Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) vs Ledger Nano S Plus
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) stands out with open-source code. Ledger Nano S Plus is a solid alternative — Ledger Nano S Plus costs $1 less.
Key Takeaways
- Security scores are close (within 0 points)
- Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) wins in ease of use (86/100)
- Ledger Nano S Plus is more affordable ($69)
- Both support 74+ cryptocurrencies
- Best for beginners: Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) (easier setup)
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) vs Ledger Nano S Plus: Key Differences
In this head-to-head comparison, we analyze Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) and Ledger Nano S Plus across 40+ criteria including security architecture, cryptocurrency support, backup methods, and real-world usability. Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) is a Tangem device rated 79/100, while Ledger Nano S Plus from Ledger scores 76/100. At $69.9 vs $69, the $1 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 | 79/100 | 76/100 |
Security | 97/100 | 97/100 |
Usability | 86/100 | 67/100 |
Price | $69.9 | $69 |
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 | Yes | 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 | No | No |
USB | No | Yes |
Networks | 86+ | 74+ |
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 | None | Monochrome OLED |
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 | Multi-card | 24-word seed |
Setup Time | ~3 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 | IP69K | None |
Our Verdict: Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) or Ledger Nano S Plus?
Choose Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) 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
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)
Our pick for most users
Both wallets score similarly (79 vs 76/100) — your choice depends on which features matter most to you.
Bottom line: both wallets leads in security, while Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) wins on usability. If budget matters, neither (similar pricing) saves you money without compromising on core safety features.
Price: Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) vs Ledger Nano S Plus
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) costs $69.9, while Ledger Nano S Plus is priced at $69 — a $1 difference. At similar price points, the choice comes down to features rather than budget — compare the specific capabilities above.
Who Should Pick Which Wallet
Recommendations based on real-world use cases
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards)
$69.9- +Samsung S3D350A EAL6+ secure element — highest consumer-grade certification
- +3-card redundancy: access survives loss of any 2 cards simultaneously
- +IP69K water resistance — survives high-pressure water jets
- +No seed phrase exposure by default — private keys never leave the chip
- −Closed-source firmware — no reproducible builds or independent code audit possible
- −No display on card — transaction details verified only on paired smartphone screen
- −Desktop OS incompatible — no Linux, Windows, or macOS support
- −No Shamir Secret Sharing — multi-card backup is proprietary, not standard SLIP39
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
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.
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) vs Ledger Nano S Plus: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) vs Ledger Nano S Plus
Is Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) better than Ledger Nano S Plus?
How much do Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) and Ledger Nano S Plus cost?
Does Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) 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 Wallet (3 Cards) cards?
Is Ledger Nano S Plus waterproof?
Which wallet is better for DeFi and Web3: Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) or Ledger Nano S Plus?
Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) vs Ledger Nano S Plus: which has better backup options?
Made your decision?
Check out full reviews or find the best price from official vendors.
We may earn a commission from purchases through affiliate links. This does not affect our ratings.
Not convinced? Consider these alternatives

Tangem Wallet (2 Cards)
More Comparisons
Compare Tangem Wallet (3 Cards) with other wallets






