Innovation is a constant in the crypto world. Satoshi Nakamoto's vision has blossomed into a full-fledged digital asset class that includes DeFi, NFTs, Layer 2 and interoperability solutions, privacy coins — you name it. The importance of protecting your assets is increasing as the digital landscape grows.
Just as you'd want a high-security vault for your valuables, your digital assets require robust protection. When it comes to crypto wallets, different users have varying preferences — some favor software wallets for their convenience, while others opt for hardware wallets due to their enhanced security. Sure, these wallets cost some bucks, but they significantly reduce the risk of hacks (and you can't put a price on that).
Ledger, one of the Big Two Hardware Wallet Companies (the other being Trezor), has recently unveiled its newest wallet named the Ledger Flex.
We will examine the Ledger’s security features in this review. We'll also touch on its price and compare it with other Ledger wallets.
Why use a hardware wallet?
If you own digital currency, it is important to have the best security in place to protect your assets from digital thieves. Both novice and experienced investors are concerned about security. You might be wondering, in the midst of the many digital wallets that are available, why would one choose a Ledger Flex hardware wallet?
First, it is important to understand the basics of storing cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies are digital assets, unlike traditional currencies. They exist on a Blockchain. Private keys, or complex passwords, are used to protect access to these digital assets. Your digital wealth could be stolen if these keys were compromised. Hardware wallets are a great solution.
Enhanced security with Offline Storage
Hardware wallets store your private key securely off-line, away from hacks and malware. Hardware wallets offer a strong defence against cyber threats such as keyloggers, phishing attacks and other cyber threats by keeping private keys away from the internet. Ledger Flex for example ensures your keys are never visible to any internet-connected devices, reducing theft risk.
Compare Software Wallets
Consider storing your most valuable jewellery as an analogy. You could store it in a drawer that is easily accessible at home or you can use a safe with high security. While software wallets are similar to the drawer, they’re not as secure.
Hardware wallets are often equipped with extra layers of security such as passphrases and PIN codes, which add another layer of protection against unauthorised access. These wallets are immune to the computer viruses which can steal data from software wallets.
A hardware wallet’s primary purpose is to provide the highest level of security for your cryptocurrency. You can protect your digital investments by choosing a hardware wallet such as the Ledger Flexible.
What is Ledger?
Ledger is a well-known name in crypto hardware wallets since its establishment in 2014. The company employs more than 700 people in eight locations worldwide including Paris, Vierzon London, Portland and Singapore.
Ledger's devices are powered by the Secure Element chip and Ledger’s proprietary operating system, which is rigorously tested by security experts. Ledger’s devices have been sold in over 6,000,000 units worldwide. Ledger Live offers a simple way to manage digital assets. Ledger Enterprise is for enterprises that need a more comprehensive solution.
Ledger also offers other wallets in addition to the Flex:
- Ledger Stax
- Ledger Nano X
- Ledger Nano S Plus
The company has a clear focus on security, and it makes an effort to educate its users about the best practices of securing digital assets. Ledger gets full marks.
What is Ledger Flex?
The Ledger Flex was announced at the Bitcoin Conference on July 26, 2024, during Ledger's 10th anniversary. The Flex marks the second addition to Ledger's lineup of hardware wallets in 2024; the Stax was launched just a couple of months ago.
The Ledger Flex is positioned as a midrange option and is designed to appeal to both experienced and novice users looking for a secure and reliable way to manage cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. That's not all; a special Ledger Flex BTC Edition is also available for enthusiasts and collectors.
Here's a sampling of the wallet's features, which we'll touch on in more detail in the next section:
- The Ledger Flex comes with a 2.84 inch, 16 grayscale E Ink touch screen
- The weight of the item is 57.5 grams
- Ledger’s top priority is security. The Ledger Flex has a secure element (SE) chip with CC certification EAL6+.
- Ledger Flex is compatible with thousands of coins, NFTs and tokens
- The wallet is multi-device compatible with Bluetooth 5.2, and has a USB-C connector.
Ledger Flex Top Features
Here's a look the Ledger Flex's features:
Secure E-ink Touchscreen
Let's start with the screen, because that was the highlight of the Ledger Stax's looks. The Ledger Flex comes with a 2.84-inch screen.” 16 grayscale E Ink touchscreen with capacitive touch. This technology significantly extends battery life compared to traditional screens.
Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex are the first devices to feature truly secure touchscreens, designed to enhance security and usability. A larger, secure display with an intuitive interface is crucial in minimizing errors and preventing accidental approval of malicious transactions. This is why Ledger developed the secure touchscreen category—offering a seamless and user-friendly experience for verifying and signing transactions with confidence.
In addition to security, Ledger Flex, like Ledger Stax, allows for personalization. Users can display their favorite NFTs or images on the always-on lock screen, ensuring their chosen visuals remain visible even in standby mode.
Build
Weighing at 57.5g, the build is solid and robust, especially because there is no curved screen on the side, making the Ledger Flex less vulnerable to accidents. It has an aluminium frame and plastic back cover, and a distinct metal panel at the bottom stands out and makes it more practical and easy to grip while you scroll the screen. This bottom plate also carries the logo and is also the defining component in the two color variants of the device.
Enhanced Security
Security is what Ledger loves to flaunt, and the Ledger Flex is no exception. The Flex employs a secure element chip (SE) with a CC EAL6+ certification to protect private keys and perform cryptographic operations. This chip ensures that your private keys never leave the device, significantly reducing the risk of exposure to online threats.
Flex's launch also saw the introduction of the Ledger Security Key app. This app provides two-factor authentication (2FA) and passkey capabilities, enhancing protection against phishing and unauthorized access. By using open FIDO 2 standards, the app ensures decentralized access across multiple platforms, including Google, Amazon, Binance and Coinbase. This feature adds an additional layer of protection, requiring physical confirmation on the Ledger device to authenticate access.
The app also supports Ledger Nano S Plus (OS version 1.1.0 or later), Ledger Nano X (OS version 2.1.0 or later), Ledger Nano S (OS version 2.1.0 or later) and Ledger Stax.
Restoring access to your Ledger Flex is also made simple with Ledger Recover. This service allows you to securely back up and recover your private keys, ensuring that you can regain access to your digital assets even if your device is lost or damaged.
The Clear Sign-In feature ensures transparency and security by allowing users to verify the details of their transactions on the Ledger device screen before approval. This feature helps prevent phishing attacks and unauthorized transactions by providing a clear, secure confirmation process.
Multi-Currency Support
The Ledger Flex supports thousands of coins and tokens + NFTs. You can send/receive, buy, swap, and stake crypto. Hoorah! There's more to read about this ahead.
Multi-Device Connectivity
The Ledger Flex comes with multi-device connectivity, with Bluetooth 5.2 and a USB-C port. You can connect Ledger Flex to your iOS, Android smartphone or desktop computer, as per your need and convenience. The Ledger Flex is also compatible with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, allowing for quick and secure contactless transactions.
User-Friendly Interface
The Ledger Flex comes with a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of managing cryptocurrencies. The device features a clear, high-resolution display that makes it easy to verify transactions. The navigation buttons are intuitive and allow users to access different functions with ease. Additionally, the Ledger Live app, available for both desktop and mobile devices, provides a great way to manage and monitor your assets. It offers features like real-time portfolio tracking, secure transactions, and access to various decentralized applications (DApps).
Setting Up Ledger Flex
Setting up the Ledger Flex is straightforward. Upon unboxing, users need to connect the device to their computer or mobile device using the provided USB cable or Bluetooth connection. The Ledger Live app guides users through the setup process, which includes setting a PIN code and generating a recovery phrase. The recovery phrase is crucial for restoring access to your wallet in case the device is lost or damaged.
Managing Assets
Once set up, users can start managing their cryptocurrencies through the Ledger Live app. The app provides a comprehensive dashboard where users can view their portfolios, check real-time market prices, and perform transactions. To send or receive funds, users need to connect the Ledger Flex and confirm transactions on the device, ensuring that private keys remain secure.
Staking and Earning Rewards
Beyond simple storage and transactions, the Ledger Flex also supports staking for various cryptocurrencies. Staking allows users to earn rewards by participating in network validation processes. The Ledger Live app makes it easy to stake supported cryptocurrencies directly from the wallet.
Integration with Third-Party Services
The Ledger Flex is designed to integrate seamlessly with various third-party services and DApps. This compatibility extends the functionality of the device, allowing users to interact with DeFi platforms, trade on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and manage NFTs securely.
