What is Ledger? The Ledger Ecosystem Explained

If you want to know more about Ledger, here’s an introduction to Ledger and how it provides uncompromising security for the crypto ecosystem.

What is Ledger?

Ledger provides uncompromising security for the crypto ecosystem, offering cutting-edge hardware wallets designed with security in mind. Ledger believes in secure self-custody, and with a Ledger device, you can take ownership of your private keys with confidence.

Ledger products have different features for different purposes, but the ethos behind all of them is the same: security & ease of use. Ledger was the first to create hardware wallets containing a Secure Element chip, and the first to create a truly secure screen, a screen controlled directly by the Secure Element chip. 

But the Ledger ecosystem doesn’t stop with hardware. Ledger also offers a one-stop shop companion app, allowing you to access countless apps and services from the safety of the Ledger Ecosystem, plus, it also offers solutions for managing crypto as a business.

To understand what Ledger is all about, let’s first dive into its history.

The History of Ledger

Ledger has been providing uncompromising security for the crypto ecosystem since 2015. The launch of the Ledger Nano series marked the first-ever hardware wallet with a Secure Element chip—and since then over 7 million have been sold. 

Ledger has also evolved into a cutting-edge platform used by millions of individuals and businesses. Ledger Live is now more than just a companion app, it also offers a secure gateway to countless apps and services, allowing you to buy, sell, stake, and manage your assets with ease. 

Ledger has also since launched Ledger Enterprise, our branch dedicated to businesses. Ledger Enterprise enables hundreds of exchanges and corporations to leverage digital value with the appropriate governance and security framework.

To bring your experience to a whole new level, Ledger teamed up with the creator of the iPod and co-creator of the iPhone, Tony Fadell, to build the next generation of hardware wallets. The resulting design,  Ledger Stax™, is the first device of its kind, allowing you to manage your assets via a cutting-edge Secure E-ink Touchscreen.

Of course, security remains the focus point of all Ledger products, from hardware wallets to Ledger Enterprise. To guarantee the security of the Ledger ecosystem, the Ledger Donjon, our team of white-hat hackers, continuously stress-test our solutions and look for vulnerabilities. 

Ledger Hardware Wallets

All Ledger devices benefit from Ledger’s security model. For example, your Secret Recovery Phrase (seed phrase) is generated with a random number generator, so it’s impossible to guess or work out. Then your private keys are generated and stored offline in a tamper-proof Secure Element chip, which keeps them safe from online and offline threats. BOLOS, your Ledger device’s custom operating system, allows your apps to function and ensures they stay separate.

To follow, your PIN code allows your Ledger device to provide 2-factor authentication for each transaction you make. Since you must physically confirm each single wallet interaction on the device itself, after unlocking it with a PIN code only you know, nobody can interact with your crypto remotely. 

These security elements are common across all Ledger devices, no matter which you choose. But now you know a little more about Ledger devices as a whole, let’s look at each model and the features they offer.

Ledger Nano S Plus

The Ledger Nano S Plus is a no-brainer entry-level Ledger device. It has all the essentials to secure your digital assets and is just as secure as any other Ledger device. It uses the same Secure Element and custom OS as the Ledger Nano X; it’s even the same size! 

The Ledger Nano S Plus allows you to manage NFTs and fungible tokens on countless networks too. It’s a powerful device, and also simplistic in design—perfect for new entrants to the space. 

Ledger Nano X

The Ledger Nano X is a mobile-first Ledger wallet for convenient day-to-day, on-the-go use. Alongside all of the same features a Ledger Nano S Plus offers, the Ledger Nano X also comes with Bluetooth and is compatible with iOS and Android. This functionality allows you to manage crypto assets with your smartphone seamlessly and wirelessly—without compromising on security.

Ledger Stax

The Ledger Stax is the first in the next generation of crypto wallets. Ledger Stax is both easy to use and secure; following in the footsteps of its predecessors. However, Ledger Stax is also a lot more. 

Ledger Stax was built by Ledger alongside the creator of the iPod and co-creator of the iPhone, Tony Fadell. It features a first-of-its-kind secure Touchscreen, powered by E Ink®. Just like any other Ledger device, the screen is controlled directly by the Secure Element, meaning you can trust the address details it shows.

The large screen is unlike that of any hardware wallet before it. The touchscreen is intuitive and offers a new element of customization. To explain, you can set any image or NFT as your lock screen and it will show even when the device is not in use. Then, as its name implies, Ledger Stax devices are also stackable! With their in-built magnets, you can manage more than one Ledger Stax device and customize the whole stack!

Beyond these key features, Ledger Stax also stands out for its ease of use. Alongside its Bluetooth functionality, Ledger Stax is also offers wireless Qi charging; meaning no more cables needed when transacting on the go. The Ledger Stax is just the first device in a whole new generation of crypto security devices.

For a more in-depth look at each Ledger wallet and to compare the devices’ features, check out the Ledger hardware wallet comparison page.

Ledger Live

Ledger Live is the one-stop shop for all your crypto needs, whether you want to buy, swap, stake, or manage your assets.

Ledger Live is your Ledger device’s companion app. Once installed on your internet-connected device, it can broadcast transactions to the blockchain and help you visualize and manage your assets. Beyond that, it also provides a secure gateway to countless apps and services, such as crypto exchanges, NFT marketplaces, and more.

Accessing these platforms via Ledger Live means you benefit from Clear Signing. To explain, Ledger Live will always present you with the full details of any transaction in human-readable form—before you sign. This, along with your Ledger device’s secure screen, helps mitigate the risk of making a mistake: a common cause of lost crypto funds.

Ledger Services

Today, Ledger’s ecosystem goes much further than its devices and supporting providers via Ledger Live. Ledger also offers services you may be interested in, such as Ledger Recover and Ledger Enterprise.

Ledger Recover

Ledger Recover is a paid optional service that allows you to create a backup of your wallet access. Hopefully, you won’t need to use it, but Ledger Recover brings you peace of mind should you ever find yourself in an unfortunate situation. Essentially, it gives you the freedom to retrieve access to your crypto wallet with your ID in case your Ledger device is lost or stolen and you no longer have your seed phrase. With Ledger Recover, you can enjoy all the benefits of self-custody while maintaining complete control over your assets on the go.  

Ledger Enterprise

Ledger Enterprise is Ledger’s branch focused on helping companies store and manage crypto assets with uncompromising security and tailored governance. While running a company with crypto sounds like a great idea, it can be more challenging in practice. The success of your business relies on how you handle each aspect, from managing assets securely to setting up a governance framework to directing developers. Ledger Enterprise simplifies the process, offering services in asset management, staking, NFTs, DeFi, Trading, and Tokenization.

Ledger: Offering Self-Custody and Uncompromising Security

In conclusion, Ledger is an entire ecosystem of devices, software, and supported apps. In short, there’s something for everyone at Ledger. With the Ledger ecosystem’s world-class security model, you can rest assured your assets are secure. So, what are you waiting for? The Ledger Ecosystem is ready, but the question is: are you?