Atomic vs Ledger | Why Ledger Is Much Safer & Better
Jack Moreau
Apr 2024
8 min read
Fact checked
Introduction: In this comprehensive crypto wallet comparison review, we have compared Atomic Wallet vs Ledger across a multitude of criteria such as blockchain and cryptocurrency support, distinguishing features, compatibility with hardware wallets, security measures, and much more!
Atomic Wallet is a decentralized multi-asset wallet founded in 2017 by Konstantin Gladych, the former CTO of Changelly.
Based in Tallinn, Estonia, the company has 35 employees worldwide. Atomic Wallet is a free-to-use non-custodial wallet, giving users full control over their funds without the need for a third party.
This also means that there is no Know Your Customer (KYC) process, and each account is anonymous and accessible only by the user who controls the seed phrase.
At the time of writing, Atomic Wallet is available on desktop and mobile but not as a browser wallet. On desktop, it is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, while on mobile, it supports iOS and Android.
The wallet offers features such as staking, exchange services, and a cashback linked to their native AWC token.
With over 1 million downloads across Android and iOS and a rating of 4.4 from over 70,000 reviews, Atomic Wallet has gained popularity among users.
Atomic Wallet allows users to store, manage, and exchange over 300 coins and tokens, including popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.
It is used by 5 million users worldwide and has a Trustpilot rating of 4.4 based on over 13,000 reviews.
Ledger Wallet is a hardware wallet that was founded in 2014 by a team of experts, including Eric Larchevêque and Nicolas Bacca.
Headquartered in Paris, France, the company has expanded globally with offices in London, New York, Zurich, and Singapore. With over 800 employees, Ledger has become a trusted name in the cryptocurrency community.
Ledger Wallet offers a secure way to store Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies offline. As a hardware wallet, it stores users' private keys in a secure hardware device, providing advanced security features like Shamir Backup for asset recovery.
Ledger Wallet supports over 1,000 different cryptocurrencies and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
It has also released a mobile app, Ledger Live, which is available on Android and iOS.
With over 6 million customers using their hardware wallets and over 1 million users downloading the Ledger Live app, Ledger has established itself as a leader in the industry.
The app has received a fantastic rating of 4.8 stars based on over 30,000 reviews.
Atomic Wallet vs Ledger User Experience
The Atomic Wallet is a straightforward and easy-to-use wallet designed with a simple interface that doesn't overwhelm beginners. One of its main advantages is that it's non-custodial, meaning that users control their private keys, ensuring better security for their crypto assets.
However, one drawback is that it doesn't currently offer support for browser extensions and has had multiple security issues in the past few years. In terms of compatibility, the Atomic Wallet can be downloaded and used on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
The wallet has received solid reviews of over 4.5 stars on Android and iOS, regardless of whether users are using the mobile or desktop version.
It offers functionality such as exchanging tokens, buying cryptocurrencies with cards, displaying NFTs, and staking for a selection of blockchains.
Ledger Wallet: Ledger is known for its excellent reviews from customers. The Ledger Nano S Plus offers support for multiple colors, over 5000 cryptocurrencies, DeFi, and NFTs.
It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android, while the Ledger Nano X offers the same features as the S Plus and is also compatible with iOS devices.
Both Ledger wallets allow for swapping within the app and staking of digital assets.
Additionally, the newly released Ledger Stax offers a larger E Ink touchscreen display and features wireless charging.
With a variety of options to choose from, Ledger provides users with a secure and user-friendly experience.
Atomic Wallet vs Ledger Features
When comparing Atomic Wallet and Ledger, it's evident that both wallets offer a range of features and services to their users. Let's start with Atomic Wallet. This wallet provides users with the convenience of in-app swaps using Binance Dex, making it easy to exchange assets.
However, it's important to note that there is a 0.5% swap fee, along with additional commission from exchange partners. For those interested in the NFT scene, Atomic Wallet supports NFTs from various blockchains, including Solana, Ethereum, BSC, Avalanche, and Polygon.
