Ledger Signers: Which Is Best For Me?

Crypto wallets allow people to explore and participate in the many aspects of web3 by protecting their private keys. Since 2014, Ledger has been providing uncompromising security for the crypto ecosystem. 

But what’s the story behind Ledger signers? And which Ledger signer should you choose for yourself? 

In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Ledger signers so you can decide which one suits your lifestyle best.

The History of Ledger Devices

Ledger’s journey began in 2014, with a vision to create a security-focused solution for managing private keys. That same year, they launched the very first Ledger signer. 

Ledger was the first hardware wallet manufacturer to implement the Secure Element chip, the same high security chip used in passports and credit cards. This safeguards your private keys from online threats. Thanks to the secure element, Ledger’s secure OS, Secure Screen, and more recently its Secure Touchscreen, the cornerstones of Ledger’s security model, no Ledger signer has ever been compromised. 

Since then, there have been a new range of signers added to Ledger’s lineup, so let’s dive deeper into each of them and which might be the best choice for you.

Ledger Nano S Plus 

In 2016, Ledger launched the Ledger Nano S, which introduced support for multiple cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin. Paired with the Ledger Wallet, the Nano S becames Ledger’s best-selling device—a truly unique hardware signer of its time.

The Ledger Nano S Plus is the successor to the (now sunset) Ledger Nano S. It is a budget-friendly and feature-rich hardware wallet that offers top-tier security. It offers support for over 15,000 digital assets, and compatibility with desktop and Android devices, all packed into a compact, durable design with a user-friendly monochromatic OLED display.

The Ledger Nano S Plus improves on some of the limitations on its Ledger Nano S predecessor on storage and helps you adapt to some of the recent changes in the web3 landscape. We’ve previously deep dived into Ledger Nano devices and which one would fit your needs the best so make sure you get a quick look in before you make your decision to invest in a Ledger signer.

Ledger Nano X 

Ledger released the award-winning Nano X in 2019, offering Bluetooth functionality, USB-C, improved battery life, and larger storage capacity, making it ideal for managing multiple digital assets. 

The Ledger Nano X is Ledger’s mobile-first signer for everyday use, and shares all the core security features of the Nano S Plus, but with key upgrades such as Bluetooth connectivity, iOS support, improved storage capacity for apps, a larger screen, and better battery life. 

Put simply, the Ledger Nano X is the perfect everyday device for an everyday crypto user. But compared to its next-gen signers, the Nano X falls behind on giving you a seamless and intuitive touchscreen experience.

Ledger Nano X vs Ledger Next-Gen Devices: Which is better for me?

When deciding between the Ledger Nano X and Ledger’s next-generation signers (like the Ledger Nano Gen5, Ledger Flex, or Ledger Stax), it’s worth looking at what each offers to see which fits your needs best.

The Ledger Nano X is an award-winning hardware signer with a strong track record. It uses the Secure Element chip and the same foundational security model that has proven Ledger signers to be unhackable since inception. It supports over 15,000 cryptocurrencies and has Bluetooth capability, so you can manage your assets from your phone easily. It’s a reliable choice if you want something proven, pocket friendly, and straightforward.

On the other hand, the next-gen devices build on this foundation with some industry-first upgrades. They come with larger, Secure Touchscreens that make it simpler to verify and approve transactions—reducing the chance of mistakes, which matters a lot with crypto. Moreover, these larger touchscreens make navigating  Ledger’s newer features (like Transaction Check) and the latest Ledger Wallet integrations easier and intuitive.

They also improve connectivity (Bluetooth and NFC) and add features like the Ledger Security Key for extra account protection. Plus, they add on to the entire crypto wallet experience by giving you personalization options like never before, giving you personalization options like never before, since they all give you the chance to set an NFT or any other image as your standby screen. 

Not only that, but each next-generation signer also offers its own unique methods of personalization, such as the spine of the stackable Ledger Stax devices and the collectible badges designed by susan kare for the Ledger Nano Gen 5. Finally, you’ll also get to enjoy seamless functionality across a larger storage unit.

