Ledger Hardware Wallet Review UK 2026 — Nano S Plus & Nano X

Ledger is the most popular hardware wallet brand in the world, with over 6 million units sold. We've been using a Ledger Nano S Plus for 6 months and a Nano X for 3 months. Here's how they hold up for UK Bitcoin users.

Ledger Nano S Plus — £79

Specs:

• Secure Element: ST33J2M0 (EAL5+ certified)
• Connectivity: USB-C
• Supported coins: 5,500+
• Screen: 128×64px OLED
• App storage: Up to 100 apps
• Weight: 21g

Setup: 15 minutes. Download Ledger Live, connect via USB-C, generate a new seed phrase (24 words), confirm by typing it back on the device. The seed phrase is displayed on the device screen — never on your computer.

Daily use: For Bitcoin, you'll install the Bitcoin app on the device. Each time you want to send or receive, you connect the device, open Ledger Live, and confirm the transaction on the device's physical buttons. No transaction can be signed without physically pressing both buttons simultaneously.

Security: The Secure Element chip is the key differentiator. It's a tamper-resistant chip certified to EAL5+ — the same security level used in banking smart cards and passports. Your private keys never leave the chip, even during signing.

Ledger Nano X — £149

Specs:

• Secure Element: ST33J2M0 (EAL5+ certified)
• Connectivity: USB-C + Bluetooth
• Supported coins: 5,500+
• Screen: 128×64px OLED
• App storage: Up to 100 apps
• Weight: 34g
• Battery: 8 hours standby

The Nano X adds Bluetooth, a built-in battery, and more app storage. Bluetooth means you can use it with your phone without a USB cable — useful for mobile Bitcoin payments.

Comparison: Nano S Plus vs Nano X

• Price: £79 vs £149
• USB-C: Yes vs Yes
• Bluetooth: No vs Yes
• Battery: No vs Yes
• Secure Element: EAL5+ vs EAL5+
• Weight: 21g vs 34g

Pros

• EAL5+ Secure Element (best in class)
• Open-source app firmware
• 5,500+ coins supported
• Simple, guided setup
• Ledger Live app is well-designed

Cons

• Ledger Recover (paid subscription for seed backup) controversy — you can opt out, but the fact it exists worries some users
• Closed-source hardware (only firmware is open-source)
• Nano X Bluetooth can drain battery on older phones
• No touchscreen (Trezor Model T has one)

Verdict: 4.5/5

The Ledger Nano S Plus is the best hardware wallet for most UK Bitcoin users. It's affordable, secure, and simple. The Nano X is worth the extra £70 if you need Bluetooth and mobile-first usage. If you want fully open-source hardware, look at Trezor instead.

For the full wallet comparison, see our Best Bitcoin Wallets UK guide.

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Affiliate disclosure: None — this is an independent review. We do not earn commission from Ledger. We do not recommend exchanges, brokers, or lending platforms.