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Wallet review

Ledger

The most widely supported hardware wallet, and a sensible first cold storage device.

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By the Orca Crypto teamUpdated 2026-09-02How we check this4 min read
The short answer

Ledger is a hardware wallet supporting Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and thousands more. The most widely supported hardware wallet, and a sensible first cold storage device.

What it is

The most widely supported hardware wallet, and a sensible first cold storage device.

PropertyDetail
TypeHardware
NetworksBitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and thousands more
CustodySelf custody, keys in a secure chip
CostPaid hardware device
Hardware wallet supportIt is the hardware

What it does well

Broad asset support, works with MetaMask and Phantom, small and portable.

Where it falls short

Closed source firmware, and the 2020 customer data leak still bothers people.

Worth remembering
We list drawbacks for every wallet because they all have some. A wallet review with no criticism is an advertisement.

Setting it up safely

  1. Download from the official source only

    Type the URL or use a bookmark. Fake wallet extensions and fake apps are a persistent and effective attack. Check the publisher and the install count before adding any browser extension.

  2. Create a new wallet

    You will be shown a recovery phrase. This is the most important moment of the process.

  3. Write the recovery phrase on paper

    By hand, numbered, two copies in two locations. Never a photo, never a notes app, never a cloud drive, never typed into any website. See seed phrase security.

  4. Verify the backup

    The wallet asks you to re enter some words. Do it honestly rather than screenshotting, because this is your only test that the backup works.

  5. Send a small test amount first

    Five dollars. Confirm it arrives. Then send the rest.

Using it with a hardware wallet

This is a hardware wallet. It pairs with software wallets like MetaMask and Phantom so you get a familiar interface with keys that never touch your computer.

Hardware wallet guide Hot vs cold explained Self custody basics

Common questions

Is Ledger still safe after the recovery service controversy?
The 2023 announcement of an optional key recovery service caused a serious trust problem, because it implied the secure element could export key material. The device is still widely used and well supported, and some people moved to fully open source alternatives over it. Both positions are reasonable.
Which Ledger model should I buy?
Any current model protects keys the same way. The differences are screen size, Bluetooth and how many apps fit at once. Buy direct from Ledger and never secondhand.

Where to go next

Wallets by chainFind the right one for your network.Seed phrase securityHow to store the words properly.Hot vs coldWhen to move up to hardware.

Compared head to head

The question people actually ask is not "what is this" but "this one or that one". Each of these ends with a pick and the reasoning behind it.

Ledger vs TrezorAll comparisons

Set up Ledger with us

Installed from the right source, seed phrase backed up correctly, hardware paired if you have one, and a test transaction completed together.

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