshot)
Now, before diving into my personal experience, let me give you a quick technical Ledger Nano S Plus review. Obviously, numbers and specs aren’t everything, but they matter when you’re putting your savings on a tiny device. I summarized the key facts in the following table so you can glance at the essentials:
| Device Type | Cold (offline) hardware wallet |
| Secure Chip | ST33K1M5 secure element certified CC EAL6+ |
| Operating System | Proprietary BOLOS (Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System) |
| Dimensions | 62.39 × 17.40 × 8.24 mm |
| Weight | 21 g |
| Materials | Brushed stainless steel + plastic |
| Display | 1.09-inch monochrome OLED (larger than original Nano S) |
| Connectivity | USB-C (no Bluetooth) |
| Compatibility | Desktop and Mobile (does not support iOS devices) |
| Supported Assets | 15,000+ coins and tokens via Ledger Live and third-party apps |
| Apps Capacity | Up to 100 apps (real-world, it’s 10 apps only) |
| Certification | French ANSSI-audited security; CC EAL6+ secure element |
| Box Contents | Hardware wallet, USB-C to USB-A cable, getting-started leaflet, three recovery sheets, keychain strap |
| Price | US $79 |
Before going for the in-depth Ledger Nano S Plus review, here are its pros and cons you should know…
What I Like About the Ledger Nano S Plus Wallet
The Ledger Nano S Plus impressed me with its bigger screen, much larger app capacity compared to Nano S, strong security, wide coin support, compact and portable, and a fair price for the features you get.
Bigger screen with improved readability
As you know, the biggest complaints about the original Nano S were its tiny display. It barely fit a handful of characters, so confirming an address meant slowly scrolling through pages of text. The Nano S Plus fixes this. Its 1.09‑inch OLED screen is the same size as the Nano X and bigger than the older S.
So, addresses and transaction details are easier to read. When I confirm transfers, I no longer worry about missing a digit. Hence, the improved screen makes everyday use less stressful.
More memory and more coins
The original Nano S could store only three to five apps at a time. That limit forced me to uninstall and reinstall apps every time I wanted to handle a different coin. The Nano S Plus has much more memory, allowing up to 100 apps to be installed simultaneously.
In practice, resource‑heavy apps like Bitcoin or Ethereum take more space than small ones, so I was able to install around 8-10 of the larger apps plus a few smaller ones before running into storage limits. Still, this is a good improvement and means I can manage a diverse portfolio without juggling apps every day.
Ledger says the S Plus supports over 15,000 coins and tokens when you factor in third‑party wallets. I used it with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Litecoin, and a few ERC‑20 tokens.
Ledger Live supports most major chains directly. For coins not supported by Ledger Live (like Monero), you can pair the Nano S Plus with external wallets such as Electrum or MyMonero, connecting via the USB‑C cable. Hence, that flexibility helps you avoid the “unsupported coin” problem many beginners fear.
Strong security features
You know, security is why you buy a hardware wallet in the first place. The Nano S Plus uses a CC EAL6+–certified secure element chip, one notch higher than the Nano X’s EAL5+ certification.
Mainly, this chip isolates your private keys from the host device. So, even if your computer is infected with malware, your keys remain safe inside the secure element.
Additional security features include:
- A PIN code: You can’t access the device without entering your 4‑ to 8‑digit code.
- Physical buttons: You must press both buttons simultaneously to approve any transaction. That physical confirmation ensures no software can secretly drain your wallet.
- A 24‑word recovery phrase: This seed phrase is generated offline during setup. It never leaves the device, and Ledger never sees it.
- Secure OS (BOLOS): Ledger’s proprietary operating system isolates each app so a malicious app can’t compromise another.
Now, it’s worth noting that Ledger suffered an e‑commerce database breach in 2020. The breach exposed customer emails and phone numbers but not private keys. Still, that incident eroded some trust in the brand.
Ledger responded by increasing security audits and working on recovery options. While the devices themselves remain secure, the company’s reputation took a hit. So, if privacy is your primary concern, you might want to order through a reseller, or I suggest using a pseudonymous email when purchasing.
Fair pricing
At US$79, the Nano S Plus costs half as much as the Nano X. Considering it offers the same secure element and supports the same number of coins, the price feels fair.
If you’re on a budget or just getting into crypto, spending $149 on the Nano X may not make sense. The S Plus gives you most features for a lower price. Compared with other brands like Trezor, the pricing is competitive; Trezor’s Model One is slightly cheaper but supports fewer coins and lacks some DeFi integrations.
No battery means no power degradation
The Nano X includes a small rechargeable battery, which some people love because they can use it on the go without a cable.
I see a downside: lithium‑ion batteries degrade over time. The Nano X battery has a five‑year lifespan and can’t be replaced. So, when the battery dies, you’ll have to plug it in anyway. The Nano S Plus draws power directly from your computer or phone via USB‑C, so there’s no battery to worry about. I like that, it’s one less component that can fail.
