The rising popularity of cryptocurrencies has naturally attracted the attention of hackers and scammers. Thus, it is of the utmost importance to secure your crypto holdings, and the best way to do so is to use a crypto hardware wallet, which allows users to keep their digital assets safe.
When it comes to crypto wallets, there is no better name than Ledger, which has long been a major player in the crypto storage sector. Ledger Stax is the latest premium wallet from Ledger that allows users to securely store, send, receive, and even stake cryptocurrencies.
In this Ledger Stax review, we will evaluate Ledger’s new hardware wallet across several parameters, including fees, features, security, and more.
Ledger Stax Review
- Sleek, credit card-sized design with a curved e-ink screen
- Industry-leading security with Secure Element chip and Ledger OS
- Supports tokens, dApps, NFTs, and multi-platform compatibility
Ledger Stax review: Key takeaways
Launched earlier this year, Stax is the latest wallet from Ledger, a household name in the crypto wallet market. The premium device aims to make self-custody of your crypto holdings more accessible, easy to manage, and enjoyable.
Unlike many other crypto wallets, the latest Ledger crypto wallet focuses on displaying all your crypto-related relevant information in a detailed and user-friendly manner, via its large curved screen.
Ledger Stack’s 3.7-inch E Ink® curved touchscreen and stylish design is what sets it apart from other wallet brands and even from Ledger’s own devices. The large screen even lets you keep a close view of your crypto portfolio in real-time.
Moreover, the intuitive design of the hardware makes it easy to navigate, sign transactions and use basic features, such as buying, selling, sending, and receiving crypto. The device is compatible with USB-C and features wireless charging as well.
Except for the display and design, the Stax gets more or less the same features, including security, as other Ledger wallets. Thus, many have criticized the Stax’s premium pricing, which is more than double the Nano X (another wallet from Ledger).
Despite such criticisms, the Ledger Stax clearly stands out from competitors. Its premium price tag primarily reflects this device’s seamless user experience in terms of design and user experience.
Ledger Stax pros and cons
Pros
- Sleek and smooth design, including a credit card-sized form factor and curved e-ink screen. This not only gives it a modern look but makes it easy to navigate as well.
- Like other Ledger devices, the Stax offers the highest level of security. The latest Ledger cold wallet is powered by the industry-leading Secure Element chip (CC EAL6+) plus the in-house Ledger OS.
- Compatible with thousands of tokens, dApps, NFTs, and third-party wallets.
- Supports multi-device, including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- The device gets automatically locked during potential attack events.
Cons:
- High cost makes it out of reach of many crypto investors.
- Most of Stax’s features are available in Ledger’s other cost-effective wallets.
- The premium pricing of the device is too much for users looking only for security.
Ledger Stax wallet: Key facts
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C |
| Screen type | 3.7 Inch E Ink® curved touchscreen |
| Secure element chip | CC EAL6+ |
| Supports | Over 5,500 coins, tokens and NFTs |
| Doesn’t support | Chromebooks |
| Weight | 45.2g |
| Hardware material | Aluminum and plastic with embedded magnets |
| Staking | Yes |
| Battery life | 10 hrs of active use |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
What is the Ledger Stax crypto wallet?
Ledger Stax is a premium hardware crypto wallet from Ledger. At $399, it is the most expensive Ledger cold storage wallet. The device offers the highest level of security and is dubbed as one of the few hardware wallets that can never be hacked.
Released in May 2024, the device got its name from its curved screen, which allows users to stack other devices on top but still shows them their crypto assets via the curved part.
The device features a sleek design and sports a larger display, making it arguably much better than Ledger’s earlier models – the Nano X and Nano S. Moreover, the Stax’s bigger size and intuitive design make it easy for users to navigate and sign transactions
Ledger’s Stax storage supports over 500 digital assets via the Ledger Live app, and more than 5,500 coins and tokens via third-party wallets. The device also supports non-fungible tokens, Ethereum and Polygon-based NFTs supported through the Ledger Live App, and several blockchains via third-party wallets.
