Ledger is considered by many the Apple of crypto hardware wallets, consistently dominating the market by selling more devices than any other competitor. This trend seems poised to continue, given their continuous efforts in advancing with new models and technologies.
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However, this review will not delve into their latest offering, the shiny Stax. Instead, we will focus on the Ledger Nano S Plus, their entry-level model—a stalwart workhorse that has recently undergone improvements, earning the "Plus" suffix. These enhancements aim to better equip it for the burgeoning Web3 and NFT craze.
👉 Click here to buy the Ledger Nano S Plus for a special price.
DESCRIPTION | DETAILS |
---|---|
💻 Name | Ledger Nano S Plus |
🌐 Website | ledger.com |
🗓 Release year | April 2022 |
💰 Coins Supported | Multiple cryptocurrencies including bitcoin (BTC), altcoins (5,500+ coins and tokens) and NFTs |
💸 Price | €79.00 ($79.00) |
🔒 Security Features | Secure Element Chip, PIN, Passphrase |
💻 Compatibility | Android, macOS, Windows, Linux |
🖥 Display | 128x64 OLED display |
🔄 Connectivity | USB-C cable (included) |
📏 Dimensions | Size: 2.45 x 0.68 x 0.32 inches (62.39 x 17.40 x 8.24 mm) |
⚖️ Weight | Weight: 21 g (0.74 oz) |
🔋 Battery Capacity | N/A |
📖 Open Source | No (Partly Open Source) |
🔄 Reproducible | No |
What Is The Ledger Nano S Plus?
Contrary to what many think, a hardware wallet doesn't "store crypto" per se. Instead, it securely holds your private keys offline, allowing you to access and manage your crypto on the blockchain.
The Ledger Nano S Plus, being a hardware wallet or, more precisely, a "signing device," ensures your private keys stay safe and away from potential thieves.
Ledger Nano S Plus Main Features
Despite its compact size, the Nano S Plus boasts a range of interesting features:
- Vast Crypto Support: It has the capacity to "store" over 5500 types of cryptocurrencies. This is made possible by the companion app, Ledger Live, where users can install up to 100 apps—essentially third-party wallets—enabling support for a wide array of cryptocurrencies. The increased memory in the Nano S Plus marks a significant upgrade compared to its predecessor.
- NFT Compatibility: Although the NFT craze may have subsided somewhat, individuals may still find value in using the Nano S Plus to store NFTs, essentially digital images on the blockchain.
- Exclusion of Ledger Recover Function: Notably, the Nano S Plus currently lacks the highly discussed Ledger Recover function (it's just on the Nano X Plus for now), which may bring relief to many, especially Bitcoin enthusiasts. However, it's worth noting that this feature may be introduced in future updates.
How Does The Ledger Nano S Plus Works?
The Ledger Nano S Plus operates in a quite simple and consistent manner, intentionally designed to be user-friendly, making it an ideal wallet for beginners. It lacks certain features found in other hardware wallets, like an entropy generator with dice, or a native air-gapped mode.
While this absence may be a drawback for those seeking these functions, it proves advantageous for newcomers to hardware wallets.
As it lacks a battery or Bluetooth functionality, the Nano S Plus requires connection to a computer for use—whether checking your crypto balance or signing transactions. Interestingly, Ledger Live can serve also as a watch-only wallet even without the Nano S connected, making it a convenient feature until you link your Nano S for transaction purposes.
In practice, most actions are performed through Ledger Live connected to the Nano S Plus, which is primarily utilized for verifying addresses and confirming critical actions such as fund transfers.
Ledger Nano S Plus Unboxing
The box sends a clear message to its intended audience. Notably, Ethereum takes the spotlight instead of Bitcoin, and the subtitle emphasizes the security of both crypto and NFTs.
The box's dimensions and light purple tones evoke a resemblance to another type of box, an observation I can't help but make.
However, Ledger has managed to infuse a different kind of allure into this packaging—a sophisticated, modern, and captivating aesthetic that ranks among the best I've encountered.
Nevertheless, amidst the stylish exterior, my keen eyes detected a notable omission in the contents of this box, a detail I'll delve into after the next pic.
As evident from the packaging, including the sides, there are no anti-tampering stickers in place.
