Nano S Plus Review — Hands-on Guide

Nano S Plus Review — Hands-on Guide

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Quick overview

This review is a hands-on look at the Nano S Plus as a cryptocurrency hardware wallet. I tested the unit over several months and used it with desktop and mobile workflows, so you'll get both first impressions and technical analysis. The device emphasizes a bigger screen and more app storage than the entry-level model in the same family, while keeping a USB-only connection (no Bluetooth). In my experience that makes it a practical middle-ground for people who want more coin support on-device without mobile wireless features.

Think of your seed phrase like the master key to a safe deposit box: protect it, and everything inside remains yours. (More on seed phrases and passphrases below.)

Unboxing & first impressions

The unboxing is straightforward: compact packaging, the device itself, a short USB-C cable, recovery cards, and quick-start guides. The screen is noticeably larger than the smallest model in the lineup, which makes address checks and PIN entry less fiddly. I liked the tactile feel of the buttons — firm, not mushy — and the build feels utilitarian rather than flashy.

If you prefer a fully air-gapped setup, this device isn't advertised as a dedicated air-gapped signer out of the box. But advanced users can build air-gapped workflows using external tools (see advanced-air-gapped).

For a dedicated unboxing walkthrough and photos, see our unboxing page.

Step by step: Ledger Nano S Plus setup

How do you get from box to holding your first on-chain transaction? Here's a concise, step-by-step setup I used (step-by-step because people search that often):

1. Plug the device into your computer with the USB-C cable and power it on.
2. Choose your device language on-screen.
3. Create a PIN (4–8 digits usually) — write it down in your head, not on the recovery card.
4. The device will generate a seed phrase (I received a 24-word recovery phrase during testing). Write that on the supplied recovery card, twice if you wish.
5. Confirm a few words on the device when prompted.
6. Install the companion desktop app and use it to install coin apps and manage accounts (see ledger-live-guide for full steps).

And remember: never type your seed phrase into a computer or phone. Ever.

For a detailed walk-through tailored to this model, see our setup-nano-s-plus and the general setup-ledger-step-by-step guide.

Security architecture & firmware updates

The device stores private keys inside a secure element (secure chip) and uses firmware attestation to prove authenticity. What that means practically is the private keys never leave the secure element and firmware updates are signed. I applied several firmware updates during testing; the process prompts a verification step on the device screen before proceeding.

Why update firmware? Updates can patch vulnerabilities, add coin support, and improve UX. But updates are also an annoyance for long-term cold storage holders who prefer stable, unchanging systems. I usually apply firmware updates on a test wallet first, then on my main device once I'm comfortable.

To verify authenticity and guard against supply-chain tampering, check the device packaging and run the on-device attestation when prompted (more on supply chain checks at supply-chain-security-verification and firmware procedures at firmware-update-guide).

Wallet capacity, supported coins, and apps

One of the main selling points here is improved wallet capacity compared with the small-footprint model. By "wallet capacity" I mean how many coin apps you can install concurrently; some coin apps take more on-device storage than others (Bitcoin and Ethereum often require more space). The increased capacity reduces friction if you hold a diverse portfolio.

Supported networks are broad: Bitcoin, Ethereum and its tokens, Solana, and many other chains are accessible, though exact compatibility depends on app availability and third-party wallet integrations. See the consolidated list at supported-coins-networks for specifics.

Below is a high-level comparison with sibling models (feature differences only):

Feature	Nano S	Nano S Plus	Nano X
Connection	USB only	USB-C only	USB-C + Bluetooth
Screen	Small	Larger (easier confirmations)	Large
App capacity	Limited	Increased vs base model	Largest (designed for many apps)
Battery	No	No	Yes
Bluetooth	No	No	Yes
Typical user	Minimalist, single-coin	Mid-level, multiple coins	Power user, mobile-first

If you want a deeper feature matrix, see compare-ledger-models and ledger-model-comparison.

Daily usage: connectivity, apps, and multisig

Daily sending and receiving is straightforward. The on-device screen makes address checks easier than the smallest model. App installation and removal are done via the desktop manager (app manager), and removing apps does not erase accounts — private keys remain derived from your seed phrase.

Connectivity: this model is USB-only. No Bluetooth means fewer attack surfaces for wireless exploits, but you sacrifice mobile convenience. Is Bluetooth safe? It can be if implemented properly, but for my own long-term holdings I prefer a wired device; read more on connection risks at bluetooth-usb-nfc-security.

Multi-signature: you can use this device in multisig setups with compatible software (Sparrow, Electrum, and similar tools — see multisig-for-ledger). Multisig increases security by requiring multiple devices or keys to sign transactions (good against single-point failures). But multisig also adds operational complexity and recovery planning requirements.

Common mistakes, supply chain and cold-storage strategies

People often buy from unofficial sellers and receive tampered units. Don't do that. Buy only from reputable channels and verify the device on first power-up using attestation (guide: supply-chain-security-verification).

Seed phrase errors are another frequent pitfall: photographing it, typing it into a web form, or storing it in cloud storage defeats the purpose of the hardware wallet. Think physically and redundantly: metal plates resist fire and water better than paper (see seed-backup-plates).

Cold-storage strategy—single-sig vs multisig—comes down to trade-offs. Single-signature setups are simpler and fine for small to medium holdings. For larger balances, I recommend (personally) exploring geographically distributed multisig with clear inheritance instructions (cold-storage-strategies, inheritance-planning).

Who this wallet is for — and who should look elsewhere

Who this is for:

• Users who want more on-device app capacity than the base model.
• People who prioritize screen clarity and a wired connection for security.
• Those who plan to hold a mix of coins but don't need mobile Bluetooth features.

Who should look elsewhere:

• Users who want a Bluetooth-enabled mobile-first experience (see nano-x-review).
• People seeking an out-of-the-box air-gapped signer without additional tools.

FAQ

Q: Can I recover my crypto if the device breaks? A: Yes — if you have your seed phrase. Use the recovery procedure on a compatible hardware wallet or restore using software that supports your seed format (see recover-if-device-lost).

Q: What happens if the company goes bankrupt? A: Your keys are non-custodial and stored on the device and your seed phrase. The company’s business status doesn't directly affect your ability to recover funds (more at company-bankruptcy-what-happens).

Q: Is Bluetooth safe for a hardware wallet? A: Bluetooth introduces additional attack surfaces. For high-value long-term holdings I prefer wired devices. If you need mobile convenience, weigh the trade-offs and follow strict best practices (see bluetooth-usb-nfc-security).

Q: Should I use a passphrase (25th word)? A: A passphrase can add an extra security layer, but it must be managed meticulously because it is not stored or recoverable by the device maker. Read our guide on the passphrase-25th-word-guide.

Final thoughts and next steps

The Nano S Plus is a solid middle-ground hardware wallet: enhanced screen and app capacity without wireless features. In my testing it balanced usability with a conservative security posture, which is a common need among long-term holders. But every setup has trade-offs; for mobile-first users or those seeking built-in air-gapped workflows, other models in the family or different architectures may fit better.

Want a full setup walkthrough or to compare models side-by-side? Start with our setup-nano-s-plus guide and the compare-ledger-models page. If you have specific questions about multisig, seed backups, or firmware verification, check the linked guides above or drop a question on our FAQ.

And remember: a hardware wallet is one piece of a safety plan. Test your recovery procedure before sending large balances. But don't be paralyzed—secure, practical custody beats perfect inaction.