Blockstream Jade Plus vs Ledger Nano S Plus
Blockstream Jade Plus stands out with open-source code. Ledger Nano S Plus is a solid alternative — Ledger Nano S Plus costs $80 less.
Security notice ·
October 2026: tampered Ledger devices sold through a reseller
On 9 October 2026 Ledger began investigating fund losses reported by people who had bought devices from CryptoBilis, a Southeast Asian reseller, and asked the reseller to stop selling and shipping them. On 13 October Ledger’s Donjon security team described what it found inside an affected device: a separate circuit hidden in the enclosure that read the recovery phrase off the screen during setup and sent it out over LTE through an eSIM.
According to Ledger, the implant did not modify the Secure Element, the operating system, transactions or signatures, and there is no indication that Ledger’s own systems were compromised. Ledger’s support documentation notes that Genuine Check cannot detect an added component when the original Secure Element is intact. Every confirmed loss involved a device sold by CryptoBilis; Ledger said it was still examining reports of implants in devices bought elsewhere. MediaMarkt Saturn suspended Ledger sales in Europe after a customer in Germany reported a tampered unit. On-chain researchers estimated losses above $86 million; Ledger has not verified that figure.
If you are buying or already own a Ledger device:
- Buy from Ledger directly or from a reseller on Ledger’s authorized list.
- Do not set up a device bought from CryptoBilis. If you already did, Ledger advises moving your assets to a new device with a newly generated recovery phrase.
- If you lost funds, Ledger asks you to contact law enforcement before opening the device.
The incident concerns how devices reached buyers, not the device design, so it does not change our ratings. We will update this notice as Ledger publishes its findings.
Sources
Key Takeaways
- Security scores are close (within 4 points)
- Usability scores are close (within 1 points)
- Ledger Nano S Plus is more affordable ($69)
- Best for beginners: Ledger Nano S Plus (easier setup)
Blockstream Jade Plus vs Ledger Nano S Plus: Key Differences
Both Blockstream Jade Plus and Ledger Nano S Plus can keep your crypto safe — the real question is which one fits the way you actually use it. We've put both through our open-formula scoring on 40+ criteria: Blockstream Jade Plus (Blockstream) lands at 66/100, Ledger Nano S Plus (Ledger) at 68/100. The $80 gap between $149 and $69 isn't arbitrary — these are two different bets on what matters in a hardware wallet, and the right pick depends on which bet you'd take.
Winner by Category
Which wallet leads in each area
Comparison Table
Key specifications for your decision
| Criteria | ![]() Blockstream Jade Plus Blockstream $149 | ![]() Ledger Nano S Plus Ledger $69 |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 66 | 68 |
Security | 71 | 75 |
Usability | 60 | 59 |
Price | $149 | $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 | No | 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 | Firmware | Firmware, in part |
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 | Yes | No |
USB | Yes | Yes |
Networks | 2+ | 100+ |
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 | IPS LCD (Colour) | 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 | 24-word seed | 24-word seed |
Setup Time | ~10 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 | None | None |
Our Verdict: Blockstream Jade Plus or Ledger Nano S Plus?
Choose Blockstream Jade Plus if...
- You want verifiable, open-source firmware and software
- You need iPhone (iOS) compatibility
Skip Blockstream Jade Plus if...
- ×Budget is tight — you'd be better served by a cheaper option in this comparison
- ×You actively use DeFi and need WalletConnect / dApp support
Choose Ledger Nano S Plus if...
- You prefer USB-only connection for maximum security
- You want to save $80 without sacrificing core security
- You actively use DeFi and WalletConnect dApps
Skip Ledger Nano S Plus if...
- ×You manage crypto from an iPhone (no iOS app here)
- ×Open-source firmware is non-negotiable for you
Our pick for most users
Both wallets score similarly (66 vs 68/100) — your choice depends on which features matter most to you.
Bottom line: Both wallets are tightly matched on security and ease of use. The decision comes down to specifics: form factor, supported coins, and how each one fits your daily flow. If budget is real, Ledger Nano S Plus comes in $80 cheaper without giving up the basics.
Price: Blockstream Jade Plus vs Ledger Nano S Plus
Blockstream Jade Plus costs $149, while Ledger Nano S Plus is priced at $69 — a $80 difference. The extra cost of Blockstream Jade Plus gets you a -2-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
Blockstream Jade Plus
$149- +Hardware, firmware and the PIN-oracle server code are open source, with reproducible firmware builds
- +No closed secure-element chip: the seed is encrypted on the ESP32-S3, with the key split with a self-hostable PIN oracle
- +Built-in camera for QR air-gapped Bitcoin signing, plus PSBT and firmware transfer by USB drive or SD card
- +Bluetooth is off by default, and a No-Radio firmware variant removes it
- −No third-party security audit published; in December 2025 Blockstream said it was investigating options
- −PIN unlock needs a reachable oracle server, either Blockstream's or one you host yourself
- −No hardware secure element; protection against physical attack rests on the oracle design
- −Bitcoin and Liquid only, and Liquid transactions cannot be signed over QR
Ledger Nano S Plus
$69- +ST33K1M5 secure element with CC EAL6+ chip certification, the same chip as in the Stax, Flex and Gen5
- +Priced at $69, the lowest entry point to Ledger's hardware and app ecosystem
- +USB-C only, with no Bluetooth or NFC radio; works with Windows, macOS, Linux and Android
- +Ledger Wallet app and the device apps are open source and published on GitHub
- −No published device-level certification or audit; only the chip's CC EAL6+ is documented
- −Ledger OS on the secure element is closed source and has no reproducible builds
- −No tamper-evident seal; Genuine Check cannot detect added hardware, as the Oct 2026 reseller case showed
- −Small 1.1-inch OLED screen (128 x 64 px) shows long addresses and contract data in several steps
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.
Blockstream Jade Plus vs Ledger Nano S Plus: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about Blockstream Jade Plus vs Ledger Nano S Plus
Is Blockstream Jade Plus better than Ledger Nano S Plus?
How much do Blockstream Jade Plus and Ledger Nano S Plus cost?
Can Ledger Nano S Plus be used on iPhone (iOS)?
Which wallet is better for DeFi and Web3: Blockstream Jade Plus or Ledger Nano S Plus?
Is Blockstream Jade Plus more secure than Ledger Nano S Plus because it's open-source?
Where to buy Blockstream Jade Plus at the best price?
Do Blockstream Jade Plus and Ledger Nano S Plus come with a warranty?
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