Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs Tangem Ring
Comparing 3 wallets: Ledger Nano Gen5 (77/100, $179), Ledger Nano S Plus (76/100, $69), and Tangem Ring (75/100, $160). Prices range from $69 to $179.
Key Takeaways
- Security scores are close (within 0 points)
- Ledger Nano Gen5 wins in ease of use (79/100)
- Ledger Nano S Plus is more affordable ($69)
- Both support 74+ cryptocurrencies
- Best for beginners: Tangem Ring (easier setup)
Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs Tangem Ring: Key Differences
This comparison evaluates 3 hardware wallets — Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs Tangem Ring — across 40+ criteria. Prices range from $69 to $179, and overall ratings span 75 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 | 75/100 |
Security | 97/100 | 97/100 | 97/100 |
Usability | 79/100 | 67/100 | 70/100 |
Price | $179 | $69 | $160 |
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 | Yes |
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+ | 86+ |
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 | None |
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 | Multi-card |
Setup Time | ~5 min | ~10 min | ~3 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 | IP69K |
Our Verdict: Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs Tangem Ring
Choose Ledger Nano Gen5 if...
- You trust third-party audits (NCC Group and other independent security researchers (various third-party reviews)) over open-source review
- You use Bitcoin and care about privacy (CoinJoin, coin control)
- You are comfortable managing a seed phrase
Choose Ledger Nano S Plus if...
- You trust third-party audits (Ledger internal + third-party (ANSSI CSPN, EAL evaluation)) over open-source review
- You are comfortable managing a seed phrase
- You prefer USB-only connection for maximum security
- You want to save $91 without sacrificing core security
Choose Tangem Ring if...
- You prefer a compact, screenless form factor
- You want verifiable, open-source firmware and software
- You prefer seedless backup via multiple linked cards
- You need a durable, IP69K-rated waterproof device
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: both wallets leads in security, while Ledger Nano Gen5 wins on usability. If budget matters, Ledger Nano S Plus saves you money without compromising on core safety features.
Price: Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs Tangem Ring
Prices range from $69 (Ledger Nano S Plus) to $179 (Ledger Nano Gen5). The extra cost of Ledger Nano Gen5 gets you a 1-point higher overall rating. For budget buyers, Ledger Nano S Plus 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
Tangem Ring
$160- +World's first smart ring hardware wallet — wearable crypto signing
- +EAL6+ Samsung secure element, same chip used in Tangem cards
- +IP69K waterproof rating — survives submersion and high-pressure water
- +No battery required — passive NFC means zero charging ever
- −No screen — transaction details must be verified on paired phone
- −Closed firmware — source code not publicly auditable
- −No backup ring included at $160; losing it risks permanent fund loss
- −NFC-only connectivity — incompatible with desktop OS (Windows, macOS, Linux)
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 Tangem Ring: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about Ledger Nano Gen5 vs Ledger Nano S Plus vs Tangem Ring
Is Ledger Nano Gen5 better than Ledger Nano S Plus?
How much do Ledger Nano Gen5 and Ledger Nano S Plus and Tangem Ring cost?
Does Tangem Ring work without a seed phrase — and is that safe?
Can Ledger Nano S Plus be used on iPhone (iOS)?
What happens if I lose all my Tangem Ring cards?
Is Ledger Nano Gen5 waterproof?
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?
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