Ledger Nano S vs X: Which Should You Choose?

Introduction

Ledger manufactures both the Nano S and the Nano X. The X is a newer, more expensive version of the Nano S, which has proven to be one of the most popular and successful cryptocurrency hardware wallets. Both hardware wallets are designed primarily for cold storage of cryptocurrency.

Users can store cryptocurrency on their hardware wallets, transmit and receive transactions, and swap cryptocurrency using the Ledger Live app. Customers who want to exchange one form of cryptocurrency for another may find the exchange a helpful tool. However, frequent crypto trading is certainly more convenient for other businesses.

Nano S is suitable for those new to hardware wallets or cryptocurrency in general. This wallet is also less expensive, costing more than 50% less than the Nano X. The Nano X boasts a few extra functions and a larger screen, but it generally provides nothing special. The Nano X is unlikely to be worth an additional $90 for most new consumers.

We compared the security, supported currencies, and other characteristics of both wallets to help you determine which one is best for you.

Ledger Nano S vs X – Table

	Ledger Nano S	Ledger Nano X
Price	$59	$119
Crypto assets	Up to 3	Up to 100
Bluetooth support	No	Yes
USB type	micro-USB	USB-C
Mobile use	Android only	Android and iOS
Battery	None	8 hours of standby
Screen	128 × 32 pixels	128 × 64 pixels
Size	2.2 × 0.7 × 0.36 inches	2.8 × 0.7 × 0.5 inches
Weight	0.6 oz	1.1 oz

Ledger Nano S vs X – Features

Both storage wallets allow users to store cryptocurrency offline safely. They are one of the most significant Bitcoin wallets, with millions of users. Both are compatible with the Ledger Live smartphone app, which allows investors to check crypto holdings and conduct online transactions. However, owners of the Nano S can only access Ledger Live through a Windows, Linux, Mac desktop, or Android 7+ mobile. On the other hand, Nano X works with desktops, iOS, and Android smartphones.

The Nano X comes with Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone, or you may utilise the provided USB-C to USB-A cable. To use the Nano S with your phone or pc, you’ll need to buy a set of three USB cables and an on-the-go (OTG) kit.

Furthermore, the Nano X has a larger 100mAh battery, allowing several hours of continuous usage without recharging. Unfortunately, the battery is only suitable for five years and cannot be changed. Furthermore, while neither hardware wallet includes a touchscreen, the Nano X display has twice as many pixels (128 x 64), making it simpler to read.

Both wallets are straightforward to set up and operate and are intended for beginning users. The Ledger Live software allows users to engage with their hardware wallet on the desktop and, in the case of the Ledger Nano X, on the go.

The display of each gadget consists of two parts: the device’s small screen and the Ledger Live application on a mobile or desktop computer. Most of the action occurs within the app, with users pressing buttons on the wallet unit to initiate specific actions.

Customers will have to push the capacitive buttons on the wallet, for example, to verify sending a transaction. These keys also switch between bitcoin wallets, known as applications. To manage each cryptocurrency, users must install a separate app.

Ledger Nano S vs X – Security

Both wallets include a PIN and CC EAL 5+ hardware and a 24-word backup recovery seed phrase. When creating a new wallet, users select a PIN that will be required to gain access to the wallet. A seed phrase will be given as well.

This 24-word string can recover all of a wallet’s private keys. Keep that word somewhere safe, and never save it digitally. Anyone who has access to the seed phrase can take your coins. The PIN and seed phrase are standard features of hardware wallets.

Ledger employs Secure Element chips, which safeguard passports, SIM cards, credit cards, and other valuables. This wallets have been independently certified to be highly secure. Ledger has obtained EAL 5+, the highest degree of evaluation assurance level (EAL). There are only two levels above EAL 5. According to the company, it is the only one that manufactures hardware wallets with this level of security certification.

Ledger Nano S vs X – Currencies

The Ledger system can be perplexing when it comes to the currencies that these wallets support. There are two things to remember: the number of coins supported and the number of apps that the device may use simultaneously.

The storage capacity of Ledger is limited, and each application consumes a large amount of memory. An app in this regard is just a platform-native tool that may be used to monitor the balance of a certain coin.

A Ledger user, for example, may install the Bitcoin (BTC) application, deposit BTC, and then delete the BTC app. The BTC balance would remain in the wallet, but the customer could utilise it once the right app was reinstalled. The same is true for other cryptocurrencies.

Nevertheless, when it comes to currencies, both wallets support over 1,800 different cryptocurrencies. Moreover, there is a big variation in the number of crypto assets that can be managed simultaneously.

The Ledger Nano S can only store three apps once, whereas Nano X can take up to 100. People who want to constantly handle many cryptocurrencies without uninstalling old applications and installing new ones may use the Nano X.

Ledger Live includes an exchange, allowing users to buy and exchange various cryptocurrencies.

Ledger Nano S vs X – Hardware

The apparent distinction between them is the capability of the Ledger Nano X to link to a device via Bluetooth. Aside from that, the Ledger Nano X does not include any additional security hardware or features.

There are, nevertheless, minor visual distinctions between these two gadgets. Perhaps most noticeably, the Ledger Nano can hold many more apps than the Ledger Nano S. This increased storage capacity makes the Ledger Nano X a more helpful device for users who regularly own and deal in a wide range of different digital assets.

Furthermore, the Ledger Nano X may be used in battery mode, which means it does not need to be hooked to an electric socket, computer, or smartphone to function. This is very helpful when connecting the hardware wallet to a phone. Remember that the Ledger Nano X is larger and heavier than the Ledger Nano S.

Ledger Nano S vs X – Price

The Ledger X costs $149, which is twice the price of the Nano S. Users can utilise 100 different crypto wallets at once, interact with their hardware wallet from their smartphone, and operate the wallet from battery power for up to 8 hours for that extra price.

Many consumers may need help to justify paying an additional $90 for the Nano X when the Nano S offers almost all they need to store and manage their cryptocurrency safely. If you want to keep a few coins, don’t want to use the wallet on the go, and don’t need a larger screen, the Ledger Nano S might be a better choice.

Ledger Nano S vs X – Mobile App

The Ledger Live smartphone app is only functional with the Ledger Nano X on iOS and Android. The Nano S must be used with the Ledger Live desktop program on a desktop or laptop computer.

Some users argue that the Nano S can only support three coins simultaneously. This is absolutely something to consider, but consumers who wish to trade several currencies fast and conveniently can also use a variety of other cryptocurrency exchanges.

Conclusion

Both these devices feature excellent security, simple software and design, and an exchange built-in. The Nano X adds support up to 100 coins, mobile and Bluetooth connections, battery life, and a larger screen.

Users who want to transmit, receive, and exchange many cryptocurrencies may prefer the Nano X because they will not have to uninstall and reinstall the software to access different currencies continuously. Everyone else should be okay with the significantly cheaper Ledger Nano S.