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Ledger Nano Gen5 Review: Worth the $179 Upgrade?

What’s in the box?

You’ll find the following items inside the box:

  • 1 Ledger Nano Gen5
  • 1 USB-C to USB-C cable
  • 3 Recovery Sheets
  • 1 Ledger Recovery Key
  • 1 Safety and regulatory leaflet

GO TO LEDGER’S WEBSITE

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Before using your Ledger Nano Gen5, carefully check the shrink wrap and box for any evidence of tampering.

If someone has accessed your device, it may be vulnerable to hacking and theft of funds.

Contact Ledger support if you have any concerns about the integrity of your device.

Ledger Nano Gen5 product features

The Ledger Nano Gen5 is built to make managing your crypto and digital identity easy and secure. Here’s what makes it stand out:

  • Clear and easy-to-read screen. The 2.8-inch monochrome E Ink touchscreen is crisp and easy to read, even in bright light.
  • Multiple ways to connect. Connect it via USB-C, Bluetooth or NFC, so it works with both your computer and mobile device.
  • Bank-level security. With a Secure Element chip and Ledger OS, your transactions are protected, and features like Clear Signing help you verify everything safely.
  • Simple backup and recovery. Comes with a Ledger Recovery Key and three recovery sheets, making it easy to back up your assets securely.
  • Compact, travel-friendly design. Measuring just 3.13″ x 2.10″ x 0.34″ and weighing ~1.62 ounces, it’s lightweight and portable.
  • Full crypto management with Ledger Live. Manage, buy, sell, swap and stake your crypto easily with Ledger’s official software.
  • Customizable style. Add a personal touch with fun, customizable badges designed by Susan Kare.

At $179, the Nano Gen5 packs serious security and functionality into a user-friendly, portable design — perfect for anyone looking to keep their digital assets safe without the hassle.

Where the Ledger Nano Gen5 falls short

While the Ledger Nano Gen5 brings a lot to the table, it’s not without its drawbacks. First, it’s priced higher than the Nano X at $179, which may give budget-conscious buyers pause. Despite being the newer model, it actually offers less internal storage (1.5MB vs 2MB), meaning you may need to uninstall and reinstall apps if you manage a wide range of coins.

Finally, its plastic build feels a bit less premium compared to the sleek metal design of older Ledger models, and the monochrome E Ink screen, while energy-efficient, won’t wow anyone looking for vivid visuals.

Ledger Nano Gen5 price

The Ledger Nano Gen5 sells for $179 through Ledger’s official website.

This puts its price point somewhere between the Ledger Nano X, which retails for $149, and the Ledger Flex at $249.

Where to buy the Ledger Nano Gen5 in the US

Purchase the Nano Gen5 directly from Ledger’s website – and not from a third party – to reduce the chances of someone tampering with your device before it reaches you.

GO TO LEDGER’S WEBSITE

Ledger Nano Gen5 coin support

You can manage 500+ coins and tokens when you use your Ledger Nano Gen5 with its native software, Ledger Live.

You can expand the range of supported assets by using your Ledger Nano Gen5 together with a third-party wallet. This allows you to manage over 1,000 coins and tokens as well as NFTs on multiple blockchains.

Managing NFTs on the Ledger Nano Gen5

You can manage NFTs on the Ethereum and Polygon blockchains with your Ledger Nano Gen5 when you use it with Ledger Live.

You can also manage NFTs on several other blockchains when you use your Ledger Nano Gen5 together with a third-party wallet.

Ledger Nano Gen5 security

The Ledger Nano Gen5 uses a Secure Element chip, which is also in credit cards, passports and SIM cards.

It has also passed a Common Criteria (CC) for Information Technology Security Evaluation – an international standard widely used for banking cards and government-grade security — with an Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) 6+ certification.

