Ledger Nano X review

"I purchased the Ledger Nano X after using the Ledger Nano S for years. The Nano X's larger screen makes reading transaction information easier, and the extra space between the two buttons on top of the device make signing transactions a bit less of a clumsy process."

Frank Corva

Senior analyst

Our Ledger Nano X unboxing

What's in the box?

You'll find the following items inside the box for your Ledger Nano X:

• Ledger Nano X device
• USB-C cable used to connect the device to your computer
• A cardboard "Getting started" envelope containing
  • Directions.
  • A use, care and regulatory statement.
  • Three recovery phrase sheets.
• A Ledger sticker

Nano X plus price

The Ledger Nano X sells for US$149 through Ledger's official website.

This price point is almost double that of the Nano S Plus (US$79) and the discontinued Nano S (US$59).

While the Nano X is more expensive than Ledger's other wallets, it's cheaper than comparable hardware wallets from competitors, like the Trezor Model T, which retails for US$77.20.

Where to buy the Nano X in Australia

Purchase the Nano X directly from Ledger's website - and not from a third party - to reduce the chances of someone tampering with your device before it reaches you.

If you decide to buy from a reseller, the authorised retailers listed on Ledger's site are the only ones you should consider.

Nano X supported coins

The Nano X can store private keys to more than 5,500 digital assets, just like the Nano S Plus and the Ledger Stax.

If being able to manage a wide range of coins is important to you, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better cold storage wallet outside of Ledger's line. Trezor's range of wallets comes in next best with support for around 1,000 assets.

The Nano X is superior to Ledger's other devices in terms of asset storage because it has 2MB of storage capacity compared to the Nano S Plus and the Ledger Stax, which both have 1.5MB of storage capacity. This means that the device has more capacity to run crypto apps and store the keys to more crypto assets simultaneously.

Ledger Nano X security

All Ledger hardware wallets, including the Nano X, benefit from the same top-level security rating.

As a French company, Ledger has The National Cybersecurity Agency of France conduct a range of evaluations to verify device security.

All Ledger devices use Secure Element chips, which are also used in credit cards, passports and SIM cards. This level of chip isn't a requirement for hardware wallets, but Ledger opts to use it for added security.

Ledger devices pass the Common Criteria security evaluation, an international standard for state requirements and banking cards, and earn an Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) 5+ certificate.

An EAL 5+ certificate indicates that a device offers:

• The highest level of defence against penetration — or hacking — attempts.
• Protection from both remote and physical attacks.

Ledger states on its site that "going beyond EAL 5+ doesn't provide a higher assurance against attacks anymore."

With that said, Ledger made its users second guess just how secure its devices were when it announced its Ledger Recover feature in May 2023.

Ledger Recover is a backup service for the secret recovery phrase that protects the devices' private keys. Ledger users who opt to use the service will give permission to Ledger to extract their secret recovery phrase via the Ledger Live firmware before the key is sharded (broken into pieces) and stored with three different custodians in three different countries.

Prior to the Ledger Recover announcement, Ledger users were unaware that Ledger had the power to extract the private keys from their devices. The fact that Ledger has the power to do this may raise concerns for some users about potential vulnerabilities.

Does the Nano X's Bluetooth functionality make it susceptible to a hack?

Ledger has denied concerns that the Nano X's Bluetooth functionality makes it vulnerable to data interception.

Its website states, "Only public data is transmitted via Bluetooth; critical data such as private keys and recovery phrases never leave the device."

The website also explains that critical data on the Nano X is protected by its Secure Element chip, which has never been hacked on a Ledger device.

Ledger Nano products compared

	Ledger Nano X	Ledger Nano S Plus	Ledger Nano S
	Finder score ★★★★★	Finder score ★★★★★ Read full review	Finder score ★★★★★ Read full review
Dimensions	72 x 18.6 x 11.75mm	62.39 x 17.40 x 8.24mm	56.95 x 17.40 x 9.11mm
Weight	34g	21g	16.2g
Screen size	128 x 64px	128 x 64px	128 x 32px
Coin support	5,500+	5,500+	5,500+
Apps that can run simultaneously	Up to 100	Up to 100	Up to 6
Storage capacity	2MB	1.5MB	320KB
Bluetooth	✅	❌	❌
Battery life	7 hours	No battery	No battery
Connection type	USB-A to USB-C	USB-A to USB-C	USB-A to Micro USB
Native NFT support	✅	✅	❌
Security rating	CC EAL5+	CC EAL5+	CC EAL5+
Mobile phone compatibility	Android, iOS	Android	Android
Supported desktop OS	Windows 10 / 11, macOS 10.10+, and Linux	Windows 8+, macOS 10.10+, and Linux	Windows 8+, macOS 10.10+, and Linux
Price (USD)	$149	$79	$59
	Buy the Nano X	Buy the Nano S Plus	No longer for sale

Nano X vs. Nano S Plus

The Nano X and the Nano S Plus have many of the same functionalities. They both:

• Support over 5,500 digital assets.
• Manage NFTs.
• Allow you to run up to 100 apps simultaneously.

