A comprehensive review of this advanced hardware wallet with a large touchscreen and several other security features.
If you’re looking for a secure hardware wallet you can use to store your bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) or other cryptocurrency holdings, the Ledger Blue is worth a closer look. Launched in December 2016, the Blue is a battery-powered hardware wallet designed to operate with any computer or USB-compatible smartphone.
It features a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen and the ability to store a wide range of digital currencies. But is the Ledger Blue worth the hefty price tag of well over AUD$300? Read on to find out.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of cryptocurrency or any specific
provider, service or offering. It is not a recommendation to trade.
What is the Ledger Blue?
Limited stock
As of 20 March 2019 the Ledger Blue was discontinued. It is no longer available for purchase.
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.
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:
Turn on your Ledger Blue and follow the on-screen instructions
Choose a PIN code
Backup your recovery phrase
Install apps
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:
Connect your Ledger Blue to your computer via USB
Enter your PIN code
Open the Bitcoin app on your Blue
Launch the Bitcoin Chrome application on your computer
Click on “Send” and enter your transaction information (such as amount, recipient address and fees) in the pop-up that appears
Click “Send”
Check the details of your transaction to make sure everything is correct, then tap “Confirm” on your Blue to manually authorise the transaction
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
Pros
High level of security for your crypto holdings
Compatible with a wide range of devices
User-friendly interface
Great touchscreen is easy to use and increases security
Support for multiple currencies
Cons
The hefty price tag
Not as portable as other hardware wallets on the market
You may want to compare it to other, cheaper hardware wallets
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
Yes, the Ledger Blue allows you to retain full control of my private keys.
Yes, the Ledger Blue supports FIDO Universal Second Factor authentication.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrencies are speculative, complex and involve significant risks – they are highly
volatile and sensitive to secondary activity. Performance is unpredictable and past performance is no guarantee of
future performance. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before relying on this information.
You should also verify the nature of any product or service (including its legal status and relevant regulatory
requirements) and consult the relevant Regulators' websites before making any decision. Finder, or the author, may
have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.
Tim Falk is a writer for Finder, writing across a diverse range of topics. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, Tim has reported on everything from travel and personal finance to pets and TV soap operas. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money here.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.