Ledger Stax review: Key features
Ledger has loaded the Stax wallet with plenty of features. Let’s dive into the key features of this premium wallet:
Design and screen
Ledger Stax’s stylish design and E-Ink touchscreen display make it one of the best wallets on the market. The text on the E-Ink display resembles ink on paper because the technology reflects light rather than emitting it.
Moreover, the screen allows users to clearly see and review all transactions before signing. Such a display offers excellent readability in different lighting conditions, even in direct sunlight. The E-ink display wraps around the device to give an extended view to users.
Such displays are usually found in e-readers and digital clocks as they are energy efficient and are easier on the eyes. The screen can also be customized to display a unique name or an image such as NFT on the lock screen.
In addition to the screen, the Stax’s stylish and modern design also distinguishes it from others. Tony Fadell, the inventor of the minimalist and polished iPod, designed the Stax.
Ledger’s Stax is roughly the size of a credit card, which means it can easily fit into your pocket. The device features a plastic back cover and aluminum frame, as well as a protective magnetic shell for added durability.
Moreover, the hardware features an ultra-thin plastic screen covered with an anti-glare coating, enhancing the Stax’s premium look.
Security
Ledger Stax is packed with security features. The device features an ST33K1M5 secure element chip, which not only prevents hackers from accessing the wallet but also stores the device’s seed phrase and private keys.
Additionally, the chip powers the full device, including the screen, making Stax the safest crypto hardware wallet on the market. Many crypto hardware wallets use co-processors to power the screen. What further adds to the security is that the Stax enjoys the CC EAL6+ Certification.
As an additional security layer, the device has pin protection and two-factor authentication (2FA). Moreover, the device automatically enters protection mode if it recognizes any threats. Ledger also regularly updates the device software to ensure continued protection.
Additionally, each device comes with a 24-word seed phrase, which helps to recover the private keys if the hardware gets stolen.
Ledger Live connectivity
Ledger Live is a dedicated interface that allows Ledger device owners to manage and control their crypto portfolio. With over a million downloads and among the highest user-rating, the Ledger Live is app is certainly one of the most user-friendly and simple-to-navigate user interfaces on the market.
The Ledger Live app lets users view and track the performance of their portfolio. It also allows users to browse different accounts, including different assets and wallets, and to transfer funds from an already-existing Ledger wallet to the Stax.
Users can easily connect their devices to the app using Bluetooth. The Ledger Live app supports all major operating systems – Windows, macOS, and Android.
The app significantly enhances the functionality of Ledger hardware wallets by providing a comprehensive platform to manage, buy, sell, swap, and stake crypto assets and NFTs.
Supported coins and assets
The Ledger Stax wallet supports over 500 cryptocurrencies via the Ledger Live app and more than 5,000 coins via third-party wallets, including popular ones like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Binance Coin (BNB). The wallet also allows users to store NFTs and supports a myriad of tokens (e.g., ERC-20).
In simple terms, your Ledger Stax wallet will be able to store all your digital assets, unless you are planning to trade very niche, specific cryptocurrencies. Even then there is a good chance the Stax supports that specific asset as Ledger constantly adds new coins and tokens to its list.
Battery and wireless charging
The Ledger Stax sports an eco-friendly battery that lasts around 10 hours of active use. This means you can carry out about 150 transactions before the battery runs out. In standby mode, the hardware should last for a day.
A primary reason for thelonger battery life is that the E-Ink display consumes little power. It uses no power when it is off, even while displaying your name, favorite NFT, or picture.
The Stax also supports fast wireless charging (via a Qi charging station).
Ledger Stax pricing and fees
The Ledger Stax is a premium device, so it costs $399. Though there are no additional fees, users will have to buy a charger, which adds further to the cost. However, the device comes with free shipping, so you certainly save money there.
Ledger’s other devices, including Nano X and Nano S Plus retail for $149 and $79, respectively. Even Ledger’s other premium wallet, the Flex, costs $249. The Stax’s premium price is justified if we consider its E-Ink display and stylish design.
It must be noted that Ledger doesn’t charge any fees for storing and receiving digital assets. The provider, however, does charge fees for additional services on the Ledger Live app, such as swapping tokens or buying cryptocurrencies with fiat money.
Such fees are determined by the third-party provider and are included in the spread or exchange rate. Users also have to pay for Ledger Recover, an optional custodian service costing $9.99 per month.
