Should You Still Use Ledger® Live: Download | Getting started™ Ledger® in 2025? Pros & Cons

As we move deeper into 2025, the cryptocurrency world continues to evolve rapidly. With increasing adoption, Web3 innovations, and growing threats of hacks and phishing attacks, securing digital assets has become more crucial than ever. At the center of this conversation is Ledger® Live, the flagship crypto management software by Ledger®. But the question many are asking is: Should you still use Ledger® Live in 2025?

Let’s break down the pros and cons, assess its current features, and help you decide if Ledger Live is still the right tool to manage your crypto securely and efficiently.

🔍 What Is Ledger® Live? (2025 Edition)

Ledger® Live is a free application developed by Ledger to work with their hardware wallets—Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, and the newer Ledger Stax. It enables users to buy, sell, swap, stake, and manage thousands of cryptocurrencies securely.

In 2025, Ledger Live has expanded its support for Web3, NFTs, staking, and DeFi protocols, while maintaining its focus on hardware-level security.

✅ Pros of Using Ledger® Live in 2025

1. Unmatched Security Through Hardware Integration

Ledger Live is not a standalone wallet—it works exclusively with Ledger hardware wallets, meaning your private keys never leave your device. This significantly reduces the risk of hacks and phishing attacks compared to hot wallets.

🔐 Your assets remain secure even if your computer is compromised.

2. Supports 5,000+ Coins & Tokens

Ledger Live currently supports over 5,000 crypto assets, including:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH) and ERC-20 tokens
  • Solana (SOL)
  • Cardano (ADA)
  • Avalanche (AVAX)
  • Polygon (MATIC)
  • Cosmos (ATOM)
  • And many more

This broad support means you can manage most of your portfolio from one place.

3. Built-In Staking & Passive Income

Ledger Live offers native staking options for popular assets like ETH, DOT, and ATOM. Staking via Ledger Live allows you to:

  • Retain full control of your crypto
  • Earn staking rewards securely
  • Avoid delegating funds to custodial platforms

4. Buy, Swap, and Bridge Crypto Within the App

Through integration with providers like MoonPay, Transak, Changelly, and 1inch, users can:

  • Buy crypto using credit cards, bank transfers, or Apple Pay
  • Swap tokens across different blockchains
  • Bridge assets between networks (Ethereum ↔ Polygon, etc.)

This all-in-one functionality saves time and reduces exposure to external threats.

5. Web3 and NFT Integration

Ledger Live now includes Web3 features via:

  • Ledger Extension (Chrome/Brave plugin)
  • MetaMask + Ledger pairing
  • NFT display and management directly within the app

In 2025, this gives users secure access to:

  • DeFi platforms (Uniswap, Aave, Compound)
  • NFT marketplaces (OpenSea, Rarible)
  • DAOs and blockchain games

6. Ledger Recover (Optional)

Ledger has rolled out Ledger Recover, a paid subscription for secure, encrypted backup of your recovery phrase. While this feature sparked debate in 2023, in 2025 it has improved transparency, optional status, and regulatory compliance.

✅ You can choose not to use Ledger Recover and stick with traditional seed phrase management.

❌ Cons of Using Ledger® Live in 2025

1. Not Fully Open Source

While Ledger Live has open-source components, the entire codebase is not fully open source, unlike some competitors like Trezor Suite. For users who value total transparency, this remains a drawback.

2. Hardware Dependency

You must own a Ledger hardware wallet to use Ledger Live's full features. This is great for security but not ideal for users who prefer software wallets or mobile-only experiences.

3. Controversy Over Ledger Recover

Although now improved, the initial backlash against Ledger Recover in 2023 damaged some trust in the brand. Critics raised concerns over the encrypted recovery phrase storage, even though it’s an opt-in service.

4. Interface Can Be Complex for Beginners

While Ledger Live has improved usability, new users may still feel overwhelmed with features like installing apps, connecting to dApps, or managing multiple accounts across chains.

⚖️ Final Verdict: Is Ledger Live Worth Using in 2025?

✔️ Yes, for Most Users

If security is your top priority and you’re managing a diverse portfolio, Ledger Live remains one of the most secure and versatile crypto platforms in 2025.

🛑 Maybe Not for Everyone

If you’re only dealing with small amounts or want a simpler, mobile-only experience, other wallets like Trust Wallet or MetaMask may feel more lightweight—but come with greater risk.

🔧 Quick Recap: Ledger® Live Pros & Cons

ProsConsHardware wallet integrationRequires Ledger device5,000+ supported coinsNot 100% open sourceBuilt-in staking and rewardsLearning curve for beginnersSecure access to DeFi and NFTsLedger Recover controversy (optional feature)Portfolio tracking and built-in swapsSlightly complex interface


🧭 Ready to Get Started?

If you already own a Ledger device, visit Ledger.com/Start to download Ledger Live and begin setting up your crypto wallet securely.

If you’re new to Ledger, consider purchasing a Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X, then pairing it with Ledger Live to secure your crypto journey in 2025 and beyond.