Compact and travel-friendly
The S Plus measures 62.39 × 17.40 × 8.24 mm and weighs 21 g. It’s about the size of a USB thumb drive, so carrying it in a pocket or bag feels natural. The metal swivel cover protects the screen.
During recent travel, I kept it in a small pouch without noticing its weight. You can even attach it to a keychain using the provided strap, though I prefer to keep my wallet out of sight.
Things I Don’t Like About the Ledger Nano S Plus
Even though I’m generally pleased with the S Plus, it isn’t perfect. The Ledger Nano S Plus has some annoying flaws, like no Bluetooth, no iOS support, awkward button placement, and a few usability issues that can bother you in daily use. Let me explain the main drawbacks I encountered.
Awkward button placement
The biggest design complaint is the placement of the physical buttons. On the original Nano S, both buttons were at the top, and they stuck out like two tiny pegs. The S Plus keeps this layout, although the buttons feel sturdier.
Because you have to press both simultaneously to confirm any action, I often find myself gripping the device awkwardly. When the wallet is connected via a short cable, there’s little room for my fingers. The Nano X moved the buttons to the sides, making it easier to press them. I wish Ledger had carried that change over to the S Plus.
No Bluetooth or iOS support
Ledger Nano S Plus is strictly USB‑C only. That means you can’t connect it wirelessly to your phone, and it doesn’t work with iOS devices.
So, if you own an iPhone or you like the convenience of Bluetooth, you’ll have to choose the Nano X or a different brand. Personally, I don’t mind using a cable; wired connections are less vulnerable to certain attacks, but I can see why mobile‑centric users might find this limiting.
App installation can still feel clunky
Even though 100 app capacity sounds amazing, the actual process of adding or removing apps can feel tedious. Some apps take more space than others. Bitcoin and Ethereum are large, while many altcoin apps are small.
As your portfolio grows, you may still find yourself juggling apps. For example, when I added the Polkadot and Cardano apps along with Ethereum, I received “insufficient storage” errors and had to uninstall smaller apps.
This problem isn’t unique to Ledger, but it’s worth noting that the “100 apps” marketing claim depends heavily on app sizes. You can only use around 10-15 apps simultaneously.
Firmware updates require patience
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to patch security holes or add features. Updating the firmware involves connecting the device, entering your PIN, and following prompts on both Ledger Live and the Nano itself.
It usually takes ten minutes, but sometimes the process stalls and requires you to disconnect and reconnect the device. On one update, I had to try three times before it completed. It’s not a major issue, but when you’re dealing with security‑critical hardware, waiting for updates to apply can be nerve‑racking.
Limited customization and screen lock options
In my Ledger Nano S Plus review, I also find that you can’t change the lock timer or add additional password layers beyond the PIN.
The device times out quickly after a minute of inactivity, which is good for security but can be annoying if you get distracted during a transaction. There’s no optional passphrase feature like Trezor’s. These may seem minor, but advanced users appreciate extra flexibility.
Comparing the Nano S Plus to Other Ledger Models
Nano S Plus vs. Nano X
Ledger’s Nano X is the flagship model. It costs US$149, almost double the price of the S Plus. Both wallets share many features: they support the same 15,000+ assets, use secure element chips, and work with Ledger Live. The key differences are:
- Bluetooth and battery: Nano X includes Bluetooth connectivity and a 100 mAh battery that lasts for several hours. You can manage your crypto on the go using the Ledger Live mobile app on iOS or Android. The S Plus, in contrast, has no battery and no Bluetooth, so it must be plugged in.
- Size and weight: Nano X is bigger and heavier (72 × 18.6 × 11.75 mm; 34 g), compared with the S Plus’s 21 g. It feels more substantial in hand, which some users like.
- Price: At nearly double the cost, the Nano X targets active traders and people who frequently transact from their phone. The S Plus offers most of the same functionality minus Bluetooth, making it better suited for long‑term holders or those on a budget.
Hence, if you want full mobile support and value convenience, the Nano X may be worth the extra money. However, if you’re fine with a cable and mainly use a desktop or Android phone, the Nano S Plus gives you similar security and coin support for less. You can read my full Ledger Nano X review as well.
Nano S Plus vs. competitors (Trezor Model One, ELLIPAL X Card, and SafePal S1 Pro)
Ledger and Trezor focus on traditional USB-based hardware wallets, while ELLIPAL and SafePal bring fully air-gapped solutions with QR and NFC support.
| Factor | Ledger Nano S Plus | Trezor Model One | ELLIPAL X Card | SafePal S1 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | OLED, 1.09″ monochrome | 0.96″ monochrome OLED | None (card form) | 1.3″ full-color 320 × 320 |
| Connectivity | USB-C only | Micro-USB | NFC (air-gapped) | USB-C + Camera (QR-based) |
| Secure Chip | ST33K1M5, CC EAL6+ | Open-source, no SE chip | CC EAL6+ secure chip | Certified SE, CC EAL6+ |
| Battery / Power | No battery (USB-powered) | No battery (USB-powered) | Passive card, no battery | 500 mAh rechargeable battery |
| Supported Coins | 15,000+ coins and tokens | 9,000+ coins and tokens | 40+ chains, 10,000+ tokens | 200+ chains, unlimited tokens |
| Backup & Recovery | Standard recovery phrase | 12/24-word BIP39, SLIP39 | Backup by duplicating cards | BIP39 seed via QR/app |
| Price (USD) | Around $79 | Around $49 | $99 | $89 |
| Air-gapped Capability | No | No | Yes | Yes |
I have also covered some wallets in detail, so you can read my ELLIPAL Titan 2.0 review and list of other best cold storage wallets.
