Ledger Nano Gen5 Review: Touchscreen Security Done Right

As Bitcoin and blockchain awareness continue to expand. The secure storage of crypto assets has become a major priority for all investors. Ledger has been a trusted provider of specialized hardware that offers consistent and long-term offline protection. For anyone looking for something that operates smoother than the older two button based devices. The Ledger Nano Gen5 is actually worth a closer look. The newer device carries over the simplicity and portability of the Nano line. Although it upgrades the experience with a touchscreen, stronger security and more connectivity capabilities.

This review takes a look at how the Gen5 performs in day-to-day use, why many see it as the natural upgrade from older Ledger models, and how it fits in today’s evolving crypto landscape.

Hardware & Build Quality

The Ledger Nano Gen5 hardware device, is designed as a compact and modern signer. It has a bigger display and feels more usable in hand, when compared to the Nano X and S series. The device pretty much feels like the middle ground between the premium Flex / Stax models and the older Nano X. The Gen5 offers the newer E Ink touchscreen experience for its users. Essentially offering a premium look and feel, without the premium costs usually associated.

The device uses a lightweight plastic body. Which keeps costs down and makes the unit feel slim and fairly easy to carry. The 2.8″ (300×400 px) E Ink touchscreen is pretty much the star of the show. It’s monochrome, anti-reflective and scratch-resistant. The display is also large enough to show full transaction details, without constant scrolling. It’s not backlit, as that’s the trade off of E Ink. However visibility in bright environments is excellent.

Internally, the Gen5 runs a Secure Element with CC EAL6+ certification. This is a noticeable improvement, for anyone who felt limited or disappointed by the Nano X’s older CC EAL5+ chip. This upgrade puts the Gen5 in line with Ledger’s premium models from a security standpoint.

As for the battery, it has the ability to last up to 10 hours on a single charge. Wireless charging isn’t included, and the frame isn’t metal like the Flex or Stax. However, that technically aligns with the Gen5’s goal. To provide crypto investors touchscreen usability, without driving up the price.

Personalization of your device is also something Ledger has made available. Swappable Susan Kare badges and optional folio sleeves. Give the device more personality than previous Nano generations.

When it comes to storage, the Gen5 is said to be slightly lower, when compared to the Nano X. Although still practical for everyday usage.

Overall, the hardware feels modern, is lightweight, and quite user friendly. Pretty much exactly what people wanted when Ledger first introduced touchscreen based signers.

Note: Ledger now uses “signer” instead of “hardware wallet”, to reflect its expanded role in securing identity, passkeys and Web3 credentials. It still functions exactly like a crypto hardware wallet.

Note: Badges sold separately.

Connectivity & Security

Connectivity is one of the main upgrades in the Gen5. It offers a smoother and more flexible way to use the device across phones, laptops and tablets. The signer now supports:

• USB-C
• Bluetooth 5.2
• NFC (used primarily for the Recovery Key and security features)

All transaction approvals still happen inside the Secure Element. Even when you use Bluetooth or interact with a mobile device. Your private keys never leave the chip.

Security is essentially where the Gen5 stands out most:

Clear Signing

This more or less shows the full breakdown of what you’re signing. It shows the amounts, the addresses and contract actions. All in plain text on the secure screen. This makes it easier to spot mistakes or tampering before you approve.

Certified Secure Screen

The Secure Screen ensures the data shown on the device is the exact data being signed. No overlays and no manipulation. The Secure Screen pulls information directly from the Secure Element, so nothing in your browser or app can alter it.

Transaction Check

This is a newer feature that analyzes Ethereum transactions. It then warns you if something looks suspicious. It helps catch malicious smart contracts, hidden approvals, Web3 gaming traps etc. It can even warn of AI-generated phishing attempts before you sign.

Ledger Recovery Key

The NFC backup card included in the box. Provides an optional and PIN-protected way to store an encrypted backup of your recovery phrase. While this allows you to restore your wallet with a simple tap, instead of tedious typing. It does not replace the necessity of writing down your 24 words, as your primary offline backup.

