For those considering entering the crypto markets, the single biggest concern is staying safe from scams and fraud.
One of the best weapons to protect your digital assets is a hardware wallet. A hardware wallet keeps your private keys safe and offline and requires you to press physical buttons to approve transactions.
The increasing popularity and adoption of cryptocurrencies have flooded the market with hardware wallets, making it all the more challenging to choose one that meets all your needs. We, however, believe Ledger Nano X could prove a good choice as it strikes a good balance between simplicity and security.
In this Ledger Nano X review, we examine the wallet’s fees, features, security, and functionalities in depth.
Ledger Nano X Review
- Offline key storage and AES-encrypted Bluetooth
- Over 5,500 crypto assets and tokens
- Recovery seed for secure access if lost or damaged
Ledger Nano X review: Key takeaways
Ledger Nano X is an effective cryptocurrency hardware wallet that allows users to keep their digital assets safe by keeping private keys offline. The popular cold wallet supports more than 5,500 tokens, swaps, and staking and gives users access to DApps.
Ledger Nano X is a product of Ledger, one of the two biggest hardware wallet companies worldwide (SatoshiLabs is the other one). Founded in 2014, Ledger is a pioneer in security and infrastructure solutions for blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
Though the Ledger wallet costs $149, its features, including multi-chain support, Bluetooth security, and more, make it a good value for money.
What makes this wallet even better is that users can install the blockchain apps they want (via the Ledger Live app), and then store all their tokens on that blockchain. The Ledger Live app, however, doesn’t directly support all coins.
Overall, the sleek device is a feature-rich powerhouse capable of keeping your digital assets safe. Though the process of setting it up could be smoother, it’s still a cut above the competition.
Ledger Nano X pros and cons
Pros
- Offers robust security by storing private keys offline, making it more secure against hacking than software wallets. Keys are stored inside the hardware wallet’s chip, while Bluetooth is AES-encrypted
- Supports more than 5,500 crypto assets and tokens, ensuring usefulness for all users.
- The wallet comes with an option of backing up and restoring data using a recovery seed. Such an option gives users peace of mind that they can gain access to their wallet and funds in case the hardware is misplaced, stolen, or harmed.
- It can store up to 100 applications, including for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Moreover, it supports all popular Web3 and DApps, as well as major desktop and mobile operating systems.
- Beginner-friendly and easy to use.
Cons:
- Not among the lowest-cost hardware wallets on the market.
- Hardware can’t store more than 100 applications.
- Users may face difficulties in setting up the wallet if they don’t properly follow the instructions.
Ledger Nano X wallet: Key facts
| Memory Storage Capacity | 2.01MB |
| Flash Memory Type | CompactFlash |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Security | Certified secure element (CC EAL5+) |
| Battery | 8 hours in standby mode |
| Recovery | Optional feature for $9.99 per month |
| Number of supported coins | 5,500+ |
| Price | $149 |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Connection method | USB-C, Bluetooth |
What is the Ledger Nano X crypto wallet?
Introduced in 2019, the Ledger Nano X is a USB-type device that enables owners to keep their crypto coins and NFTs offline. The Ledger hardware wallet works with macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.
The Ledger Nano X is a high-tech crypto wallet that helps users store, manage, and secure their cryptocurrencies. With this Ledger wallet, users can store coins, tokens, and NFTS from different blockchains.
Ledger’s Nano X comes with advanced features, including Bluetooth connectivity, which makes it simple for users to manage their crypto portfolio anywhere by connecting the device to their smartphone. The platform supports a wide range of assets, including token swaps, staking, and access to DApps.
A distinguishing feature of the wallet is that it enables users to install the blockchain app they want via the Ledger Live app. The hardware wallet uses a secure element chip CC EAL5+ and runs on a proprietary operating system called BOLOS (Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System).
Ledger’s CC EAL5+ isolates cryptographic transactions to keep the assets safe, while the BOLOS software assures multi-chain support for the hardware. Updating the device is easy; users just need to connect the wallet with the Ledger Nano X app on their desktop.
Ledger Nano X review: Key features
Our Ledger Nano X review won’t be complete unless we thoroughly review its features. So, detailed below are the key features of the Ledger Nano X:
Security
The Ledger Nano X offers unparalleled security using a combination of a secure element chip and an in-house operating system. Such settings allow users to make cryptographic transactions and other operations without revealing their private keys online.
Ledger also offers an additional layer of security through a PIN to unlock the device. This means that even if someone gets hold of your wallet, they won’t be able to open it without the PIN.
Ledger uses the CC EAL5+, the highest available security certification. Additionally, ANSSI, the National Cybersecurity Agency of France, has independently verified Ledger’s security.
Supported coins
With the Ledger Nano X,, you can store more than 5,500 coins and tokens from different blockchains. The crypto wallet supports a variety of popular assets and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Polkadot, as well as many more obscure tokens. It also supports some popular Proof-of-Stake assets.
In addition to coins, the Nano X allows users to install the blockchain app they want using the Ledger Live app and store all tokens on that blockchain. For example, if you install the Solana app, you can store tokens from the Solana blockchain on it.
It must be noted that the Ledger Live app doesn’t directly support all coins. So, to store a coin, you will have to connect your Ledger Nano X wallet to the wallet supporting that particular blockchain.
Ledger Recover
Last year, Ledger launched its super useful “Recover” feature for the Nano X. The feature primarily encrypts, duplicates, and divides the user’s private key into three parts, each stored with three different entities: Ledger, an independent backup service provider, and Coincover (a crypto security company).