Ledger Flex Supported Coins
The Ledger Flex supports 500+ different crypto and tokens on the Ledger Live app; and thousands of supported coins and tokens + NFTs when using a third-party wallet. This multi-currency support makes the Ledger Flex a versatile tool for diversifying one's crypto portfolio.
Here are a few of those:
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum
- Solana
- Cardano
- Ripple
- Polygon
- Avalanche
- and many more
Beyond traditional cryptocurrencies, the Ledger Flex also supports the management of NFTs. Users can securely store and manage their NFTs, ensuring their digital collectibles and assets are protected. The integration with the Ledger Live app provides a user-friendly interface for managing NFTs, making it convenient for users to view and transfer their digital art and collectibles. More on this ahead.
Adding New Coins
Ledger continuously updates its software to include support for new cryptocurrencies and tokens. Users can easily add new coins to their Ledger Flex by updating the firmware and installing the appropriate apps through the Ledger Live app. This ongoing support ensures that users can manage the latest digital assets as they become available.
In short, whether you're holding major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum or a variety of ERC-20 tokens, the Ledger Flex provides a secure and user-friendly solution for your basic crypto needs.
Ledger Flex NFT Support
The Ledger Flex is not just limited to traditional cryptocurrencies; it also provides robust support for NFTs.
Secure Storage for NFTs
Non-fungible tokens represent ownership of unique items such as digital art, collectibles, and other digital assets. These tokens are often valuable and can be susceptible to theft if not properly secured. The Ledger Flex ensures that your NFTs are protected by the same high-security standards that apply to cryptocurrencies. By storing your NFTs on the Ledger Flex, you can be confident that they are safeguarded against online threats and unauthorized access.
Managing NFTs with Ledger Live
The integration of NFT support within the Ledger Live app allows users to manage their NFTs with ease. The Ledger Live app provides a user-friendly interface where users can view their NFTs, track their value, and securely transfer them when needed.
Compatibility with Major NFT Platforms
Ledger Flex supports NFTs on various major blockchain platforms, including Ethereum and its ERC-721 and ERC-1155 standards. This compatibility ensures that users can manage a wide range of NFTs, regardless of the platform they were minted on. Whether you own digital art from OpenSea, virtual real estate from Decentraland, or game assets from Axie Infinity, the Ledger Flex has you covered. Speaking of, check out our top picks for the best NFT marketplaces.
Ledger Flex Price
If you're looking to get your hands on Ledger's newest shiny wallet, we recommend that you do so directly from the official Ledger website. Buying from the official site guarantees that you receive a genuine product and allows you to benefit from any official promotions or warranties.
The Ledger Flex is priced at €207.50, offering a balanced mix of security features and user-friendly functionality. This price point puts in below the Stax but above the Nano X and S Plus.
After placing your order, you will receive a confirmation email with your order details. Ledger typically ships products within a few business days, and shipping times may vary depending on your location. Once you receive your Ledger Flex, follow the included setup instructions or refer to the Ledger Live app for a step-by-step guide to initializing and securing your device.
While the official website is the safest option, Ledger also authorizes specific resellers to distribute their products. Ensure that any third-party seller is listed as an authorized reseller on the Ledger website to avoid counterfeit products.
Ledger Flex Supported Devices
The Ledger Flex is designed to be versatile and compatible with a wide range of devices, ensuring that users can manage their digital assets seamlessly across various platforms.
Compatibility with Desktop Devices
The Ledger Flex supports major desktop operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This compatibility ensures that users can connect their Ledger Flex to virtually any desktop computer. Using the Ledger Live app, users can manage their cryptocurrency portfolios, perform transactions, and monitor market trends directly from their desktops.
Mobile Device Support
In addition to desktop compatibility, the Ledger Flex also supports mobile devices. It is compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems. The Bluetooth connectivity feature allows users to pair their Ledger Flex with their smartphones or tablets, providing the flexibility to manage their digital assets on the go. The Ledger Live mobile app offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to access and control your crypto holdings on the go.
USB and Bluetooth Connectivity
The Ledger Flex can be connected to supported devices via USB-C or Bluetooth. The USB-C connection provides a secure and stable hard link for managing your assets on desktop computers. For mobile devices, Bluetooth connectivity ensures a wireless and convenient way to interact with your wallet without compromising security.
