Ledger Flex is a new hardware wallet from industry leader Ledger. The Flex combines the top-notch security that’s already a feature of other Ledger devices with a much smoother user experience enabled by an E Ink touchscreen display.
Is the Ledger Flex the right choice for you? In our Ledger Flex review, we’ll be highlighting the wallet’s most important benefits and disadvantages to help you decide.
What you need to know about the Ledger Flex
Before we take a closer look at the Ledger Flex, let’s quickly highlight the most important features of this crypto hardware wallet.
Has a 2.84 inch E Ink touchscreen display used to review and authorize transactions.
All sensitive data is stored on an EAL6+ CC certified secure element chip.
Can be used with laptops, desktop computers, as well as iOS and Android phones.
Supports connectivity via USB-C and Bluetooth.
Stores up to 100 different crypto apps.
Can be used to store more than 5,000 different crypto assets thanks to third-party wallet integrations.
Has a small and convenient form factor while still providing sufficient screen real estate.
The device’s lock screen can be customized with images or NFTs for a personal touch.
Buy the Ledger Flex
Even though the Ledger Flex certainly has a lot going for it, the $249 price tag (or €249 in the European market) is certainly nothing to scoff at. Is the price justified or are you better off choosing another hardware wallet? Let’s find out.
Unboxing and form factor
The contents of the Ledger Flex packaging are minimalistic – You get the device itself, two cardboard envelopes and a small cardboard box containing a USB-C cable.
The black envelope includes regulatory statements and some basic information about using the device safely.
The orange envelope contains 3 recovery sheets that you can use to back up your 24-word recovery phrase. As long as you keep your recovery phrase safe and secret, you will be able to access your cryptocurrency even if you lose your hardware wallet.
One thing that we found a little bit annoying is that the USB-C cable that comes with the device is extremely short. This isn’t really a problem if you’re using your Ledger Flex with a laptop, but can be a pain if you’re using it with a PC in a location that’s awkward to access (for example under your desk).
The Ledger Flex device itself is quite small, and easily fits into the palm of your hand. It’s about as wide as a credit card, but slightly shorter (and of course significantly thicker). The Ledger Flex has an aluminium frame and a plastic back cover.
Overall, the build quality is very solid and the device is comfortable to handle – there are no sharp edges and the device only has a single button that doesn’t protrude very much from the frame. At a weight of 57.5 grams, the Ledger Flex is light enough for comfortable use but has just enough heft to feel like a quality device.
Ledger Flex with a 1 euro coin for size comparison.
Setup
All we had to do to start setting up the Ledger Flex is press down the device’s button for a few seconds. The device presents the choice of setting up with either the Ledger Live Mobile or the Ledger Live Desktop application.
During the setup, the Ledger Live app performs an authenticity check on the device, which is a nice reassurance for anyone that’s worried about the possibility of being sent a fake Ledger. The software also performs an update of your Ledger Flex’s operating system if necessary.
After the authenticity check and the OS update are complete, you’ll be asked to set up a PIN code that contains between 4 and 8 numbers. Make sure to remember your PIN code – if you enter an incorrect PIN 3 times, the device will be restored to its factory settings as a protection against theft.
Next, the Ledger Flex generates a private key, which is safely stored within the device’s CC EAL6+ certified secure element chip. The device also provides the 24-hour recovery phrase that we’ll be able to use to restore access to our crypto if necessary. Make sure to never share your seed phrase with anyone, as it provides full access to your cryptocurrency!
After we back up our seed phrase, we can choose which apps to install on our Ledger Flex. This choice depends on which cryptocurrencies you want to use with your Ledger Flex. Don’t worry – you can always install additional apps later if you start using a new cryptocurrency.
Using the Ledger Flex
Using the Ledger Flex is more convenient compared to Ledger’s traditional hardware wallets such as the Nano S Plus and the Nano X.
If you want to send cryptocurrency, you first have to initiate the transaction in your wallet app (we recommend starting off with Ledger Live). This includes providing the recipient’s address and the amount of crypto you want to send.
Then, your Ledger Flex will require you to review the details of the transaction. The E Ink display has much more screen real estate compared to a Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X, so it’s easier to check if you’re sending to the correct address and if the amount involved in the transaction is correct.
After reviewing the details of the transaction, the device will prompt you to sign the transaction. To do that, you simply hold your finger on a specific part of the screen for a short period of time.
Overall, tapping and reviewing transaction details on the E Ink display is a much more convenient experience compared to other hardware wallets with button-based inputs and tiny screens.
Is the Ledger Flex right for you?
To sum it up, here’s our verdict on the Ledger Flex crypto hardware wallet.
We recommend Ledger Flex if the following describes you:
You transact with cryptocurrencies often and find existing hardware wallets awkward to use.
You want a hardware wallet that will work seamlessly with desktop computers, laptops and smartphones alike.
You don’t mind paying a premium for nice build quality and a smoother user experience.
You enjoy the ability to personalize your device with custom backgrounds.
Buy the Ledger Flex
We don’t recommend Ledger Flex if the following describes you:
You don’t make cryptocurrency transactions very often and are satisfied with the user experience of existing hardware wallets.
You’re looking to spend as little as possible on a hardware wallet without compromising on security.
Overall, the Ledger Flex is a rock-solid hardware crypto wallet, and its biggest disadvantage is simply its price. At $249, it’s hard to justify it over the Nano S Plus ($79) and the Ledger Nano X ($149) if you’re someone who just wants a hardware wallet for long-term crypto storage and doesn’t plan to make transactions frequently.
Although the Flex has a higher rated secure element chip (EAL6+) than the Nano S Plus and the Nano X, which both have secure element chips rated at EAL5+, the difference between the security assurance levels of these two standards likely won’t be relevant to the average cryptocurrency user.
To be sure, the experience of using the Ledger Flex is superior compared to its more affordable, button-based counterparts. Ultimately, your specific needs as a cryptocurrency user will determine whether the Flex’s higher price tag is worth it or not.
If money is not an issue and you’re looking for the ultimate flex on your crypto buddies, Ledger offers an even more premium hardware wallet. The Ledger Stax, which is priced at $399, features a curved E Ink touchscreen, wireless charging and an elegant form factor designed by Tony Fadell (the mastermind behind the iPod and the co-creator of the iPhone).
If you’re interested in learning more about Ledger’s other devices, make sure to check out our comparison of the Ledger Nano X and S Plus.