Hardware wallet manufacturer Ledger has officially announced the end of support for its iconic Nano S model, a product that played a pivotal role in securing cryptocurrencies for millions of users since its launch in 2016.
While Ledger halted the sale of the Nano S in 2022, the company has now confirmed that software updates and security patches will also be discontinued, raising significant questions about the device’s long-term viability and the responsibilities of crypto hardware makers.
The End of an Era
The Ledger Nano S was one of the first mainstream hardware wallets, offering a secure offline environment for storing private keys. Its relatively low price point and compact design made it particularly attractive to retail investors entering the crypto space during the 2017 bull run.
However, the device’s hardware limitations, most notably its restricted memory capacity, have become increasingly problematic in recent years. As new blockchain applications emerge and existing networks evolve, the Nano S struggles to accommodate updates. Modern features such as Ledger Sync, token swaps and support for newer chains simply cannot run efficiently—or at all—on the aging device.
Ledger has clarified that although basic Bitcoin transactions (sending and receiving BTC) may continue to function for now, support for other blockchains is no longer guaranteed. Compatibility with Ledger Live, the company’s companion software interface, could degrade over time as the software is updated for newer devices. Critically, no further security updates will be provided, which means that the Nano S could eventually become vulnerable to exploits.
Why Ledger Is Ending Support
From a technical perspective, the move is justifiable. As with any electronic product, hardware eventually reaches end-of-life status due to obsolescence. Supporting legacy devices consumes valuable development resources and limits innovation. By ending Nano S support, Ledger is reallocating focus to newer, more capable models like the Ledger Nano X, Ledger Stax, and the recent Ledger Flex.
That said, the transition comes at a cost, both literally and figuratively.
Migration and Compatibility
Ledger emphasizes that users can safely migrate their crypto assets from the Nano S to a newer device using their 24-word seed phrase. During the setup of a new wallet, users can choose the “Restore from backup” option and simply input their existing recovery phrase. This ensures access to all associated wallets and assets remains uninterrupted.
Importantly, the seed phrase is compatible across the Ledger product line and also with many other wallets that follow the BIP39 standard, offering users flexibility in choosing their next hardware wallet provider.
Community Backlash
Despite the technical rationale, Ledger’s decision has sparked frustration and disappointment among long-time users. Critics argue that the company is effectively forcing users to upgrade, given that security vulnerabilities may soon emerge on the unsupported Nano S.
The pricing of the new models adds to the tension. The Ledger Nano X, the most logical successor, retails for €149, while the Ledger Flex is priced at €235. These figures represent a substantial leap from the Nano S’s original retail price of around €59, which helped make secure crypto storage more accessible to everyday users.
With prices creeping higher, some users are now reconsidering alternative wallets. For instance, NGRAVE ZERO, a high-end, air-gapped hardware wallet manufactured in Belgium, is priced at €398. While significantly more expensive, it offers a touchscreen interface, biometric security, and a fully offline experience, which many consider a leap forward in usability and security, especially compared to the aging Nano S, which features a small, minimalist screen and limited interface. The NGRAVE webshop now even offers a discount for customers that are transitioning away from the Ledger Nano S.
What This Means for the Hardware Wallet Industry
Ledger’s move signals a broader maturation of the hardware wallet market. As crypto adoption grows and security demands rise, users are expecting more functionality, user-friendliness and ongoing support. Companies are increasingly being judged not just on device security, but also on user experience, transparency, and longevity of product support.
Moreover, Ledger’s decision to sunset support for the Nano S may accelerate the diversification of the hardware wallet ecosystem, as new players like NGRAVE and Blockstream’s Jade wallet gain traction. It may also motivate existing users to upgrade not just their hardware, but their expectations for secure crypto storage in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Final Thoughts
While Ledger’s decision to end support for the Nano S is technically understandable, it highlights a delicate balance between technological progress and user trust. For early adopters, the device may have served its purpose, but for newer users, the forced upgrade may feel like a breach of expectations.
Nonetheless, the transition offers a chance to reassess hardware wallet options in 2025. With innovations on the horizon and security more critical than ever, users should stay informed and always, always back up their seed phrase.
