Ledger: hardware wallets for self-custody

Ledger is a French company, founded in 2014, that makes hardware wallets: small devices that keep your private keys offline and ask you to confirm each transaction on the device itself. Ledger now calls these devices "signers". They work with Ledger's companion app, Ledger Wallet (renamed from Ledger Live in October 2025), and with many third-party wallets, including Anchor for Vaulta (formerly EOS).

What it is

A hardware wallet separates your keys from the computer or phone you use online. Your device signs a transaction internally and sends only the signature back, so malware on your computer cannot copy the key. If the device is lost or broken, you restore your accounts on a new device with the recovery phrase you wrote down at setup.

Ledger devices are non-custodial: Ledger does not hold your keys or your funds.

Current device lineup

Nano S Plus: entry-level, USB-C, small screen.
Nano X: adds Bluetooth and a battery for use with phones.
Nano Gen5: launched in October 2025 with a 2.8-inch E Ink touchscreen, Bluetooth, NFC, and USB-C.
Flex: larger E Ink touchscreen, Bluetooth and NFC.
Stax: the largest curved E Ink touchscreen in the range, Bluetooth, NFC, and wireless charging.

The original Nano S is discontinued. Prices change often, so check the official Ledger shop.

Key features

Secure Element chip: keys live in a certified secure chip. Ledger lists CC EAL6+ for the Nano S Plus, Nano Gen5, Flex, and Stax, and CC EAL5+ for the Nano X.
Wide asset support: Ledger says its devices support more than 15,000 assets across 100+ chains, through Ledger Wallet and third-party wallets combined.
Ledger Wallet app: manage accounts, install device apps, update firmware, and buy, swap, or stake some assets through partners.
Third-party wallets: connect your device to wallets such as MetaMask, Electrum, and Anchor so the keys stay on the Ledger.
Ledger Recover (optional): a paid subscription, run with Coincover, that backs up encrypted fragments of your recovery phrase with identity verification. It is opt-in and not required.

Security history

Ledger's devices have a strong security record, but the company has had incidents worth knowing about:

July 2020 data breach: customer contact and shipping details from Ledger's e-commerce and marketing database were leaked. No funds or keys were exposed, but customers were targeted by phishing emails and letters afterward.
December 2023 Connect Kit exploit: a malicious version of Ledger's Connect Kit library briefly affected some dApps that used it, draining funds from users who signed malicious transactions. Ledger published an incident report.
Ledger Recover debate: the 2023 announcement raised concerns about whether firmware could extract a phrase. Ledger maintains that the feature is opt-in and requires user consent on the device.

Using Ledger with Vaulta

Install the EOS app on your Ledger through Ledger Wallet. Vaulta uses the same chain and signing format as EOS.
Close Ledger Wallet, then open Anchor in a supported browser (Chrome, Edge, or Brave) or the Anchor desktop app.
Enable contract data in the EOS app settings so the device can sign A token transfers and other contract actions.
Import or create a Vaulta account that uses your Ledger key, then use it with Vaulta dApps such as Unicove.

Ledger's own EOS page still uses EOS naming and does not mention Vaulta or A. Ledger Wallet itself does not manage Vaulta accounts, so you need a third-party wallet such as Anchor.

Setup and best practices

Buy only from the official Ledger shop or authorized resellers, and check the packaging.
Download Ledger Wallet only from ledger.com.
Write your 24-word recovery phrase on paper or metal. Never type it into a computer, phone, or website, and never share it.
Set a PIN and keep firmware up to date.
Read every transaction on the device screen before approving, especially contract approvals.

Pros and cons

Pros

Keys stay offline in a certified secure chip.
Very broad asset support and many compatible wallets.
A range of devices from budget to touchscreen.
Works with Vaulta through Anchor.

Cons

Firmware is closed source, so users must trust Ledger's security reviews.
Past data leak and supply-chain incident.
Vaulta needs a third-party wallet and extra setup steps.
Costs money, unlike software wallets.

FAQ

Is Ledger Live gone?

It was renamed Ledger Wallet in October 2025. It is the same companion app.

Can I store A on a Ledger?

Yes, by using the EOS app on the device with a Vaulta wallet such as Anchor.

Do I need Ledger Recover?

No. It is optional. Your recovery phrase alone is enough to restore your wallet.

This listing is informational and is not financial advice. Please exercise caution. BlockzHub does not assume responsibility for any problems, damages, or losses that may result from using the services described here.

Ledger Hardware Wallet