Supported Browsers and Extensions
The Ledger Flex is also compatible with various web browsers and browser extensions. Users can connect their Ledger Flex to popular browser extensions such as MetaMask, allowing them to interact with DApps and DeFi platforms securely. This integration extends the functionality of the Ledger Flex, enabling users to participate in the broader blockchain ecosystem.
Integration with Third-Party Services
The Ledger Flex supports integration with several third-party services and platforms, enhancing its versatility. Users can connect their Ledger Flex to decentralized exchanges (DEXs), staking platforms, and other crypto services to manage their digital assets more effectively. This compatibility ensures that users have access to a wide range of tools and services within the crypto space.
Ledger Models Compared
Ledger offers several hardware wallets, each designed to meet different user needs. Here is a brief comparison of the Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, Ledger Flex and Ledger Stax.
Ledger Nano S Plus
- Price: €79
- Screen: 128×64 pixel OLED display
- Security: Secure Element Chip: ST33G1M2, BOLOS operating system
- Pros: Affordable; supports over 5,500 cryptocurrencies
- Cons: No Bluetooth connectivity; limited storage for apps
Ledger Nano X
- Price: €149
- Screen: 128×64 pixel OLED display
- Security: Secure Element Chip: ST33J2M0, BOLOS operating system
- Pros: Bluetooth connectivity; increased storage for multiple apps
- Cons: Higher price; battery life can be a limitation with frequent use
Ledger Flex
- Price: €249
- Screen: 2.84″ 16 grayscale E link touchscreen
- The Security of Your Own HomeSecurity element chip (SE) certification CCEAL6+, and more details above
- ProsTouchscreen navigation made easy, NFC connectivity
- You can also find out more about ConsDoesn’t support Wireless Qi Charging
Ledger Stax
- Price: €399
ScreenE-ink Display; high readability even in direct sunlight - The Security of Your Own Home: Secure Element Chip: ST33K1M5, CCEAL6+ certification, BOLOS operating system
- ProsDesign: Durable and modern; NFT support, customization.
- You can also find out more about ConsPrice: Pays more for the design than security features
Each Ledger model has unique features that are tailored to the needs of different users. Ledger Nano X is more convenient and offers Bluetooth connectivity. Ledger Flex’s touchscreen interface offers both advanced features and affordability, while the Ledger X provides a premium user experience.
Closed Thoughts about Ledger Flex
Ledger Flex is a hardware wallet that offers both security and ease-of-use. It’s a great choice for those looking to purchase a hardware wallet. The high-resolution screen and Bluetooth connectivity make it easy to manage over 5,500 cryptos, including NFTs. The security measures of the device, such as a secure chip and passphrases, offer robust protection to digital assets.
However, the €249 price point may give prospective buyers pause. Although durable, it is likely to need careful handling in order to prevent mishaps.
Despite its many advantages, Ledger flex stands out because it can integrate with a variety of third-party services. This enhances its functionality. Ledger Live simplifies asset tracking with a simple interface on desktops and mobile devices.
Ledger Flex offers an ideal balance of functionality and security for those who are serious about protecting their digital assets.
FAQs
What is Ledger Flex?
The Ledger is a midrange hardware wallet that can securely store and manage digital assets and cryptocurrencies. It has a high-resolution touch screen and Bluetooth connectivity.
What is the cost of Ledger Flex?
The Ledger Flex is priced at €249. This price reflects the Ledger’s advanced security features, extensive support for cryptocurrency, and its user-friendly, intuitive design.
Which crypto currencies does Ledger Flex Support?
Ledger Flex supports more than 5,500 cryptocurrencies, including popular ones such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum(ETH) and ERC-20 tokens. It also supports NFTs.
How do I configure my Ledger Flex system?
The Ledger Flex can be set up by connecting it via Bluetooth or USB to your mobile device or computer. Ledger Live will guide you through the process of setting a PIN, and generating an access phrase.
Can I use Ledger Flex on my smartphone?
The Ledger Flex works with both Android and iOS. It has Bluetooth connectivity and allows you to use the Ledger mobile app to manage your digital assets, including cryptocurrencies.
What do I do if my Ledger Flex is lost?
The recovery phrase you generated when you first set up your Ledger Flex can be used to restore your digital assets in the event that you lose it. Keep this recovery phrase safe and don’t share it.