First Impressions and Unboxing
My package arrived in a simple, sealed box. Ledger has learned from past criticism and now seals their devices well, so you can check for tampering. Inside, everything was neatly organized:
- Ledger Nano S Plus device: matte black, with a swiveling metal cover to protect the screen.
- USB‑C to USB‑A cable: decent length but a bit stiff. If you have a newer laptop with only USB‑C ports, you’ll need a USB‑C to USB‑C cable or an adapter.
- Three recovery sheets: this is where you’ll write your 24‑word recovery phrase. Do not skip them; your wallet is worthless without that phrase.
- Getting started leaflet and a keychain strap.
The device felt sturdy and better built than my old Nano S. The bigger screen gave it a modern look. I liked that there’s no battery; you never have to worry about the battery dying on you, but it also means you always need a powered device to use it. That’s fine for long‑term storage, but slightly annoying when you want to check your balance quickly.
Set up and Ledger Live Walk‑Through
The first thing you have to do with a new Ledger device is download Ledger Live, the company’s companion app. It’s available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. There’s no iOS support for the S Plus, so you can only use it on a desktop or Android. I downloaded the desktop version for Windows and followed the on‑screen instructions.
Ledger Live guided me through the setup step by step:
Initialize as a new device: You choose whether to start fresh or restore from an existing recovery phrase. I clicked “Set up as new device.”
Choose a PIN: The device requires a 4 to 8 digit PIN to unlock. You can easily select numbers using the two physical buttons on top of the S Plus. This part can be fiddly because the buttons are small and not in the most ergonomic place.
Write down the recovery phrase: The device shows 24 random words, one at a time. I wrote each word on the provided recovery sheets in the exact order they appeared.
After you write them down, the device asks you to confirm a few randomly selected words to ensure you copied them correctly. Ledger never shows this phrase again. So, if you lose it, you lose your crypto.
Install apps: After the recovery phrase confirmation, Ledger Live suggests installing coin applications. Each cryptocurrency uses its own app (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
The S Plus can hold up to 100 apps at once, depending on size. So I installed Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a few altcoins. Installation is quick, mostly just downloading a tiny binary onto the device.
Finally, you need to create accounts for each coin in Ledger Live. Your actual coins stay on the blockchain; these “accounts” just let the app track your balance and generate receive addresses. Also, read my guide on the best hardware wallets for NFTs.
That’s it. From unboxing to having my first Bitcoin and Ethereum accounts, the entire process took about 20 minutes. The instructions in Ledger Live were clear, and the on‑device prompts were straightforward.
But if you’ve never used a hardware wallet before, the process might feel slow at first, and after two or three coins, though, it becomes second nature.
Is the Ledger Nano S Plus Hardware Wallet Worth It?
The Ledger Nano S Plus crypto wallet is a solid, budget‑friendly hardware device that fixes many of the original Nano S’s shortcomings. It offers a bigger screen, more memory, support for thousands of coins, and a secure element with CC EAL6+ certification.
However, the S Plus isn’t perfect. Its top‑button design can be awkward, there’s no Bluetooth or iOS support, and firmware updates sometimes require patience. Ledger as a company still needs to rebuild trust after past data breaches. So, if you’re a heavy mobile user or demand absolute anonymity, you might look elsewhere.
I wouldn’t say it’s worth it or not; only you can decide if this crypto hardware wallet fits your needs, but let me sum up the reasons you might buy, or avoid it.
Reasons to buy right now
- You want secure, offline storage without spending a fortune. The S Plus uses a top‑grade secure element and proprietary OS to protect your keys
- You manage a diverse portfolio and need support for thousands of coins and tokens
- You’re okay using a cable and don’t need Bluetooth. And, you mostly interact via desktop or Android.
- You like having an all‑in‑one interface with Ledger Live to buy, sell, swap, stake, and manage NFTs
- You appreciate fair pricing. At $79, it’s a budget‑friendly entry to cold storage.
Reasons to consider other options
- If you rely on an iPhone or want Bluetooth convenience, you wanna go for the Nano X instead.
- You prefer open‑source firmware and are comfortable sacrificing a secure element, Trezor may be for you. (Read my Ledger vs Trezor comparison)
- You dislike the top‑button design and want a sleeker form factor; again, the Nano X or other brands have side buttons.
- You don’t trust Ledger as a company because of past breaches, consider ordering anonymously or using another manufacturer.
Hopefully, this hands‑on Ledger Nano S Plus review helps you decide. Also, feel free to ask me questions or share your own experiences.