Passphrase Support

Mostly designed for advanced users. This feature allows you to create hidden wallets, for additional separation between assets. It kind of acts as a ’25th word,’. By creating a completely separate layer of accounts, invisible to anyone who doesn’t have your specific passphrase.

All combined, the Gen5 offers Ledger’s most complete set of protections in the Nano lineup. It effectively closes the security gap, by bringing the mid-range device up to the same security level, as their higher end models. ^{(1, 2)}

 

Ledger Wallet & User Experience

The Nano Gen5 pairs with the Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live). This is your main dashboard for viewing balances, installing apps, staking, swapping, sending, and receiving assets etc.

The available touchscreen makes the setup feel more modern, when compared to older Nano devices. For instance, instead of navigating with buttons. Similar to a smartphone. You swipe, tap, and confirm directly on the device. Setting up the Gen5 is fairly straightforward, especially for those who have never used a hardware wallet before.

The Bluetooth support available, allows full mobile management on iOS and Android. Desktop users can connect through USB-C as usual. While the NFC is used for the Recovery Key.

A useful upgrade found in the Nano Gen5, is direct dApp access via the Ledger Wallet app. This reduces the need for browser extensions and cuts down the attack surface. Many users will appreciate the simpler workflow, especially those who deal with smart contracts frequently.

Overall, we find that daily use on the Gen5 feels more like a smartphone, and less like a discreet proprietary cold storage device. Even small tasks such as verifying addresses or reviewing fees, become easier with a larger screen and improved layout. ⁽³⁾

Coin Support & App Capacity

Ledger Nano Gen5 supports a broad and constantly expanding network of assets and services, including:

• 5,500+ coins and tokens
• NFTs
• Most major dApps through Ledger Wallet or external integrations

You can install dozens of apps simultaneously. Approximately up to 100, depending on the application size. This expanded capacity means that multi-chain users, collectors or active DeFi participants. Won’t need to constantly shuffle apps to manage their portfolio, across chains such as Ethereum, BNB Chain or Solana.

Each of these apps runs independently inside Ledger’s proprietary BOLOS operating system. This design is crucial, as it ensures that bugs or security issues in one app cannot affect others. Moreover and most importantly. No app can ever gain access to your private keys.

The device also works with external wallets such as:

• MetaMask
• Rainbow
• Keplr
• TronLink
• And more

For multi-chain users, collectors or active DeFi investors. The Gen5 covers almost everything most people need, without too many complications. Essentially helping to create a simple yet secure workflow. Even for the most complex multi-chain portfolios you can find. ⁽⁴⁾

Gen5 vs Other Models

Among all of the different hardware wallets and signers available from Ledger, the Gen5 holds a unique position. Below is a brief comparison against a few of the most popular and comparable units.

Nano X

The Nano X was the previous top-end model. While it often sells at a lower price point now, it is starting to show its age. The screen is smaller and the device relies on the older CC EAL5+ security chip. It also lacks the NFC capabilities of the Gen5. While the Nano X technically has a slightly larger 2MB of app storage versus the Gen5’s 1.5MB. The Gen5 is the undeniable natural upgrade, for security and overall usability.

Nano S Plus

The Nano S Plus, currently represents the entry point to Ledger’s secure cold storage lineup. It offers the lowest price but relies mostly on button based navigation. The device requires a USB-C connection, as it lacks both a battery and Bluetooth functionality. It remains a great device for strict and stationary cold storage. However, it is far less ideal for frequent and mobile daily use.

Flex / Stax

At the top end of Ledger’s portfolio are the Flex / Stax models. These devices cater to users seeking luxury cold storage hardware. These devices offer more premium materials, stronger glass and better grayscale fidelity. You can even find advanced features like wireless charging (Qi). As you would expect, this comes with a higher price tag. Basically positioning them as the choice, for those who prioritize deluxe build quality and cutting edge functionality.

The Gen5 has been engineered to be an excellent middle ground unit. It offers users some of the most essential premium features. Such as touchscreen usability and high end security. However, at an affordable price point when compared to its flagship model and competitors.

