Ledger Live? Pros & Cons

When it comes to managing digital assets securely, many investors ask the question: should you still use Ledger Live in today’s fast-changing crypto environment? Ledger Live has been around for years, offering a user-friendly interface to connect with Ledger hardware wallets, and it continues to attract both beginners and experienced users. However, with the growing competition of third-party apps, decentralized finance tools, and exchange wallets, some are wondering whether Ledger Live remains the best option. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of Ledger Live, helping you decide whether it still deserves a place in your crypto toolkit.

What Is Ledger Live?

Before diving into the debate of whether you should still use Ledger Live, it’s important to understand what it is. Ledger Live is a companion app developed by Ledger, designed to integrate seamlessly with Ledger hardware wallets like the Nano S Plus and Nano X. With Ledger Live, users can manage cryptocurrencies, install apps, track portfolios, and stake certain assets—all within a single platform.

Ledger Live essentially acts as the bridge between your hardware wallet and the blockchain network. While the private keys remain safely stored inside the hardware wallet, Ledger Live provides the interface to view balances, send or receive funds, and connect to decentralized applications (DApps) through integrations. This combination of security and convenience is the core reason Ledger Live continues to be recommended.

Why People Still Use Ledger Live

One of the main reasons people continue to use Ledger Live is the balance it offers between security and usability. Ledger Live makes it simple for even non-technical users to manage their digital assets without exposing private keys online. With Ledger Live, you can:

Securely send and receive cryptocurrency.

Track your portfolio value across multiple coins and tokens.

Install new blockchain apps to support different assets.

Stake assets like Ethereum, Tezos, or Polkadot to earn rewards.

Connect with Web3 apps via WalletConnect integration.

Ledger Live is designed to cover most needs in one place. This convenience is why many long-term holders and active investors still rely on Ledger Live, even as other wallets and exchanges offer competing features.

The Pros of Ledger Live

If you’re asking whether you should still use Ledger Live, let’s start with the pros. Ledger Live has remained relevant because of several advantages:

Top-tier security integration – Ledger Live works directly with Ledger hardware wallets, which are among the most trusted in the industry. This ensures that private keys never leave the device.

All-in-one management – Ledger Live allows you to handle multiple tasks in one application: buying crypto, staking, exchanging, and portfolio tracking.

User-friendly design – The app is designed for accessibility, meaning newcomers can get started without deep technical knowledge.

Regular updates – Ledger continuously improves Ledger Live, adding support for more coins and better integration with DeFi and NFT tools.

Cross-platform availability – Ledger Live is available on both desktop and mobile, making it easy to manage assets anywhere.

These benefits highlight why Ledger Live is still seen as a strong option for both everyday users and long-term investors.

The Cons of Ledger Live

Of course, no tool is perfect, and deciding whether to still use Ledger Live requires considering the downsides as well. Some of the key cons include:

Limited asset support – Although Ledger Live supports many cryptocurrencies, it doesn’t cover every token, especially niche or newly launched assets. In such cases, users must rely on third-party apps.

Performance issues – Some users report that Ledger Live can feel slow or buggy after updates, which may frustrate active traders.

Dependence on hardware – Since Ledger Live is designed to work with hardware wallets, you need the physical device to sign transactions. While this is more secure, it can also be inconvenient if the device is unavailable.

Learning curve for DeFi – While Ledger Live integrates with Web3 and decentralized finance apps, the process isn’t always straightforward compared to dedicated DeFi wallets like MetaMask.

Centralized updates – Some in the crypto community argue that Ledger Live requires too much reliance on Ledger’s software updates, which contrasts with the decentralized spirit of crypto.

Considering these cons, the decision to continue using Ledger Live depends on your personal needs and how you weigh security against flexibility.

Who Should Still Use Ledger Live?

When discussing whether you should still use Ledger Live, it’s worth asking who benefits the most from it. Ledger Live is especially valuable for:

Long-term holders who want peace of mind knowing their assets are secured offline while still being able to check balances easily.

Beginners in crypto who need a simple yet secure way to manage their investments.

Stakers who want to earn passive rewards on assets supported directly by Ledger Live.

Users who prioritize security over having access to every single token or experimental blockchain.

For these groups, Ledger Live continues to be a solid choice in 2025.

Alternatives to Ledger Live

When weighing the pros and cons of Ledger Live, you should also consider alternatives. Competing wallets and platforms such as MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or exchange-based apps like Binance and Coinbase Wallet offer more flexibility in some areas. For example, MetaMask is stronger for DeFi users who frequently interact with decentralized applications. On the other hand, Ledger Live offers unmatched security through its hardware wallet integration, which most alternatives can’t fully replicate.

Ultimately, Ledger Live may not be the best tool for everyone, but it still holds a strong position in the market, particularly for those who value security and simplicity.

The Future of Ledger Live

So, should you still use Ledger Live going forward? The answer depends on how you see the crypto ecosystem evolving. Ledger has shown commitment to keeping Ledger Live relevant by adding support for NFTs, improving staking, and expanding integrations with DeFi platforms. As the digital asset space becomes more regulated and mainstream, Ledger Live’s secure and user-friendly approach may become even more important for compliance-conscious investors.