The CC EAL 6+ certification indicates that the device has undergone rigorous design and testing processes to provide a high level of assurance against sophisticated, well-resourced attacks — though not necessarily the highest possible level of security.(1)

Ledger Nano Gen5 product specs compared

Dimensions 3.13″ x 2.10″ x 0.34″ 2.83″ x 0.73″ x 0.46″ 3.09″ x 2.22″ x 0.30″
Weight ~1.62 ounces ~1.20 ounces ~2.03 ounces
Screen size 2.76″ 1.1″ 2.84″
Screen type E Ink touchscreen OLED E Ink touchscreen
Coin support 500+ 500+ 500+
Storage capacity 1.5MB 2MB 1.5MB
Bluetooth
Battery life Up to 10 hours of normal use or up to 150 transactions Up to 5 hours of normal use Up to 10 hours of normal use or up to 150 transactions
Connection type USB Type-C, NFC USB-A to USB-C, Bluetooth USB Type-C, NFC
Native NFT support
Security rating CC EAL6+ CC EAL5+ CC EAL6+
Mobile phone compatibility Android, iOS Android, iOS Android, iOS
Supported desktop OS Windows 10+, macOS 12+, Ubuntu LTS 20.04+ Windows 10+, macOS 12+, Ubuntu LTS 20.04+ Windows 10+, macOS 12+, Ubuntu LTS 20.04+
Price (USD) $179 $149 $249

Ledger Nano Gen5 vs. Ledger Nano X

The Ledger Nano Gen5 builds upon everything good about the Ledger Nano X in a few key ways. For starters, the Gen5 has a bigger 2.76-inch screen, making it easier to navigate and check transactions.

Security is stronger, with a CC EAL6+ rating compared to the Nano X’s EAL5+, so it’s better equipped to handle sophisticated attacks.

Both devices support over 500 coins and let you manage Ethereum and Polygon NFTs directly through Ledger Live.

The Gen5 also has up to double the battery life, which is handy if you’re using it frequently.

It costs a bit more at $179 versus $149 for the Nano X, but the upgrades in the screen and security make it worth considering. That said, if you want a lighter, more budget-friendly option, the Nano X still does the job very well.

Ledger Nano Gen5 vs. Ledger Flex

The Ledger Nano Gen5 and Ledger Flex are both solid devices, but they focus on slightly different things.

Both have a 2.8-inch E Ink touchscreen and support over 500 coins, with strong security features like a CC EAL6+ rating and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Gen5 is more affordable at $179, while the Flex costs $249 and its ergonomic design may make it more comfortable to handle.

If you want a compact, cost-effective device, the Gen5 is the way to go. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for the Flex’s design, it’s also a strong option.

How to use the Ledger Nano Gen5

To use your Ledger Nano Gen5, you will use the Ledger Live app on your desktop computer in conjunction with the device.

Connecting with Ledger Live

  1. Open the Ledger Live app on your desktop
  2. Input your Ledger Live password if you created one
  3. Plug your Ledger Nano Gen5 into your computer
  4. Input the PIN code for your Ledger Nano Gen5
  5. You should be able to see your digital asset balances via Ledger Live after following the steps.

Ledger Nano Gen5 alternatives

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Our verdict

The Ledger Nano Gen5 is a well-rounded, feature-packed hardware wallet that builds on the legacy of the Nano S Plus and Nano X. Its larger 2.8-inch screen, robust security with CC EAL6+ certification and support for hundreds of coins and tokens — plus native Ethereum and Polygon NFT management — make it a strong choice for both new and experienced crypto users.

That said, it comes at a higher price than the Nano X ($179 vs $149) and with less storage (1.5Mb vs 2Mb), which could be a consideration for heavy users. While compact and portable, its plastic build may feel less premium than some other models.

Storing the private keys to your crypto remains one of the riskiest aspects of investing in digital assets. Make sure you compare all hardware wallet options and choose the one that fits your security needs, usage habits and budget. Hardware wallets like the Nano Gen5 are widely considered the safest way to manage crypto, especially if you plan to hold assets for the long term.

GO TO LEDGER’S WEBSITE

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information. You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators’ websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.

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