But the two devices differ in the following ways:

• The Nano X has Bluetooth functionality while the Nano S Plus doesn't.
• The Nano X is iOS compatible and the Nano S Plus isn't.
• The Nano X can operate on a battery — without being plugged into a computer or mobile device — while the Nano S Plus must be plugged in to operate.

From bottom to top: Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X

Ledger Nano S Plus vs Nano X

How to set up the Nano X

Make sure that the box's shrink wrap hasn't been compromised before setting up your Nano X. If it has, your device may be susceptible to a hack, and you should not proceed with setup.

Follow these steps to set up your Nano X device:

1. Download Ledger Live software to your desktop computer. Once it's installed, open the Ledger Live app.
2. Read and accept the terms and conditions.
3. Select Nano X, then choose the Set up a new Nano X option.
4. Review the educational slides. Hit OK, I'm ready in the bottom right corner of the app, then connect your Nano X to your computer.
5. Scroll through the welcome message on the Nano X using the button at the top right.
6. Select both buttons at the top of the device simultaneously after you arrive at the message Set Up As New Device.
7. Create a four- to eight-digit PIN code. Write down and store this PIN in a safe place.
8. Write down your 24-word recovery seed phrase at the prompt and store it in a secure place. Confirm the phrase.

How to use the Ledger Nano X

To use your Nano X, you'll need to set up the Ledger Live app on your desktop computer or phone. Connecting with Ledger Live:

1. Open the Ledger Live app on your desktop.
2. Input your Ledger Live password if you created one.
3. Plug your Nano X into your computer.
4. Input the PIN code for your Nano X.

You'll see your digital asset balances via Ledger Live after following these steps.

• Using Bluetooth with the Nano X

  To use Nano X's Bluetooth function, you must pair your Nano X with your smartphone first. The Nano X is compatible with Android or iPhone.

  Follow these steps to pair your Nano X with your smartphone using Bluetooth.

  1. Download the Ledger Live app on your smartphone.
  2. Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone when Ledger Live asks you to pair your Nano X. Bluetooth on your Nano X is enabled by default.
  3. Select the name of your Nano X and wait for it to pair.
  4. Verify the pairing code on your smartphone and your Nano X. If they match, simultaneously press both buttons on your Nano X.
  5. Press both buttons again to Allow Ledger Manager.

  Once you've completed these steps, you can manage the digital assets' keys stored on your Nano X device with your smartphone via the Ledger Live app.

• Adding apps to your Nano X

  To store the private keys to your digital assets on your Nano X, you must add the apps that support each blockchain:

  • Using the Ledger Live interface select the apps — like Ethereum — you'd like to add to your device.
  • Confirm the addition of these apps by following the directions on your Nano X device.
  • Both Ledger Live and your Nano X will show that the app is downloading.
  • Repeat for all of the apps you'd like to use on your device.

• Receiving funds on your Nano X

  Here's how to store the private keys to your Bitcoin (BTC), for example, on your Nano X:

  1. Open the Bitcoin app on Ledger Live.
  2. Copy the Bitcoin wallet address displayed in the app.
  3. Follow the directions on your Nano X to verify the address is correct.
  4. Input the address in the space provided in the wallet from which you're sending funds.
  5. Wait for the transaction to process. Some transactions can take longer than others based on network congestion.

• Buying crypto on your Nano X

  You can now buy, sell and swap crypto using nothing more than your Nano X in conjunction with Ledger Live.

  To buy crypto, follow these steps:

