Crypto hardware wallet comparison Ledger Nano S Plus vs Ledger Nano X

Our impressions

Ledger Nano S Plus

Ledger Nano X

Pros
  • Great form factor, paired with robust casing protection made out of medal for high portability
  • Future-proof USB-C port
  • Uses the BIP-39 standard, which allows wallet recovery even without hardware
  • Can be used as a secure key, providing additional value outside crypto use-cases
  • Bluetooth connectivity and built-in battery
  • Great form factor, paired with robust casing protection made out of medal for high portability
  • Future-proof USB-C port
  • Uses the BIP-39 standard, which allows wallet recovery even without hardware
  • Can be used as a secure key, providing additional value outside crypto use-cases
Cons
  • Requires constant USB connection to operate
  • Firmware is closed source
  • App concept (apps need to be installed on the device to support certain coins and features) can be overwhelming, especially for new users, but easy enough to start using the device in no time
  • Firmware is closed source
  • App concept (apps need to be installed on the device to support certain coins and features) can be overwhelming, especially for new users, but easy enough to start using the device in no time
Verdict

One of the most secure hardware wallets at a very attractive price point. The secure element chip prevents seed phrase extraction attacks, but comes at the price of closed source firmware. Users have to get familiar with the concept of individual apps that have to be manually installed by the user to make the device support the features (i.e. coins, security key functionality, etc.) they need. Installation is not much different than installing smartphone apps from the app store though, so not that difficult after all. As no company is perfect, please make sure to keep updated on Ledger controversies, before making a buying decision. Read more about Ledger controversies

All in all – a very good deal to keep your crypto assets safe with a very high level of security.

Currently definitely one of the best hardware wallets out there. Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy cable-free use. The built-in battery lasts a very long time – users typically don’t experience any low battery anxiety at all. The secure element chip prevents seed phrase extraction attacks, but comes at the price of closed source firmware. Users have to get familiar with the concept of individual apps that have to be manually installed by the user to make the device support the features (i.e. coins, security key functionality, etc.) they need. Installation is not much different than installing smartphone apps from the app store though, so not that difficult after all. As no company is perfect, please make sure to keep updated on Ledger controversies, before making a buying decision. Read more about Ledger controversies

All in all – a very good deal to keep your crypto assets safe with a very high level of security.

Disclaimer: Our impressions are based on a compilation of factors tailored to the average user’s perspective. It is also important to note that whether a feature is a “pro” or “con” can depend on your situation and preferences. What may be an advantage in one scenario could be a challenge in another, and vice versa. Therefore, while reviewing these points, it’s essential to consider your unique requirements and circumstances when making decisions. This list aims to provide an idea of what to anticipate, but it is not the ultimate guide to determining whether something will work for you or not.

Key features

Ledger Nano S Plus

Ledger Nano X

Release year

2022

2019

Supported coins

Supports multiple coins, Bitcoin-only mode available

  • BTC, ETH, ADA, XRP, LTC, XLM, DOGE, DASH, XMR
  • in total 5,000+ coins available

Supports multiple coins, Bitcoin-only mode available

  • BTC, ETH, ADA, XRP, LTC, XLM, DOGE, DASH, XMR
  • in total 5,500+ coins and tokens available
Open source
  • Companion software

Apps that are installed on Ledger Nano S Plus are open source

  • Companion software

Apps that are installed on to Ledger Nano X are open source

Seedphrase support
  • BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
  • Passphrase
  • BIP-39 (Mnemonic phrase)
  • Passphrase
Security protections
  • Secure element
  • On device PIN entry
  • Factory reset with wrong PIN
  • On device passphrase entry
  • On device recovery
  • Secure element
  • On device PIN entry
  • Factory reset with wrong PIN
  • On device passphrase entry
  • On device recovery
Platform compatibility
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS
Authentication token
  • FIDO U2F
  • FIDO2 Webauthn
  • FIDO U2F
  • FIDO2 Webauthn

Technical specifications

Ledger Nano S Plus

Ledger Nano X

Dimensions

62.39 mm x 17.40 mm x 8.24 mm
2.46 in x 0.69 in x 0.32 in

72 mm x 18.6 mm x 11.75 mm
2.83 in x 0.73 in x 0.46 in

Weight

21 g
0.74 oz

34 g
1.2 oz

Display
  • Monochrome
  • OLED

128 x 64 pixels

  • Monochrome
  • OLED

128 x 64 pixels

Connectivity
  • USB-C
  • USB-C
  • Bluetooth
Processor

ST33K1M5

ST33J2M0

Safety & Certifications

Certified CC EAL5+

Certified CC EAL5+

Housing

Brushed stainless steel and plastic (available in black, but also different, exciting color schemes)

Brushed stainless steel and plastic (available in black, but also different, exciting color schemes)

Where to buy

Ledger Nano S Plus

Ledger Nano X