Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs SafePal S1
Comparing 3 wallets: Ledger Nano Gen5 (77/100, $179), Ledger Nano S Plus (76/100, $69), and SafePal S1 (67/100, $49.99). Prices range from $49.99 to $179.
Key Takeaways
- Ledger Nano S Plus wins in security (97/100)
- Ledger Nano Gen5 wins in ease of use (79/100)
- SafePal S1 is more affordable ($49.99)
- Both support 74+ cryptocurrencies
- Best for beginners: Ledger Nano Gen5 (easier setup)
Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs SafePal S1: Key Differences
This comparison evaluates 3 hardware wallets — Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs SafePal S1 — across 40+ criteria. Prices range from $49.99 to $179, and overall ratings span 67 to 77 out of 100. Below, we break down exactly where each wallet excels and where it falls short.
Detailed Pair Comparisons:
Winner by Category
Which wallet leads in each area
Comparison Table
Key specifications for your decision
| Criteria | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 77/100 | 76/100 | 67/100 |
Security | 97/100 | 97/100 | 82/100 |
Usability | 79/100 | 67/100 | 71/100 |
Price | $179 | $69 | $49.99 |
EAL Certification (Evaluation Assurance Level) from Common Criteria rates the security of hardware components, like secure chips in crypto hardware wallets. Higher levels, such as EAL5+ or EAL6+, indicate stronger resistance to attacks. Learn more | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Open Source Firmware refers to firmware in hardware devices, like wallets, where the source code is publicly available, allowing transparency, auditability, and customization. Learn more | No | No | No |
Bluetooth Connectivity enables wireless communication between devices, like hardware wallets and smartphones, using Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for secure data transfer. Learn more | Yes | No | No |
USB | Yes | Yes | No |
Networks | 74+ | 74+ | 200+ |
A passphrase is an additional security layer for cryptocurrency wallets, acting as a 25th word in the BIP39 seed phrase, protecting access to hidden wallets. Learn more | Yes | Yes | Yes |
A touchscreen display is a screen that allows users to interact with a device by touching the surface, commonly used in hardware wallets for easy navigation and transaction confirmation. Learn more | E-Ink Monochrome Touchscreen | Monochrome OLED | Color LCD |
Recovery is the process of restoring access to a cryptocurrency wallet using its seed phrase or mnemonic backup if the original wallet is lost or inaccessible. Learn more | 24-word seed | 24-word seed | 24-word seed |
Setup Time | ~5 min | ~10 min | ~10 min |
IP Rating refers to the level of protection a device has against dust and water, often used for hardware wallets to indicate their durability in various environments. Learn more | None | None | None |
Our Verdict: Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs SafePal S1
Choose Ledger Nano Gen5 if...
- You use Bitcoin and care about privacy (CoinJoin, coin control)
- You want wireless NFC connectivity — no cables needed
Choose Ledger Nano S Plus if...
- You prefer USB-only connection for maximum security
Choose SafePal S1 if...
- You want to save $19 without sacrificing core security
Our pick for most users
Both wallets score similarly (77 vs 76/100) — your choice depends on which features matter most to you.
Bottom line: Ledger Nano S Plus leads in security, while Ledger Nano Gen5 wins on usability. If budget matters, SafePal S1 saves you money without compromising on core safety features.
Price: Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs SafePal S1
Prices range from $49.99 (SafePal S1) to $179 (Ledger Nano Gen5). The extra cost of Ledger Nano Gen5 gets you a 10-point higher overall rating. For budget buyers, SafePal S1 offers solid security at a lower price point.
Who Should Pick Which Wallet
Recommendations based on real-world use cases
Ledger Nano Gen5
$179- +EAL6+ certified secure element, the highest grade in consumer hardware wallets
- +Triple connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth, and NFC in a single device
- +2.8-inch E-Ink touchscreen — largest display in the Ledger lineup
- +Ships with Ledger Recovery Key NFC card for seedless backup out of the box
- −Firmware and Ledger Live app are closed-source, limiting independent auditability
- −No Shamir Secret Sharing — seed backup is single-point BIP39 or proprietary NFC card
- −No water or dust resistance rating despite a $179 price point
- −Multisig support is basic only — no native miniscript or advanced policy coordination
Ledger Nano S Plus
$69- +CC EAL6+ certified ST33K1M5 secure element — highest rating among sub-$100 wallets
- +Supports 5,500+ tokens across 50+ networks without third-party apps
- +24-word BIP39 seed with optional passphrase adds hidden wallet layer
- +Coin control feature enables manual UTXO selection for privacy-conscious users
- −Closed-source firmware — independent security audits are not publicly possible
- −No Bluetooth or NFC; USB-only connectivity excludes iOS devices entirely
- −No Shamir Secret Sharing — single seed backup point remains a loss risk
- −0.9-inch monochrome OLED makes verifying long contract data tedious
SafePal S1
$49.99- +EAL6+ secure element — higher certification than most rivals at this price
- +Fully air-gapped via QR codes, eliminating all USB/Bluetooth attack surfaces
- +Supports 30,000+ tokens across 200+ blockchain networks
- +Built-in battery enables fully standalone operation without a host device
- −Firmware and software are fully closed-source — no independent code audit possible
- −No desktop support: Windows, macOS, and Linux are all incompatible
- −No Shamir Secret Sharing; single mnemonic backup is the only recovery method
- −No water resistance rating despite plastic ABS/PVC construction
Best for These Profiles
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Important points to verify regardless of your choice
All wallets ship from official manufacturer stores with full warranty.
Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs SafePal S1: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs SafePal S1
Is Ledger Nano Gen5 better than Ledger Nano S Plus?
How much do Ledger Nano Gen5 and Ledger Nano S Plus and SafePal S1 cost?
Can Ledger Nano S Plus be used on iPhone (iOS)?
Which wallet is better for DeFi and Web3: Ledger Nano Gen5 or Ledger Nano S Plus?
Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus: which has better backup options?
Can SafePal S1 be used with a desktop computer?
Where to buy Ledger Nano Gen5 at the best price?
Do Ledger Nano Gen5 and Ledger Nano S Plus come with a warranty?
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