In today’s fast-paced crypto environment, managing your digital assets securely and efficiently is no longer optional — it’s essential. That’s where Ledger Live comes in. As the official software companion to Ledger’s line of hardware wallets, Ledger Live delivers a robust, user-friendly interface packed with features designed for both beginners and seasoned crypto users alike.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the top features of Ledger Live that make it one of the most trusted and secure crypto wallet applications on the market today.
Before diving into its features, it’s important to understand what Ledger Live is.
Ledger Live is a free, all-in-one application that allows users to manage their Ledger hardware wallets and digital assets in one place. Available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS and Android), Ledger Live lets you:
Install apps for supported cryptocurrencies
Check account balances and transaction history
Send and receive crypto securely
Stake supported coins
Buy, sell, and swap crypto via integrated services
Manage your NFTs (on Ethereum and Polygon)
Update firmware on your Ledger device
It works in tandem with Ledger’s hardware wallets (Nano S, Nano S Plus, and Nano X) — devices that store your private keys offline for maximum security.
Now let’s break down the top features that make Ledger Live a standout crypto wallet management tool.
Ledger Live is designed to work exclusively with Ledger hardware wallets. Unlike software-only wallets that store private keys on your computer or phone, Ledger hardware wallets keep your keys offline.
All critical actions — like signing transactions — must be approved physically on the device. This “cold storage” approach makes it virtually immune to remote hacks or malware. Ledger Live acts as the control panel, allowing you to manage crypto without compromising your private keys.
Private keys never leave your hardware device
Transactions must be approved on the device
Protection against malware, phishing, and keyloggers
Whether you're holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, or dozens of other coins, Ledger Live gives you a clear, real-time overview of your entire portfolio.
You can:
View your total portfolio balance
Track historical performance
Monitor individual assets
Filter by account, coin, or token
This feature is especially helpful for users with diverse holdings or those who want to monitor crypto investments regularly.
Real-time asset tracking
Multi-account and multi-asset support
Easy to view gains, losses, and balances in your local currency
Sending or receiving cryptocurrency through Ledger Live is intuitive, secure, and fast. Unlike some wallet apps that hide key transaction details, Ledger Live ensures maximum transparency and control.
When sending crypto:
You enter the recipient’s address and amount
Review and verify the transaction on your Ledger device
Approve the transaction physically via the device
When receiving crypto:
You’re shown a unique receive address
You can verify the address on your Ledger hardware device’s screen
Manual verification of every transaction
Protection from address spoofing or clipboard hijacking
Supports dozens of cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, XRP, ADA, SOL, DOT, and more
Why let your crypto sit idle when you can earn rewards? Ledger Live offers staking services for supported cryptocurrencies directly from within the app.
Supported coins include:
Ethereum (ETH)
Tezos (XTZ)
Polkadot (DOT)
Cosmos (ATOM)
Solana (SOL)
Algorand (ALGO)
Ledger Live provides an interface to stake your assets while keeping them secured by your hardware wallet — your crypto stays in your custody while generating passive income.
Non-custodial staking
Easily claim and manage staking rewards
Simple setup with clear reward tracking
Ledger Live partners with trusted third-party providers (like Coinify, MoonPay, and Wyre) to allow users to buy, sell, or swap crypto without leaving the app.
You can:
Buy crypto with a credit/debit card or bank transfer
Swap crypto instantly across supported assets
Sell crypto and withdraw fiat to a bank account (in supported regions)
All transactions are secured with your Ledger device, ensuring you maintain ownership and security throughout the process.
Easy onboarding from fiat to crypto
Swap coins without moving them to exchanges
Supports decentralized, peer-to-peer functionality
Ledger Live now allows you to manage your NFTs directly within the app, supporting Ethereum and Polygon-based NFTs. You can:
View your NFT collection visually
Receive and send NFTs securely
Verify NFT metadata and ownership
All NFT actions still require confirmation through your Ledger device, providing hardware-level security for your digital collectibles.
Visual NFT gallery
Hardware wallet confirmation for all actions
Secure transfer and storage of NFTs
With Ledger Live, you can easily manage accounts and apps for various cryptocurrencies:
Add or remove accounts
Install/uninstall crypto apps on your Ledger device
Track balances per account
Rename or reorder accounts as needed
The software guides you step-by-step, making it easy to manage even complex multi-asset portfolios.
Customizable account management
Automatic syncing with your Ledger device
Fast access to supported coins and tokens
Ledger Live is available for:
Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux
Mobile: iOS and Android
This makes it incredibly versatile. You can track your portfolio on the go with your phone or dive deep into management features on your desktop.
The mobile version is especially useful when paired with Ledger Nano X, which has Bluetooth support for seamless connection.
Full-featured desktop experience
Portable mobile app for real-time portfolio tracking
Cross-device syncing
Ledger’s development team is constantly improving the app with new features, bug fixes, and enhanced security measures. When updates are available, Ledger Live notifies users to ensure they’re always running the most secure version.
Ledger has also made much of their code open-source, enabling greater transparency and community auditing.
Constantly evolving to support new coins and features
Frequent security patches
Transparent development process
Ledger Live respects user privacy. Unlike centralized exchanges, it does not control your keys, assets, or data. You control your funds — always.
Your private keys stay on your device
Ledger cannot access your funds
No personal information is required to use the app (unless buying crypto via a partner)
Total control of your assets
No KYC needed for wallet usage
Ideal for decentralized, self-custody management
Absolutely. Ledger Live combines the convenience of a modern wallet app with the unmatched security of hardware wallet integration. Whether you’re managing long-term holdings, actively trading, or exploring NFTs and staking, Ledger Live gives you all the tools to do so securely and efficiently.
For anyone serious about crypto, Ledger Live isn’t just a helpful app — it’s an essential part of a secure, decentralized financial lifestyle.
Q: Is Ledger Live free to use?
Yes, Ledger Live is 100% free to download and use.
Q: Do I need a Ledger hardware wallet to use Ledger Live?
Yes. Ledger Live is designed to work with Ledger devices like Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X.
Q: Can I store NFTs in Ledger Live?
Yes, you can manage and store Ethereum and Polygon-based NFTs securely in the app.
Q: Is Ledger Live better than software wallets?
In terms of security, yes. Ledger Live combined with a Ledger device offers better protection than software-only wallets.