These stickers are typically applied to deter third-party interference with the package. Surprisingly, this is the first hardware wallet we've examined that lacks any form of anti-tampering solution on either the package or the ports of the hardware wallet.
Essentially, the box containing the ledger is merely wrapped in plastic—nothing less, nothing more. The lack of any protective measures was disappointing to note, but let's move past that and proceed with the review after removing the plastic wrap.
To reveal the Ledger, you can slide the outer sleeve of the box.
Upon removing the top section of the box, the Ledger Nano S Plus and the recovery sheet come into view. Let's proceed with the unboxing to explore the contents beneath.
What's In The Box
The Nano S Plus package includes everything essential to kickstart your journey in storing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies/NFTs:
- 1 Ledger Nano S Plus
- USB Type-C to Type-A cable
- Keychain cord
- Getting started guide
- Recovery papers
Design and Build Quality
A mention about the design is a must, as, in my opinion, it stands out as one of the most durable designs, prioritizing functionality with meticulous attention to detail. Notably, the absence of a battery, which tends to degrade over time, contributes to its longevity and minute form-factor.
Beginning with dimensions, this hardware wallet is remarkably lightweight, slim and compact, likely smaller than any other wallets we've tested thus far. A smaller size, in my view, is an advantage, making it easy to carry and conceal—a significant pro.
The 360-degree rotating brushed steel outer shell is a stroke of ingenious industrial design. This feature serves to protect the entire display and the hardware wallet itself, seamlessly integrating form and function. When in use, you can slide it open, and when not in use, a simple slide brings it back to its original position with perfect alignment.
The pivotal point of this sliding mechanism doubles as a hole, allowing the Ledger to be attached to a chain or the keychain provided in the package. However, carrying the Ledger as a mere accessory is not recommended—it's simply not a smart choice, because a $5 wrench attack is not out of the question when you show-off.
The screen may be relatively small, but considering the compact size of the device, this is entirely expected. Also, given that wallet operations primarily involve confirming actions and signing, a larger screen isn't a necessity. The OLED screen is noteworthy for its visibility, even in daylight conditions, ensuring clarity during the confirmation and signing processes.
The only way to connect to this Ledger is a USB Type C, so it's quite futureproof and aligned with the actual standards.
The two buttons serve as navigation tools within the BOLOS (Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System) of the Ledger Nano S. Their clicks are not only pleasantly firm but also convey a sense of durability, suggesting their ability to withstand the test of time.
Ledger Nano S Plus Quick Review
Category | Feature | Score |
---|---|---|
🔐 Privacy & Security (26/50) | ||
📄 Open Source Compliance | Source code is publicly available and Open Source | 1/10 |
🔄 Firmware Integrity | Firmware can be built from source and binaries match | 1/10 |
🔐 Secure Element | The Secure Element ST33K1M5C encrypt the seed | 5/5 |
🌱 Seed Generation | Don't use multiple unpredictable physical processes | 1/5 |
💾 Seed Storage | Stores the seedphrase in the secure element | 5/5 |
💼 Software Wallet | You can choose between Ledger Live (Vendor Client) or 3rd party wallets | 5/5 |
💰 Purchase Procedure | No infos about shipping addresses deletion, cannot pay with BTC | 1/5 |
📦 Packaging Safety | Double boxed, no anti-tampering box | 2/5 |
🚀 Features (36/50) | ||
🖥️ User-Friendly UX | Easy to read and interact | 5/5 |
🎨 Design & Build Quality | Great design and feels solid thanks to the brushed steel outer shell | 5/5 |
📡 Air Gap / PSBT / SeedQR | No support for Air Gap | 1/5 |
💾 MicroSD Backup | No MicroSD card | 1/5 |
🤝 Multisignature Support | No multisig support | 1/5 |
🔐 Passphrase (BIP39) | Supports BIP39 Passphrases (13th word) | 5/5 |
🔌 Connection | Uses the USB-C port only | 3/5 |
📦 Ready-to-Use Package | Comes with everything needed to start immediately | 5/5 |
📚 Documentation | Detailed user guides available online | 5/5 |
🛠️ Customer Support | Company offers customer support | 5/5 |
🧱blockdyor Score (62/100) |
👉 Click here to buy the Ledger Nano S Plus for a special price.
