What it is
Ledger makes hardware wallets that keep private keys offline, paired with the Ledger Live app for managing, staking and swapping assets. It is a device purchase rather than an exchange account.
Who it suits
Holders who want to keep coins off exchanges.
How it charges
A one-off price for the device; using Ledger Live to manage assets is free. Buying, swapping or staking through partners inside the app carries partner fees.
Getting started
Buy directly from Ledger, set up the device, write down the recovery phrase offline and install the apps for the coins you hold. Never enter the phrase on a computer.
At a glance
- Trading fees
- n/a (device)
- Staking
- Via Ledger Live
- Custody
- Self-custody
- Listed company
- No
- Headquarters
- Paris
- Founded
- 2014
Strengths
- Keys stay offline
- Supports many assets
- Mature companion app
Watch for
- Upfront device cost
- Self-custody responsibility
Readers ask2 questions answered
Do I still need an exchange with a Ledger?
You buy on an exchange or through Ledger Live's partners, then hold the keys yourself on the device.
What if I lose the device?
Recover on a new device with your 24-word recovery phrase, so keep that phrase offline and safe.
Run the numbers before you sign up
How it comparesIts standing in 2 comparisons
Best for holding off-exchange
- Trading fees
- n/a (device) 1 provider in this comparison
- Staking
- Via Ledger Live 1 provider in this comparison
- Custody
- Self-custody 1 provider in this comparison
- Listed company
- No 4 of them share this
Best-known hardware wallet with a mature app
- Trading fees
- n/a (device) 2 of them share this
- Staking
- Via Ledger Live 1 provider in this comparison
- Custody
- Self-custody 2 of them share this
- Listed company
- No 3 of them share this
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