Hardware wallet

A hardware wallet secures your crypto by storing your private key within a Secure Element. Hardware wallets prevent physical extraction of the private key and require physical transaction approval, minimizing crypto assets exposure from vulnerable online environments like smartphones or computers and minimizing exposure to malware and other threats.

<em>Hardware wallet</em>

Ledger Hardware Wallets

Ledger Hardware Wallets best-sellers

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Ledger Flex™

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Bluetooth USB-C Touchscreen Customizable 5000+ coins supported

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Free shipping
Ledger Stax

Ledger Stax™

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Bluetooth USB-C Wireless charging Touchscreen Customizable 5000+ coins supported
Free shipping
Onyx Black

Ledger Nano X™

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Bluetooth USB-C 5000+ coins supported

New colors available

Onyx Black

Matte Black

Ledger Nano S Plus™

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USB-C 5000+ coins supported

4 new colors available now

Matte Black

Ledger Hardware Wallet Comparison

Compare different Ledger hardware wallets to find the best device for you. Explore the most important specifications of Ledger Stax™ vs Ledger Flex™, Ledger Nano X™ vs Ledger Nano S Plus™ and decide which one is best for you.

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  • Ledger Stax™
  • Ledger Flex™
Ledger Stax

Ledger Stax™

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Ledger Flex™

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3.7”
16 grayscale
E Ink® curved touchscreen
2.84”
16 grayscale
E Ink® touchscreen
USB-C
Bluetooth®
NFC
USB-C
Bluetooth®
NFC
Wireless Qi charging
Protective Ledger Magnet Shell included
Magnet Folio available for purchase
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS
Works on
Desktop & iOS/Android
Works on
Desktop & iOS/Android
Thousands of supported coins and tokens
NFT compatible
Thousands of supported coins and tokens
NFT compatible

Hardware wallets explained

Understand the concept of hardware wallets and why they are considered the best option to protect your crypto. Let us guide you to what a hardware wallet is, how it works, and a step-by-step guide on how to use a hardware wallet.

What is a hardware wallet?

A hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your private keys on a Secure Element. The Secure Element also drives the device’s screen to ensure that a transaction can't be tampered with.

When you want to clear sign a transaction, the Ledger Secure OS decodes the transaction details and displays it in a human-readable format so that you know what you're signing.

How do hardware wallets work?

Hardware wallets use Secure Element chips that are also used for credit cards and passports. The chip generates and stores your private keys and prevents physical attacks. Hardware wallets also contain an operating system (OS) that is responsible for running the apps. When setting up your hardware wallet, you'll have to set your PIN code and write down your seed phrase. Then you can sign or reject transactions with your hardware wallet.

Why Do Private Keys Matter?

Private keys are unique strings of letters and numbers that allow you to access your digital assets. Cryptocurrencies are not stored within the crypto wallet itself but on the blockchain. Private keys are crucial to the security and ownership of your crypto, as they are the only way to prove that you are the rightful owner of your digital assets. Therefore, your private keys must be kept secret and secure at all times. Hardware wallets provide a secure way to store and manage your private keys, keeping them offline and out of reach of online threats.

Secure your seed phrase

A seed phrase is a unique 24-word phrase that is generated when you first set up your hardware wallet. This phrase serves as the backup of your private keys, allowing you to securely restore your wallet access.


You can also restore access to your wallet without your seedphrase with Ledger Recover!

Start your free trial
Ledger recover -Destkop

How to use a hardware wallet?

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1. Choose and buy a hardware wallet

Buy a hardware wallet from reputable manufacturers and authorized resellers. Ensure that your hardware wallet is sealed and tamper-proof.

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2. Download the hardware wallet companion app

Connect your hardware wallet to the hardware wallet companion app you downloaded. Follow the instructions to set up your hardware wallet. Write down your seed phrase and choose a PIN.

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3. Deposit crypto into your hardware wallet address

Deposit crypto into your hardware wallet address by receiving crypto from an exchange or another crypto wallet. You can also buy crypto with third-party on-ramp providers on Ledger Live.

Hardware wallet vs. software wallets vs. crypto exchanges: What's the difference?

Crypto wallets are used to secure your digital assets. There are several types of crypto wallets including hardware wallets, software wallets, and crypto exchange wallets. Understanding the differences between each type of crypto wallet is important. Discover how they differ.

Hardware walletsSoftware walletsCrypto exchange wallets
ConnectivityNot directly connected to internetConnected to internetConnected to internet
Private key custodyNon-custodialNon-custodialCustodial
Private keys storageOfflineOnlineOnline
Accessibility to blockchainsRequires the hardware wallet companion appRequires the software wallet and internet connectionRequires internet connection
SecurityYour private keys never leave unencrypted the cold wallet. Transactions are signed locally, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.Software wallets are always connected to the internet and susceptible to cyber-attacks, including phishing, malware, keylogging, and hacking.Your exchange account is susceptible to cyber-attacks, including phishing, malware, keylogging, and hacking. In addition, as the exchange owns the private key to your crypto, you are at risk of fund misuse.
dApps and Web3 AppsAvailableAvailableNot available
User interfaceCan be used with a companion mobile and desktop appMobile and desktop-native applicationsMobile and desktop-native applications
Ideal usageStoring small and large amounts of crypto either for daily transactions or long-term investmentsStoring small and short-term crypto that is used for daily transactionsTrading and keeping large amounts for a short period of time to limit exposure
PriceCost between $50 and $400FreeFree
ExampleLedger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, Ledger Stax, Ledger FlexMetaMask, Trust Wallet, Phantom, KeplrCoinbase, Binance, Kraken

If you're looking for a crypto wallet, make sure you consider the pros and cons of the different wallets. A crypto exchange wallet is a type of wallet provided by a crypto exchange when you create an account. This crypto wallet operates under the control of the exchange that holds private keys, meaning the exchange is responsible for managing and safeguarding the assets held in the account. However, centralized exchanges can be hacked or face legal troubles resulting in your digital assets being stuck in the hands of a third party.

Software wallets are accessible wallet solutions since all you need to do is download or install them on your device. However, they are less secure because they are connected to the internet, and they could potentially be vulnerable to hacking.

Hardware wallets are the best of both crypto exchanges and wallet software wallets worlds. Hardware wallets like Ledger are the best option for storage of all your crypto, because of their ease of use, flexibility, and security.

Hardware Wallet benefits

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Take ownership of your crypto

Hardware wallet gives you complete control over your private keys. When you have control over your private keys, you have control over your crypto.

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Keep your private keys offline

Unlike hot wallets or exchanges that are vulnerable to hacking, phishing attacks, and malware, hardware wallets store your private keys offline.

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Combine it with a hardware wallet companion app

Coupled with the hardware wallet companion app, you can manage and stake crypto with hardware wallet security.

Ledger Live: the hardware wallet app

Trusted by over 6 million customers

Ledger Live — the hardware wallet companion app

A hardware wallet companion app for managing and staking crypto.

Available on Mobile & Desktop
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    Buying, selling and swapping with confidence.

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    Staking crypto

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    Stay on top of your assets

    Keep track of your crypto and NFTs, browse a wide range of services and providers, and get the best deals!

A hardware wallet companion app that supports thousands of coins and tokens.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Solana and more…

A hardware wallet app available on Mobile and Desktop

Download and install the Ledger Live app on Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. Manage all your web3 assets on your desktop or mobile.

Also available on desktop

Frequently Asked Questions

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