Ledger cold wallet models compared
| Ledger Nano X | Ledger Flex | Ledger Stax | Ledger Nano S Plus | |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| NFC | No | Yes | Yes | NO |
| Screen type | Monochrome OLED display | Grayscale E Ink® touchscreen | Grayscale E Ink® curved touchscreen | Monochrome OLED display |
| 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 | $79 |
| 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 |
| Compatible OS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
How to use the Ledger Stax wallet
Now that you know all about the Ledger Stax wallet, let’s look at the step-by-step guide on how to get started with this device:
Step 1. Buying and unboxing
It is recommended that you buy the device via the official Ledger website. The device could be tampered with if you buy it from an unauthorized merchant.
You can use debit/credit cards or PayPal to make purchases from the Ledger website. Ledger even accepts Bitcoin and some popular altcoins, including Ethereum and Bitcoin Cash.
Once the wallet is delivered, you can start unboxing it. Your Ledger Stax box will contain a USB-C to USB-C cable and a recovery sheet.
Step 2. Initial setup
Take the Stax out of the box, and press and hold the button on the right side until you see “Ledger — The most trusted security for your digital assets.”
Now, tap on the screen to start the setup. You first have to name your device by clicking on ‘Set name’ and entering the name you want. Once you are done, click ‘Confirm name’.
You will now be prompted to set a PIN. Click ‘Choose my PIN’ and enter the 4 to 8-digit PIN you want. The pin will be needed each time you unlock your Stax hardware. You will have to re-confirm the pin by entering it again.
Next, select the ‘Set up a new device’ option and go through the on-screen instructions before clicking ‘I understand.’
You will now be asked to confirm your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. It is recommended that you write down your recovery phrase on a paper and store it safely as it will be needed to regain access to your account.
Click ‘Done’ once you have noted your recovery phrase, and click ‘Start confirmation’ to verify the phrase. You will have to select the words you requested for verification.
That’s it! You are now done setting up your Ledger Stax.
Step 3. Download and connect to Ledger Live
You’ll need the Ledger Live app to manage your Stax device, including sending transactions, swapping tokens, or buying/selling cryptocurrencies with fiat money. Thus, you need to download the app on your preferred device. The Live app supports iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux.
Once downloaded, enable Bluetooth on the phone and Stax to pair them (or use USB-C). Select your Stax device, and click ‘Yes’ if you see the same code on both the app and Stax.
Once the device is paired with the app, click ‘I’m ready’ on your Ledger Stax to start using it.
Step 4. Add accounts to Ledger Live
To add accounts to your Ledger Live app, go to the Accounts tab and click ‘+ Add’. Now, select the cryptocurrency you want to add. Next, connect and unlock your Ledger device, and open the relevant cryptocurrency app.
It must be noted that apps must be installed for each blockchain network you want to add. Click on ‘Manager’ in the Ledger Live app to install the app.
Step 5. Start managing your digital assets
You can now use the Stax wallet to manage your crypto holdings. To send crypto, you first need to copy the receiver’s address and connect the device to the Ledger Live app.
Now, click on the selected crypto and paste the address you copied earlier. Input the amount you wish to transfer and then click ‘Confirm.’ You can review the transactions on your Ledger Stax and approve them on your device’s screen. The funds should arrive in your wallet in seconds or minutes, depending on the blockchain.
To receive crypto, connect your Stax to the Live app. Go to the account and click ‘Receive’ on the selected crypto. Copy the address and ensure that it matches the address on the device. Now, paste the address in the wallet and enter the amount. Finally, confirm the transaction directly on your Ledger Stax.
Conclusion
Ledger Stax is undoubtedly a technological marvel and a noteworthy addition to Ledger’s lineup. The hardware wallet offers users complete control over their crypto assets and has the same robust security features that Ledger is known for.
Ledger Stax’s first-of-its-kind curved E Ink touchscreen gives users a simpler yet secure way to review and sign transactions. Though Stax’s $399 price point is definitely high, it is justified if you have a large portfolio and security is your biggest concern.
Overall, Stax scores impressively across the board, making it a compelling choice for crypto enthusiasts.
