Ledger vs BitBox02 — Head-to-Head Custody Comparison

An independent, data-driven comparison of Ledger and BitBox02 across security, insurance, fees, regulatory compliance, and more.

Verdict

Quick Verdict

Ledger scores 6.1 vs BitBox02's 5.9. Ledger leads in 1 of 8 categories.

Ledger is better suited for Individual holders, Long-term HODLers, Privacy-focused users. BitBox02 is better suited for Privacy-focused users, Swiss quality seekers, Bitcoin-only users.

6.1

FairCustody Score

Ledger

5.9

Below AverageCustody Score

BitBox02

Scores

Score Comparison

Weighted scores across all 8 custody criteria.

Criterion	Weight	Ledger	BitBox02	Winner
Security	20%	9.0	9.0	Tie
Insurance	15%	1.0	1.0	Tie
Regulatory	15%	2.0	2.0	Tie
Fee Transparency	10%	9.5	9.5	Tie
Track Record	15%	8.5	7.0	Ledger
Withdrawal Flexibility	10%	9.5	9.5	Tie
Reporting & Audit	10%	2.0	2.0	Tie
Counterparty Diversification	5%	9.0	9.0	Tie
Overall Score	100%	6.1	5.9	Ledger

Visual

Score Radar

Visual overlay of Ledger and BitBox02 across all categories.

LedgerBitBox02

Deep Dive

Category-by-Category Analysis

A deeper look at how each provider performs in every scoring criterion.

Security (9.0 vs 9.0)

Ledger uses Secure element hardware wallet key management with 100% in cold storage and regular penetration testing. Compliance: ANSSI certified. Incident history: 2020 customer database leak (not keys). No key compromises..

BitBox02 uses Dual-chip hardware wallet key management with 100% in cold storage and regular penetration testing. Compliance: Open-source audited. Incident history: No known compromises.

Insurance (1.0 vs 1.0)

Ledger offers None — self-custody hardware via N/A. Hardware wallet. Users are fully responsible for their own security and backup.

BitBox02 offers None — self-custody hardware via N/A. Hardware wallet. Full user responsibility.

Regulatory (2.0 vs 2.0)

Ledger holds N/A — hardware manufacturer and is not a qualified custodian operating in France (EU). Consumer electronics company. ANSSI certified secure element.

BitBox02 holds N/A — hardware manufacturer and is not a qualified custodian operating in Switzerland. Shift Crypto AG — Swiss-registered company.

Fee Transparency (9.5 vs 9.5)

Ledger charges None in annual custody fees with Network fees only per transaction. One-time device cost. No ongoing fees. Free Ledger Live software.

BitBox02 charges None in annual custody fees with Network fees only per transaction. Swiss quality. Bitcoin-only edition available for maximalists.

Track Record (8.5 vs 7.0)

Ledger was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Paris, France. AUM: N/A (hardware manufacturer). Incident history: 2020 customer database leak (not keys). No key compromises..

BitBox02 was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. AUM: N/A (hardware manufacturer). Incident history: No known compromises.

Withdrawal Flexibility (9.5 vs 9.5)

Ledger withdrawal fees: Network fees only. Minimum account: ~$79 (Nano S Plus) / ~$149 (Nano X). Supported assets: Bitcoin, Ethereum, 5,500+ cryptocurrencies.

BitBox02 withdrawal fees: Network fees only. Minimum account: ~$149 (Multi) / ~$129 (Bitcoin-only). Supported assets: Bitcoin, Ethereum, 1,500+ (Multi edition).

Reporting & Audit (2.0 vs 2.0)

Ledger: SOC compliance is ANSSI certified. Not classified as a qualified custodian.

BitBox02: SOC compliance is Open-source audited. Not classified as a qualified custodian.

Counterparty Diversification (9.0 vs 9.0)

Ledger is a cold storage / hardware provider. Key management: Hardware wallet with secure element chip. Keys never leave the device. Companion app Ledger Live for management..

BitBox02 is a cold storage / hardware provider. Key management: Dual-chip hardware wallet. Open-source. Swiss-made. Touch slider interface..

Fees

Fee Comparison

Side-by-side fee breakdown for Ledger and BitBox02.

Fee Type	Ledger	BitBox02
Setup Fee	$79-$149 (device purchase)	$129-$149 (device purchase)
Annual Custody	None	None
Transaction	Network fees only	Network fees only
Withdrawal	Network fees only	Network fees only

Ledger: One-time device cost. No ongoing fees. Free Ledger Live software.

BitBox02: Swiss quality. Bitcoin-only edition available for maximalists.

Features

Feature Comparison

Checklist of features across both providers.

Feature	Ledger	BitBox02
5,500+ asset support	✓	✗
Bitcoin-only edition	✗	✓
Bluetooth (Nano X)	✓	✗
Dual-chip architecture	✗	✓
Ledger Live management app	✓	✗
MicroSD backup	✗	✓
NFT management	✓	✗
Open-source firmware	✗	✓
Secure element chip	✓	✗
Staking support	✓	✗
Tor support via BitBoxApp	✗	✓
Touch sliders	✗	✓

Recommendation

Who Should Choose Which?

Ledger is better if you…

✓Are a individual holders
✓Are a long-term hodlers
✓Are a privacy-focused users
✓Are a beginners to self-custody
✓Want: World's most popular hardware wallet
✓Want: Secure element chip — bank-grade security
✓Want: 5,500+ supported assets

BitBox02 is better if you…

✓Are a privacy-focused users
✓Are a swiss quality seekers
✓Are a bitcoin-only users
✓Are a minimalists
✓Want: Swiss-made quality and security
✓Want: Dual-chip architecture
✓Want: Fully open-source

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledger or BitBox02 better for Bitcoin custody?

Ledger scores 6.1 vs 5.9 in our weighted Custody Score. Ledger leads in 1 of 8 scoring categories. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Ledger is best for Individual holders and Long-term HODLers, while BitBox02 suits Privacy-focused users and Swiss quality seekers.

What is the difference between Ledger and BitBox02?

Ledger is a cold storage / hardware provider, while BitBox02 is a cold storage / hardware provider. Ledger excels in Fee Transparency, whereas BitBox02 is strongest in Fee Transparency.

How do Ledger and BitBox02 fees compare?

Ledger charges None annual custody fees with Network fees only transaction fees. BitBox02 charges None annual custody fees with Network fees only transaction fees.

Which is more secure, Ledger or BitBox02?

Ledger scores 9.0/10 for security while BitBox02 scores 9.0/10. Ledger uses Secure element hardware wallet key management, and BitBox02 uses Dual-chip hardware wallet.