How to Set Up the Ledger Nano S Plus
To start the setup process, make sure you have the following prerequisites:
- A recent desktop operating system (Windows 10, macOS 10.15, or Linux Ubuntu 20.04)
- An internet connection for downloading Ledger Live
- Enough free space on your hard disk
- The Ledger Nano S Plus
Once you have all these requirements, visit ledger.com/ledger-live to download Ledger Live, the companion app for your Ledger. It's worth noting that, given the Bluetooth-only feature of this Ledger, downloading an app directly to your phone is not an available option.
- Click on "Download the app" and select your Operating System.
- The file to download is just about 100 mb, but make sure you have around 300 mb as the installation size is bigger.
- During the installation wizard you will be asked where to save the app Ledger Live. Choose the folder and then click on "Install".
- You can now toggle "Run Ledger Live" and click on "Finish" to get started.
- The Ledger Live app will finally open. Click on "Get Started" to go forward.
- You will be then asked to choose the Ledger. Choose the Ledger Nano S Plus as it's the one we are reviewing today.
- Moving forward, the wizard will prompt you to confirm whether it's your initial use of the Nano S Plus. Responding affirmatively allows you to experience the entire step-by-step onboarding process, a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other hardware wallet manufacturers.
- The onboarding kicks off with a brief introduction to cryptocurrencies and their storage. If you find this information clear, you can proceed by clicking on "Continue."
- Once you've gone through the various basic tips and tricks (whether you read them or skipped), you can start the Nano setup by clicking on "Let's do this!"
- Click on "I'm ready".
- Follow the instructions on your Ledger Nano S Plus as shown in Ledger Live, when done click on "Next Step" from Ledger Live.
- It's time to choose your pin. Click on "Set Up PIN code" to continue.
- Click on "Next Step".
- Upon double-clicking to set up a new device, the initial step involves creating a PIN. Opt for a PIN that is both memorable and secure. It's advisable not to record this code anywhere other than in your memory to enhance the safety of your funds in the event of theft or unauthorized access. Utilize the two buttons to select digits and then confirm by double pressing together the two buttons when you select the "V" symbol. Repeat the process to confirm the PIN. Once completed on your Ledger Nano S Plus, click on "Get started."
- Following the PIN setup, the next step involves the seed phrase, also known as the recovery phrase. This is a confidential sequence of words (24 for the Ledger Nano S Plus) that provides you with the means to access your funds in the event of hardware wallet loss or damage.
- The Ledger will sequentially display your seed phrase, which is composed by 24 words. It's crucial to physically record these words, as they serve as the tangible backup for your funds. Keep this paper confidential, and avoid taking photos of it—any photos shown here are for informational purposes only. Even in the event of the Ledger loss, you can recover your funds with this backup. Therefore, it's essential to meticulously write down these words on the provided Ledger backup paper. In my case, I used another paper I had at home, but it's important to number each word to prevent any risk of mixing them up.
- Press the left button to verify the 24 words. I strongly suggest to do this step.
- Double click to start to Confirm the Recovery.
- You will now be asked to confirm word by word. This is done in order to avoid that you haven't wrote down exactly the words. Use the two buttons to navigate to the words provided and then select the exact one corresponding to the word number order you have on the paper. Then double click to confirm.
- Your wallet will be now initialized with the seed phrase you just wrote down. Double press the button to start this quick process.
- The device is now ready.
- Returning to Ledger Live, additional information (and even a game) will be presented, but you can choose to skip them. A critical step follows, known as the genuine check, which verifies the authenticity of the software on the wallet. If you've disconnected the Ledger, reconnect it. It's advisable to disconnect, reconnect, and then insert the PIN, as the Ledger may enter sleep mode after some time, potentially hindering communication with the computer. Once prepared, click on "Check my Nano."
- Double click when you see the "Allow Ledger manager".
- If your Ledger is genuine, Ledger Live will show "All good!". You can continue going forward.
- Feel free to bypass the Ledger Recover, as it's currently unsupported at the time of writing (only available for Nano X Plus). It's unclear why it's included. Simply press the "X" to skip it. In the next section, we'll explore the main dashboard of the Ledger Live desktop application.
How To Send/Receive Funds With the Ledger Nano S Plus
Ledger Live stands out as one o