This Ledger Nano S Plus review examines the device as an entry-to-mid-level cryptocurrency hardware wallet with an emphasis on upgraded storage and everyday usability. I’ve owned and tested several hardware wallets since 2018, and I used this device for several months with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a handful of tokens. The goal here is practical: explain how it behaves in real use, how secure it is, and when another model might make more sense.
Short answer? It trades a simple, USB-only design for more app capacity and a bigger screen than the older Nano S, while avoiding Bluetooth. But is that what you need for long-term self-custody? Read on.
The unboxing is intentionally minimal. Inside you’ll typically find the device, a cable, a recovery card for the seed phrase, and a small quick-start leaflet (photo placeholder: device-front.jpg). Build quality feels sturdy. The screen is noticeably larger than the original Nano S — that helps during verification of addresses on-device (I appreciated this during my first transactions). Buttons are tactile and simple to operate.
And yes, packaging matters: always inspect for tamper evidence and confirm authenticity through the companion app or official verification steps (see buying-safely-and-supply-chain).
This section gives a clear sequence of what I did during setup. Follow along slowly and never rush when writing down your seed phrase.
If you already have a recovery phrase and are restoring, follow the "restore from recovery phrase" prompts instead and cross-check against restore-recovery-phrase. In my experience, generating the phrase on the device and confirming it twice reduces human error.
The Nano S Plus increases available storage for applications compared to the older Nano S. That matters if you hold a mixed portfolio of Bitcoin, Ethereum and several altcoins and don’t want to constantly uninstall and reinstall coin apps. I noticed fewer interruptions when switching between assets.
Daily transactions are handled via the companion app (the device signs transactions). Address verification on the larger screen is faster and less error-prone. But remember: the device is USB-only, so mobile users will need an OTG cable or supported desktop workflows.
Under the hood you get the usual hardware-wallet separation between the companion app and private keys. Private keys never leave the secure element on the device. Transactions are signed inside the device and broadcast by your connected app. That’s basic, but essential.
Supply-chain risk matters. Buy from official channels, verify the device’s authenticity in the official companion app, and check packaging for tamper signs. For a detailed checklist, see supply-chain-security-verification.
This device typically generates a 24-word BIP-39 recovery phrase (some wallets use 12; check your model). Treat that seed phrase like the master key to a safe deposit box. I recommend a metal plate for long-term backup (paper degrades). If you plan to use a passphrase (sometimes called the 25th word), understand the trade-offs:
Should you use a passphrase? It depends on threat model and memory discipline. For a full primer, see passphrase-25th-word-guide and seed-phrase-management.
Multi-signature (multisig) setups reduce single points of failure by requiring multiple hardware wallets or signers to approve transactions. This device works as a signer in multisig arrangements with compatible desktop wallets. In my multisig testing, setup required a bit more coordination and familiarity with PSBT (partially signed Bitcoin transactions), but the added resilience is worthwhile for larger balances.
If you’re just storing small amounts, multisig may be overkill. For step-by-step multisig info, see multisig-for-ledger.
A key decision is connectivity. The Nano S Plus is USB-only; the X model includes Bluetooth and a battery for mobile use. Which is safer? USB-only avoids the attack surface that Bluetooth introduces. But Bluetooth can be convenient for frequent mobile transactions.
So: prefer USB-only if your priority is a smaller attack surface. Prefer Bluetooth if you need frequent on-the-go signing and accept the trade-off.
More on connectivity security here: bluetooth-usb-nfc-security.
Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities, add coin support, and improve UX. Always update firmware only via the official companion app and verify the update prompt on-device. The device will show a signature verification when an update is authentic. Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or desktop app.
For a step-by-step firmware checklist, visit firmware-update-guide.
| Feature | Nano S (older) | Nano S Plus | Nano X |
|---|---|---|---|
| App capacity | Limited | Increased | Large |
| Screen size | Small | Bigger | Large |
| Connectivity | USB | USB (no BT) | Bluetooth + USB |
| Battery | No | No | Yes |
| Best for | Basic users | Multi-asset users who prefer USB | Mobile users wanting BT |
Note: This table is a feature-level comparison, not a ranking. See ledger-model-comparison and ledger-nano-x-review for more.
But if you do make a mistake, there are recovery paths (depending on what went wrong). Check recover-if-device-lost and common-mistakes-phishing.
Who this wallet is best for:
Who should look elsewhere:
Q: Can I recover my crypto if the device breaks? A: Yes. If you have the recovery phrase, you can restore on another compatible hardware wallet or supported software (read restore-recovery-phrase).
Q: What happens if the company goes bankrupt? A: Your crypto is non-custodial. Funds are ultimately secured by your seed phrase. Still, keep firmware and software compatibility in mind; see company-bankruptcy-what-happens.
Q: Is Bluetooth safe for a hardware wallet? A: Bluetooth increases the attack surface. It can be secured, but USB-only devices avoid those risks entirely. See bluetooth-usb-nfc-security.
In my testing the Ledger Nano S Plus offers a practical middle ground: a larger screen and more storage than the older Nano S, while keeping to a USB-only design that many security-focused users prefer. It’s not the right choice for everyone. If you want help with step-by-step setup, restoration, or multisig planning, start with our setup guide, check the firmware update checklist, or compare models on the ledger model comparison page.
If you’re ready to set up, follow the step-by-step walkthrough: setup-ledger-step-by-step. Good crypto custody is more about habits than hardware alone — build the right backups and practice recovery before moving large balances.