Ledger Blue cryptocurrency wallet review

What is the Ledger Blue?

The Ledger Blue is a handheld hardware wallet designed to store cryptocurrency. Built around a secure element, it features a 3.5-inch touchscreen along with USB connectivity. The Blue is designed to run multiple companion apps in full isolation on top of its firmware, allowing you to store private keys for bitcoin, Ether, Dash (DASH), Litecoin (LTC) and a range of other digital currencies.

Compatible with any PC or USB-compatible smartphone, the Ledger Blue supports two-factor authentication and a number of other security features. If you order this device, here’s what you’ll get in the box.

• Ledger Blue
• USB cable
• Instructions
• Recovery sheet

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Compatible with:

• Operating systems. Windows (7+), Mac (10.9+), Linux or Chrome OS. Requires Google Chrome or Chromium, and one USB port where you can plug in your Ledger Blue.
• Ledger apps. Ledger offers its own cryptocurrency wallet interfaces: Ledger Wallet Bitcoin & Altcoins, Ledger Wallet Ethereum, Ledger Wallet Ripple.
• Software wallets. The Ledger Blue is also compatible with the following software wallets: Copay, Electrum, Mycelium, MyEtherWallet, GreenBits and BitGo.

How much does it cost?

At the time of writing (22/02/2018), the Ledger Blue was listed for sale from €229 on the official Ledger website. Given the exchange rate at the time (1 EUR = 1.57 AUD), you could expect to pay around AUD$360 or more for the device.

How do I add currency to my wallet?

The Ledger Blue, like other hardware wallets, doesn’t actually store any of your crypto coins or tokens on the device itself. Instead, it is used to store the private keys needed to access your digital currency, and tracks your holdings on the blockchain.

When first setting up your device, you can configure and install any companion wallet apps you need to manage your funds. You can then open the relevant app for your chosen digital currency and follow the instructions to generate a wallet address and receive funds.

To setup the device, complete the following steps:

1. Turn on your Ledger Blue and follow the on-screen instructions
2. Choose a PIN code
3. Backup your recovery phrase
4. Install apps
5. Start sending and receiving payments

How do I make payments with my Ledger Blue?

If you want to start sending payments from your Ledger Blue, you’ll need to use the relevant app for the currency you want to transfer. For example, if you’re sending bitcoin you can do so by completing the following steps:

1. Connect your Ledger Blue to your computer via USB
2. Enter your PIN code
3. Open the Bitcoin app on your Blue
4. Launch the Bitcoin Chrome application on your computer
5. Click on “Send” and enter your transaction information (such as amount, recipient address and fees) in the pop-up that appears
6. Click “Send”
7. Check the details of your transaction to make sure everything is correct, then tap “Confirm” on your Blue to manually authorise the transaction
8. Wait until your Chrome app displays “Validated”

How secure is the Ledger Blue?

The Ledger Blue includes a range of security features designed to provide safe storage for your crypto coins and tokens. Highlights include:

• Offline storage. Hardware wallets allow you to store your private data offline, protecting your funds against the risk of hacking.
• PIN code. The data on your device is locked by a secure PIN code of between four and eight digits.
• WYSIWYS. The Ledger Blue uses What You See Is What You Sign to ensure the integrity of transactions and protect against risks such as malware, viruses and man in the middle attacks.
• Touchscreen. As well as increasing the user-friendliness of the Blue, the colour touchscreen is used to double-check and manually validate transactions.
• Modular architecture. This allows the Blue to run dedicated companion apps in full isolation on top of its firmware. This means you can add currency to your wallet or new apps to your device without the risk of compromising the master seed.
• Backup and restoration. You can backup your device using a 24-word recovery phrase.

Pros and cons

Where can I get the Ledger Blue?

The Ledger Blue is available on the official Ledger website. You can also find Ledger devices for sale on Amazon and from members of its official reseller network.

Next steps

Compare the features of the Ledger Blue with the pros and cons of other wallets to decide which is the right option for storing your crypto holdings.

If you’ve compared your options and decided that the Ledger Blue is the right choice for you, browse the Ledger website or the list of authorised retailers to shop for a device.

FAQs

• Does the Ledger Blue allow me to control my private keys?

  Yes, the Ledger Blue allows you to retain full control of my private keys.

• Should I buy a used Ledger Blue?

  No, you should never buy a used hardware wallet due to the risk of man in the middle attacks.

• Does the Ledger Blue support two-factor authentication?

  Yes, the Ledger Blue supports FIDO Universal Second Factor authentication.