  1. Plug your Ledger Nano X into your computer and open Ledger Live on your desktop.
  2. On the menu to the left side of the Ledger Live interface, click on the "Buy/Sell" button.
  3. To buy crypto, click on the "Buy" button and then click on "Find the right provider for you".
  4. Type in the amount of fiat you'd like to use to purchase your crypto in the "You will pay" box and then select the type of fiat you'd like to pay with.
  5. In the "To buy" box, select the crypto asset you'd like to purchase. The amount you can purchase given the dollar amount you typed into the "You will pay" box will automatically pop up.
  6. Click "Confirm amount".
  7. On the next screen, select the country where you live and the payment method you'd like to use. Payment methods include credit and debit cards, bank transfers, Google Play and Apple Pay.
  8. Once you've made your selection, click the "Find eligible partners" button.
  9. On the following screen, choose the provider you'd like to use. Providers include Coinify, Ramp, MoonPay and others.
  10. Follow the instructions for the provider you selected. For example, if you use MoonPay, you'll have to set up a MoonPay account and download the app for the digital asset you'd like to purchase beforehand. If you'd like to purchase Bitcoin (BTC), download the Bitcoin app to your Nano X if you haven't already before proceeding.
  11. When you click on MoonPay, you'll be brought to an overview of your desired purchase.
  12. Click "Continue" and then enter your email address to log into your MoonPay account.
  13. In the "BTC wallet address" box, select your Nano X BTC wallet address and click "Continue".
  14. MoonPay will prompt you to connect your Nano X and confirm your Bitcoin address.
  15. Match the address in Ledger Live to the address on your Nano X and then click both buttons on your Nano X simultaneously after checking that the address matches and scrolling to a screen that reads "Approve" on your Nano X.
  16. Check your inbox for a 6-digit verification code from MoonPay and type that into MoonPay in Ledger Live.
  17. Agree to the terms and conditions after reading them and click "Buy now".
  18. Select your payment option. These include a credit or debit card or a bank transfer.
  19. If you choose to use a credit or debit card, input the billing address for your card and click "Continue".
  20. Enter your card details and click "Continue".
  21. Agree to the terms and conditions after reading them and click "Buy now".
  22. You should then see a screen that indicates that your order is either processing or has been processed.
  23. You should then be able to see the Bitcoin you've purchased in Ledger Live.

  

  Choosing a service provider Image: Frank Corva/Finder

  

  Buying BTC with USD in Ledger Live Image: Frank Corva/Finder

• Selling crypto on your Nano X

  To sell crypto, follow these steps:

  1. Plug your Ledger Nano X into your computer and open Ledger Live on your desktop.
  2. Click the "Buy/Sell" button in Ledger Live and then click the "Sell" option.
  3. Choose the asset and the account from which you would like to sell.
  4. Select the provider you want to use to sell the asset.
  5. Follow the instructions from the provider you chose.

• Swapping crypto on your Nano X

  To swap crypto, follow these steps:

  1. Plug your Ledger Nano X into your computer and open Ledger Live on your desktop.
  2. Click on the "Swap" button.
  3. In the "From" box, select the crypto asset you'd like to swap from.
  4. In the "To" box, select the crypto asset you'd like to swap to.
  5. Input the amount of the asset you'd like to swap from and Ledger Live will automatically generate the amount of the asset you're trading to.
  6. You will also be informed of what it will cost to process the transaction to the right of the words "NETWORK FEES".
  7. When you scroll down, you'll see different quotes from different exchanges – some centralised and some decentralised.
  8. If you use a centralised exchange such as Wyre or ParaSwap, Ledger Live will notify you that you have to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification before using the exchange.
  9. If you use a decentralised exchange such as 1inch, you will not be prompted to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. The instructions to complete your swap will be different depending on the exchange that you chose.

  Once you've purchased or swapped for certain coins, you can then use your Nano X with third-party software wallets like MetaMask to engage with DeFi services or to trade for other coins or tokens.

• Staking with the Nano X

  Staking with the Nano X can be a bit challenging. Only a handful of digital assets are available to stake using Ledger Live as an interface — the main drawback to using any of Ledger's wallets for staking.

  For example, if you want to stake ETH, you'll be directed to an interface for the Lido.fi decentralised application (dApp). Follow the instructions on the dApp interface to stake the amount of ETH of your choosing.

  You can stake some tokens like Polkadot (DOT) via Ledger Live, where the app will walk you through the process of bonding your DOT and then nominating a validator. You'll then have to connect your Nano X to the Polkadot.js browser extension wallet to retrieve your staking rewards.

  

  Staking ETH with the Lido.fi dApp interface Image: Finder

  

  Staking DOT with the Ledger Live interface Image: Finder

  For the uninitiated, this can be confusing and much less straightforward than staking via a centralised exchange or in a desktop or mobile wallet.

  To use your Ledger Nano X to stake any of the assets supported through Ledger Live:

  1. Create an account in Ledger Live for the coins you want to stake.
  2. Transfer the private keys to your crypto to your Ledger Nano X.
  3. Hit the Accounts tab on the left side of Ledger Live.
  4. Choose the account for the asset you'd like to stake.
  5. Select the stake button toward the top left-hand corner of the app interface.
  6. Follow the tailored instructions for the token you're staking.

  To stake other digital assets while taking advantage of the security of your Ledger Nano X, you'll need to use a third-party app like MetaMask.

Nano X alternatives

1 - 3 of 10

Product GXFCY-WLT	Wallet type	Supported assets	Price (USD)	Offer	Disclaimer	Link
Ledger Nano X Wallet	Hardware	5,500+	$149			Go to site	loading Fetching your data...
Trezor Model T Wallet	Hardware	1,000+	$77.20			Go to site	loading Fetching your data...
NGRAVE ZERO	Hardware	3,500+	$398			Go to site	loading Fetching your data...

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