 

Strengths & Limitations

Before deciding if the Ledger Nano Gen5 is the right upgrade. It is important to look at its core advantages, along with the compromises made to achieve its appealing price point.

Strengths:

• Upgraded CC EAL6+ security. This chip sets a new security floor for Ledger’s mainstream line, exceeding the Nano X’s CC EAL5+. It provides the highest security assurance for your private keys, matching premium competing hardware.
• Touchscreen dramatically improves everyday usability. This eliminates the frustrating two-button navigation of older models. It allows for faster PIN entry, easier menu browsing, and simpler transaction verification with taps and swipes.
• Clear Signing & Transaction Check provide stronger fraud protection. These features address modern Web3 risks. They do so by analyzing complex transactions (like smart contracts), and presenting contract actions in plain and verifiable text on the secure screen.
• Excellent price to performance for a touchscreen model. The Gen5 achieves flagship security and usability (touchscreen). At a price point significantly lower than most high end devices, like the Flex or Stax. Delivering superior consumer value, at a more affordable price.

Limitations:

• Plastic build instead of premium materials. The lightweight plastic casing, is the main trade-off for the lower price. While durable, it lacks the substantial, high-end and sturdy feel. Of the metal or premium glass used in Ledger’s higher end models.
• As a battery powered device, capacity will degrade over time and is not replaceable. This represents the chief long-term risk. Like any mobile device, the internal battery will eventually lose charge capacity. Pretty much forcing the user to keep it connected for extended mobile use.
• E Ink refresh can feel slower than a traditional display. The monochrome E Ink screen is energy efficient and highly visible in light. However, scrolling and transitions are noticeably slower than typical backlit OLED / LCD screens, found in most smartphones.
• No Qi charging (wireless). This omission is a minor inconvenience for users accustomed to modern tech. It means the device must rely solely on the physical USB-C port for charging, lacking the convenience of wireless options.

Final Thoughts

The Ledger Nano Gen5, is easily one of the strongest mid-range hardware wallets available today. It fixes one of the biggest concerns people had with the Nano X, by including CC EAL6+ security. It also introduced a cleaner and faster signing experience with its touchscreen. Even with its plastic build and lack of wireless charging. The device still offers the best price-to-value ratio, in Ledger’s touchscreen lineup.

For anyone looking to upgrade from a Nano S Plus or Nano X. Or, anyone buying their first hardware signer with modern features. The Gen5 is a fairly excellent choice. It does a good job of bringing together security and convenience. It also offers a customization experience in a way that feels current. Without forcing you into Flex or Stax pricing.

If your goal is modern signing, mobile convenience, and stronger protection against today’s threats. The Ledger Nano Gen5 is something you might want to consider.

To learn more about the Ledger Nano Gen5 and how to order, click here. Or, click here to read our Ledger Nano X review and why it might be a more affordable option.

To venture back to the homepage, click here.

FAQ

1. Where can I Buy the Ledger Nano Gen5?

If your Ledger device is lost, damaged or even stolen. Your cryptocurrency is still safe. The device itself doesn’t hold your coins. Your assets actually stay on the blockchain. As long as your secret recovery phrase is backed up and accessible only to you. Restoring your entire wallet on a new Ledger device to regain full access to your accounts. Is entirely possible. Without that phrase, no one (including Ledger) can recover your funds.

2. Which coins & NFTs are supported?

The Ledger Nano Gen5, lets you manage a large portfolio of over 15,000+ coins and tokens. This includes all major assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, SOL, and XRP. It also supports NFTs and allows you to install up to 100 apps at once. Providing full, multi-chain control for your entire digital wealth.

3. How do I set it up?

Setting up the device is quite fast using the Ledger Wallet app (formerly Ledger Live). Connect instantly to your smartphone via Bluetooth to manage assets on the go. Or use USB-C for your desktop. The Gen5 works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.

Page Last Reviewed / Updated: 26-November-2025