Ledger Nano S Plus vs Tangem Ring
Ledger Nano S Plus offers full desktop support. Tangem Ring features seedless design, IP69K water resistance, NFC connectivity — and costs $91 less.
Key Takeaways
- Security scores are close (within 0 points)
- Usability scores are close (within 3 points)
- Ledger Nano S Plus is more affordable ($69)
- Both support 74+ cryptocurrencies
- Best for beginners: Tangem Ring (easier setup)
Ledger Nano S Plus vs Tangem Ring: Key Differences
In this head-to-head comparison, we analyze Ledger Nano S Plus and Tangem Ring across 40+ criteria including security architecture, cryptocurrency support, backup methods, and real-world usability. Ledger Nano S Plus is a Ledger device rated 76/100, while Tangem Ring from Tangem scores 75/100. At $69 vs $160, the $91 price gap reflects different approaches to hardware wallet design.
Winner by Category
Which wallet leads in each area
Comparison Table
Key specifications for your decision
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 76/100 | 75/100 |
Security | 97/100 | 97/100 |
Usability | 67/100 | 70/100 |
Price | $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 |
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 | 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 | No | No |
USB | Yes | No |
Networks | 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 |
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 | 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 | Multi-card |
Setup Time | ~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 | IP69K |
Our Verdict: Ledger Nano S Plus or Tangem Ring?
Choose Ledger Nano S Plus if...
- You want on-device transaction verification via a built-in screen
- 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 need full desktop support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
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 iPhone (iOS) compatibility
Our pick for most users
Both wallets score similarly (76 vs 75/100) — your choice depends on which features matter most to you.
Bottom line: both wallets leads in security, while both wallets wins on usability. If budget matters, Ledger Nano S Plus saves you money without compromising on core safety features.
Price: Ledger Nano S Plus vs Tangem Ring
Ledger Nano S Plus costs $69, while Tangem Ring is priced at $160 — a $91 difference. The extra cost of Tangem Ring 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 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 S Plus vs Tangem Ring: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about Ledger Nano S Plus vs Tangem Ring
Is Ledger Nano S Plus better than Tangem Ring?
How much do 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 S Plus waterproof?
Which wallet is better for DeFi and Web3: Ledger Nano S Plus or Tangem Ring?
Ledger Nano S Plus vs Tangem Ring: which has better backup options?
Made your decision?
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