Ledger vs TezSign
Overview
There are two options for signing baking operations on Tezos:
| Option | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Ledger | Hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X) | Legacy option, still supported |
| TezSign | Purpose-built hardware signer (Radxa/RPi) | Recommended for new bakers |
TezSign
TezSign is a purpose-built hardware signer for Tezos baking, based on affordable single-board computers like Raspberry Pi Zero 2W (~$20-30 in hardware). It connects via USB to your baking node and is designed to do one thing: sign baking operations securely.
Key benefits:
- Supports tz4 signatures required by modern Tezos protocols
- Can remain connected 24/7 dedicated solely to baking
- Purpose-built for baking operations
Setup guide: Baking with TezSign
Ledger
Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X) can still be used for baking, but are no longer the recommended option for new bakers.
Limitations:
- Ledger no longer supports tz4 signatures for baking operations
- General-purpose device not optimized for 24/7 baking
- Cannot be used simultaneously for baking and governance on the same machine
Note: You must stop your baker before using your Ledger for governance voting on the same machine. See TezGov Troubleshooting for details.
TezBake Support
TezBake supports both Ledger and TezSign:
- New bakers: We recommend implementing TezSign from the start
- Existing Ledger bakers: Can continue using Ledger or migrate to TezSign
Migrating from Ledger to TezSign
If you’re currently baking with a Ledger and want to migrate to TezSign, follow the Baking with TezSign guide.
Any questions/comments/concerns? Please contact the Tez Capital team on Discord or Telegram