In terms of staking, Atomic Wallet allows users to stake over 20 assets, including popular names like Cardano, BNB, Solana, Tezos, Atom, Injective, and Osmosis. This provides an opportunity for users to earn staking rewards on their digital assets.
Additionally, Atomic Wallet offers support for buying crypto directly with fiat through a simplex third-party integration.
Now let's turn our attention to Ledger. Ledger Live is a comprehensive cryptocurrency management wallet that caters to various crypto-related activities. Users can purchase a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Polkadot, and more.
Ledger Live also allows for easy exchange between cryptocurrencies, with over 5,000 coins and tokens supported.
One key highlight of Ledger Live is its support for NFTs. Users can collect, visualize, and transfer Ethereum NFTs within the wallet, all while ensuring the security of their assets through their hardware wallet.
Ledger Live also provides insights into market metrics, helping users build and manage their portfolios effectively. Additionally, Ledger offers enterprise services through its innovative technology solutions.
With Ledger Enterprise, companies can self-custody their digital assets securely and efficiently.
The platform supports 15 blockchains and any ERC-20 token, offering a comprehensive solution for companies looking to manage their digital assets. In conclusion, both Atomic Wallet and Ledger have their own strengths and cater to different needs.
Atomic Wallet excels in providing in-app swaps and support for NFTs, while Ledger offers a comprehensive range of features for asset management, NFTs, and enterprise solutions. Ultimately, the choice between the two wallets will depend on individual preferences and requirements.
Atomic Wallet is a non-custodial wallet that emphasizes user control over their private keys. As with most non-custodial wallets, the primary advantage of Atomic Wallet is that users' private keys remain stored on their personal devices.
This decentralized storage approach provides robust resistance to potential cyber-attacks by spreading assets across millions of devices.
However, it also means that the responsibility of safeguarding assets lies with the user. It is essential for users to securely store their passwords and the critical 12-word mnemonic seed phrase. Any unauthorized access to this seed phrase could lead to a potential loss of funds.
While Atomic Wallet has never been compromised, concerns were raised when a report indicated security vulnerabilities identified by a third-party audit firm.
Atomic Wallet's CEO, Konstantin Gladych, clarified that some issues have already been patched, while others require more extensive architectural overhauls. He reassured users that none of the flagged issues posed direct threats, given the wallet's non-custodial nature and local data storage.
Atomic Wallet currently does not integrate with hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor, which provide an additional layer of security through offline storage of private keys.
On the other hand, Ledger is renowned for its robust security framework achieved by integrating hardware and software. Ledger wallets store private keys on a secure element chip isolated from internet connectivity, significantly enhancing protection against potential physical breaches.
The secure element chip and trusted display allow users to confirm transaction specifics before approval, boosting transaction security.
Ledger's software undergoes continuous updates to counteract emerging threats and has never been successfully hacked, solidifying its position as one of the most secure hardware wallet options.
Ledger's Recovery feature faced initial skepticism regarding its security implications, but the company promptly addressed and mitigated these concerns. The wallet also offers compatibility with Trezor hardware wallets, providing users with additional options for secure storage.
Atomic Wallet vs Ledger Conclusion
In conclusion, Atomic Wallet has the advantage of being a well-rounded wallet with solid support for over 300 cryptocurrencies. It also offers features such as staking and a cashback linked to their native AWC token.
With a user base of 5 million and great ratings, it has gained popularity among users. However, it does have some drawbacks, such as security risks that have been disclosed and the fact that it is not available as a browser wallet.
On the other hand, Ledger Wallet stands out as the best hardware wallet option with support for 5000 cryptocurrencies. It offers great UX and ratings, and its secure element chip provides advanced security features.
Ledger also offers compatibility with Trezor hardware wallets, giving users more options for secure storage. However, it may have limited functionality and it does not support certain cryptocurrencies like Solana and Cosmos.
Atomic Wallet is a well-rounded option with support for multiple assets and staking options, while Ledger is the go-to choice for those looking for the highest level of security with hardware wallet integration.
Jack is a crypto writer and reviewer who has been active in the space since he caught the crypto bug in 2017. With a passion for trying out new shiny things, Jack is always eager to try the latest cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets or DeFi applications.