The feature isn’t free; it costs €9.99 per month after an initial one-month free trial. However, the Recover feature is optional, meaning users can choose whether or not they want it. Such a feature comes in handy if the user loses their private keys or their Nano X device is lost or stolen.
Despite its usefulness, the company has received criticism for the ‘Recover’ feature. Many argue that it goes against Ledger’s own ethos of privacy and security, as revealing the keys to outside parties might expose it to vulnerabilities and defeat the very purpose of owning a hardware wallet.
Ledger Live app
Like with any hardware, the Nano X also requires software to manage your crypto assets, and this is where the Ledger Live app steps in.
Besides allowing you to manage your coins and tokens stored on your Nano X, the Ledger Live app lets you buy crypto securely. If your device is connected to your desktop or smartphone while you buy coins, the coins are automatically stored on your device. Another plus of the app is that it lets users sell BTC (through Coinify) without leaving the Ledger Live app.
The Ledger Live app is available on the App Store and Google Play Store, and a desktop version is also available. To run the app, you will need Android 7 and up or iOS 9 and up. Additionally, the app supports Windows 8+, macOS 10.10+, and Linux for desktop users.
Design/screen
The Ledger Nano X is a swiveling USB stick with a front screen. While small, the built-in screen is bigger than that of the Nano S. Ledger’s Nano X, which features a sleek design and is small and lightweight, weighing just 34 grams.
The two buttons—black and silver—on the device are well-placed to allow easy navigation. Pressing both buttons together activates several commands, including opening the control center, entering settings, validating, powering off, and more.
The Ledger Nano X is also available in 9 different colors.
Customer support
With one of the best customer support services in the industry, Ledger allows users to contact the team via email, social media, or live chat. Though contacting customer support via phone isn’t available, it arguably isn’t needed as live chat is available, and the support is quick and responsive.
Ledger offers a free replacement if there is a hardware issue with the device, including the battery.
Integration with third-party wallets
You can easily connect the Nano X with any of the hot wallets you are already using, such as MetaMask for Ethereum or Backpack and Phantom on Solana. Once connected, you can connect to decentralized apps. The wallet also works as an interface for the digital assets stored on the Nano X.
Ledger Nano X pricing and fees
The Nano X costs $149 (£136 including VAT), almost double the cost of the Nano S Plus. However, the Nano X and Nano S store the same number of assets, use the same methods to approve transactions, and rely on the same Live app.
The extra cost, however, is justified considering the Nano X comes with Bluetooth support, is slightly bigger, and feels more robust. Bluetooth connection is important if you want to connect the wallet to an iOS device. You can also connect to an Android device via cable.
Shipping is free, and discounts are available if you buy one or more of these devices. There are no additional fees, but users must pay a monthly fee of €9.99 if they subscribe to Ledger Recover.
Ledger cold wallet models compared
| Ledger Nano X | Ledger Flex | Ledger Stax | Ledger Nano S Plus | |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Security | Certified Secure Element (CC EAL5+) | Certified Secure Element (CC EAL6 | Certified Secure Element (CC EAL6+) | Certified Secure Element (CC EAL6+) |
| Compatible with Third-Party Wallets | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Screen | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Wireless Charging | No | No | Qi Charging | No |
| Price | $149 | $249 | $399 | $59 |
| No. of Supported Coins | 5,500+ | 5,500+ | 5,500+ | 5,500+ |
| Screen Size | 1.09-inch | 2.84-inch | 3.7-inch | 1.09-inch |
| Launch Year | 2019 | 2024 | 2024 | 2016 |
How to use Ledger Nano X
Setting up the Ledger Nano X is easy as a few steps are involved. Follow the below steps to set up your Ledger device:
Step 1: Install the Ledger Live App on your device
First and foremost, you need to download the Ledger Live App from Ledger’s official website. The app will be available under the “app and services” section of the website. Once installed, click ‘Get Started’, select the Nano X device from the options, and then choose “First time using your Nano X?”. Now, follow the on-screen prompts to get started.
Step 3: Set a PIN code
Power on your device and connect it to your smartphone or computer. The device will prompt you to select a 4-8-digit PIN code. You can choose your pin by toggling between numbers using the buttons. Once you have selected the pin, press both buttons on the device simultaneously to enter or register it.
Step 4: Note down your recovery seed
The recovery seed is the password to retrieve the data on your device if it gets stolen, or if you lose the device. Your recovery seed or recovery phrase will be in the recovery sheets that came along with your Ledger Nano X package.
Don’t take a screenshot or write it down on your computer. Instead, write your recovery phrase on a piece of paper and keep it somewhere safe. The recovery phrase should be 24 words. Your Nano X device will ask you to verify the recovery phrase while setting it up for use.
You can use the Ledger Live app to check if your Nano X is genuine by clicking ‘Check my Nano’ after connecting it to your computer or smartphone.
Step 5: Installing apps
The setup is complete, and you should install the apps depending on the coins you want to use. Go to the “My Ledger” tab on the Ledger Live app to update your firmware and install the blockchain apps.
Step 6. Transfer Your Crypto to Ledger Nano X
You now have to transfer your coins to your Nano X. To transfer your assets, you will have to create a new wallet using the blockchain app you installed. Now copy the new wallet’s address and use it as a receiving address on a crypto exchange or another.
Conclusion
The Ledger Nano X is one of the best hardware wallets on the market. Though its cost is on the higher side, its ability to store over 5,500 coins, tokens, and NFTs and allow users to manage their crypto portfolio, including staking and purchasing coins on the go, makes it great value for money.
Setting up the device may not be as smooth as you would expect, but the peace of mind you get regarding the safety of your digital assets once the device is all set is priceless.