So, which Ledger signer is best for you? 

The answer to this is multi-faceted and will depend highly on what you are looking for. The next-gen Ledger signers stand out in what they offer considering every price point. If you’re just starting with crypto in 2025, you’d be better off experiencing what the newer lineup offers, as they can give you a best-of-all-worlds experience.

Let’s take a quick dive into Ledger’s next-gen devices to help you understand them better.

Ledger’s Next Generation Devices: Ledger Nano Gen5, Ledger Stax, & Ledger Flex

In 2023, Ledger unveiled Ledger Stax, the premium device in Ledger’s new category of Secure Touchscreen devices; and then launched Ledger Flex, the signer built for any lifestyle. Two years later, in October 2025, Ledger launched the Ledger Nano Gen5, the entry level device in this category and the first secure touchscreen in the Ledger Nano series.  . 

Just like all Ledger signers, Ledger Nano Gen5, Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex benefit from Ledger’s security model, featuring a Secure Element that drives their secure E Ink touchscreens. This makes Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex the first devices with truly secure touchscreens in the world.

Moreover, with the new lineup, you can take the personalization of your devices to new levels. Let’s explore what’s in store for you should you choose to upgrade.

Ledger Nano Gen5 

Ledger Nano Gen5 carries forward Ledger’s iconic Nano lineage into modern day crypto – a multichain world where everyday actions like swapping, staking, and using new apps require security you can see and trust. Building on Ledger’s best-selling lineup, this is the first Ledger Nano signer to feature an E Ink® Secure Touchscreen driven by a Secure Element chip. 

This screen powers Ledger’s Clear Signing and Transaction Check, letting you avoid blind-signing traps and review human-readable transaction details clearly before approving. Under the hood, your private keys stay offline behind an EAL6+ Secure Element chip and Ledger’s secure OS™, while USB-C, Bluetooth® and NFC keep you seamlessly connected across phone and desktop devices. 

Customize the lock screen with images or NFTs, and even add exclusive, collectible badges designed by Macintosh GUI legend Susan Kare to express your personality. It includes Ledger Recovery Key for a private, PIN-protected NFC backup of your Secret Recovery Phrase, and supports the Ledger Security Key app so your signer can secure logins with passkeys, 2FA, and MFA. 

As the most accessible entry point to Ledger’s next-generation experience, Gen5 is designed for everyday onchain life, a guardian of your digital identity, delivering serious security to digital ownership

Ledger Stax

Ledger Stax is a device of multiple firsts. It features the world’s first Secure E-ink Touchscreen, the first organic tft screen built under 100 degrees, and the first-ever curved E Ink touchscreen.

Designed by the Godfather of the iPod, Tony Fadell, Ledger Stax is a premium device that fits your lifestyle. Its iconic curved E Ink touchscreen also allows for full customization, allowing you to choose any image to display as the lock screen and name the spine of the device. 

And of course, as its name suggests, Ledger Stax devices are stackable, allowing you to customize and manage multiple Ledger Stax devices at once.

It’s also convenient, offering Bluetooth and NFC connectivity and the ability to facilitate seamless logins via the Ledger Security Key app.

Ledger Flex

Ledger Flex is the most lifestyle friendly signerin our new category of secure touchscreens. However, unlike Ledger Stax, its E Ink® touchscreen is flat rather than curved and is available at a more attractive price point. 

Ledger Flex offers all of the next-generation features of Ledger Stax, such as its secure touchscreen and connectivity functionality. With a customizable lock screen, and in-built magnets for attaching accessories, the Ledger Flex delivers uncompromising security and style to your crypto experience..

Which Ledger signer is best for me?

Ledger signers: Secure Self-Custody

Whichever Ledger signer you choose, Ledger’s security model including the Secure Element, Ledger’s Secure OS, and Secure Screens, keeps your device safe from both online and physical attacks. 

Ledger gives you uncompromising self-custody security, so you can manage your assets with confidence. Invest in a Ledger signer and experience true peace of mind managing your crypto assets and portfolio.